Laptop sales boost Dell's Q2, but profits drop

Dell posted a decline in profit for its fiscal second quarter even as its revenue grew, while economic doldrums held down its results in some parts of the world.

The company's revenue grew 11 percent in the quarter which ended on August 1, led by a 28 percent gain in the global consumer business and growth in laptop PCs, which brought in 26 percent more revenue than a year earlier. However, revenue in both those categories was down slightly from the second quarter.

Dell reported net income of $616m, down 17 percent from $746m a year earlier.

The huge PC and server maker saw continued economic weakness, particularly in Western Europe and the US, said Brian Gladden, senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Dell used aggressive pricing to gain a stronger foothold in Europe, eating into its margins, Gladden said. But the company continues to reduce its costs and expects to complete its workforce cutbacks in the current quarter, he said.