Dell gives upbeat sales outlook 戴尔对下半年销售前景持乐观态

Dell has reported another decline in quarterly profits, but says it now expects its revenues to improve through the second half of the year.

Dell第二季度利润再度下降，不过据说下半年收入情况将会好转。

Dell says its sales have now started to improve

Net profits at the US giant totalled $472m (£290m) in the three months to 31 July, down 23% on a year earlier, but ahead of market expectations.

Dell's revenues for its second quarter fell 22% from last year to $12.8bn.

Global computer sales have been knocked by the worldwide recession, as customers cut back on their spending.

Profit 'discipline'

Dell released its results before the end of Thursday trading in New York, sending its shares up 7% at the close.

The 23% fall in Dell's second quarter profits was much less severe than the 63% drop it experienced between January and March.

Dell said it had managed to trim（平衡） the fall in profit by being more "disciplined" on its margins¹.

Commentators² broadly welcomed its latest results.

"Obviously it's a better-than-expected performance," said computer analyst³ Richard Kugele of Needham & Company.

"Slow, steady progress right now is good enough as far as I'm concerned."

Over the past year Dell has responded to its falling sales by reducing its global workforce⁴ by more than 9,000 positions to cut costs.