Dell, Quarterly Earnings | featured news

posted first quarter sales and earnings that fell short of expectations Tuesday, as stronger sales to small and medium businesses during fiscal first quarter weren't enough to offset slumping sales to consumers, big businesses, and government agencies. shares fell 10.34% in after-hours trading.

In its quarterly earning released on Monday, IBM reported revenues of $26.7 billion – up 12% from the same period last year. With IBM reporting its 4th consecutive quarter of double digit revenue growth, its shares have marched higher since its announcement. The stock is up nearly 50% in the last year surpassing Microsoft as the second largest technology company by market cap behind Apple. IBM’s primary competitors include HP, Dell and Oracle.

Dell's quarterly profit improved 52% as shipments jumped and revenue grew in each product segment, although margins again fell.