DELL Results in line with expectations

Dell second quarter results disappointed analysts on revenue but exceeded analysts on profit. Dell saw a continued decline in PC sales but saw its efforts to diversify start to take effect with service revenues growing to more than a third of total. Its a difficult quarter for everyone with consumers pulling back. I am disappointed in the share price, but see these pullbacks as opportunity for investment rather than bad signs.

Revenue of $14.5 billion, GAAP earnings of $0.42 per share, non-GAAP earnings of $0.50 per share
Dell Enterprise Solutions and Services revenue grew 6 percent year over year to $4.9 billion; now represents more than 50 percent of company margin and more than a third of revenue

Dell announced fiscal 2013 second-quarter results today with revenue of $14.5 billion, GAAP operating income of $901 million, and earnings of $0.42 per share. Consistent with its strategy, Dell saw growth in its server, services and networking businesses.

“We’re transforming our business, not for a quarter or a fiscal year, but to deliver differentiated customer value for the long term,” said Michael Dell, chairman and CEO. “We’re clear on our strategy and we’re building a leading portfolio of solutions to help our customers achieve their goals.”

Strategic Highlights:

• Dell Enterprise Solutions and Services revenue grew 6 percent year over year to $4.9 billion and comprised 34 percent of Dell’s consolidated revenue and more than 50 percent of its margin. This business is now approaching a $20 billion annual run rate.
• Server and networking revenue grew 14 percent.
• Revenue of Dell-owned storage increased 6 percent.
• Dell Services revenue was $2.1 billion, up 3 percent, with new signings of more than $1 billion in the first half of the year, and $1.8 billion over the last 12 months.

Year to date Dell has announced six acquisitions and closed five, all of which will help drive a higher-value mix of solutions with more predictable revenue and margin streams. The company expects to close the pending acquisition of Quest Software in the second half of the third quarter.