US computer giant Dell has unveiled forecast-beating results after a delay caused by a probe into its accounting practices.
Dell said its profits for the three months to November came in at $677m or 30 cents a share, against analyst forecasts of 24 cents a share. But it warned the figures may change as a result of the investigation. Dell did not give comparisons for 2005.
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced a formal probe last Thursday. The investigation relates to whether Dell accounts dating back to 2002 were mis-stated.
Dell's latest results included a warning that the investigation could show 'a material weakness in the company's internal controls over financial reporting.
It said that revenues for the third quarter came in at $14.38 billion, on the back of improved customer services, rising sales and strong growth in Asia and Europe.
The group has seen turbulent times in recent months. As well as the SEC probe and customer service complaints it has been hit by Sony's laptop batteries recall and been overtaken by Hewlett Packard as the world's biggest computer-maker.
