 Competition in the personal computer market is fierce |
Dell, the world's largest maker of personal computers, has warned that sales have missed its forecasts amid weaker demand in the US and UK. Sales were $13.9bn (�9.6bn) in the three months to the end of September, compared with a forecast of $14.10bn.
Dell, a tech industry bellwether, also said it would take a charge of $450m related to fixing faulty computers.
Shares of Dell, which is fighting stiff competition, fell more than 5% in after hours electronic trading in New York.
The company is scheduled to report third-quarter earnings figures on 10 November.
Tight times
Dell has been cutting costs and looking to increase sales of more profitable products as it battles rival computer makers including Hewlett-Packard.
Analysts said that notebook computer sales had risen, but not by enough to offset a dip in demand for its larger desk top products.
Shares of Dell have been under pressure during the past few months, losing almost a fifth of their value during the third quarter as investors buy into rivals with better growth prospects.
In contrast, Hewlett-Packard's shares are up by a third this year in the wake of its appointment of a new chief executive.
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