Computer company Dell's profit fall

US computer maker Dell has reported another decline in quarterly profits, sending its shares lower. Net profit at the US giant was $337 m (£202 m) in the three months to October, down from $727 m last year. Dell's revenues also dropped 15 % to $12.9 bn. Both figures missed analysts' expectations, sending shares down 7 % in after-hours trading. Although Dell did not provide a formal outlook, it said it expects fourth-quarter revenue to improve. Global computer sales have been knocked by the worldwide recession, as customers cut back on their spending. Since returning as chief executive in 2007 , founder Michael Dell has cut more than 10 ,000 jobs and acquired several companies. Dell bought IT services provider and fellow Texan firm Perot Systems for $3.9 bn in September.