Dell Splits Stock Again As Earnings Rise

Direct computer seller Dell Computer Corp. said on Wednesday its earnings rose more than 50 per cent in the fourth quarter and it set a 2-for-1 stock split. Dell, saying it was now the worlds No. 3 PC seller, reported its net income rose to $285 million in the quarter ended Feb. 1 from $188 million a year earlier. Per share earnings rose to 81 cents on a diluted basis from 50 cents, while revenues grew to $3.7 billion from $2.4 billion. For fiscal 1998, the company said it earned $944 million, or $2.56 a share, on revenues of $12.3 billion.