Dell Gets Bloodied Up

Dell said Friday that its profit picture also reflects higher costs.

"Dell continues to make significant investments in customer service and support capabilities," it said. Earlier this quarter, Dell said it would spend $100 million to bulk up and retrain its customer support staff to better handle inquiries and reduce phone hold times.

"The company is seeing positive results and will continue to invest to drive a superior customer experience. Dell has also made significant investments in its products and expects to deliver a greatly expanded product line in the second half of the year."

The company also trumpeted third-party data that show it gaining a percentage point of market share in the latest quarter, leaving it at a "record" 19.2%.

"Dell's leading global share reflects customer's confidence in Dell and its direct model throughout the world," the company said. "All of our initiatives are focused on providing the best value, experience and products to customers every day, which will maximize shareholder value over the long term."