Shares at computer giant Dell slipped as its sales forecasts fell short of analysts' expectations.

The shares fell 3 per cent despite profit before charges for the fourth quarter to the end of January that was in line with Wall Street estimates.

The world's largest PC maker reported net profit - excluding a $280 million (€217.6 million) tax charge - of $947 million, or 37 US cents per share, compared with $749 million, or 29 cents per share, a year earlier.

Including the charge, net income fell 11 per cent to $667 million, or 26 cents a share. Sales rose 17 per cent to $13.46 billion from $11.51 billion.

Dell employs more than 4,500 people at a manufacturing site in Limerick and a services operation based in Dublin. It has announced plans to recruit 420 people in Dublin.