Dell CEO Michael Dell.
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Dell had its best day since founder and CEO Michael Dell brought the company back to the stock market in 2018.
Shares of the PC and server manufacturer surged 31% on Friday to $124.59, after the company posted fiscal fourth-quarter results that beat estimates. That tops the stock’s 21% gain from Sept. 1, which followed a better-than-expected earnings report.
For the latest quarter, Dell reported revenue of $22.32 billion, down 11% from the year-ago quarter but eclipsing the $22.16 billion analysts were expecting, according to LSEG, formerly known as Refinitiv. Adjusted earnings per share of $2.20 surpassed analysts’ estimate of $1.73. Dell’s net income of $1.16 billion marked an increase of 89% from its prior fourth quarter.
The company, demonstrating robust demand for its artificial intelligence servers, also said it’s increasing its annual dividend by 20% to $1.78 per share, and expects revenue between $21 billion and $22 billion for the first quarter.
Dell returned to public markets in 2018 after going private in 2013. Its market cap was about $16 billion when it first started trading more than five years ago. It’s now worth close to $86 billion.
Morgan Stanley analysts reinstated Dell as a top pick on Friday and raised their price target to $128 from $100, writing in an investor note that the company’s “AI server commentary stole the show.”
“The strength of AI server orders, backlog, pipeline, and expanding CSP/enterprise customer base show DELL’s AI story is early days and gaining momentum,” they wrote.
Wells Fargo, citing Dell’s AI strength and dividend increase, hiked its price target to $140 and maintained an overweight rating, while Citi increased its target price to $125 and reiterated a buy rating.
— CNBC’s Michael Bloom and Ashley Capoot contributed to this report.
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