Dell's Q3 results delayed by SEC accounting probe

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Dell has been forced to push back the unveiling of its third quarter results because it is being investigated for potential accounting irregularities.

The company was due to publish the results today, but has pushed their release back, claiming that it has been overwhelmed by the complexity required to prepare preliminary figures and to cope with an ongoing US Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) enquiry.

Today, Dell also confirmed that the SEC probe, which it referenced during the announcement of its second quarter results on August 17, has turned into a formal investigation.

But it was quick to deny that this formalisation has played a hand in the delay.

"The delay in announcing earnings is not related to that development," Dell said in a statement.

"Dell continues to cooperate with the SEC, and is committed to resolving all issues in connection with the investigation and regaining compliance with all SEC filing requirements as soon as possible."

In addition, Dell hasn't filed its Form 10-Q for the second fiscal quarter, which ended on August 4.

Preferring not to tie itself to a fixed date for the postponed release, the company would only confirm that is plans to announce the results by the end of this month.

Even then, Dell says it will only issue the results in the form of a press release.

Subsequent results announcements will now each be pushed back by a week.

The company hasn't released any details as to the exact nature of the SEC's investigation, which has hit while it is still reeling from the potential financial and reputational damage caused when it had to recall millions of laptop batteries in August, amid fears they may explode.

Dell's main competitor HP, however, is expected to publish results for its fourth quarter as normal later today.

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