Shares of Dell Technologies slumped by about 14% in premarket trading on Friday and could lost more than $17 billion in market value if those losses hold. The computer company anticipates than significant investments in artificial intelligence could chip away at its quarterly profit.
Dell, along with other tech companies, has been investing in the hardware needed for advanced servers that can process complicated AI tasks. The company said it predicts that the adjusted gross margin rate will drop by around 150 basis points in 2025, and its estimated adjusted profit per share of $1.65, plus of minus 10 cents, is a drop from previously LSEG estimated of $1.84.
“The market is reining in unrealistic expectations for Dell’s ability to benefit from AI spending,” wrote Morningstar analysts in a note.
Shipments of Dell’s AI-optimized servers reached $1.7 billion during the first quarter; however, they represent less than 7% of the company’s overall revenue. Additionally, revenue from Dell’s client solutions group—including its personal computer business—stayed flat, while the consumer segment dropped 15%.
