8:00AM Computer maker Dell posted 46% profit increase in Q2.

Computer maker Dell Inc. (DELL: chart) advanced 2.4% in pre-market trading after it reported positive Q2 results, prompting it is trying to regain stability and lost positions in the computer industry. According to preliminary results released after the closing bell Thursday, Dell’s quarterly earnings jumped 46% to $733 million, or 32 cents per share, compared with $502 million, or 22 cents per share a year ago.

The profit increase was attributed to stronger sales of business products and services, improved average selling prices and lower component costs. Sales rose 4% to $14.8 billion. The quarterly financial results exceeded analyst expectations of earnings of 30 cents per share on sales of $14.63 billion. Dell said results were dragged down 5 cents per share by a $102 million charge for payments for expired stock options. Another $59 million was related to the internal probe, which found that Dell employees had misled auditors and manipulated results to meet performance.