New York  - Dell Inc, the world's second largest computer manufacturer, said Thursday it saw profits fall by nearly half in the fourth quarter as consumers cut spending in the midst of a global recession.

Profits fell by 48 per cent to 351 million dollars, or 18 cents per share, down from 679 million dollars, or 31 cents per share, in the year-earlier period. Revenue fell 16 per cent to 13.4 billion dollars, the Round Rock, Texas-based company said.

For the fiscal year ended in January, Dell's profits were down 16 per cent to 2.5 billion dollars. Revenue remained flat at 61.1 billion dollars. (dpa)