This image was lost some time after publication.

Dell announced yesterday that not only did its profit drop by 51%, but it's under SEC investigation. Chairman Michael Dell promised to improve, but the New York Times wasted no time in chastising him:

Speaking from China to Wall Street analysts in a conference call after the earnings announcement, Michael S. Dell, the company's founder and chairman, said, "We are not satisfied with our performance, and we will do better."

While the company has told analysts for more than a year that it will do better, it has not been able to follow through.

"Also, Dell has shown poor attitude in class and hands in assignments late. Please call 111-1111 to arrange a parent-teacher conference."

Profit Falls by Half at Dell [NYT]