Dell says SEC probe now formal, delays results Computer maker says will deliver quarterly results by the end of the month, but says delay not linked to change in investigation. November 15 2006: 6:57 PM EST NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Computer maker Dell Inc. announced Wednesday it would delay releasing its third-quarter results until later this month, and that it was under a formal probe by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Texas-based firm, which was originally schedule to report its earnings Thursday, said the delay was not linked to the new development in the investigation. The SEC had been conducting investigations into the company's accounting and financial reporting practices. Dell said it would deliver preliminary results for its fiscal third quarter by the end of this month, but did not give an exact date. Dell (Charts) shares edged higher in Wednesday trade on the Nasdaq. Rival Hewlett-Packard (Charts) is scheduled to release its results Thursday