SDL eyes annual profit shortfall

17th Jan 2013 07:10

Translation and communications software firm SDL said full year revenue is expected to be in line with expectations but pre-tax profit for the period is expected to fall short of market forecasts.The Berkshire based group said revenue for the year ended December 31st 2012 is expected to be in a range of £269.0m to £270.0m compared to £229.0m in 2001 and versus consensus expectations of £270.1m. Profits before taxation and amortisation of intangible assets for the period are expected to be in the range of £35.0m to £36.0m versus £39.7m the year before and compared with consensus expectations of £36.1m. The group, whose customers include Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Philips and Microsoft, said net cash in the business at the end of the period was slightly above £6m compared to £70.4m in 2011, reflecting the acquisition of Alterian in January 2012. Gross cash at the end of the period was just above £28m compared to £70.4m the year before.Commenting on the announcement, Mark Lancaster said: "2012 saw another year of organic growth and significant strategic progress with the acquisition of Alterian."CJ