SAP profits fall, abandons full year forecast

The future's not ours to see

By John Oates • Get more from this author

Posted in Financial News, 28th October 2008 09:16 GMT

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SAP managed to increase revenues in the third quarter but saw net income fall five per cent.

Software and software-related revenue was up 15 per cent to €1.99bn but net income was €388m, compared to €408m for the third quarter of 2007. This just tops the company's reduced earnings call it put out in early October.

Basic earnings per share are down 8 per cent to €0.90.

But looking forward SAP said: "In light of the uncertainties surrounding the current economic and business environment, the Company decided to no longer provide a specific outlook for Non-GAAP software and software-related service revenues for the full-year 2008."

Instead it said it hoped to maintain non-GAAP operating margin at around 28 per cent, excluding a write-off of €180m related to the purchase of Business Objects. This assumes the company can grow non-GAAP software and software-related revenues, excluding write-downs, between 20 and 22 per cent for the full year.

Full statement available here. ®

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