Compuware Foresees Sales Shortfall

Software maker Compuware Corp. warned of a revenue shortfall in its fiscal fourth quarter due to the negative impact of foreign currency and the reorganization of a business unit. But it said earnings are likely to be in line with consensus. The Farmington Hills, Mich.-based vendor now sees revenue for the quarter ended March 31 of between $505 million and $515 million, compared with analysts’ view of $548 million. Unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates accounted for $10 million to $15 million of the shortfall, whereas revenue from the company’s restructured professional services division was about $15 million to $20 million light, Joe Nathan, Compuware’s president and chief operating officer, told analysts on a conference call. Compuware, which sells software that helps big corporations manage large computer systems, said fourth-quarter earnings were seen in a range of 15 cents to 17 cents a share, in line with forecasts. Shares fell 13 cents to close at $9.72 on Nasdaq.