Novell Cuts Q3 Revenue Outlook - Update

Novell, Inc. (NOVL), the world's second largest seller of Linux software, on Monday lowered its third quarter revenue outlook, citing customer uncertainty surrounding the company's ongoing review of various alternatives that include a possible sale of the company.

The Waltham, Massachusetts-based company said it now expects third quarter revenue to be in the range of $197 million to $199 million, down from its prior guidance of $205 million to $210 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters currently expect the company to post revenue of $207.06 million for the third quarter.

Novell now expects non-GAAP operating margin for the third quarter to be 13% to15%, compared to previous guidance of about 15%.

In March, Novell rejected a $5.75 per share takeover offer from Elliott Associates, L.P., calling it inadequate. At the same time, the company announced a thorough review of various alternatives to boosts shareholder value, including a stock repurchase or cash dividend, strategic partnerships and alliances, joint ventures, a recapitalization and a sale of the company.

Novell shares closed Monday's regular trading session at $6.01, down 7 cents and lost an additional 16 cents or 2.66% in after hours trading.

by RTTNews Staff Writer

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