BMC Software posts 35 percent jump in 2Q earnings

BMC Software posts 35 percent jump in 2Q earnings as falling expenses offset lower sales

• On 5:17 pm EDT, Thursday October 29, 2009

HOUSTON (AP) -- BMC Software Inc. said Thursday its fiscal second-quarter earnings jumped 35 percent, as falling expenses offset a slight decline in sales.

The business software maker also hiked its forecast for the full year.

The company said it earned $94.2 million, or 50 cents per share, compared with $69.8 million, or 36 cents per share, in the same quarter a year ago. Excluding special items, profit came to $123 million, or 66 cents per share, in the latest period.

Overall revenue declined 1 percent to $461.8 million. Licensing revenue fell 1 percent, maintenance rose 1 percent and professional services revenue fell 15 percent.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of 58 cents per share, on revenue of $462.7 million. Analysts' estimates typically exclude one-time items.

Total bookings climbed 6 percent to $431 million, while operating expenses fell 10 percent to $327 million.

For the second time, BMC boosted its full-year expectations. It now expects earnings per share of $2.55 to $2.65, excluding items, up from a previous forecast of $2.47 to $2.57 per share.

Analysts are expecting $2.51 per share, on average.

Shares closed earlier up 80 cents, or 2.2 percent, at $37.22.

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