Teradata 4th-qtr. results top analysts' estimates

ATLANTA (AP) -- Teradata's net income rose 14 percent in the fourth quarter, led by strong revenue growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The performance beat analysts' estimates, but it anticipates revenue growth slowing in 2013. Shares fell 9 percent in afternoon trading.

The Atlanta company, which helps financial, marketing and other companies store and analyze data, earned $112 million, or 66 cents per share, for the three months ended Dec. 31. That's up from $98 million, or 57 cents per share, a year earlier.

Removing stock-based compensation expense and other items, earnings were 79 cents per share.

Analysts predicted earnings of 74 cents per share, according to a FactSet survey.

Revenue increased 10 percent to $740 million from $673 million. Wall Street expected $724.5 million in revenue.

Teradata said Thursday that revenue for Europe, the Middle East and Africa climbed 21 percent to $176 million. Revenue for the Americas increased 8 percent to $449 million, while revenue for the Asia Pacific region gained 2 percent.

For the year, Teradata Corp. earned $419 million, or $2.44 per share. That compares with $353 million, or $2.05 per share, in 2011. Adjusted earnings were $2.85 per share. Annual revenue climbed 13 percent to $2.67 billion from $2.36 billion.

Going forward, Teradata foresees 2013 adjusted earnings of $3.05 to $3.20 per share. Revenue is expected to climb 6 percent to 10 percent from 2012's $2.67 billion. This implies $2.83 billion to $2.94 billion for the year.

Analysts forecast earnings of $3.17 per share on revenue of $2.94 billion.

Shares of Teradata dropped $6 to $60.55. The stock has traded in a 52-week range of $55.82 to $80.97.