Vistaprint’s fiscal 2Q profit rises 45 percent but outlook disappoints

Vistaprint’s 2Q profit up but forecast lags

VENLO, Netherlands — Vistaprint NV’s fiscal second-quarter profit shot up 45 percent as more companies and consumers bought business cards, calendars and party invitations from its network of Web sites.

But a disappointing forecast Thursday for the current quarter dampened investor enthusiasm.

The Venlo, Netherlands-based company earned $26.9 million, or 59 cents per share, for the three months ending in December. That compared with income of $18.5 million, or 42 cents per share, in the same 2008 period.

If not for expenses covering its employees’ stock-based compensation, Vistaprint said it would have earned 73 cents per share. Revenue rose 40 percent to 194.6 million — about $19 million above analyst projections.

Management predicted Vistaprint’s earnings for the quarter ending in March will range from 39 cents to 42 cents per share, excluding stock compensation costs. Analysts, on average, had predicted adjusted earnings of 48 cents per share.

Vistaprint’s revenue target for the current quarter is $165 million to $170 million, above analyst estimates of $161 million.

The company’s shares dipped 37 cents in extended trading after finishing Thursday’s regular session at $53.37, up 73 cents.