Alcatel-Lucent posts wider than expected 2nd quarter net loss, maintains guidance

Alcatel-Lucent posts 2nd quarter loss

PARIS — Alcatel-Lucent SA says its net loss in the second quarter was a wider-than-expected €184 million (US$240 million) but said it remains on track for a targeted improvement in profitability this year.

The French-U.S. telecommunications equipment supplier said in a statement Friday that it still aims to achieve adjusted operating margin, the company’s preferred barometer for profitability, between 1 and 5 percent this year, after reporting a 0.7 percent margin in the second quarter.

Analysts had estimated Alcatel-Lucent’s second quarter loss at €44 million, compared to a €14 million profit a year earlier.