The fourth-largest software exporter Satyam Computer Services posted a 38 per cent jump in quarterly net profit to Rs 285 crore in January-March, but disappointed the market a soft guidance for 2006-07.

The Q4 growth lagged a 72 per cent jump in quarterly earnings by top software exporter TCS but beat Infosys Technologies and Wipro, which posted rises of 21 and 34 per cent respectively. Satyam’s revenue rose 35 per cent to Rs 1,314 crore last quarter.

New York-listed Satyam, whose customers include General Electric, forecast revenue growth of 25.2-27.3 per cent for the year to March 2007 and earnings per share growth of 18-20 per cent to Rs 36-36.6. Satyam shares fell more than 7 per cent to close at Rs 807.15 on the disappointing outlook.

Satyam also said its operating profit margin could drop 1.2 percentage points due to wage rises and employee stock options. It plans to raise salaries of its ‘‘offshore’’ employees in India by 18-19 per cent and those of workers on client sites abroad by 5-6 per cent, Chairman B. Ramalinga Raju said.

‘‘We believe we have given a strong guidance both for revenue and EPS growth. We have factored in the significant increase in salaries and stock options,’’ Raju said.

Satyam announced a bonus share issue of one for every one held. Raju said Satyam would continue to bid for bigger deals and seek acquisitions. Satyam said it planned to hire 5,000-6,000 more people in this fiscal year.

( www.financialexpress.com)