Thomson Reuters Posts Q4 Loss On Charges - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI.TO, TRI) reported a fourth-quarter loss attributable to shareholders of $351 million or $0.43 per share, compared to profit of $352 million or $0.42 per share, prior year. Operating profit declined year-over-year to $213 million, from $537 million. Adjusted earnings was $170 million or $0.21 per share, for the quarter.

The company said the decline in IFRS operating profit and per share results reflected the previously announced 2013 charges. Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2013 the company recorded a $425 million tax charge related to the consolidation of its technology and content assets.

On average, 12 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $0.52 for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Revenues decreased to $3.28 billion, from $3.36 billion, prior year. Analysts expected revenue of $3.28 billion for the quarter. Revenues from ongoing businesses were $3.265 billion, compared to $3.245 billion, prior year. The board of Thomson Reuters approved a $0.02 per share annualized increase in the dividend to $1.32 per share. A quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share is payable on March 17, 2014 to common shareholders of record as of February 24, 2014.

Thomson Reuters said it expects 2014 revenues to be comparable to 2013.