Symantec says annual report may be delayed due to investigation

Shares of the company fell 13.3 per cent to $25.30

Symantec said on Thursday its financial results and forecast may change based on the outcome of an internal investigation that was initiated after concerns were raised by a former employee.

Shares of the company, which makes Norton Antivirus, fell 13.3 per cent to $25.30 in extended trading.



An audit committee of Symantec’s board has retained independent counsel and other advisers to assist in the investigation, the company said.

The investigation is in its early stages and unlikely to be completed to file the annual report in time, according to Symantec.

The company has contacted the Securities and Exchange Commission and plans to provide additional information to the SEC as the investigation proceeds.

The Mountain View, the California-based company also forecast full-year revenue between $4.76 billion and $4.90 billion, missing analysts’ average estimate of $4.93 billion, according to Reuters.

Symantec’s full-year profit outlook of between $1.50 and $1.65 per share also came in below estimates of $1.80.



Net loss narrowed to $35 million, or 6 cents per share, in the fourth quarter ended March 30, from $143 million, or 23 cents per share, a year earlier.

Revenue rose 10 per cent to $1.22 billion.

Analysts were expecting the company to report a profit of 39 cents per share and revenue of $1.19 billion.