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Feb 18 (Reuters) - French IT consulting group Atos said on Thursday it was aiming for a sales rebound in 2021, recovering from a dip caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but its margin guidance disappointed investors, sending shares lower.
Atos shares were down 5.7% at 0945 GMT, reaching the bottom of France’s blue-chip index CAC 40.
The Paris-based group said it targeted revenue growth of 3.5% to 4% this year and an operating margin between 9.4% and 9.8%. While the sales goal exceeded analysts’ expectations of 1% to 2% revenue growth, the operating margin fell below the 9.8% anticipated by analysts.
“The 2020 margin outcome and 2021 margin guidance may be seen as somewhat disappointing, especially given the strong bookings trend,” UBS analysts said in a note.