France Telecom SA said revenue rose 3.8 percent in the third quarter as broadband growth helped offset an ongoing fixed-line slump, but its shares dropped after the company trimmed its full-year forecast, AP reported. France Telecom posted revenue of ¤12.3 billion (US$14.8 billion) for July through September, up from ¤11.8 billion in the same period of last year. But the company reduced its revenue guidance for the full year, predicting nearly 3 percent growth on a pro-forma basis _ stripping out the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, acquisitions and disposals _ compared with the 3 percent to 5 percent forecast issued four months ago. France Telecom shares fell 5.9 percent to ¤21.83 (US$26.32) in Paris trading. The company maintained its other 2005 targets, including earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of ¤18.5 billion (US$22.3 billion) and debt-to-EBITDA ratio of less than 2.5. Like many French companies, France Telecom did not report net profit figures for the quarter. It said gross operating earnings rose 2.1 percent to ¤4.86 billion (US$5.86 billion) due to strong performances at the mobile phone unit in France and the high-speed Internet business. That figure excludes external purchases, operating expenses, wages and charges. --mor 1434 Local Time 1134 GMT
