Compuware rises as fiscal 4Q outlooks top analyst estimates

Compuware shares climbed Tuesday after the information-technology and business software company forecast a strong fiscal fourth quarter.

Detroit-based Compuware Corp. forecast a larger profit and greater revenue than Wall Street expected for the March quarter, and shares gained 76 cents, or 10.9 percent, to close at $7.75.

The company expects $100 million in software license revenue. Banc of America analyst Kirk Materne said that is about $22 million more than he expected, and Compuware's maintenance revenue forecast was also better than expected.

Materne said Compuware finished fiscal 2008 with a solid quarter. In the new fiscal year, he said the company needs to become more consistent, reporting growing sales and reaping the benefits of cost cuts.