Computer technology maker Logitech International S.A. (LOGN.VX) Thursday said fourth quarter profit fell 89% on year, resulting in a weak end to what the company described as an otherwise 'strong' year, but it expects its performance to improve in the current fiscal year.

"The disappointing conclusion to FY 2011--which resulted in lower-than expected full-year sales, operating income and gross margin--was due to weaker than anticipated demand in the second half of Q4 for our products in Europe, Middle East and Africa. The weakness in demand in EMEA was compounded by poor execution of channel pricing and promotional programs within the region, which we have begun to remedy," said Chief Executive Gerald Quindlen in a statement.

Net profit fell to $2.8 million in the period from $24.5 million a year earlier, worse than expectations of $5.9 million.

Sales at the Swiss company, which makes computer mice, television remote controls and keyboards, were $548 million, up 4% from $525.4 million and slightly better than the $545.5 million forecast by analysts in a Dow Jones Newswires Poll.

In its statement, Logitech, which also makes a set-top box for Google Inc's (GOOG) Google TV, said it expects sales of approximately $2.6 billion in the 2012 fiscal year, operating income of approximately $185 million and a gross margin of approximately 35%.

For the full 2011 fiscal year, sales were $2.36 billion, up 20% from $1.97 billion. Operating income was $142.7 million, up 82% from $78.4 million the previous year. Gross margin was 35.4% compared to 31.9%.

-By John Revill, Dow Jones Newswires; +41 43 443 8042 ; john.revill@dowjones.com
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