Equity Movers: Next Level, Sapient, Keynote Systems

Next Level Communications (NXTV): The maker of communications equipment said it expects a fourth quarter loss of about 22 cents a share, compared to an expected loss of 12 cents per share. The company also lowered its revenue growth outlook for 2001. Shares of Next Level fell $3.44, or 31.79 percent, to $7.38 in early trading.

Sapient (SAPE): The e-business consultant warned that its fourth-quarter sales and profit would miss expectations because of reduced spending by large companies and Internet clients. Sapient said it expects to earn 10 cents per share on revenue of $139 million. Analysts polled by First Call expected the company to earn 12 cents. Shares of Sapient fell $4, or 26.56 percent, to $11.06.

Keynote Systems (KEYN): The company that tests Web site performance warned that it anticipates reporting lower-than-expected fourth-quarter revenues. The company estimated revenue of $13 to $13.2 million for the quarter, lower than previous estimates of $14 to $14.5 million. Shares of Keynote fell $4.13, or 24.35 percent, to $12.81.

PC-Tel (PCTI): The maker of so-called soft modems warned that its fourth-quarter revenue and earnings will fall short of forecasts because of sluggish PC demand. The company said it expects revenue of $16.5 million to 17.5 million and a loss, excluding certain costs, of 7 cents to 10 cents a share. Analysts polled by First Call expected the company to earn 20 cents. Shares of PC-Tel fell 72 cents, or 8.27 percent, to $7.97.

Semtech (SMTC): The semiconductor maker warned that it expects flat fourth-quarter revenues, compared to previous estimates of 7 percent to 9 percent growth. The company said it expects to meet fourth-quarter profit expectations of 23 cents per share. Shares of Semtech rose 94 cents, or 4.23 percent, to $23.13.