The share registry giant partly blamed the result on falling transactional revenues as corporate activity fell to its lowest level in eight years.

However, chief executive Stuart Crosby said Computershare’s recent move into digital postboxes looked set to shore up revenue in the future.

“Our investment during the year in Digital Post Australia should have long-term benefits as the delivery of mail transforms from traditional to digital channels,” he said.

Computershare’s annual results also saw a 13% increase in revenue to US$1.8 billion and a 97% surge in debt to US$1.3 billion, both of which were largely attributed to M&A activity.

The company made 13 acquisitions in 2011-12 and sold two assets.

Australia and New Zealand provided 22% of the multinational’s revenue after increasing turnover by 14% to US$409 million. Asia contributed US$107 million (5.9%), while the largest contribution came from the US with US$654 million (36%).

Revenue from the Communications Services sector climbed 5.7% to US$182 million with the Australian share rising 3.7% to US$63.9 million.

“The Communication Services market remains very tough with one competitor client [SEMA] going into administration,” said Crosby.

“Despite this we have had a number of good long-term client wins for both our inbound and outbound work.”

Trading conditions are expected to remain challenging in 2012-13, but Computershare said it would “[continue] to seek acquisitions… where value can be added”.

Crosby said although the company had been working hard to integrate acquisitions and restrain costs, in today’s environment “all this effort simply enables us to stand still”.

Click here to read more about digital postboxes.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter