Trimmed profit estimates for 2018 led to a heavy markdown of shares in Rentokil Initial (LON:RTO) even though latest results matched expectations.
City analysts said pre-tax profit forecasts for 2018 would be 4% lower than previously after the pest controller cautioned about the adverse impact of currencies.
Shares were down 8.8% at 264.10p despite good numbers for 2017 with full-year operating profit increasing by 14.8%, supported by growth in all regions except France.
The support services company said that ongoing revenue increased by 14.5% to £2.2bn from £2.09bn in 2016.
Asia performed particularly well, increasing revenues by 37%, and North America by 21%.
The UK and the rest of the world region delivered growth of 6.8%
Ongoing operating profit for a full year grew to £295mln from £232mln.
Andy Ransom, chief executive, said there was good growth momentum in the business.
“2017 has also been a particularly good year and we have acquired 33 pest control companies and 7 high-quality hygiene business across 24 countries, strengthening our already leading positions in key growth territories.”