Dassault Systèmes reported a shortfall in second-quarter sales on Tuesday and lowered its full-year targets, saying it had incorporated "volatility factors" into its new outlook.

The French software manufacturer, which published its preliminary results, said it had recorded total estimated sales of 1.495 billion euros in the second quarter, up 4% but below its targets.

"Our preliminary total sales fell short of our forecasts by around 30 million euros, or 2%, due to the postponement of major contracts," the group said in a statement.

Dassault Systemes is now targeting annual growth in total sales of between 6% and 8%, compared with 8-10% previously, as well as an increase in earnings per share of 8% to 11%, compared with 10-12% previously.

(Written by Leo Marchandon)