Thomson Reuters Corp. on Wednesday reported its fourth-quarter profit to slip by 68 percent, on account of unceasing decline in sales in its legal and market information divisions.

The news and information provider claimed that it hopes its revenue to be flat to slightly lower in 2010, however that sales should strengthen as the year progresses. Thomson Reuters also raised its annual dividend by 4 cents per share to $1.16.

The company witnessed its earnings to touch $177 million, or 21 cents per share, in the three months ended Dec. 31, which was lowered from $560 million, or 67 cents per share, in the same period a year earlier.

The company's revenues for the quarter registered a value of US$3.36 billion, compared to US$3.40 billion in the prior year quarter. Revenues from ongoing businesses were US$3.35 billion, compared to US$3.33 billion in the same quarter last year.

The company said that its board approved a US$0.04 per share increase in the annual dividend to US$1.16 per share. The quarterly dividend of US$0.29 per share is payable on March 26, 2010 to shareholders of record as of March 8, 2010.