Renaissance Corp Lt d today cut its profit guidance ahead of the key Christmas trading period.

The computer distributor said profits in its distribution and retail divisions have not met expectations in the last two months.

"Results for the remainder of the year are at best uncertain because of deferrals on some significant orders, the impact of exchange rate fluctuations and the important Christmas trading period," the company said in a statement to NZX.

The data insurance business, launched in September, is also making losses while in start up phase.

"On current trends, net profit before tax for the full year to December will be about $3 million to $3.5m, which is significantly below previous market guidance."

It was impossible to predict the Christmas trading in the current economic conditions.

The company has previously signalled an annual pre-tax profit slightly ahead of the $5.13 reported in 2007.