BEA exceeds 2Q expectations

BEA Systems (Nasdaq: BEAS) earned more than the published consensus expectation in the second quarter.

After market close Tuesday, the e-commerce software vendor reported fiscal second quarter net income of $21.9 million, or 5 cents per share, excluding special charges. First Call's survey of 16 analysts predicted a profit of 4 cents per share for the quarter ended July 31.

Shares of BEA rose to 52 7/16 in afterhours activity on the Island electronic communications network, following the earnings announcement. BEA stock closed Tuesday's regular trading at 48 7/8, down 1 9/16 for the session.

Including acquisition-related costs, charges related to the early conversion of subordinated notes and taxes on stock option exercises, BEA earned $2.3 million, or a penny per share.

Second quarter revenue increased 80 percent year-over-year to $186 million from $103.2 million. License fees increased 22 percent to $104.2 million from $85.2 million. Services generated revenue of $81.8 million.

The company also unveiled a series of partnerships with computer services and software companies such as Computer Sciences Corp. (NYSE: CMC), Unisys Systems (NYSE: UIS), Loudcloud, Manugistics (Nasdaq: MANU), KPMG and others.

BEA said it would invest $15 million to $20 million to expand its partnership programs, as well as increase its partnership-dedicated staff to 200 from 30.>