RealNetworks meets 3Q forecasts

RealNetworks (Nasdaq: RNWK) met the consensus analyst estimate in the third quarter.

After market close Tuesday, the provider of streaming media software and content posted third quarter net income of $7.6 million, or 4 cents per share, excluding special charges. That was in line with the consensus of 27 analysts surveyed by First Call.

Shares of RealNetworks fell to 18 in afterhours activity on the Island electronic communications network, immediately following the release of quarterly results. RealNetworks stock closed Tuesday's regular trading at 21.6875, down 3.125 for the session.

Including acquisition-related charges and goodwill writedowns, RealNetworks lost $30.8 million, or 20 cents per share.

Third quarter revenue increased 92 percent year-over-year to $67.1 million, about what analysts expected.

RealPlayer software now has more than 150 million registered users, an 85 percent increase year-over-year, the company said. RealNetworks cited Media Metrix statistics showing the Real.com network reached 37 percent of the Internet's home audience in August. Only Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT), Yahoo (Nasdaq: YHOO) and America Online (NYSE: AOL) had a wider reach.

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