RealNetworks 4thQ Profits Fall

RealNetworks reported a lower quarterly profit yesterday dues to sharply reduced income from a legal settlement with Microsoft and forecast full-year results below expectations. Fourth-quarter net income
was $39.3 million compared with $295.6 million in the previous year.

Both quarters included proceeds from the settlement with Microsoft but it was a much smaller sum in the most recent quarter than the $400 million a year ago. Other revenues actually rose to $125.6 million from $83.6 million a year ago; providing some cause for optimism if the company can rain in spending. Wall Street agreed sending the stock up 3% in after hours trading yesterday