On Tuesday, WebMD (Nasdaq: WBMD) reported that 1Q net income, on a preliminary basis, came in at $706,000 compared to a net loss of $4.2 million for the same period last year. The results are deemed preliminary because the company identified errors in non-cash income tax expense and related deferred tax liabilities amounting to $4 million in prior quarters, primarily in 2006. Revenue for the quarter was $73 million compared to $50.1 million last year, a 46 percent gain. The company also said:
— The online services segment revenue was $68.4 million 1Q compared to $45.1 million last year, an increase of 52 percent.
— Ad and sponsorship revenue rose 45 percent to $47.4 million.
— Private portal licensing revenue was up 76 percent to $20.1 million.
— WebMD (NSDQ: WBMD) claimed that the average number of unique users reached 41.7 million per month, with total traffic of 963 million pageviews in 1Q, increases of 43 percent and 29 percent, respectively, over a year ago.
— The publishing segment’s revenue was $4.5 million versus $5 million last year.
— Also during the quarter, WebMD launched a new consumer health information portal, which was designed to provide users with greater personalization. The company hopes it will also result in opportunities for sponsored promotions, as well as increase overall WebMD traffic through improved external search engine optimization.
— In connection with the launch of eight new wellness and lifestyle centers, WebMD has entered into new editorial partnerships with publications such as Hearst, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE: MSO) and Rodale. Earnings release | Webcast | Transcript (SeekingAlpha.com)
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