OSLO (AFX) - Fast Search & Transfer ASA posted fourth-quarter figures largely in line with market expectations, on the back of a string of high profile contract wins.
For the fourth quarter, Fast posted operating profits of 1.2 mln usd, up from last year's 6.7 mln usd loss, and only slightly below the 1.8 mln consensus forecast of analysts polled by TDN Finans.
Sales, meanwhile, came in at 48.8 mln usd, up from 31.1 mln last year, and fractionally ahead of the 47.8 mln forecast by analysts.
The better-than-expected fourth quarter leaves Fast's annual revenues at 162.2 mln usd, up more than 60 pct year-on-year.
During the quarter Fast won new and additional license sales with a string of high profile customers, including the Financial Times, Rolls Royce, Standard & Poor's, and the United Nations.
Chief executive John M. Lervik said the three months had been 'another record quarter for Fast, both in terms of revenue growth and new strategic customer wins.' alastair.reed@thomson.com ar/tw COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2006. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited