LivePerson posts 4Q profit, reversing a loss, as business strengthens across the board

LivePerson posts 4Q profit as business strengthens

NEW YORK — LivePerson Inc. on Wednesday reported a profit for the fourth quarter, reversing a year-ago loss, as business strengthened across the board.

The company, which provides online customer service, earned $3.1 million, or 6 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $23.8 million, or 50 cents per share, in the same period in the prior year.

The just-concluded quarter included a $23.5 million, or 50 cents per share, charged related to writing down the value of its consumer operations.

Excluding one-time items, LivePerson earned $4.7 million, or 9 cents per share, in the quarter, up from $1.3 million, or 3 cents per share, in the prior year.

Revenue rose by 26 percent to $24.8 million from $19.6 million.

LivePerson handily beat the forecast of analysts, who were expecting 7 cents per share in profit and revenue of $23.6 million, according to Thomson Reuters.

For the year, LivePerson earned $7.8 million, or 16 cents per share, compared with a loss of $23.8 million, or 50 cents per share, in 2008.

Revenue rose by 17 percent to $87.5 million from $74.7 million.

Looking ahead, LivePerson said its first-quarter revenue should come in at $25 million to $25.2 million, with earnings excluding one-time items at either 6 cents per share or 7 cents per share. Revenue is a touch higher than the $24.2 million expected by analysts, while earnings is in line with the 7 cents per share being forecast.

For 2010, LivePerson has forecast earnings of 30 cents per share to 32 cents per share, excluding one-time items, and revenue of $105 million to $107 million. Analysts are expecting the company to earn 31 cents per share and post revenue of $103.4 million.

Shares of LivePerson, based in New York, rose by 3 cents to $5.99 in after-hours trading. The stock lost 9 cents to $5.96 during Wednesday’s regular session.