Stock market research: Adobe reports record revenue in latest quarter

Adobe Systems Inc. (Nasdaq symbol ADBE) makes software that lets computer users create, edit and share documents in the popular PDF format. As well, graphic designers use Adobe’s software to create print publications and web pages.

The company also makes Adobe Flash, which lets web site developers make web pages more interactive by adding animation and video. Computer users can download Adobe’s Flash Player viewer for free.

We analyze Adobe in our Stock Pickers Digest and Wall Street Stock Forecaster newsletters.

In its 2010 fourth quarter, which ended December 3, 2010, Adobe reported record revenue of $1.0 billion. That’s up 33.1% from $757.3 million a year earlier. Before one-time items, the company earned $285.7 million in the latest quarter. That’s up 38.2% from $206.8 million a year earlier. Earnings per share rose 43.6%, $0.56 from $0.39, on fewer shares outstanding. The latest results were helped by strong sales of Adobe’s flagship Creative Suite 5 graphic and Web-design programs.

For all of fiscal 2010, Adobe earned $774.7 million, on revenue of $3.8 billion. That’s up sharply from its fiscal 2009 earnings of $386.5 million, on $2.9 billion of revenue.

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