VeriSign posts £99m loss

The internet infrastructure firm is still counting the cost of its acquisition spree

Internet security pays mixed dividends

Internet infrastructure specialist VeriSign reported fourth quarter revenue of $386m (£196m), but a net loss of $196m (£99m) for the period.

The company blamed impairment charges of $210m (£107m) associated with the rapid expansion of its digital content and messaging business.

VeriSign has been on an acquisition spree over the last few years, purchasing Jamba, LightSurf, mCube, Kontiki, iDefense and GeoTrust amongst others.

Full year 2007 results showed total revenue of $1.5bn (£762m), with a net loss of $120m (£61m).

On a non-GAAP basis, which excludes items such as restructuring costs, the company posted a profit of $251m (£127m) for the year.