By Dominic Chopping
Norwegian web browser developer Opera Software ASA (OPERA.OS)
said Wednesday it has entered into a new agreement with Google Inc.
(GOOG) to integrate Google as the default search partner for the
Opera mobile and desktop browsers, and said it remains positive
about the company's overall growth prospects.
MAIN FACTS:
-The agreement also includes promotion of various Google
products and services. This agreement replaces the agreements
entered into on Nov. 20, 2009 and is effective through Aug. 1,
2014.
-This agreement covers all global territories and includes all
of Opera's standard mobile and desktop Web browsers.
-Opera remains positive about the company's overall growth
prospects, which are expected to be driven primarily by the mobile
browser and mobile advertising businesses going forward.
-Within Opera's Mobile Publisher & Advertiser business -
non-Opera owned and operated properties, Opera expects to generate
meaningfully more revenue from this business in 2012 compared to
2011, as Opera ramps up revenue directly from advertisers and ad
agencies via its mobile advertising network subsidiaries, Mobile
Theory and 4th Screen Advertising, and capitalizes on AdMarvel's
strong position with premium USA publishers.
-Opera's key operational priorities in 2012 include continuing
to sign up additional operators and grow active users of Opera's
new, and existing, products and services with existing operator
customers.
-Seeks to grow revenues and users of Opera's mobile consumer
products, particularly on the Android smartphone platform, and
expand usage and monetization of Opera's owned and operated
properties.
-To increase revenue from mobile publishers and advertisers by
expanding demand-side advertising reach and capabilities.
-To increase position with mobile phone OEMs and chipset makers
to drive greater distribution of mobile products.
-To grow Opera's desktop user base, particularly in
Russia/CIS.
-To build on momentum with ConnectedTV manufacturers and to
increase Opera's overall profitability and margins.
-Revenue $52.1 million, from $39.4 million.
-Restructure costs $4.3 million.
-Ebit $6.7 million, from $8.1 million.
-Net profit $1 million, from $5.1 million.
-Shares closed Tuesday at NOK44.40, valuing the company at
NOK5.31 billion.
-Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@dowjones.com
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