Symantec squeaks by estimates

Buoyed by strong Internet and international sales, tools and antivirus software maker Symantec today reported a third-quarter income of $23.8 million, or 42 cents a share.

Symantec narrowly beat analysts' estimates, who predicted the company would earn 41 cents a share. Symantec earned $21.8 million, or 37 cents per share during the same period last year.

Including a one-time charge of $7.6 million related to the company's purchase of Quarterdeck, Symantec this quarter earned $16.2 million, or 28 cents per share.

Overall, Symantec reported revenue of $165 million, an 11 percent increase from last year's third-quarter revenue of $148 million.

In a statement, Symantec officials said sales over the Internet rose 114 percent, compared to the same period last year. Third-quarter revenue from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa also increased 37 percent, compared to the year-ago quarter.