Amazon Book/Music Arm Reports Profit As Sales Rise

Amazon.com's U.S. books, music, and DVD/video segment posted a third-quarter pro-forma operating profit of $25 million, vs. a loss of $109 million in the same period a year ago. Sales rose to $399.9 million from $301.3 million. The figures exclude fulfillment and technology expenses; full results for the segment were not disclosed.

Overall, the company reports an increased third-quarter net loss of $240.5 million, or 68 cents per share, vs. loss of $197.1 million, or 59 cents per share, a year ago. Net sales increased 79% to $638 million. Shares in Amazon yesterday fell 44 cents to $29.56 ahead of the news, which was announced after the stock market closed. Amazon stock?off more than 60% in the last year?hit a 52-week low of $19.38 on Oct. 18.

In other financial news:

Digital commerce services company Preview Systems says its third-quarter net loss increased to $5.4 million, or 31 cents per share, from a loss of $4.1 million, or $1.32 per share, in the same period last year. Revenues increased 77% to $1.8 million. The company reports that it had $86.8 million in cash reserves and short-term investments as of Sept. 30. Shares in Preview Systems closed up 44 cents ahead of the news yesterday at $4.50.