aQuantive profits surge in Q4

The online advertising boom in 2006 helped boost aQuantive's Q4 revenue. Year over year Q4 revenue increased 53% and profits nearly doubled. Q4 revenue came in at $133.4 million, and net income came in at $20.4 million.

by Kristina Knight

"We experienced terrific financial results across all of our operating units," said Brian McAndrews, president and CEO of aQuantive. He went on to say the company saw, "43% overall revenue growth and 33% organic growth" in 2006. aQuantive also made five acquisitions last year.

Avenue A/Razorfish, aQuantive's digital marketing unit saw revenue increase to $80.6 million, a 50% increase from Q4, 2005. Part of that growth was due to an expansion in the U.K., Germany, Australia and China. In January 2006, Razorfish also struck up a deal to open an office in Japan.

Also on the rise for aQuantive was technology revenue. Tech rose $35.2 million, an 18% increase. Performance media saw an increase of $17.7 million, more than doubling 2005 performance.

Online advertising is expected to continue showing growth according to research from Outsell, Inc. In 2007, online advertising is expected to grow by 18%. That is a faster growth rate than any other type of advertising. Part of the interest in online advertising is because marketers are realizing how much easier it is to control brand image online.