(RTTNews) - Satellite imagery company DigitalGlobe Inc. (DGI: News ) said Monday that its third quarter profit increased slightly from last year, helped by continued momentum across its key customer segments. The company also raised its outlook for fiscal 2009.

The Longmont, Colorado-based company posted net income of $14.6 million or $0.32 per share for the third quarter, compared to $14.3 million or $0.32 per share in the prior year quarter.

On average, 9 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.25 per share for the third quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Third quarter revenue increased 8% to $71.8 million from $66.8 million in the same quarter last year. Nine analysts had a consensus revenue estimate of $68.03 million for the third quarter.

"We are very pleased with our strong third quarter performance, reflecting continued momentum across our key customer segments," said Jill Smith, chairman, and chief executive officer of DigitalGlobe.

Separately, DigitalGlobe said that it is extending the estimated useful life of its QuickBird satellite by eighteen months. The satellite will continue to be an important part of DigitalGlobe's constellation through May 2012.

The company also said that the launch of WorldView-2 was successful and commissioning is progressing on plan. The company anticipates that imagery from WorldView-2 will be commercially available approximately 90 days following the launch.
For the nine-month period of 2009, DigitalGlobe reported net income of $33.6 million or $0.75 per share, compared to $40.0 million or $0.91 per share in the previous year period.

Revenue for the period increased to $209.0 million from $203.0 million in the prior year period.

For the full year 2009, DigitalGlobe raised its earnings outlook to a range of $1.00 to $1.05 per share from its previous expectation of $0.80 to $0.90 per share.

Total revenue is expected to be between $278 million and $283 million, up from its prior estimate of $267 million to $277 million.

Analysts project earnings of $0.93 per share on revenue of $273.93 million for fiscal 2009.

DigitalGlobe closed Monday's regular trading session at $23.40, up 81 cents or 3.59%. In the after-hours, the shares further gained 80 cents or 3.42%.

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by RTT Staff Writer

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