Rentrak posts fiscal 3rd-quarter loss, hurt by 1-time expenses

Rentrak posts 3Q loss on charges

NEW YORK — Rentrak Corp. posted a surprise loss for its fiscal third quarter, dragged down by one-time expenses.

The company, which provides data on consumer media habits, said late Monday that it lost $579,000, or 5 cents per share, in the quarter ended Dec. 31. That compares with profit of $1.2 million, or 11 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Excluding about $1.4 million in one-time costs related to stock-based compensation, acquisitions and other unusual items, Rentrak said it would have earned 7 cents per share.

Revenue edged up to $23.1 million from $23.9 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected profit of 10 cents per share and revenue of $23.9 million.

Rentrak stock was down 21 cents to $17.16 in afternoon trading.