Red Hat Continues Deferred Revenue Growth (RHT)

Red Hat, Inc. (NYSE: RHT), the largest seller of Linux operating systems and office suites, today reported that quarterly revenue soared 29% revenue to $164.4 million. It posted non-GAAP earnings of $0.20 per share.  First Call had estimates at $0.18 for earnings and $163.6 million for revenue.

Most importantly, the company’s deferredrevenue rose  32% from last year and 1% sequentially to $496.9million.  That number represents nearly 70% of Red Hat’s expected 2008revenue.

Unfortunately, no earnings and revenue guidance was offered.  Ithas a conference call at 5:00 PM EST.  Shares closed down 0.3% at$17.90 in after-hours trading and shares are indicated marginallyhigher pre-market.

Jon C. Ogg
September 24, 2008