Network Associates Is Back In The BlackNetwork Associates Is Back In The Black

Security software firm Network Associates says strong anti-virus sales are a key reason it posted a first-quarter profit, compared with a year-ago loss.

The company, known for its McAfee anti-virus software as well as its network and application lines of intrusion prevention software, reported net income of $56 million, or 32 cents per share, for the quarter ending March 31. For the same period last year, Network Associates reported a net loss of $3.7 million, or 2 cents a share.

Total revenue for the quarter was $217 million, compared with about $215 million last year.

The company said last week that it will change its name to McAfee Inc. and sell its Sniffer network and application performance division for $275 million.