AOL increases revenue for the first time in eight years

AOL has reported its first year-on-year quarterly revenue increase in eight years.

According to Tom’s Hardware, the company posted revenues of $US599 million for the fourth quarter of 2012, up 4% from $US576 million for the same quarter a year earlier.

AOL cites sales from its global advertising (up 13% from 2011), ad revenue from third-party networks (up 31%) and search revenue (up 17%) as key reasons for the growth, despite a 10% fall in subscription sales.

The company has in recent years made a transition from being a dial-up internet service provider to being an online media company, with its stable of websites now including TechCrunch, The Huffington Post and Engadget.

“AOL returned to growth and generated significant value for shareholders in 2012,” says AOL chief executive Tim Armstrong.

“AOL has strong momentum entering 2013 and is positioned to continue on our growth path by executing our strategy to build the next generation media and technology company.”