Arkansas Business

Acxiom Corp. of Little Rock on Wednesday reported second-quarter earnings down 7 percent and revenue up 3 percent.

The data services company (Nasdaq: ACXM) reported $12.3 million in second-quarter net earnings attributable to Acxiom, down from $13.3 million during the same quarter last year.

The company reported earnings per share of 16 cents, the same as in the second quarter last year.

Revenue reached $300.0 million, up from $291.7 million during the same quarter last year.

On average, analysts had predicted revenue of $300.6 million and earnings per share of 17 cents.

"The second quarter was in line with expectations and demonstrates Acxiom's continuing role as a strong technology and strategic partner for our clients," Scott Howe, Acxiom CEO and president, said in a news release.

"It also indicates we're practicing good financial stewardship, which helps fuel our continuing innovation. Accelerating top-line growth and margins must be a focus of our future efforts."

During the quarter, the company saw revenue increases in at least two divisions: Information Services revenue rose 2 percent to $230.7 million, and Information Products rose 5 percent to $69.4 million. The company also repaid $75 million in debt due March 15, 2015.

In a conference call after the earnings release, Howe was upbeat about the company's future.

"Since I was introduced to all of you several months ago, my optimism has increased significantly," he said, citing recognitions of company employees and new agreements with clients in several markets.

Howe also reported that the company is still searching for a CFO. Former CFO Christopher Wolf announced his resignation earlier this year.

"We've set the bar high," Howe said. "We're interviewing for an individual who will thrive in the public company spotlight."

Howe said Acxiom has hired an executive recruiting firm to find the new executive, but did not have anything further to report in the search.

"Until the CFO position is filled, I will be working directly and closely with our financial team," he said.

Shares of Acxiom were trading up about 3.6 percent after the earnings release on Wednesday.