Toronto-based specialty programmer and film distributor Alliance Atlantis Communications Inc. went from a net profit to a net loss during the final quarter of its 2006 fiscal year, which ended on December 31. The company lost $16.6 million in the three-month period, compared to a $24.8-million profit for the same quarter in 2005 – that reversal caused a drop in Alliance Atlantis’ year-end results as well, with net profit falling from $70.9 million in 2005 to $48.6 million last year. The forensic crime series CSI in all its iterations remained a strong driver of the company’s revenue, with the franchise’s direct profit – calculated as revenue less direct operating expenses – weighing at $32.6 million for the fourth quarter and $162.6 million for the year, increases of 9% and 45% respectively.

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