Friday December 21 2007 - In the News The Financial Post reports in its Friday edition that Research in Motion more than doubled its profit in its third quarter, but a slowdown in subscriber growth may indicate the BlackBerry maker is beginning to see competition in the smartphone market. The Post's David George-Cosh writes that in its fiscal 2008 third quarter, RIM earned $370.5-million, or 65 a share, up from $175.2-million (31 cents) in the same period a year earlier (all figures U.S.). The company recorded revenue of $1.67-billion, up 100 per cent from $835.1-million in the same quarter of last year. However, only 1.65 million accounts were added in the quarter to give RIM a subscriber base of 12 million. In a research note, Raymond James analyst Sera Kim estimated the company would post 1.7 million new users, down from a more optimistic prediction. The company shipped 3.9 million handsets, in line with analyst expectations. Canaccord Adams analyst Peter Misek said he is not fazed by the lower-than-expected subscription numbers and attributes it to the holiday season as well as customers eschewing the BlackBerry's e-mail capabilities. Mr. Misek rates the company's stock as a "buy" with a $145 price target.