WATERLOO, Canada - Research in Motion (RIM) just announced its fiscal third-quarter earnings and performance results. In a relatively negative economy, RIM has done a great job.

Reported revenue of US$3.92bn, up 11% from US$3.53bn last quarter, and up 41% from US$2.78bn in the same quarter last year. During this quarter RIM shipped 10.1 million devices, including its 75 millionth BlackBerry.

The manufacturer reports that 4.4m net new BlackBerry subscriber accounts were added in the quarter bringing the total subscriber base to approximately 36 million. Jim Balsilie is quoted as saying "we are pleased to report record shipments of more than 10 million BlackBerry smartphones during the third-quarter with higher-than-expected revenue, earnings and subscriber growth”. He went on to say that the holiday season got off to a great start and that the Q4 outlook is very strong based on good diversification in the product portfolio and the expansion efforts into new markets.

Earnings were very good as well; net income was US$1.10 per share, compared to US$0.83 in Q2, and US$0.69 in Q3 of last year.

RIM is projecting a very strong Q4, with around US$4.3B in revenue, 43.5% gross margin, and 4.5m new subscribers. The company is in a strong cash position with over US$2bn in cash or cash equivalents.

Overall, a strong report from a company that is doing very well in today’s business environment.