MUMBAI: Facebook reported a net loss of $157 million for the second quarter ended 30 June against a net profit of $240 million a year earlier.

Facebook?s revenue for the second quarter totaled $1.18 billion, up 32 per cent from $895 million in the second quarter of 2011. Its advertising revenue was $992 million, representing 84 per cent of total revenue and a 28 per cent increase from the same quarter last year. Payments and other fees revenue for the second quarter was $192 million.

The US-based company said its costs and expenses were $1.93 billion, an increase of 295 per cent from the second quarter of 2011, driven primarily by share-based compensation expense.

The loss from operations was $743 million in the second quarter, against income from operations of $407 million a year earlier.

Capital expenditures for the quarter were $413 million, a 213 per cent year-on-year increase. Additionally, $52 million of equipment was procured or financed through capital leases during the second quarter of 2012.

Cash and marketable securities grew to $10.2 billion, which includes $6.8 billion in net proceeds from our initial public offering.

"Our goal is to help every person stay connected and every product they use be a great social experience. That?s why we?re so focused on investing in our priorities of mobile, platform and social ads to help people have these experiences with their friends," said Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Facebook?s Monthly active users (MAUs) were 955 million as of June 30, 2012, an increase of 29 per cent year-over-year. Daily active users (DAUs) were 552 million on average while Mobile MAUs were 543 million.

During the quarter, Facebook rolled out a new Facebook Camera app for iPhone, an improved version of the mobile messenger app for both iOS and Android, and several updates to the Facebook Android app.

The social networking major also launched global App Center where users can discover relevant apps for mobile and web. Apple announced plans for a deep Facebook integration throughout the next version of Apple?s iOS and OSX.

The company rolled out sponsored stories in News Feed and enabled advertisers to buy sponsored stories in mobile News Feed. Facebook now has independent ROI data from more than 60 advertising campaigns using a variety of third-party methodologies like panels and marketing mix models.

MUMBAI: US non fiction media company Discovery Communications announced today that Planet Green will turn red, white, and blue when it is renamed ?Destination America? on 28 May.

Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer season, ?Destination America? will be the first network to celebrate the people, places, and stories of the United States, emblazoned with the grit and tenacity, honesty and work ethic, humour and adventurousness that characterise the nation.

The inclusive network, targeting adults 25-54, will be available in 59.5 million homes and feature original series covering such diverse subjects as American food from Tex Mex to barbeque; American mysteries from Jesse James? lost fortune to Area 51; America?s heroes from those who embody the values of the past to
those who invent the technology of the future; as well as never-before-seen footage of America?s iconic landmarks, including Yellowstone National Park and the Everglade swamps.

On Destination America, barbeque isn?t just good cooking but an expression of that country?s roots. A job is never just a job - it?s our ingenuity made real. Places like Alaska are more than untamed beauty - they?re a living symbol of our need to press ahead and walk where no one has tread before.

Destination America president, GM Henry Schleiff said, "Americans may be divided by politics, but we are united by our love of country. As a network inclusive to all, Destination America will celebrate this connective spirit by curating the common ground among us: the pluck of the worn saddle, the promise of exploring new territory, and the diversity that has made this nation great."

With a 360-degree experience that spans across digital platforms and social media sites, the company will also launch an original iPhone App, allowing consumers to share favourite destinations and themes across America. Users can browse images by location or in diverse categories ranging from beautiful to nostalgic to restaurants, mountains and more. And for those seeking inspiration, "Only In America" will feature Top 10 activities and suggestions ranging from majestic National Parks to hilarious road signs, food sculptures to outrageous hobbies, patriotic pets to hairstyles.

Destination America senior VP of content strategy Marc Etkind Said, "Our research, coupled with my own experience developing shows about America over the last 20 years, has shown that viewers have a huge appetite for content focused on our unique culture and spirit. By collecting the very best of travel, adventure, food, home, and natural history into one brand, we?re excited to create a new lifestyle destination for programming that Americans love."