America Online (AOL), the world's largest online service, yesterday reported net earnings of $224 million in the second quarter of its 2000 fiscal year, up from $86 million in the same period a year earlier.

Earnings per share came to nine cents, beating Wall Street expectations by one cent.

Taking account of special items, AOL's net profit was $271 million, or 10 cents per share, against $115 million dollars (five cents per share) in 1999.

"This is a momentous time for America Online, as we're announcing the strongest results in our company's history," said AOL chairman Steve Case.