SAN FRANCISCO -- VMware ( VMW ) reported better-than-expected third-quarter results Tuesday, but cautioned that full-year revenue could come at the low end of guidance. Revenue for the leading virtualization software vendor rose 33% to $472.1 million, from $357.8 million for the same quarter of last year. Analysts were looking for a top line of $462.7 million, according to Thomson Reuters. Profit grew 29% to $83.3 million, or 21 cents a share, from $64.7 million, or 18 cents a share, in the year-ago period. Excluding special charges, EPS was 24 cents. Analysts were expecting 20 cents, less items. Deferred revenue catapulted 83% year over year to $780 million. Shares rose $3.89, or 20.8%, to $22.62 in extended trading, after ending the regular session down 9.25%. VMware cautioned that its full-year revenue growth would likely be near the low end of the previously projected range of 42% to 45%, suggesting 2008 total revenue closer to $1.882 billion.