Ask Jeeves Getting the Respect

Ask Jeeves (ASKJ Quote) reported revenue and earnings above expectations, and raised forecasts.

For the third quarter ended Sept. 30, the Internet search firm reported revenue of $27.2 million, up from $15.9 million in the third quarter of 2002. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had forecast revenue of $25.5 million. Revenue, which the company had forecast to be modestly down from the second-quarter figure, was actually up 6%.

Pro forma income from continuing operations -- excluding various expenses and charges -- amounted to $5.1 million, or 9 cents per share, compared with a loss of $1.7 million, or 4 cents per share, one year earlier. Analysts had been expecting a 7-cent gain. ...