Exodus exceeds 2Q estimates

Exodus Communications (Nasdaq: EXDS) topped the consensus estimate in the second quarter.

After market close Wednesday, the provider of Internet hosting facilities reported a second quarter net loss of $42.5 million, or 10 cents per share, not counting amortization. First Call's survey of 34 analysts predicted a loss of 12 cents per share.

Shares of Exodus rose to 52 11/16 in afterhours activity on the Island electronic communications network, following the quarterly report. Exodus stock closed Wednesday's regular trading at 50 13/16, down 9/16 for the session.

Including goodwill writedowns, Exodus recorded a second quarter loss of $51.3 million, or 12 cents per share.

Second quarter revenue increased to $179.6 million, a 34 percent gain from the first quarter and a 321 percent improvement from year-over-year. Average revenue per customer rose to $259,000 from $220,000.

Exodus saw a second quarter profit of $8.6 million, before interest costs, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. That represents a gain of almost 406 percent.

The company ended the quarter with 3,333 customers for its Internet data centers. Exodus' backlog now includes $877 million of business, on an annualized basis, said Ellen Hancock, chairman and CEO.>