Outpost.com tops 2Q estimates

Outpost.com (Nasdaq: COOL) topped analyst estimates in the second quarter and predicted better-than-expected results for the full year.

After market close Thursday, the online retailer of technology products reported a fiscal second quarter net loss of $6.7 million, or 23 cents per share. First Call's survey of five analysts predicted a loss of 26 cents per share for the quarter ended Aug. 31.

Shares of Outpost.com traded at 4.375 in afterhours activity on the Island electronic communications network, immediately following the release of quarterly results. That was unchanged from Outpost.com's price at the close of regular trading Thursday.

Full fiscal year results should "significantly" exceed consensus forecasts, said Bob Bowman, president and CEO. First Call currently predicts a loss of 98 cents per share for fiscal 2001.

Bowman reiterated his previously-stated prediction of profitability in calendar 2001. Analysts currently net earnings for Outpost.com in fiscal 2002's fourth fiscal quarter, which ends in February of calendar 2002.

Second quarter revenue increased 97 percent year-over-year to $72.3 million. Gross margin rose 14.1 percent from 11.5 percent a year earlier.

The company ended the second quarter with 850,000 customers. Repeat buyers generated 59 percent of sales, compared to 50 percent a year ago.>