Autobytel Expects to Top Analysts’ Forecasts

Autobytel.com said Thursday that its financial results should exceed analysts’ expectations.

The Irvine online auto seller said it expects to report losses of 43 cents to 45 cents a share on revenue of $14.5 million to $15 million. Analysts were expecting a loss of 48 cents a share on revenue of $13.4 million, the company said.

The company said marketing and sales expenses for the quarter were lower than expected.

The results will include revenue and expenses from CarSmart.com, which Autobytel acquired Feb. 15.

Autobytel lost 68 cents a share in the first quarter last year on revenue of $8 million.

The company plans to report first quarter results April 27.

The projections were reported after the close of U.S. markets. Autobytel stock closed at $7.63, up 25 cents, in Nasdaq trading.