Ask Jeeves Posts Smaller Loss

Ask Jeeves Inc. reported a smaller-than-expected loss for the first quarter and said it will fire 75 workers, or 15% of its work force, because of expiring advertising contracts. The Internet search service also named as chief executive George Battle, who has served as interim CEO since former Chief Executive Robert Wrubel stepped down in December to become an executive vice president. Ask Jeeves said its first-quarter operating loss narrowed to $14.4 million, or 40 cents a share, from $18.8 million, or 59 cents, a year earlier. Analysts on average were expecting 52 cents. Revenue rose 7% to $19.1 million. The Emeryville, Calif.-based company also said it expects a second-quarter loss of 33 cents, better than the 40-cent consensus forecast. The shares of Ask Jeeves closed up 13 cents at $2.14 on Nasdaq.