http://today.reuters.com/news/artic...87_RTRIDST_0_CIRCUITCITY-RESULTS-UPDATE-3.XML
NEW YORK, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Circuit City Stores Inc. (CC.N: Quote, Profile , Research) reported a surprise quarterly loss on Tuesday after it cut prices on hot electronics like flat-panel TVs and computers to lure customers during the holiday shopping season.
The No. 2 U.S. consumer electronics chain, whose results came a week after larger rival Best Buy Co. Inc. (BBY.N: Quote, Profile , Research) posted disappointing earnings, also cut its fiscal-year outlook.
"It's much worse than expected," said Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. analyst Colin McGranahan of the results.
"The gross margin situation is very concerning."
The shares dropped 17 percent in early trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Best Buy fell 3.3 percent to $47.70.
Circuit City, which has been working to turn around its business and regain market share from Best Buy, had a loss of $16 million, or 9 cents per share, for the fiscal third quarter ended Nov. 30 compared with a profit of $10.1 million, or 6 cents per share, a year earlier.