Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Fluidigm (FLDM -0.79%), a manufacturer of microfluidic systems for the biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic research sectors, shot higher by as much as 14% after reporting its first-quarter-earnings results.
So what: For the quarter, Fluidigm reported a 33% increase in revenue to $14.5 million as its net loss per share shrank to $0.14 -- $0.02 narrower than the Street had been forecasting. Instrument revenue grew 34% due to increased sales of its C1 Single-Cell Auto Prep System, while consumables revenue rose 31%. Looking ahead, Fluidigm is maintaining its forecast for 22%-26% revenue growth and anticipates breaking even on an EBITDA basis when quarterly revenue hits $20 million.
Now what: I definitely feel research tool suppliers to the pharmaceutical and biotech sector are going to see a boom in business over the coming decade as the medical needs of an aging population dramatically increase. However, with Fluidigm still burning through cash, it could be another two years before it turns a quarterly profit. As such, I can't exactly get too excited following today's double-digit pop. Show me the money Fluidigm, and I'll show you some enthusiasm!
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