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 thesis.
What: Shares of Lionbridge Technologies (NASDAQ: LIOX) were roaring today, gaining as much as 34% and finishing up 29% after a strong fourth-quarter earnings report.
So what: The translation specialist said sales and profits hit new records as adjusted earnings reached $0.18 per share, well ahead of estimates of $0.05. Meanwhile, revenue improved 12% to $127.5 million, easily beating expectations of $121.7 million. CEO Rory Cowan noted the company's "strong new business pipeline," and said Lionbridge expected the strong top line growth to continue this year and beyond.
Now what: The market was clearly impressed with Lionbridge's strong earnings beat, which tripled the company's earnings for the year. Despite the impressive quarter, Lionbridge maintained its outlook for the current quarter, saying it expected revenue of $120 million to $123 million, in line with expectations, and top-line growth of 5%-10%, also within the analyst consensus. Companies are often punished for beating earnings and not raising guidance, but the market seems to have enough confidence in Lionbridge's long-term growth to give it the benefit of the doubt. Still, today's jump seems like it may be too aggressive if the improved growth rate only lasts a quarter.
