The stock market finished strong on Wednesday, cutting some of its losses in what was still a horrible month of October. Despite seeing major benchmarks post their worst monthly showing in years, many investors remain optimistic about the prospects for continued economic growth in the U.S., and earnings results added another positive for many companies. Elsewhere, though, bad news hit individual stocks hard, and McDermott International (MDR), 3D Systems (DDD), and Shutterfly (SFLY) were among the worst performers on the day. Here's why they did so poorly.
McDermott loses its energy
Shares of McDermott International plummeted 40% after the company's third-quarter financial results disappointed investors. Revenue more than doubled from year-earlier figures thanks to the acquisition of Chicago Bridge & Iron, but net income was just barely above breakeven, and adjusted earnings of $0.20 per share was down 80% from the third quarter of 2017. McDermott also plans to sell off its storage tank and pipe fabrication businesses in an effort to refocus on core priorities, but stock analysts were quick to express concerns about the company's strategic direction, including KeyBanc Capital's downgrade of the stock from overweight to sector weight. With extensive charges related to key liquefied natural gas projects, McDermott still has a lot to do in order to get itself moving in the right direction.
Image source: McDermott International.
3D Systems deals with disappointment
3D Systems stock dropped 29% in the wake of the 3D printing specialist's third-quarter report. The maker of 3D printers managed to produce revenue growth of 8% and turn things around from a year-earlier loss, eking out a small profit on an adjusted basis. Yet investors were still impatient with the pace of the recovery effort, and even those who've stuck with the company over the long run aren't certain that 3D Systems' strategic vision for a more fertile environment in the additive-materials space is really likely to pan out as well as CEO Vyomesh Joshi hopes. At this point, many shareholders will be cautiously skeptical until 3D Systems proves that it's turned itself around for good.
Shutterfly limps toward the holiday season
Finally, shares of Shutterfly fell 17%. The retailer of personal photographic products and services said that its consumer segment suffered a 6% drop in revenue in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the year-earlier period, and net losses amounted to $74 million. Shutterfly also cut its guidance for the key fourth quarter, including a 1.5% drop in net revenue and a $0.53-per-share reduction in earnings expectations, setting new guidance for $5.36 per share. Given how much business Shutterfly does in producing holiday cards and other items for the season, the guidance shows a true lack of confidence for the photo specialist going into its most important time of year.
