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 medical information company HMS Holdings (HMSY) plummeted 23% today, after its quarterly results and guidance missed Wall Street expectations.
So what: HMS' third-quarter results -- EPS of $0.12 on revenue of $113.2 million versus the consensus of $0.15 and $123.2 million -- and 2013 guidance were so disappointing, that analysts have no choice but to lower their growth estimates, yet again. Ongoing problems with its Medicaid program, and rapidly rising operating costs, continue to weigh heavily on the company, leaving investors little hope for a near-term turnaround.
Now what: Management now sees 2013 adjusted EPS of $0.95-$1.02 on revenue of $570 million-$600 million, below the average analyst estimate of $1.10 and $606 million. CEO Bill Lucia reassured investors:
We continue to lay the groundwork for growth in 2013 and beyond. We are focused on implementing numerous Medicaid RACs, continuing to deliver a high level of Medicare RAC performance, preparing for the Medicare coordination of benefits contract award that was recently announced, bringing innovative eligibility verification solutions to state agencies, and increasing our presence in the commercial market.
With the stock hitting a new 52-week low today, now might even be a good time to bet on the success of those long-term objectives.
Interested in more info on HMS? Add it to your watchlist.
