Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Why Medidata Solutions Inc. Shares Soared Higher Today

By Todd Campbell – Apr 23, 2015 at 6:20PM

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Robust revenue and EPS helped propel Medidata Solutions Inc. shares higher today.

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 in Medidata Solutions (MDSO) surged higher by 20% after the company reported sales and earnings per share that outpaced analysts expectations.

So What: The healthcare IT maker reported that first quarter sales grew 20.6% to $92.44 million. That was $1.39 million better than Wall Street analysts were forecasting. Medidata Solutions also announced that its first quarter EPS totaled $0.17, which was $0.03 better than analysts estimates and $0.06 better than a year ago.

The company's strength came thanks to the addition of a record 39 new customers in the quarter. Medidata Solutions' subscription backlog of business also improved by 19% year-over-year to $229 million.

Now What: Clearly, the company's software, which is used to efficiently run clinical drug trials, is resonating with drugmakers. Overall, more than 500 drug and biotechnology companies are relying on Medidata Solutions' cloud-based software and analytics to cut down development timelines and save money.

As a result, Medidata Solutions expects that its full year revenue will grow by between 17% and 23% to a range of $392 million to $412 million and that its non-GAAP net income will reach between $90 million and $96 million. For comparison, non-GAAP operating income totaled $74.2 million last year.

In addition to the company's compelling results and forecast, investors should also know that Medidata Solutions' balance sheet appears to be in good shape, too.

Medidata Solutions exited the first quarter with $465.8 million in cash and cash-like securities, up $62.3 million year-over-year, and a current ratio, which measures the ability of a company to pay off its short term financial obligations, that is a rock-solid 3.77.

Since drug development is expensive and time-consuming and more drugs are in development now than a decade ago, demand for Medidata Solutions' products should remain strong, and that could mean that this company is an intriguing investment.

Todd Campbell has no position in any stocks mentioned. Todd owns E.B. Capital Markets, LLC. E.B. Capital's clients may or may not have positions in the companies mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.