Health and Healthcare

WebMD Prescribes Higher Revenue and Profits

health care
Source: Thinkstock
Health information website WebMD Health Corp. (NASDAQ: WBMD) this morning raised its second-quarter estimates for revenues and profits, citing higher demand for its advertising and sponsorships, especially from biopharmaceutical companies. The company also boosted its full fiscal year guidance.

For the second quarter, WebMD now expects revenues of $124 million to $125 million, up 10% from previous guidance of $115 million. Adjusted EBITDA guidance was raised to $29 million, and net income is expected to reach $0.05 per share. The current consensus estimate calls for break-even earnings per share (EPS) in the second quarter.

For the full year, WebMD now estimates revenues at $485 million to $505 million, up from previous guidance of $450 million to $470 million. The company’s estimate for adjusted EBITDA has been lifted from a range of $75 million to $88 million to a new range of $100 million to $110 million. Net income, which actually had been forecast as a net loss, is now expected to total $3 million to $11 million. Based on 49.1 million shares outstanding, that works out to EPS of around $0.06 to $0.22. The consensus estimate called for a net loss of $0.02 per share for the year.

Over the past year, WebMD’s stock has risen by 32% to around $30 a share. Unfortunately, at its peak the share price was near $60 a share.

Today’s announcement has lifted the stock by 15% in premarket trading, to $31.00 in a 52-week range of $13.13 to $31.63. A new yearly high is certainly possible when trading begins.

Sponsored: Attention Savvy Investors: Speak to 3 Financial Experts – FREE

Ever wanted an extra set of eyes on an investment you’re considering? Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply
clicking here
you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help guide you through the financial decisions you’re making. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.


Click here
to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.