Heckmann Shares Plunged: What You Need to Know

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 shale solution provider Heckmann (NYS: HEK) fell 10% today after releasing earnings and announcing an acquisition.

So what: Revenue grew nearly fivefold to $51.7 million in the quarter, but the company lost $2.5 million, or $0.02 per share. The company also announced the $245 million acquisition of Thermo Fluids, a company that recycles used oil.

Now what: The company has been affected by a slowdown in the Haynesville Shale and the overall slowdown in natural gas drilling. At this point, the company is shifting assets to more profitable shale plays. Thermo Fluids is an awful big company for Heckmann to swallow, and until I see more substantial profits, this is a stock I'm going to stay away from.

Interested in more info on Heckmann? Add it to your watchlist byclicking here.

At the time thisarticle was published Fool contributor Travis Hoium does not have a position in any company mentioned. You can follow Travis on Twitter at @FlushDrawFool, check out his personal stock holdings or follow his CAPS picks at TMFFlushDraw.Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. 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.

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