Why OPNET Technologies Skyrocketed

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 software maker OPNET Technologies (NAS: OPNT) have skyrocketed today by as much as 28% after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings.

So what: OPNET posted preliminary figures a month ago, causing shares to plunge, and the official results came in at the high end of what was expected. Revenue was $44.6 million while non-GAAP EPS was $0.21. OPNET also increased its June dividend to $0.15 per share.

Now what: Investors are also probably relieved that CEO Marc Cohen said the $2.4 million in delayed purchase deals that were mentioned last time have now been closed, taking that uncertainty out of the equation. The company also offered first-quarter outlook, with sales expected from $42.5 million to $45 million and adjusted earnings per share in the range of $0.16 to $0.23. That's mostly in line with the $43.7 million in sales and $0.21 per-share profit that the Street is looking for.

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At the time thisarticle was published Fool contributor Evan Niu holds no position in any company mentioned. Click here to see his holdings and a short bio. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.

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