Why Brooks Automation's Shares Plunged

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 technology equipment maker Brooks Automation (NAS: BRKS) saw its shares dive 14% today after the company released earnings.

So what: Revenue fell 25% in the fiscal third quarter to $140.4 million and net income dropped from $66.9 million a year ago to $8.0 million, or $0.12 per share. Revenue was short of estimates and on an adjusted basis earnings per share of $0.14 were $0.05 below expectations.

Now what: The business is dealing with a challenging environment, but it still didn't live up to its own low expectations. With sales falling as much as they did, and the company's profitability well short of expectations, I'd wait for some positive momentum before jumping in. The company does have over $200 million in cash and no debt, so the balance sheet is strong, yet I would just like to see better earnings before buying in.

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The article Why Brooks Automation's Shares Plunged originally appeared on Fool.com.

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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