Health and Healthcare

The Worst May Not Be Over For MedCath (MDTH)

MedCath Corp. (NASDAQ: MDTH) took a particularly brutal beating at the end of last week after posting disappointing results. The stock fell nearly 50% on Friday to $7.55, a 52-week low against a period high of $27.  We covered this stock this weekend in our weekly "Under $10 Stocks" newsletter that went out Sunday night, and a brief synopsis has been provided below:

The firm which provides products for diagnosis and treatment ofcardiovascular disease posted a revenue increase of 4.0% to $150.9million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 from $145.1 million in thefourth quarter of fiscal 2007. Income from continuing operations was$0.4 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter offiscal 2008 compared to $2.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, inthe fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

Aside from weak results, the market was upset by a $160 million loan facilitywhich the company took on. It has as security a lien on the assets ofMedCath and its wholly owned subsidiaries. MDTH also said it wouldsuspend guidance due to difficult conditions in the overall medicalindustry. MedCath has long-term debt of $116 million, which is inexcess of its cash position of $94 million.

Spending on high-end medical procedures and equipment is bound to be hit by the recession. MDTH has a rough road ahead.

From the $7.71 close Friday, we expect the shares to go lower.

Douglas A. McIntyre
November 17, 2008

Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)

Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.

Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future

Get started right here.

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