It would be fair to say thatQuindells(LSE: QPP) third-quarter trading update,released earlier this week, failed to impress the market as the companys shares fell more than 10% after the update was published.
Within the update, Quindell reported that for the period revenue jumped 115% to 198m and adjusted earnings increased 141% to 83m. Additionally, the companys adjusted earnings per share rose 54% to 15p. However, Quindell has now cut its revenue guidance for the year by about 10%, from800m-900m, down tobetween 750m and 800m. Still, despite this guidance cut, Quindell reported a strong performance in all areas.
Mixed views
Unfortunately, even though Quindells performance during the third quarter was impressive, managements guidance confused some analysts and investors. Indeed, even though the company cut full-year guidance within its trading statement, Quindells CEO Rob Terry stated alongside the release that:
We continue to deliver as we predicted to the marketIts been the same guidance since when we raised money in November last year.
Further, the company stated that:
[the group] remains confident of meeting all of its FY2014 key performance indicators with these now achievable on revenue of 750m to 800m.
So, for some reason the company does not consider revenue to be a key performance indicator.Sadly, these highly confusing statements made by the company have done nothing to dispel concerns about Quindells business model or future prospects.
Cash generation
Despite the doubts surrounding Quindells numbers, the groups trading statement did clarify one thing and that is the fact that the company is now generating cash. Cash generation has long been a crucial goal for Quindell as the companys lack of cash flowing into the business has been interpreted as a sign of earnings manipulation.
However, with cash flowing into Quindells coffers, the company can really begin to put negative rumours and speculation to rest.
Whats more, management is now seeking what it has called various options to generate shareholder value. In particular, according to the statement released alongside the companys trading statement:
theBoard is also examining various options to generate shareholder value one of whichis the disposal/demerger of assets and strategic investments by third parties.
Quindell has various subsidiaries under its group umbrella, so a spinoff or sale of assets could unlock shareholder value. Its good to see that Quindells board is now looking to create shareholder value. The best management teams always put their shareholders first.
After taking this into account, even though Quindells guidance is mixed, if the company can continue to generate cash and create shareholder value then perhaps the shares could be a good long-term buy.
Up to you
Of course, it remains your decision whether you buy, sell, or hold Quindell. If you’re looking for other opportunities thenanalyst here at the Motley Foolhave identified a sharethat theybelieve has the potential to nearly double profits within the next four years.
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Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.