UPDATE 2-Eclipsys gives Q1 outlook below analysts' view
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Feb 13 (Reuters) - Eclipsys Corp. (ECLP.O) posted higher fourth-quarter profit before items that beat analysts' estimates, but forecast first-quarter results below Wall Street view.
The health information technology company also began a voluntary probe into stock options granted between 1998 and 2001, it said in a statement.
In a conference call with analysts, the company said it expects earnings of about 9 cents to 12 cents a share for first quarter and revenue in-line with the $108.6 million it reported for the third quarter of 2006.
Analysts were expecting the company to earn 16 cents a share before items, on revenue of $112.2 million for the first quarter, according to Reuters Estimates.
Eclipsys said it expects a sequential fall in first-quarter revenue and earnings mainly due to lower software license and professional services revenue, and higher payroll taxes.
However, Eclipsys said revenue and earnings would gradually rise through the year.
For 2007, Eclipsys forecast earnings of 74 cents to 84 cents a share, excluding stock-option expenses, and revenue of $470 million to $485 million.
Analysts were looking for earnings of 82 cents before items, and revenue of $478.5 million for the year.
The company said fourth-quarter earnings rose to 26 cents a share before stock-option expenses, up from 10 cents a year ago, helped by the addition of new customers.
Revenue came in at $115.9 million, up from $105.1 million in the prior-year period.
Analysts were expecting earnings of 22 cents a share before items, on revenue of $115.2 million, for the fourth quarter.
Including items and stock-option expenses, earnings fell to 7 cents a share from 10 cents a year ago. (Reporting by Kuncheria Cholemkeril in Bangalore)
