Neustar Q4 Results Top Estimates, Issues Annual EPS Outlook Below View

(RTTNews) - Neustar, Inc. (NSR), a neutral provider of real-time information services and analytics, Wednesday reported fourth-quarter results that topped estimates. However, the company guided full year earnings below Street view. The shares plunged over 23 percent in the extended trade.

Net income grew to $38.1 million or $0.59 per share from $37.8 million or $0.56 per share.

Adjusted net income was $0.94 per share, while it totaled $0.75 per share last year. On average, 10 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected earnings of $0.86 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Revenue increased 11 percent to $237.64 million from $214.17 million in the prior year, due to stronger demand for Marketing Services and Data Services and an increase in NPAC fixed-fee revenue in Data Registries. Wall Street expected revenues of $233.93 million.

Lisa Hook, CEO, said, ''We made significant progress on our 2013 priorities. We delivered strong financial results, made investments to further our strategic objectives and aligned our organization to be client focused."

Excluding the impact of contemplated share repurchases, for 2014, the firm expects adjusted net income per share to range from $3.64 to $3.80. Revenue is estimated to range from $945 million to $970 million.

Analysts look for earnings of $3.82 per share on revenues of $968.37 million.

The company also announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program for up to $200 million of its Class A common shares beginning January 30 through December 31.

NSR closed down 1.6 percent on Wednesday at $43.75 and declined 23.45 percent in the extended trade.