Health Stocks in Motion

Shares of Taro Pharmaceutical(TARO) were among the worst-performing health-related stocks Thursday, tumbling 33% after the company posted third-quarter results that fell well below Wall Street expectations.

The drugmaker earned $2.1 million, or 7 cents a share, on sales of $72.5 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected earnings of 28 cents a share, with sales of $80.7 million. During last year's third quarter, the company earned $4 million, or 14 cents a share, on sales of $73.3 million. "Our results reflect the competitive nature of the generic drug industry and our continuing investment in the development of proprietary and generic drugs," the company said. Shares were trading down $7.12 to $14.78.

IMS Health(RX) traded actively after the health care information provider's planned acquisition by VNU fell apart. The $7 billion merger, which was announced in July, faced plenty of opposition from VNU shareholders. "Several of VNU's major shareholders have made it clear, for a variety of reasons, they did not want to pursue any large merger at this time," IMS Health said in a statement. "While we regret that the merger with VNU will not happen, our business is strong. We are executing on our strategy, and will continue to look for ways to provide clients with even more comprehensive information and analysis." As a result of the scuttled deal, VNU will reimburse IMS $15 million for costs associated with the merger, and agreed to pay it another $45 million if VNU is acquired during the next 12 months. IMS, meanwhile, has agreed to return the $15 million to VNU if IMS is acquired during the next 12 months.

Separately, IMS announced a stock buyback plan for up to 10 million shares. "With the termination of our proposed merger with VNU, we are able to resume our share repurchase program," IMS said. "Given our current strong cash position, this authorization enables us to accelerate our share repurchase activity and to improve our returns." Including the company's previous buyback plan, which had 4.4 million shares remaining, IMS is currently authorized to buy back as many as 14.4 million shares. Shares were trading up 71 cents, or 3%, to $24.13.