Today's Health Winners and Losers

Shares of LifeCell(LIFC Quote) were among the best-performing health-related stocks Wednesday, jumping 16% after the company posted higher-than-expected first-quarter results and raised its full-year guidance.

The company, which develops products made from human tissue for use in surgical procedures, earned $4.1 million, or 12 cents a share, on total revenue of $30.7 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected earnings of 9 cents a share and revenue of $29.5 million. During the year-earlier quarter, the company earned $2.1 million, or 7 cents a share, on revenue of $19.9 million.

LifeCell now sees 2006 earnings of 50 cents to 56 cents a share, up from an earlier view of 42 cents to 46 cents a share. The projection includes stock-based compensation costs of 17 cents a share. Analysts project earnings of 45 cents a share, including the stock-based compensation costs. LifeCell boosted its full-year product revenue projection to $130 million to $138 million from an earlier forecast of $124 million to $130 million. Analysts project revenue of $130.1 million. Shares were trading up $3.71 to $27.03.

AmSurg(AMSG Quote) shares advanced 11% after the operator of surgery centers posted in-line first-quarter earnings and better-than-expected revenue. The company earned $8.7 million, or 29 cents a share, on revenue of $113.6 million. Analysts expected earnings of 29 cents a share, with revenue of $107.6 million. During the year-earlier period, the company earned $8.8 million, or 29 cents a share, on revenue of $91.3 million.

For 2006, AmSurg continues to project revenue of $445 million to $465 million, bracketing analysts' mean estimate of $452.9 million. Same-center revenue is expected to grow 3% to 4%. The company predicts earnings of $1.22 to $1.25 a share, in line with Wall Street's forecast of $1.23. Shares were up $2.65 to $26.80.

Shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals(VRTX Quote) slid 7% after the company posted mixed first-quarter results and reaffirmed its 2006 guidance. The company reported a loss of $50.1 million, or 47 cents a share, on revenue of $39.1 million. Excluding items, the company posted a loss of $42.2 million, or 39 cents a share. Analysts expected a loss of 56 cents a share on revenue of $41.1 million. During the year-earlier period, the company recorded an adjusted loss of $41.8 million, or 53 cents a share, on revenue of $28.6 million.