Should You Buy It? Maximus to the Max

Some investors who were hoping for a sale of Maximus(MMS Quote) recently may end up pleased the consulting company didn't go that route.

Maximus, which said Nov. 14 that it had completed a four-month strategic review with UBS as an adviser, originally considered selling some or all of its assets. But it ultimately decided to undertake a $150 million accelerated share-repurchase program, which is expected to add about 25 cents a share to annual earnings.

In addition to the repurchase, the company announced it will consider strategic alternatives for its non-core IT services and consulting divisions while maintaining its operations segment, the fastest-growing business. This division outsources services to government agencies in health and human services programs and generates about two-thirds of total revenue. ...