Weight management specialist NutriSystem Inc. (NTRI) late Monday posted worse-than-expected fourth quarter earnings results and provided a 2012 forecast that would badly miss Wall Street expectations.

The Fort Washington, PA-based company reported a fourth quarter net loss of $1.2 million, or 4 cents per share, compared with a net profit of $7.1 million, or 25 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Revenue fell 24% from last year to $66.9 million.

On average, Wall Street analysts expected a smaller loss of 2 cents per share, albeit on lower revenue of $65.3 million.

Looking ahead, NTRI said it expects full-year 2012 earnings to range from 45 to 55 cents per share, while analysts are looking for a much-higher 92 cents per share for the year.

NutriSystem shares plunged $1.51, or -12.7%, in premarket trading Tuesday.

The Bottom Line
Shares of Nutrisystem (NTRI) have a 5.89% dividend yield, based on last night’s closing stock price of $11.88. The stock has technical support in the $10 price area. If the shares can firm up, we see overhead resistance around the $13-$14 price levels.

NutriSystem Inc. (NTRI) is not recommended at this time, holding a Dividend.com DARS™ Rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars.

Be sure to visit our complete recommended list of the Best Dividend Stocks, as well as a detailed explanation of our ratings system here.