Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. (MDRX) confirmed it is evaluating its strategic alternatives as the struggling provider of electronic health records reported third-quarter earnings fell 51% amid weaker margins and asset write-downs.

Allscripts has been looking to be taken private after an earlier board shakeup and legal squabbles. The company on Thursday didn't provide further details and said it doesn't plan to comment further unless its board approves a specific transaction.

Allscripts withdrew its 2012 guidance in light of its decision to explore its options.

The company has struggled recently with uneven results, which it has attributed to customers delaying product extensions, along with other factors.

Allscripts has been aiming to broadly launch during the current quarter an overhauled data-exchange tool, along with upgrades for important inpatient and outpatient systems.

Chief Executive Glen Tullman said, "While market uncertainty impacted our sales in the third quarter, we are pleased with our progress regarding important development initiatives."

Allscripts reported a profit of $9.4 million , or five cents a share, down from $19.1 million , or 10 cents a share, a year earlier. The latest period included a $16 million tax benefit. Excluding asset write-downs, deferred revenue adjustments and other items, earnings were down at 23 cents from 24 cents. Revenue decreased 0.8% to $360.7 million.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters most recently projected earnings of 22 cents on revenue of $377 million.

Gross margin fell to 43.5% from 44.5%.

Bookings were down 39% at 161.9 million.

Shares closed Thursday at $12.26 and were halted in after-hours trading. The stock is down 35% this year.

Write to Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@dowjones.com

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