Apria Stock Dips 16%

COSTA MESA — Apria Healthcare Group Inc. stock fell 16% Wednesday, a day after the company announced that it will post lower-than-expected earnings for the third quarter and the year. Shares of the company, which provides medical services and equipment to patients at home, fell $3.375 to $17.375, a 52-week low.

The company attributed the slower growth this year to difficulties converting its computer system after Apria was created last summer through the merger of Orange County-based Homedco Group Inc. and Abbey Healthcare Group Inc.