For the most part, the market will penalize a company that withdraws guidance no matter the circumstances. Thus, there is an opportunity to buy shares of companies that sell-off shortly after announcing a withdrawal of guidance.

Today's poster child for this phenomenon is Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN).

Before the market opened Monday, the large staffing company withdrew its guidance. Such news should come as no surprise, as the temp-agency was sure to struggle as companies across the spectrum cut employment costs.

What is troubling, though, is when management lacks an understanding of performance in the short run. I just find that simply amazing given the amount of information and statistical modeling that can be done with respect to forecasting.

Anyway, shares of Manpower sold off on the news. Obviously, other investors share my audacity of lacking short-term vision.

That said, the sell-off in Manpower may provide an opportunity for longer term investors.

Prior to this economic downturn, Manpower was delivering steady profits. No matter what the results in the short term, this is a company that has the ability to deliver the goods in normal economic circumstances.

And before this news, Manpower had enjoyed a 45% gain in share price since the bottom in late November.

Investors had been encouraged that the economy would be strengthened by a series of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Now it would appear that that enthusiasm might have been premature. Withdrawing guidance is indeed troubling, but in this case, I would not be worried.

Manpower has a good balance sheet and the historical ability of growing earnings.

Combined that may be positive for owners of its shares. I would use the sell-off as an opportunity to acquire shares.

Jamie Dlugosch is a contributor to InvestorPlace.com.