Thermo Fisher Grows On New Buyouts Amid Tough Competition

On Feb 2, we issued an updated research report on Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (NYSE:TMO) , a leading scientific instrument maker. The stock has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Thermo Fisher ended the fourth quarter on a promising note with both adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. We are encouraged by the company’s solid international performance with strong year-over-year growth in the Asia-Pacific and the emerging markets like China, South Korea and the Middle East.

Also, a series of product launches along with major progress in precision medicine initiatives has benefited the company’s performance. Thermo Fisher’s acquisition of FEI Company has already started to boost its analytical instruments portfolio.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc Price

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc Price | Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc Quote

Also in 2017, the company deployed $7.8 billion on strategic acquisitions, adding leading biopharma contract development and manufacturing services through Patheon. Significantly, enhancing the company’s value proposition for biopharma customers, Patheon has started to contribute to the company’s laboratory products and the services segment.

Additional good news is that Thermo Fisher has a strong cash balance enabling it to provide solid returns to investors.

Over the past three months, Thermo Fisher has successfully traded above the broader industry. The stock has rallied 17.2%, surpassing the broader industry’s 13.5% gain in the period.

The promising 2018 guidance is all the more encouraging indicating that this overall bullish trend will continue throughout the year ahead.

Last quarter, the company’s business segments were impacted by strategic investments and an unfavorable business mix. Also, competitive headwinds and rising operating costs persistently pose a threat. This apart, Thermo Fisher derives majority of its revenues from the international market, which exposes it to foreign currency fluctuations.

Key Picks

Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Abiomed (NASDAQ:ABMD) , athenahealth (NASDAQ:ATHN) and Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Abiomed has an expected long-term growth rate of 31.5%. The stock has soared 61.8% over the last six months, ahead of the broader industry’s performance.

athenahealth has a projected long-term growth rate of 22.3%. The stock has climbed 11.8% over the last three months, above the industry’s gain.

Cardinal Health has an expected long-term growth rate of 8.5%. Last month, the stock has gained 3.4%, higher than the industry’s rise.

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