Stifel has reiterated a Hold rating on DENTSPLY SIRONA shares (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:XRAY) with a $28.00 price target.
The firm acknowledges DENTSPLY SIRONA's efforts to enhance earnings per share (EPS) through streamlining operations, including SKU rationalization and plant optimization.
These initiatives are anticipated to boost EPS, even though revenue growth is projected to fall short of the company's long-range plan (LRP) goal of 4-6% by 2025/2026.
The firm notes potential cost-saving opportunities but maintains a conservative stance on the company's revenue growth prospects. The Technologies & Equipment (CTS (NYSE:CTS)) division is identified as a primary concern, as equipment sales continue to face challenges and the division's decremental margin has been significant.
However, the upcoming PS2 product launch is expected to contribute positively, and the potential effects of decreasing interest rates on the Equipment & Instruments (E&I) division are also being considered. Still, modest revenue growth is forecasted for 2025, with a 1.1% decline expected for the CTS division.
Challenges in other business areas are highlighted as well. Reinvigorating the dental implant segment has been difficult, and the firm has previously discussed regulatory challenges facing Byte.
Additionally, doubts are raised about SureSmile's progress within the orthodontics market. The consumables division is also facing headwinds with patient volumes remaining lukewarm and limited pricing power due to the rise of private-label products.
In other recent news, DENTSPLY SIRONA reported a 4.2% decline in its second-quarter revenue, falling to $984 million, primarily due to weaker performance in the Connected Technology Solutions segment.
Despite this, the company experienced organic growth in other segments and is actively restructuring to improve efficiency. The company's full-year net sales are projected to be between $3.86 billion to $3.90 billion, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) expected to be in the range of $1.96 to $2.02.
In executive changes, Glenn Coleman, the company's Chief Financial Officer, is set to resign from his position in November. DENTSPLY SIRONA has initiated a search for a successor with the help of an executive search firm.
In the realm of analyst opinions, Piper Sandler maintained a neutral stance on DENTSPLY SIRONA shares, with a price target of $32.00. Similarly, Baird maintained its neutral rating with a price target of $31.00. Both firms recognized the company's advancements in digital dentistry but noted the significant short to intermediate-term challenges that DENTSPLY SIRONA is likely to face.
InvestingPro Insights
Recent data from InvestingPro offers additional context to Stifel's Hold rating on DENTSPLY SIRONA (NASDAQ: XRAY). Despite the challenges highlighted in the article, InvestingPro Tips reveal that the company has maintained dividend payments for 31 consecutive years and has raised its dividend for 5 consecutive years. This commitment to shareholder returns is further underscored by the company's high shareholder yield and management's aggressive share buyback program.
However, aligning with Stifel's concerns about revenue growth, InvestingPro data shows a revenue decline of 1.02% over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, with a more pronounced quarterly revenue drop of 4.28% in Q2 2024. The company's profitability is also under pressure, with a negative P/E ratio of -30.35, reflecting the earnings challenges mentioned in the article.
On a more positive note, InvestingPro Tips indicate that net income is expected to grow this year, and analysts predict the company will return to profitability. This aligns with Stifel's acknowledgment of DENTSPLY SIRONA's efforts to enhance earnings per share through operational improvements.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 7 additional tips for DENTSPLY SIRONA, providing a deeper understanding of the company's financial health and market position.
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