On Thursday, Truist Securities adjusted its outlook on Zimmer Biomet (NYSE:ZBH), a medical device company, by increasing its price target from $112.00 to $117.00 while keeping a Hold rating on the stock. The adjustment followed the company's third-quarter earnings call where revenue surpassed expectations but was counterbalanced by a roughly 90 basis point miss on operating margin. The earnings per share (EPS) aligned with predictions, aided by non-operating factors and an ongoing share buyback initiative.
Zimmer Biomet's management has revised its constant currency revenue and EPS guidance downwards, which Truist Securities believes appears conservative. However, due to the company's inconsistent performance in recent quarters, the firm considers Zimmer Biomet a "show me" story. For the fourth quarter of 2024, Truist suggests that investor confidence could be reinforced if the company successfully launches new products, manages pricing effectively, and resolves issues caused by the enterprise resource planning (ERP) disruption.
The updated price target of $117 is based on applying a 13.5 times price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio to Truist Securities' slightly increased 2025 EPS forecast of $8.66. This forecast has been revised upwards primarily due to a reduced share count. The Hold rating indicates that while Truist Securities acknowledges some positive developments, it remains cautious about Zimmer Biomet's ability to consistently deliver on its performance metrics.
Zimmer Biomet's recent financial performance and management's future plans are critical for the company as it aims to bolster investor confidence. Truist Securities will continue to monitor the company's progress, particularly in the areas of product launches, pricing strategies, and the resolution of ERP-related issues, which are expected to be key drivers for the company's performance in the final quarter of 2024.
In other recent news, Zimmer Biomet has displayed resilience amidst challenges with the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The company reported a 4% increase in net sales for the third quarter of 2024, reaching $1.824 billion, surpassing both Oppenheimer's and the Street's expectations. Zimmer Biomet's earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter also exceeded projections, reaching $1.74.
The impact of ERP challenges on sales, initially expected to be 100 basis points, is now projected to affect only 60-80 basis points, according to the company's management. They also anticipate a return to normal shipping levels by the end of 2024. In addition, upcoming product launches, including the Z1 hip system and Persona IQ knee technology, are expected to drive growth.
Zimmer Biomet repurchased approximately $600 million in shares during Q3 2024. The company has adjusted its full-year revenue growth projection to 4.25%-4.75% in constant currency. Finally, Zimmer Biomet's free cash flow is expected to reach around $1 billion, with adjusted EPS anticipated to be between $7.95 and $8.05. These are recent developments in the company's performance and strategy.
InvestingPro Insights
Recent data from InvestingPro provides additional context to Truist Securities' analysis of Zimmer Biomet (NYSE:ZBH). The company's P/E ratio stands at 20.33, with an adjusted P/E ratio of 17.47 for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024. This relatively modest valuation is complemented by a low PEG ratio of 0.22, suggesting the stock may be undervalued relative to its growth potential.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Zimmer Biomet has been aggressively buying back shares, aligning with Truist's observation about the ongoing share buyback initiative. Additionally, the company has maintained dividend payments for 13 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns despite challenges.
However, it's worth noting that 12 analysts have revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period, which may explain management's conservative guidance revision mentioned in the article. The stock is currently trading near its 52-week low, which could present an opportunity for investors who share Truist's cautiously optimistic outlook.
For readers interested in a deeper dive, InvestingPro offers 7 additional tips for Zimmer Biomet, providing a more comprehensive analysis of the company's financial health and market position.
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