On Friday, Piper Sandler adjusted its price target on Merit Medical Systems , Inc. (NASDAQ:MMSI) shares, increasing it to $100.00 from the previous $97.00. Alongside the price target change, the firm retained its Overweight rating on the stock.
Merit Medical recently reported its second-quarter results, which surpassed expectations in terms of revenue and earnings per share (EPS). This performance led to an upward revision of the company's mid-year guidance.
Merit Medical's gross margin percentage exceeded Wall Street forecasts, contributing to the company's robust financial showing. Management's progress with the WRAPSODY system, including the submission of a Premarket Approval (PMA) application in the second quarter and the anticipation of data presentation in the third quarter, was also highlighted.
According to Piper Sandler, the consistent delivery on key milestones and strong execution should appeal to medical technology investors seeking stable growth opportunities.
The company's recent achievements are underscored by the broader context in which many companies in the medical technology sector have struggled during this earnings season.
Merit Medical's ability to navigate these challenges successfully sets it apart from its peers. The analyst from Piper Sandler expressed confidence in Merit Medical's performance and potential for further growth, which is reflected in the increased price target.
The potential catalysts for Merit Medical's stock include forthcoming updates on the WRAPSODY system and its expected contributions to the company's profit and loss statement. These factors, combined with the company's overall strong performance, have solidified its place as Piper Sandler's top pick in the sector.
In addition, Merit Medical recently completed the acquisition of assets from EndoGastric Solutions, a move expected to add about $30 million in annualized revenue. The deal is projected to contribute $13 to $15 million in revenue from the closing date through December 31, 2024.
Analysts from Canaccord Genuity and Baird have maintained their Buy and Outperform ratings on Merit Medical's stock, respectively, with Canaccord Genuity raising its price target to $125.
Merit Medical's updated full-year 2024 financial guidance now includes net sales of $1.324 to $1.340 billion, indicating a 5% to 7% year-over-year increase, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $3.22 to $3.31, showing a 7% to 10% rise.
Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) has maintained its Equal Weight rating on the stock, highlighting the potential of the Wrapsody stent system. These are recent developments that underline Merit Medical's ongoing growth and strategic direction.
InvestingPro Insights
Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MMSI) has caught the eye of Piper Sandler, but what does the data say? According to InvestingPro, Merit Medical is trading at a high earnings multiple with a P/E ratio of 47.54 and a slightly lower adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q1 2024 at 46.82. This indicates a valuation that is optimistic about the company's future earnings potential. The company's revenue growth has been steady, with a 9.39% increase over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024, and its gross profit margin stands strong at 46.54%. These metrics not only support the positive outlook provided by Piper Sandler but also suggest a stable financial base for future growth.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Merit Medical trades with low price volatility and its liquid assets exceed short-term obligations, which could be reassuring for investors looking for stability in their medical technology investments. Moreover, the company's stock is trading near its 52-week high, at 94.68% of the peak, and analysts predict profitability this year. These elements may contribute to the confidence expressed by Piper Sandler in their recent price target adjustment.
For investors seeking a deeper dive into Merit Medical's potential, InvestingPro offers 12 additional tips, providing a comprehensive analysis of the company's financial health and market position. These insights can be found at InvestingPro's dedicated Merit Medical page.
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