Integra LifeSciences Holdings (NASDAQ: IART) is
a regenerative medicine specialist. The firm develops, manufactures and markets surgical implants and medical instruments that are used in neurosurgery, extremity reconstruction, orthopedics and general surgery. Its biological implants, grafts, and wound dressings are based on a proprietary collagen matrix that becomes part of a patient's body and help it to generate new bone and tissue to replace damaged areas. The company's surgical instruments include ultrasonic surgical ablation systems and joint fixation devices used in neurosurgery and joint reconstruction. Integra has key strategic alliances with Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) and Zimmer Holdings (NYSE: ZHM).
The firm pleased investors last week, when it reported fiscal Q4 EPS of 54 cents and revenues of $157.65 million. Analysts had been looking for 49 cents and $153.41 million. Management also guided Q1 EPS to 39-42 cents (40 cent consensus), Q1 revenues to $155 million or more ($151.1M consensus), Q2 EPS to 45-48 cents (45 cent consensus), Q2 revenues to $159-$164 million ($160.10M consensus) and FY08 EPS to $2.00-$2.15 ($2.04 consensus).
The stock
popped into a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern on the news. Prices frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.
Brokers recommend the issue with one "strong buy", three "buys" and eight "holds". Analysts see a 22% average annual growth rate, through the next five years. The IART Sales Growth rate (25.72%), Operating Margin (12.22%), Net Profit Margin (6.08%), Return on Assets (4.68%), Return on Investment (6.93%) and Return on Equity (12.03%) compare favorably with industry and sector averages. Institutional investors hold about 84% of the outstanding shares. The stock is one of those used to calculate the S&P 600 SmallCap Index. Over the past 52 weeks, it has traded between $39.21 and $52.85. A stop-loss of $36.90 looks good here.
Larry Schutts is a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com and the Vice-President of Stockwinners.com. He does not hold positions in any of the stocks mentioned above.
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