Zimmer (ZBH) Builds Robotics Growth Pipeline, but BofA Sees Limited Near-Term Upside

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. (NYSE:ZBH) is one of the best defensive stocks to invest in according to analysts. With a decline of around 14%, Zimmer’s YTD share price performance has been weak. Its management is focussing on reinvigorating growth, and in a bid to expand its robotics platform and its portfolio of navigation and enabling technologies, the company had announced the acquisition of Monogram Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:MGRM) on July 14 for an enterprise value of $168 million.

Monogram is an orthopaedic robotics company, and Ivan Tornos, Chairman and CEO of Zimmer Biomet, expects the deal to boost his company’s offerings with semi- and fully autonomous robotic technologies. On the prospects of the integration, he stated:

“Monogram’s technology is a major leap forward, demonstrating our commitment to becoming the boldest and broadest innovator in surgical robotics and navigation. With Monogram’s proprietary technology, Zimmer Biomet has the potential to become the first company to deliver fully autonomous capabilities and redefine both the standard of care and the future of orthopaedic surgery.”

Analyst opinions over the deal have been mixed. While analysts from RBC Capital and BTIG reaffirmed their positive view, the agreement has not changed the opinion of BofA analyst Travis Steed, who reiterated a Hold rating and a $110 price target following the deal announcement. He noted that while the acquisition strengthens ZBH’s position in the semi-autonomous robotics market, the financial benefits will be modest in the near term.

As per the company management, the transaction will be funded through cash and available debt and is expected to be EPS neutral through 2027 and accretive thereafter. However, Steed believes the company’s already strong margins limit further EPS upside, and while the move broadens ZBH’s competitive edge, material revenue contributions are not expected until 2027.

Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. (NYSE:ZBH) is a global medical technology company that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets orthopaedic products, including implants, digital and robotic solutions.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.