Hologic Remains Neutral - Analyst Blog
November 17 2011 - 2:15PM
Zacks
Recently, we reiterated our Neutral
recommendation on Hologic (HOLX) with a target
price of $18.00.
The company develops, manufactures
and supplies diagnostics, medical imaging systems and surgical
products catering to the healthcare needs of women. Hologic’s
biggest segment, Breast Health, recorded robust 10.9%
year-over-year growth to reach $219.1 million during the most
recent quarter. This segment is now banking on the growth potential
of 3D Dimensions.
Sales of digital mammography
products were $83.3 million in the last reported quarter (up 18% on
a sequential basis and 8% year over year), representing 38% of
total revenue from the Breast Health segment. The upside was driven
by significant increases in both units and revenues of the
Dimensions product line, which accounted for 63% of digital
mammography product revenue and 49% of units (57% of revenues and
43% of units in the third quarter of the fiscal and 37% of revenues
and 32% of units in the corresponding quarter in 2010).
Though sales of 3D Dimensions,
still in its initial stages of launch, are ramping sequentially,
significant contribution is not expected before 2012.
Nevertheless, the company is confident in its ability to
achieve the target of placing 500-700 3D systems in the US within
the first two years. Going forward, the Dimensions portfolio is
expected to be an important growth driver for the Breast Health
segment.
We are also impressed by the
company’s focus on international operations, reflected in steady
revenue growth. Hologic recorded a quarter of its revenues during
the last reported quarter from international operations.
Hologic has been building its
international infrastructure and fortifying management resources,
particularly in the emerging markets of China, Latin America,
Middle East and Eastern Europe. As a caveat, the company derives
50% of its international business from Europe, where many countries
are struggling financially, which could impact the growth rate to
some extent. However, having witnessed strong potential in China,
Hologic has acquired TCT (a distributor of medical products
including Hologic’s ThinPrep pap tests and others) and Healthcome
Technology (manufacturer of mammography systems), both based in
China.
However, the current economic
uncertainty continues to affect procedure volume which had a
negative impact on sales of both NovaSure and Adiana. Hologic’s
competitor in the GYN Surgical space, Conceptus
(CPTS), has also been witnessing a similar adverse impact on Essure
procedures.
Overall, we maintain a long-term
Neutral stance, which is in line with the short-term Zacks #3 Rank
(Hold).
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