Bruker: Q1 Results Strong, Product Launches Hold Promise

On May 16, we issued an updated research report on Billerica, MA-based Bruker Corporation (NASDAQ:BRKR) -- a global manufacturer of high-end analytical instruments used within the academic & government, pharma/biotech, clinical diagnostic and industrial markets. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Bruker started 2016 on a promising note, with its first-quarter results beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate on both the fronts. A strong year-over-year revenue upside was a result of the company’s enhanced operating performance and significant bottom-line improvement.

During the reported quarter, Bruker expanded its existing MALDI Biotyper workflow’s menu to include selected high-value resistance testing for clinical microbiology research. The company also launched MBT Biotargets and introduced new research use-only capabilities to the MALDI Biotyper product portfolio.

Further, other products that the company recently launched include the honey profiling module of the NMR FoodScreener solution and the latest version of NMR wine screener module. Together these products are expected to contribute significantly to Bruker’s revenues.

On the flip side, unfavorable currency translation continues to be a major dampener for the stock. Evidently, changes in foreign exchange rates impacted Bruker’s revenues by 0.9% in the first quarter of 2016. For 2016, management expects revenues to face a 1.6% reduction owing to unfavorable currency.

Moreover, widespread macroeconomic uncertainties prevailing in countries like the U.S., Russia and certain European nations in which Bruker operates might hamper the company’s revenue growth significantly, in case of any further economic downturn. Competitive headwinds also continue to pose threats to the stock.

Key Picks in the Sector

Better-ranked medical stocks are SurModics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRDX) , Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) and Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX) . While SurModics sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Baxter and Boston Scientific carry a Zacks Rank #2.