Integra Rides High On Product Launches, Competition Rife

On Oct 3, we issued an updated research report on Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:IART) . The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

In the last six months, Integra has been consistently trading above the broader industry. To date, the stock has gained 26.3%, higher than the 13.4% gain of the broader industry.

The consistently strong performance of Orthopedics and Tissue Technologies’ segment buoys optimism. We believe the company’s recent product diversification bolstered investors’ confidence, thereby boosting the stock price further.

Integra’s Regenerative Technologies is the largest franchise under Orthopedics and Tissue Technologies. Within the portfolio, the company’s latest launch of new sizes of SurgiMend and PriMatrix and Omnigraft as well as continued growth in private label products is encouraging. The company expects to launch several other regenerative products in the third quarter as well.

We are also optimistic about the fact that Integra has successfully seen through certain key developments overseas despite of facing foreign exchange fluctuations across its international business. Also, Integra has adopted several near-term objectives under its three-pillar strategy. Management also expects to gain market traction through strategic partnerships and acquisitions.

On the flip side, foreign exchange and stiff competition are potent headwinds. Also, many of Integra’s manufacturing, development or research facilities are vulnerable to natural disasters or unprecedented events, which depending on the severity might force the company to cease development and manufacturing of some or all of its products.

Key Picks

A few better-ranked stocks in the medical sector are Orthofix International N.V. (NASDAQ:OFIX) , Luminex Corporation (NASDAQ:LMNX) and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) . Orthofix International and Luminex sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while IDEXX Laboratories carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Orthofix International has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 11.8%. The stock has rallied roughly 39.1% over the last six months.

Luminex has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 16.3%. The stock has gained 14.1% over the last six months.

IDEXX Laboratories has a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 19.8%. The stock has gained 39.2% over the last year.

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