SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, March 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MMSI), a global leader of healthcare technology, today announced enrollment of the first patient in its multicenter, prospective study of the Bloom Micro Occluder System for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants (PREEMIE study). PDA is a congenital heart condition that occurs when the ductus arteriosus, a blood vessel connecting the aorta and pulmonary artery, does not close following bi ...

Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MMSI) Q4 2024 Results Conference Call February 25, 2025 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Fred Lampropoulos - Founder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Raul Parra - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Brian Lloyd - Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary Conference Call Participants Jason Bednar - Piper Sandler Larry Biegelsen - Wells Fargo Steve Lichtman - Oppenheimer David Rescott - Baird Mike Matson - Needham & Company Jayson Bedford - Raymond James John Young - Ca ...

Merit Medical (MMSI) reported $355.16 million in revenue for the quarter ended December 2024, representing a year-over-year increase of 9.4%. EPS of $0.93 for the same period compares to $0.81 a year ago.The reported revenue represents a surprise of +0.93% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $351.87 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.83, the EPS surprise was +12.05%.While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wal ...

Merit Medical (MMSI) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.93 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.83 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.81 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 12.05%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this maker of disposable medical devices would post earnings of $0.80 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.86, delivering a surprise of 7.50%.Over the last fo ...

Revenue Projections - Preliminary unaudited revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, is projected to be approximately $1.355 to $1.357 billion, representing an increase of approximately 7.7% to 7.9% compared to 2023[2] - Preliminary constant currency revenue for the same period increased by approximately 8.4% to 8.6% year-over-year[5] - The impact of foreign exchange on preliminary unaudited revenue for 2024 is estimated at $7.9 million[9] - The preliminary unaudited revenue information is subject to completion of financial closing procedures and may materially differ from actual results[16] - The company does not typically disclose preliminary unaudited revenue due to the unpredictability of underlying assumptions[15] Financial Reporting - The financial results for Q4 and the full year 2024, along with fiscal year 2025 guidance, will be announced on February 25, 2025[3] - Merit Medical's management uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as constant currency revenue, to evaluate financial performance and compare results to prior periods[7] Company Operations - Merit Medical employs approximately 7,400 people worldwide and serves customers globally with a sales force and clinical support team of over 800 individuals[12] - The company is engaged in the development and distribution of proprietary medical devices used in various medical procedures, including cardiology and oncology[12] - Risks associated with the company's operations include supply chain disruptions, regulatory challenges, and potential product recalls[13]

Business Segments - The company operates through two segments: cardiovascular and endoscopy, focusing on enhancing global growth and profitability through R&D and operational optimization[26] - The cardiovascular segment includes product categories such as peripheral intervention, cardiac intervention, and custom procedural solutions, with a broad line of medical devices for vascular access[27] - The endoscopy segment includes innovative gastrointestinal solutions and pulmonary products, with recent acquisitions like the EsophyX® Z+ system for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease[46] - The oncology product line is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of breast and soft tissue tumors, with offerings like the SCOUT® Radar Localization System and CorVocet® Biopsy System[34] Product Development and Innovation - Recent expansions in the renal therapies portfolio include key products like the HeRO® Graft and BioFlo DuraMax® Catheter, aimed at improving long-term vascular access for chronic hemodialysis patients[30] - The company introduced several new products in 2024, including the Wrapsody Device and MIGHTYwire® Guide Wire, enhancing its product lineup[64] - The product development strategy emphasizes rapid conception and introduction of new products that meet customer needs, leveraging insights from healthcare professionals[51] - The company operates research and development facilities in California, Texas, Utah, Ireland, and France, focusing on innovation and product improvements[65][62] Market Performance and Sales - In 2024, U.S. sales accounted for 59% of net sales, while international sales grew by 4.8% and represented 41% of net sales[53][54] - China's market contributed 11% to net sales in 2024, with reported sales of $149.8 million, compared to $147.3 million in 2023 and $149.3 million in 2022[54] - The volume-based procurement (VBP) policy in China has negatively impacted sales prices and revenue since 2022, with expectations of continued effects into 2025[56] - The company targets high-growth markets such as interventional oncology and critical care, with a focus on addressing unmet healthcare needs[48] Regulatory and Compliance Challenges - The company is preparing to comply with new MDR regulations, which include stringent requirements for pre-market clinical evidence and post-market surveillance[86] - The regulatory approval process for medical devices is expensive and uncertain, with potential delays adversely affecting the company's financial condition and operations[87] - The company is subject to extensive regulatory scrutiny, including compliance with FDA requirements, which could impact product commercialization and financial results[175] - Compliance with quality system regulations is critical, as failure could lead to manufacturing shutdowns or product recalls, significantly impacting business operations[90] Competition and Market Environment - The company faces competition from larger firms and local suppliers in various markets, including China and Japan[70][72] - The healthcare industry's consolidation trend has led to increased demands for price concessions, negatively affecting revenues and pricing strategies[151] - The company faces significant competition from both established medical device companies and new entrants, including technology firms, which may limit market share and profitability[155] Financial and Operational Risks - The company has experienced supply chain challenges that could impact financial results, although raw materials are generally available[76] - Economic and geopolitical conditions, including inflation and trade policies, have created a challenging macroeconomic environment that could adversely impact the company's financial condition[145] - The company may incur substantial costs related to evaluating and integrating acquisitions, which could adversely impact financial results if not managed effectively[158] - Supply disruptions and increased costs may hinder the company's ability to recover expenses through price increases due to competitive pressures in the healthcare industry[144] Corporate Governance and Ethics - The company has a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General, requiring compliance and oversight measures[81] - The company is subject to various anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA, which require maintaining accurate records and compliance to avoid significant penalties[99] - Transparency laws require annual reporting of interactions with healthcare providers, and failure to comply could result in substantial penalties[101] Sustainability and Social Responsibility - The company has established a Corporate Sustainability Council to drive long-term environmental, social, and governance goals[115] - The company has reduced water consumption at its South Jordan, Utah location by investing in xeriscaping and water recirculation systems[118] - The company has implemented recycling programs for various materials, including food waste and plastics, to promote sustainability[123] - The company has engaged in humanitarian missions, donating products to various countries, including Belize and Ethiopia, in 2024[130] Human Resources and Workforce - The company has approximately 7,400 employees across 40 countries, emphasizing the importance of attracting and retaining talent for long-term growth[120] - The company achieved its tenth consecutive year of zero healthcare plan cost increases for U.S. employees participating in group healthcare plans[128] - The company has been recognized as a "China Top Employer" for four consecutive years, reflecting its commitment to excellence in human resources practices[126] Intellectual Property and Cybersecurity - The company’s ability to protect its intellectual property is crucial for competitiveness, but existing measures may not provide adequate protection against infringement[215] - Cybersecurity risks are increasing, with potential impacts on business operations, reputation, and financial condition due to data breaches or cyber-attacks[219] - The SEC has implemented new rules requiring greater disclosure regarding cybersecurity risk management, which may incur additional compliance costs[222] Future Outlook and Strategic Planning - Future growth is dependent on the development of new products and enhancements, requiring significant investment in research and development, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals[167] - Effective leadership succession planning is crucial, with the anticipated retirement of the CEO around December 31, 2025, which may disrupt operations if not managed properly[173] - Accurate forecasting of customer demand is critical; failure to do so may lead to inventory write-downs or inability to meet order requirements[169]

Fourth Quarter Highlights† Reported revenue of $355.2 million, up 9.4%Constant currency revenue* and constant currency revenue, organic* up 10.1% and up 6.1%, respectivelyGAAP operating margin of 10.3%, compared to 10.4% in prior year periodNon-GAAP operating margin* of 19.6%, compared to 16.6% in prior year periodGAAP EPS $0.46, down 2.6%,Non-GAAP EPS* $0.93, up 25.8%, andFree cash flow* generation of $65.3 million, up 18.4% Fiscal Year 2024 Highlights† Reported revenue of $1.357 billion, up 7.9%Constant c ...

Core Insights - Wall Street analysts anticipate Merit Medical (MMSI) will report quarterly earnings of $0.83 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.5% [1] - Expected revenues for the quarter are projected at $349.39 million, which represents a 7.7% increase from the same quarter last year [1] - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised upward by 1% in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [1] Revenue Projections - Analysts predict 'Revenue- Cardiovascular- Peripheral Intervention' will reach $141.35 million, indicating a 5.4% increase from the prior-year quarter [4] - 'Revenue- Cardiovascular- Cardiac Intervention' is expected to be $93.51 million, reflecting a 3.6% year-over-year change [4] - 'Revenue- Endoscopy' is projected to reach $17.94 million, suggesting a significant increase of 93.1% year over year [4] Additional Revenue Insights - 'Revenue- Cardiovascular- OEM' is estimated at $46.68 million, indicating a 13.3% increase from the previous year [5] - The total 'Revenue- Cardiovascular' is expected to be $331.43 million, reflecting a year-over-year change of 5.1% [5] - 'Revenue- Cardiovascular- Custom Procedural Solutions' is projected to reach $49.87 million, suggesting a modest increase of 0.5% year over year [6] Stock Performance - Shares of Merit Medical have shown a return of -1.4% over the past month, compared to a -0.5% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [6] - With a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), MMSI is expected to outperform the overall market in the near future [6]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying the right ones can be challenging due to associated risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Merit Medical (MMSI) is highlighted as a recommended growth stock, possessing a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company is a manufacturer of disposable medical devices, which positions it well in the growth stock category [3] Group 2: Earnings Growth - Merit Medical has a historical EPS growth rate of 21.5%, with projected EPS growth of 11.2% for the current year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 6.6% [5] Group 3: Cash Flow Growth - The year-over-year cash flow growth for Merit Medical stands at 12.2%, compared to an industry average of -0.2%, indicating strong cash generation capabilities [6] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 11.5%, while the industry average is only 2.1% [7] Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for Merit Medical, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 0.5% over the past month [8] Group 5: Investment Potential - Merit Medical has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank 2, suggesting it is a solid choice for growth investors and a potential outperformer [10]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with Merit Medical (MMSI) identified as a strong candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [2][10]. Group 1: Earnings Growth - Merit Medical has a historical EPS growth rate of 21.5%, with projected EPS growth of 11.2% for the current year, surpassing the industry average of 10% [4]. - The company’s strong earnings growth is a key factor attracting investor interest, particularly for growth investors who favor double-digit growth rates [3]. Group 2: Cash Flow Growth - Merit Medical's year-over-year cash flow growth stands at 12.2%, significantly higher than the industry average of -2% [5]. - The historical annualized cash flow growth rate for the company is 11.5% over the past 3-5 years, compared to the industry average of 2% [6]. Group 3: Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for Merit Medical have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 0.5% over the past month [8]. - Positive trends in earnings estimate revisions are correlated with near-term stock price movements, indicating strong potential for the company [7]. Group 4: Overall Assessment - Merit Medical has achieved a Growth Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2, reflecting its strong growth potential and positive earnings estimate revisions, making it a solid choice for growth investors [10].