Hims & Hers vs. Teladoc: Which Telehealth Stock Is the Better Buy Now?

Core Insights - Virtual healthcare services, or telehealth, are becoming a standard in the digital healthcare space, with companies like Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) and Teladoc Health, Inc. (TDOC) emerging as key players [1][2] Group 1: Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) - HIMS is expanding into new specialty areas that can be treated effectively via telehealth, including weight loss, sleep disorders, and hypertension, which are prevalent among its customer base [3] - The company has announced a collaboration with Novo Nordisk to enhance accessibility and affordability of obesity care [4] - Over 65% of new subscribers in 2024 benefited from personalized products, supported by the MedMatch AI tool for customized treatment plans [5] - HIMS has shown strong stock performance, rallying 158.5% over the past year, compared to TDOC's decline of 44.3% [9] Group 2: Teladoc Health, Inc. (TDOC) - TDOC is broadening its virtual care offerings across the healthcare continuum, including primary care, chronic care, and mental health management [6] - The company has established a global distribution network, facilitating partnerships with insurers and expanding its services internationally [7] - TDOC aims to enhance its capabilities through selective acquisitions, such as the agreement to acquire Catapult Health [8] - Despite its growth, TDOC's stock has underperformed, with a decline of 29.7% over the past three months [9] Group 3: Stock Performance & Valuation - HIMS is trading at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 3.1X, above its three-year median of 2.2X, while TDOC's forward sales multiple is at 0.5X, below its median of 1.2X [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HIMS' 2025 earnings per share suggests a 166.7% improvement from 2024, while TDOC's estimate implies an 85% improvement in loss per share [12][15] - Analysts' average price target for HIMS is $27.50, indicating a potential decline of 53.5%, while TDOC's average target is $10.90, implying a decline of 19.3% [16][18] Group 4: Investment Outlook - HIMS is viewed as a more stable investment opportunity with strong profitability and user engagement, earning a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [21] - TDOC, with a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), is expanding but faces challenges in its business environment, making HIMS a more compelling choice for investors seeking lower execution risk [22]