Cyberonics
' (
CYBX
) net income shot up 38.7% on a year-over-year basis to $13.2
million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. The company's
earnings per share (EPS) came in at 47 cents, reflecting a beat
of 23.7% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate and surpassing the
adjusted year-ago EPS by 11.9%, largely benefiting from a lower
tax rate in the quarter. The result reflects the seventh
successive positive earnings surprise for the company.
Quarter under Review
Revenues increased 15% year over year to $62.7 million, ahead of
the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $61 million. Worldwide unit sales
surged 14% year over year. On a geogprahic basis, Cyberonics
recorded 11% growth in U.S. revenues (to over $50 million) and 6%
unit growth in the third quarter. International sales,
representing 19% of the company's revenues, grew a robust 37% (on
a reported as well as CER basis to a record high of $12 million)
with unit growth of 36%. Growth in the overseas market was led by
double-digit European unit sale growth for the seventh successive
quarter.
In the reported quarter, the company witnessed higher utilization
and adoption for its VNS Therapy generators, as reflected in the
quarterly sales of over 3,200 units across the globe. AspireHC -
Cyberonics' newest VNS Therapy generator - gained traction,
representing 20% of total sales in the domestic market.
Gross profit increased 13.7% to $57.3 million in the quarter.
However, gross margin contracted 110 basis points (bps) to 91.4%.
The impact from the medical device tax and associated costs since
Jan 1 accounted for 50 bps decline. Despite a 6.8% increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses to $26.6 million and
a 12.6% increase in research and development expenses to $10.2
million, operating margin expanded a significant 250 bps to 32.6%
in the reported quarter.
The company exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of
$116.5 million, up from $96.7 million at the end of fiscal 2012.
Cyberonics repurchased 145,000 shares during the third quarter
and is left with 215,000 shares under its buyback program.
Guidance
Taking into account the third quarter performance, the research
and development tax credit and medical device tax, Cyberonics
tweaked its guidance for fiscal 2013. The company raised its
revenues forecast to $248−$250 million (previous guidance was
$246−$249 million). The current Zacks Consensus Estimate of $248
million hovers around the lower end of the company's guidance.
Income from operations is expected in the range of $75−$77
million ($73−$75 million) resulting in adjusted net income of
$46−$48 million ($43−$45 million) and adjusted EPS of $1.66−$1.72
($1.56−$1.62). The current Zacks Consensus Estimates of $1.61 for
fiscal 2013 lies well below the revised guidance.
Our Take
Cyberonics posted another strong performance that encouraged
market sentiments as reflected in the 5.23% rise in the stock
price following the results. We believe that the stock is likely
to appear more valuable on the back of the results.
The raised guidance which lies ahead of the Zacks Consensus
Estimate also inspires confidence. As earnings estimates are
expected to move higher for Cyberonics, the stock carries a Zacks
Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Besides Cyberonics, other stocks in the
medical sector carrying a Zacks Rank #1 are
Given Imaging
(
GIVN
),
NuVasive
(
NUVA
) and
Medical Action
(
MDCI
).
CYBERONICS INC (CYBX): Free Stock Analysis
Report
GIVEN IMAGING (GIVN): Free Stock Analysis
Report
MEDICAL ACTION (MDCI): Free Stock Analysis
Report
NUVASIVE INC (NUVA): Free Stock Analysis
Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment
Research