Stephanie Link, Chief investment strategist, Hightower Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc. ZBH-N BUY Jun 14, 2023

They reported earnings that met expectations but guidance was tepid. It spooked the market with a suggestion of slower growth. Anything hinting at slower growth in the healthcare space has this effect. Short term investors should stay out of healthcare. 3-5 year horizon investors will find this a great company to hold.

Thinks it is time to look at certain parts of healthcare. The situation is a little muddied, because we are faced with changes to the Affordable Care Act, and are not sure what form they are going to take and who it is going to affect. This company is a maker of joints, artificial hips, etc. There is some risk of competition and commoditization of these devices. He would probably look for another area in the healthcare arena. Some of the larger insurers are very interesting.

We need hips and knees and are looking to the US for them. PE is 14-15 times earnings, to shield your capital from a slow decline in the Canadian dollar. The US dollar has been a one way trade. (Analysts’ target: $134.00).

(A Top Pick Oct 13/16. Down 11%.) This is medical parts, knees, hips, spinal fusion products, etc. Had felt the stock would benefit from aging baby boomers. However, they had some inventory problems, and didn’t experience the kind of growth he expected. It’s still a great place to be.p

(A Top Pick Feb 2/17, Up 8.90%) A great US company. He likes the medical device companies. These devices are going to be demanded more and more as we all get older.

Their business is orthopedics (hips and knees). Have had shipping problems to customers and a received an FDA 483 notice (inspection) to one of their facilities. This will take a while to turn around. Better to buy Stryker.

Investing in healthcare is hard. He holds BDX which he sees it as the shopping mall of healthcare products. He used to own ZBH but they suffered from recalls. He would probably stick to one of the three since he believes they are the best run companies in healthcare.

Prefers SYK.

They reported a great quarter this week, but share still fell over 3% because they merely reiterated their outlook and lowered sales guidance due to currency. Is down 11% this year.