Here's Why You Should Invest in Stryker (SYK) Stock Right Now

Stryker Corporation SYK has been gaining investor confidence on continued positive results. Over the past year, the stock has rallied 15.3% compared with the industry’s 6.7% gain. Also, the company has outperformed the S&P 500’s 1.7% rally.

Moreover, the company has an encouraging earnings surprise history, having outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 2.2%. Notably, this trend of consecutive beats underlines its operating efficiency. A strong international presence and an acquisition-driven strategy are working in favor of the stock.

With solid prospects, this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock is an attractive investment pick for now.

What’s Working in Favor?

Global Presence

Stryker is focusing on international growth. A significant turnaround in the company’s European business owing to effective restructuring measures looks promising.

Recently, Stryker’s core Orthopaedic segment put up a solid show in Europe, emerging markets and Canada. Additionally, MedSurg performed strongly in Europe, Australia and emerging markets. Neurotechnology & Spine also saw strong demand in Europe, China and Japan.

Acquisitions

Stryker has been following an acquisition-driven strategy to boost growth. Last month, it acquired Arrinex, a California-based medical device company which is expected to boost the company’s Neurotechnology & Spine business. (Read More: Stryker Expands Acquisition Portfolio With Arrinex Buyout)

In recent times, the company took over K2M Group Holdings for approximately $1.4 billion. It is expected to provide Stryker’s Spine unit a highly complementary and innovative product portfolio, which includes minimally invasive offerings. In fact, in the recently-reported fourth quarter of 2018, the acquisition provided a major boost to Stryker’s Neurotechnology & Spine segment.

Stryker also announced the acquisitions of HyperBranch Medical Technology and Invuity Inc recently. The deals are likely to boost the Neurotechnology and Spine unit.

Which Way Are Estimates Treading?

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $1.83, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 8.9%. The same for revenues stands at $3.51 billion, indicating an 8.4% rise.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is at $8.12, reflecting a rise of 11.1%. The same for revenues stands at $14.80 billion, indicating an 8.8% rise.

Stryker Corporation Price and Consensus