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Zoetis (ZTS) Up 7.8% Since Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

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It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Zoetis (ZTS - Free Report) . Shares have added about 7.8% in that time frame.

Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is ZTS due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.

Zoetis Beats on Q4 Earnings & Sales, Gives 2018 View

Zoetis posted fourth-quarter 2017 adjusted earnings of $0.69 per share (excluding one-time items and a provisional net tax charge of $212 million related to recently enacted tax legislation in the United States) increased 47% year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.66.

Total revenues rose 14% year over year (up 13% operationally excluding the impact of currency) to $1.5 billion in the quarter and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.40 billion.

Quarterly Highlights

Zoetis reports business under two geographical operating segments — the United States and International. The company has a diverse portfolio of products for livestock and companion animals.

Revenues in the United States segment were up 13% year over year to $712 million. Sales of companion animal products in this region were up 15%, primarily due to higher sales of dermatology portfolio and new product launches, especially Simparica. Livestock revenues increased 11% mainly due to increased sales of cattle and poultry products, partially offset by declines in swine products.

Revenues at the International segment grew 16% year over year (up 13% operationally) on a reported basis to $740 million. Livestock sales were up 14% on a reported basis (up 11% operationally) in the quarter mainly driven by balanced growth across the portfolio. Moreover, sales of companion animal products grew 23% on a reported basis and 18% on an operational basis, reflecting higher sales of  dermatology portfolio and Simparica.

2017 Results

Adjusted earnings came in at $2.40 per share, up 22% year over year and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.36.

The company posted revenues of $5.3 billion, an increase of 9% y/y. The results surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.25 billion.

2018 Outlook

Zoetis provided outlook for 2018. The company expects adjusted earnings in the range of $2.96-$3.10 per share.

Revenues are expected in the range of $5.675-$5.800 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings and revenues is pegged at $2.94 per share and $5.64 billion, respectively.

Other Updates

The company continued to expand the availability of its oral flea and tickmedication, Simparica, into new markets, with additional approvals in Chile, Panama, the Philippines and Switzerland. The product also received approval in the European Union for the treatment of two additional types of skin mites.

In the United States, the company enhanced its medicated feed additives portfolio with an expanded claim for Lincomix (lincomycin hydrochloride), a popular feed medication.
 

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?

In the past month, investors have witnessed an upward trend in fresh estimates. There has been one revision higher for the current quarter.

Zoetis Inc. Price and Consensus

VGM Scores

At this time, ZTS has a great Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the momentum front with a C. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

Based on our scores, the stock is more suitable for growth investors than those looking for value and momentum.

Outlook

Estimates have been trending upward for the stock and the magnitude of this revision looks promising. Interestingly, ZTS has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.


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