Abiomed Inc. Stock Downgraded (ABMD)

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Abiomed (Nasdaq:ABMD) has been downgraded by TheStreet Ratings from buy to hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and impressive record of earnings per share growth. However, as a counter to these strengths, we find that the company's return on equity has been disappointing.

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Highlights from the ratings report include:

• The revenue growth greatly exceeded the industry average of 6.6%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 41.8%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share.
• ABMD has no debt to speak of therefore resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of zero, which we consider to be a relatively favorable sign. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 5.21, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
• The gross profit margin for ABIOMED INC is currently very high, coming in at 82.70%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Despite the strong results of the gross profit margin, ABMD's net profit margin of 8.00% significantly trails the industry average.
• Powered by its strong earnings growth of 166.66% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 95.40% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Looking ahead, however, we cannot assume that the stock's past performance is going to drive future results. Quite to the contrary, its sharp appreciation over the last year is one of the factors that should prompt investors to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
• The company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. In comparison to the other companies in the Health Care Equipment & Supplies industry and the overall market, ABIOMED INC's return on equity is significantly below that of the industry average and is below that of the S&P 500.

ABIOMED, Inc. provides medical devices in circulatory support and continuum of care in heart recovery to acute heart failure patients. The company's products are designed to enable the heart to rest, heal, and recover by enhancing blood flow and/or performing the pumping function of the heart. The company has a P/E ratio of 93, equal to the average health services industry P/E ratio and above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. Abiomed has a market cap of $882.7 million and is part of the health care sector and health services industry. Shares are up 20.9% year to date as of the close of trading on Wednesday.

You can view the full Abiomed Ratings Report or get investment ideas from our investment research center.

-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff

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• Abiomed Inc. Growth Rates

• Abiomed Inc. Balance Sheet

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• Abiomed Inc. Income Statement