Zimmer Shows Flexibility

Zimmer (ZMH Quote), one of the nation's largest makers of joint implants, is showing off its speed.

The company grew both first-quarter sales and profits even faster than Wall Street had expected. Sales jumped 14% to $829 million, topping the consensus estimate by $17 million. Meanwhile, operating profits rocketed 34% to 75 cents a share. Analysts, on average, had been expecting a full 8 cents less.

Due to strength in its core orthopedic implant business -- and surprising growth in its smaller spine division -- the company raised its profit forecast for the full year. The company's guidance is now 8 cents ahead of the consensus estimate at $3 a share. ...