Oppenheimer: Time To Buy ConforMIS, Two Catalysts Are Coming Next Year

In a report published Monday, Oppenheimer analyst Steven Lichtman initiated coverage of

with an Outperform rating and a price target of $26. ConforMIS is a commercial-stage orthopedics company currently focusing on implants used in total and partial knee arthroplasty procedures. Analyst Steven Lichtman pointed out, "CFMS's unique iFit technology provides custom implants designed to match the individual anatomy of a patient undergoing total knee replacement surgery." The company's proprietary software technology offers several benefits including faster recovery and better comfort for the patient. Its aim is to reduce hospital costs by reducing required instrumentation, improving operating room turnover and reducing the readmission charges. In the report Oppenheimer noted that the full commercial launch of CFMS's iTotal PS early next year would expand the company's knee offering into posterior stabilized procedures, which accounted for more than 50 percent of primary knee replacements." The company is also targeting the launch of an iTotal Hip custom implant in late 2016, besides exploring other joint reconstruction procedures as well as revision knee procedures. Potential risks to the company include slow adoption of new technologies, delay in getting the necessary FDA clearances and stiff competition in the Ortho segment, Lichtman said.