Microvast Holdings announces departure of chief financial officer
On Friday, Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) began coverage on DENTSPLY SIRONA (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:XRAY) shares, assigning an Equal Weight rating and setting a price target of $20.00. The new rating comes as DENTSPLY SIRONA's stock has experienced a significant decline, dropping 46.7% in 2024 and 3.2% year-to-date (YTD). This performance stands in contrast to the S&P 500, which has risen 2.9% YTD.
Wells Fargo analyst Vik Chopra pointed out that while the valuation of DENTSPLY SIRONA appears attractive following its sharp decline, several factors warrant a cautious stance. Despite maintaining dividend payments for 31 consecutive years and offering a current dividend yield of 3.41%, the company faces challenges. These include uncertainties about the company's ability to achieve market growth in line with or better than its competitors, the recent suspension of its Byte business, ongoing concerns stemming from a tax investigation in Germany, and the absence of a permanent CFO, which casts doubt on the company's ability to meet its 2026 earnings per share (EPS) targets.
The analyst's commentary highlights the challenges facing DENTSPLY SIRONA, suggesting that these issues need to be resolved before a more positive outlook can be established. Chopra's remarks indicate that Wells Fargo is adopting a wait-and-see approach, looking for signs of improvement before considering a more favorable rating.
The Equal Weight rating implies that Wells Fargo analysts believe DENTSPLY SIRONA stock should perform in line with the broader market or its sector, neither outperforming nor underperforming significantly. The set price target of $20.00 reflects the analysts' assessment of the stock's potential value, considering both the risks and opportunities currently facing the company.
As DENTSPLY SIRONA navigates through its present difficulties, investors and market observers will be closely monitoring any developments related to the German tax investigation and the company's search for a new CFO, as well as any strategic moves it might make to address its growth challenges and restore investor confidence. For a comprehensive analysis of DENTSPLY SIRONA's financial health, valuation metrics, and additional ProTips, visit InvestingPro, where you'll find detailed insights in our exclusive Pro Research Report, available for over 1,400 US stocks.
In other recent news, DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc. has faced several significant developments. The company saw its stock rating downgraded by both Jefferies and Evercore ISI, with the price target reduced to $20.00. Jefferies cited concerns about the company's venture into the Byte business and ongoing regulatory investigations as reasons for the downgrade. Evercore ISI also pointed to uncertainties surrounding the Byte business and a slower-than-expected turnaround in its implant and equipment sector as grounds for its rating cut.
DENTSPLY SIRONA has announced a strategic shift in its business model, discontinuing the sales of its at-home teeth straightening products, Byte Aligners and Impression Kits, and instead focusing on in-person dentist oversight. The company has committed to providing ongoing support for existing Byte Aligner patients.
Additionally, Evercore ISI highlighted a tax investigation in Germany as a potential obstacle for the company. This investigation, which could last at least six months, pertains to the company's compliance in 2016-17 and could extend to subsequent years.
The company has also appointed Herman V. Cueto as interim Chief Financial Officer. Cueto, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare finance, steps into the role effective immediately. These are recent developments that investors should consider in their evaluation of DENTSPLY SIRONA.
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