Is This Telehealth Stock a Buy After the Recent Pullback?

July 19, 2024 at 11:48 AM EDT

African american woman meeting with medic on videocall, attending telemedicine videoconference with webcam to discuss about healthcare and treatment. Online telehealth conference.

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) is a prominent player in the telehealth sector, which is part of the larger healthcare sector. The company has garnered significant attention from investors due to its remarkable rise in the stock market. Hims & Her’s strategy of providing accessible and affordable remote healthcare services has resonated with consumers, resulting in impressive growth and fueling investor enthusiasm. However, recently, Hims & Hers stock price has pulled back, leaving many investors wondering if this dip presents a buying opportunity or signals a potential shift in the company’s trajectory.

Recent Stock Performance: A Rollercoaster Ride for Hims & Hers

Hims & Hers stock has experienced a volatile year, showcasing investors' excitement and apprehension. The stock has surged by an impressive 130% year-to-date, driven by robust financial performance and the announcement of its new GLP-1 weight loss treatment offering. However, the stock has also experienced a recent pullback, creating uncertainty among investors.

The Hims & Hers analyst community currently holds a "Moderate Buy" rating on HIMS, with an average price target of $19.07, representing a slight downside from its current price. However, with a highline price of $26, many analysts see room for potential price appreciation. This mixed sentiment reflects varying opinions on the company's prospects. Some analysts remain bullish on HIMS's long-term growth potential, fueled by its expanding service offerings and a growing customer base. Others express caution, citing potential challenges in the highly competitive telehealth market and regulatory risks associated with the company's new GLP-1 offering.

Insider trading activity has also been mixed. Hims & Hers insider trading reports reveal instances of insider selling, raising questions about their confidence in the stock's future trajectory. However, other insiders have exercised stock options, indicating a positive view of the company's long-term value. These contrasting actions illustrate the mixed sentiment surrounding HIMS, leaving investors to weigh the various factors impacting its future prospects.

Hims & Hers: A Story of Growth and Profitability

Hims & Hers boasts a solid financial profile characterized by rapid revenue growth and a path toward sustained profitability. The company has already surpassed its expectations, demonstrating the strength and scalability of its asset-light business model. Revenue has grown at a staggering 100% annually since 2018, reaching $872 million for the fiscal year 2023. This growth has been driven by expanding product offerings, strategic marketing initiatives, and a growing customer base.

Hims & Hers achieved its first EBITDA profitable quarter in Q1 2024, signaling a significant milestone in its journey towards long-term profitability. The company's ability to generate positive earnings while continuing to invest in growth demonstrates the inherent leverage in its business model. Management is targeting adjusted EBITDA margins of 20-30% in the long term, a testament to their confidence in the company's ability to scale efficiently.

Hims & Hers' financial position is further supported by its strong balance sheet. The company ended Q1 2024 with $204 million in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and no debt. This strong liquidity position gives the company the financial flexibility to pursue growth initiatives, invest in new technologies, and potentially make strategic acquisitions.

Hims & Hers' Business Strategy: Personalization and Accessibility

Hims & Hers has carved a unique niche in telehealth by offering a wide range of healthcare services catered to specific needs. The company began by addressing markets often overlooked by traditional medicine, such as dermatology and mental health. This strategic approach allowed them to build a loyal customer base seeking convenient and affordable solutions for sensitive conditions.

Hims & Hers' success is rooted in its commitment to personalization and accessibility. The company's platform offers diverse products and services catering to individual needs and preferences. Its recent introduction of personalized subscriptions has been met with positive feedback, with over 35% of subscribers now opting for this customized approach.

The company's foray into weight loss treatments, including the highly sought-after GLP-1 injections, further exemplifies its ability to adapt to market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities. While GLP-1 is not the sole driver of Hims & Hers' investment thesis, it showcases the company's agility in integrating popular medications into its platform to capitalize on existing demand and meet evolving customer needs.

Hims & Hers' business model is designed for scalability. The company leverages technology to streamline operations and reach a broader audience. The company's network of independent contractor doctors and partnerships with established healthcare providers, such as Labcorp (NYSE: LH) and Carbon Health, allow it to expand its reach without incurring significant capital expenditures. This asset-light model fosters operational efficiency and enables the company to reinvest its profits into growth initiatives.

A Competitive Landscape for HIMS and Regulatory Headwinds

Despite its impressive growth and robust financial health, Hims & Hers faces inherent risks associated with operating in the healthcare industry. The telehealth market is becoming increasingly competitive, with traditional healthcare giants like UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) and Elevance Health (NYSE: ELV) developing their own digital platforms. This influx of competition could pressure pricing and make it more difficult for Hims & Hers to attract new customers. While the company has a first-mover advantage and strong brand recognition, it lacks a solid competitive "moat," making it vulnerable to market share erosion.

The healthcare industry is highly regulated, leaving companies like Hims & Hers susceptible to lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny. A public scandal related to medical errors or data privacy breaches could severely damage the company's reputation and negatively impact its growth prospects.

Hims & Hers' rapid growth also presents challenges. Managing a rapidly expanding organization can strain resources, impacting operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Investing in Hims & Hers: Balancing Risk and Reward

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. presents a compelling investment opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the growing telehealth market. The company's strong financial performance, innovative business model, and ambitious growth strategy suggest the potential for substantial long-term returns.

However, investors must also consider the inherent risks associated with the company, including competition, regulatory uncertainty, and operational challenges. A balanced assessment of these factors is crucial for making informed investment decisions. While the recent pullback in HIMS stock presents an opportunity for investors to acquire shares at a potentially discounted price, a thorough understanding of the company's strengths, weaknesses, and future outlook is essential for successful long-term investing.

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