Can ZBH's Q1 earnings beat forecasts again in 2025?

**Zimmer Biomet's Q1 earnings may face challenges in meeting forecasts for 2025.** Here's why:

1. **Earnings Estimate Adjustments**: Zacks Research has lowered its Q1 2025 earnings estimate for Zimmer Biomet, anticipating $1.77 per share, down from the previous estimate of $1.80. This adjustment reflects a more cautious outlook on the company's performance for the period.
2. **Currency Headwinds and Integration Challenges**: Zimmer Biomet has indicated potential challenges affecting earnings, including currency headwinds and the integration of the recent Paragon 28 acquisition, which is expected to impact earnings negatively. These factors could contribute to a decline in earnings performance.
3. **Conservative Guidance**: The company's guidance for FY2025 adjusted EPS is between $8.15 and $8.35, below the Wall Street anticipated $8.56. This conservative guidance suggests that the company is not expecting a strong rebound in earnings for the year, which could influence actual earnings outcomes.
4. **Recent Performance**: While Zimmer Biomet has outperformed the S&P 500 in recent months, its stock has experienced a 12.9% decline over the past year, which lags behind the S&P 500's 8.1% returns. This mixed performance history adds complexity to predicting future earnings outcomes.

In conclusion, while Zimmer Biomet has faced some positive developments, such as strong sales growth in Q4 2024, the aforementioned factors suggest that the company's Q1 earnings may not exceed forecasts in 2025. Investors should monitor the company's performance closely, considering both its strategic initiatives and the broader market conditions that could impact earnings.