Pickleball is not just a sport. It's a full-blown cultural shift that exploded from niche to mainstream, with as many as 50 million Americans picking up a paddle. Courts are popping up, major leagues are forming, and demand for high-end gear is skyrocketing. Together, it is fueling a projected $4.4 billion market by 2033, expanding at an 11.3% compound annual growth rate.
As participation skyrockets, so do injuries. Reports suggest that 5% to 10% of unplanned sports-related medical expenses in 2023 stemmed from pickleball mishaps, particularly among older players. Rising sprains, fractures, and joint issues are fueling demand for orthopedic solutions, creating a tailwind for medical device companies like Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH), a powerhouse in knee, hip, and extremity implants.
With an already aging population, rising sports injuries, and cutting-edge robotics driving innovation, Zimmer’s earnings potential is climbing. Amid this momentum, ZBH stock could be a wise pick for investors to capitalize on the pickleball boom.
About Zimmer Biomet Stock
Zimmer Biomet Holdings (ZBH) has been rebuilding lives since 1927. Based in Warsaw, Indiana, the company, with a market cap of $21.9 billion, crafts precision-engineered orthopedic solutions.
Beyond implants, it pioneers surgical tech, bone cement, and digital innovations. Whether aiding athletes, trauma victims, or heart surgery patients, Zimmer is a trusted partner for surgeons and hospitals worldwide.
ZBH stock is currently down 12.5% over the past 52 weeks. But 2025 has been a different story. Shares have climbed 3% on a YTD basis, surging nearly 10% in the past month alone.
On March 7, the company secured FDA clearance for its Persona Revision Solution Femur, strengthening its knee implant offerings.
From a valuation standpoint, ZBH is priced at 13.1 times forward adjusted earnings and 2.79 times sales, lower than not only the sector average but also its historical averages.
Zimmer Biomet Tops Q4 Estimates
Zimmer Biomet closed out 2024 on a high note, delivering a stellar Q4 earnings report on Feb. 6 that outpaced Wall Street’s expectations. With revenue climbing 4.3% year over year to $2.02 billion and adjusted EPS rising 5% annually to $2.31, the medical device giant showcased its strength across key segments.
Knees led the charge with a 5.1% annual uptick to $839.2 million, while Hips grew 3% to $520 million. The S.E.T. division, spanning sports medicine, extremities, trauma, and more, stood out with an 8% surge to $489.4 million. Moreover, Zimmer Biomet entered 2025 with a stronger cash position, boasting $525.5 million, up from $415.8 million a year ago, and $1.5 billion in operating cash flow.
Meanwhile, the company is now setting its sights on a bold expansion, announcing plans to acquire the medical device company Paragon 28, a leader in foot and ankle orthopedic solutions. This $5 billion market represents a major growth frontier, and Zimmer Biomet expects the acquisition to propel its S.E.T. business past Hips in both size and momentum.
Looking ahead, management projects annual revenue growth between 1% and 3.5% in fiscal 2025, with adjusted EPS between $8.15 and $8.35. With momentum from its diversified portfolio and strategic acquisitions, Zimmer Biomet is positioning itself for sustained growth in the evolving medtech landscape.
Meanwhile, analysts project Zimmer Biomet’s bottom line to climb 2.8% year over year to $8.22 per share in fiscal 2025, with momentum accelerating into 2026. A forecast 7.5% EPS rise to $8.84 for the next year signals sustained growth, reinforcing the company’s trajectory as it continues to strengthen its position in the medical technology space.
Zimmer’s Play in Pickleball
Zimmer Biomet dominates a high-barrier orthopedic market, where surgeon loyalty keeps newcomers at bay.
Zimmer seized the pickleball moment, partnering with the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour), and USA Pickleball, becoming pickleball’s first and only medical device sponsor.
After COVID-driven backlogs, the company is back on track, with aging demographics fueling steady demand. Despite under-earning pre-pandemic, Zimmer has room to grow, backed by strong product cycles like its robotic arm. And unlike most industries, recessions don’t rattle it much. As pickleball booms, Zimmer stays in the game - not just fixing injuries but smartly positioning itself where its audience plays.
What Do Analysts Expect for Zimmer Stock?
ZBH stock has a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Of the 28 analysts covering the stock, eight advise a “Strong Buy,” two suggest a “Moderate Buy,” 16 play it safe with a “Hold” rating, and the remaining two analysts have a “Strong Sell.”
Meanwhile, the stock’s mean price target of $121.12 suggests that it could rally as much as 10% from current price levels. The street-high of $150 implies potential upside of 36%.
