Core Insights - The article discusses the author's journey in dividend growth investing and the establishment of a blog that documents this journey towards financial independence [1]. Group 1 - The author has been investing since September 2017 and has a long-standing interest in dividend investing since 2009 [1]. - The blog "Kody's Dividends" serves as a platform for sharing insights on dividend growth stocks and growth stocks [1]. - The author expresses gratitude for the blog's role in connecting with the Seeking Alpha community as an analyst [1].

Core Viewpoint - Medtronic plc is positioned as a strong investment option due to its combination of defensive traits, growth opportunities, and a solid dividend history, making it resilient in volatile markets [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - Medtronic reported a revenue of $8.29 billion in fiscal Q3 2025, with a non-GAAP EPS of $1.39, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.36 [11]. - The company reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2025 guidance, projecting organic revenue growth of 4.75% to 5.0% [10][12]. Dividend Information - Medtronic has a current dividend yield of 3.38%, with an annual dividend of $2.80 and a dividend increase track record of 48 years [5][6]. - The recent quarterly dividend payment was confirmed at $0.70 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to providing reliable income to investors [5]. Market Position and Stability - With a market capitalization of approximately $104.9 billion, Medtronic addresses around 70 health conditions globally, providing stability against economic shifts [2][6]. - The company has a beta of 0.79, indicating lower volatility compared to the broader market, making it attractive for risk-averse investors [7]. Innovation and Growth Potential - Medtronic's innovation pipeline includes key products like the Simplera Sync™ CGM Sensor and the BrainSense™ aDBS System, which enhance its competitiveness in high-growth segments [13][17]. - The company's Cardiovascular division is supported by strong clinical data, reinforcing its market leadership and potential for long-term growth [18][16]. Analyst Ratings and Stock Forecast - The 12-month stock price forecast for Medtronic is $96.14, indicating a potential upside of 16.08% from the current price of $82.83 [15]. - Despite a Hold rating among analysts, Medtronic is recognized for its reliable income and engagement in significant medical advancements, positioning it as a sound choice for long-term value [19].

Core Insights - The U.S. FDA has granted Breakthrough Device Designation for Orchestra BioMed's AVIM therapy, which aims to manage hypertension in patients at high cardiovascular risk [1][3][6] Regulatory and Clinical Development - The Breakthrough Device Designation is specifically for an implantable system (pacemaker) that delivers AVIM therapy to reduce blood pressure in patients with increased ten-year ASCVD risk and uncontrolled hypertension [2][6] - There are over 7.7 million patients in the U.S. who meet the criteria for this therapy [2][6] - AVIM therapy is currently being evaluated in the BACKBEAT global pivotal study, which is a collaboration between Orchestra BioMed and Medtronic [2][3][7] Market Potential and Collaboration - The collaboration with Medtronic allows for the development and commercialization of AVIM therapy, particularly for patients indicated for pacemakers [7][8] - The Breakthrough Device Designation may facilitate favorable reimbursement pathways, including eligibility for NTAP and TPT under CMS programs [4][11] Clinical Efficacy - Pilot studies have shown that AVIM therapy can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure, with net reductions of 8.1 mmHg in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure and 12.3 mmHg in office systolic blood pressure at six months [10]

Group 1 - iREIT+HOYA Capital focuses on income-producing asset classes that provide sustainable portfolio income, diversification, and inflation hedging [1] - The service offers a free two-week trial for potential investors to explore exclusive income-focused portfolios [1] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining a cool head during market volatility and suggests that long-term investors should consider market mispricing as an opportunity [2] - Defensive stocks are highlighted as a focus for medium- to long-term investment strategies [2]

Core Insights - Medtronic has received FDA approval for the Simplera Sync™ sensor, enhancing the MiniMed™ 780G system's capabilities in the U.S. market [1][3] - The Simplera Sync™ sensor is a disposable, all-in-one device that eliminates the need for fingersticks and simplifies the insertion process, providing greater flexibility for users [2][6] - The MiniMed™ 780G system features an adaptive algorithm that adjusts glucose levels every 5 minutes, utilizing Meal Detection™ technology to optimize insulin delivery [2][3] Product Features - The Simplera Sync™ sensor is designed to work seamlessly with the MiniMed™ 780G system, which can now utilize both the Guardian™ 4 sensor and the new Simplera Sync™ sensor [1][3] - The system allows for flexible glucose targets as low as 100 mg/dL and has shown real-world data indicating users achieve over 70% time in range when using optimal settings [2][6] - The MiniMed™ 780G system is the only one that can be paired with an infusion set lasting up to 7 days, significantly reducing the frequency of injections [2][6] Company Commitment - Medtronic is dedicated to innovating diabetes management technologies to improve the quality of life for individuals living with diabetes [3][4] - The company plans a limited launch of the Simplera Sync™ sensor in the U.S. in fall 2025, further expanding its CGM options [3][4] - Medtronic has a long history of pioneering diabetes technology and aims to continue leading in this field through advanced sensors and intelligent dosing systems [4][5]

报名：首届全球骨科大会 | 议程更新 报名：首届全球心血管大会 | 重磅亮点 合作伙伴征集：2025全球手术机器人大会 2025年4月17日，国家药品监督管理局批准了 美敦力公司 的" 血管外植入式心脏除颤电极导线 "（ 国械注进20253120182）和" 血管外植入式心脏除颤 电极导线导入器 "（ 国械注进20253120181）两个创新产品注册申请。 截至目前，我国上市的创新医疗器械累计 345项 。 # 产品介绍 血管外植入式心脏除颤电极导线由电极导线、固定套管和分析仪电缆接口工具组成。 血管外植入式心脏除颤电极导线导入器由 胸骨下导入器 和 皮下导入器 组成，胸骨下导入器包含手柄、不锈钢穿隧杆、体外导杆，皮下导入器包含手柄、穿隧杆。 上述两个产品配套使用，与血管外植入式心律转复除颤器组合构成 血管外植入式心律转复除颤器系统 ，放置在胸骨下，对发生或可能发生危及生命的室性心 动过速的重大风险患者进行自动治疗。该产品具有 心脏和血管外抗心动过速起搏和停搏预防起搏功能 ，可减少经静脉导线引起的相关并发症，更好满足患者 临床1.5T和3.0T场强的磁共振成像检查需求。 # Aurora 血管外植入式心脏复律 ...

Investment Rating - The report assigns an investment rating of AAA to Johnson & Johnson, AA to Lilly, and AA to Roche, among others [95]. Core Insights - The pharmaceutical industry has seen a marginal increase of 1% in the collective brand value of the top 25 brands in 2025, with the US contributing significantly [20][21]. - Johnson & Johnson remains the most valuable pharmaceutical brand with a brand value of USD 15.5 billion, reflecting a 16% increase [27][34]. - Lilly has experienced the fastest growth in brand value, rising 36% to USD 8 billion, primarily due to its successful weight-loss drugs [40][41]. - The medical devices sector has grown by 5%, with Medtronic now leading the market with a brand value of USD 7.4 billion [23][57]. - The healthcare services sector is under pressure, with a collective decline of 11% in brand value among the top brands, except for UnitedHealthcare, which saw a 14% increase [24][65]. Sector Overview - The pharmaceutical sector is stable, with ongoing consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, such as Amgen's acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics [21]. - Innovation is crucial, with brands like Novo Nordisk and Lilly achieving significant brand value increases through breakthrough drugs [22]. - The medical devices industry is expanding, driven by advancements in technology and patient outcomes [23]. - The US healthcare services sector faces challenges, with declining public sentiment and scrutiny affecting brand reputations [24][25]. Valuation Analysis - Johnson & Johnson's brand value growth is supported by strong sales of key drugs and a commitment to innovation, with plans to invest over USD 55 billion in the US [36]. - Lilly's strategic acquisitions and successful product launches have bolstered its market position [41][43]. - Bayer's brand value increased by 13% to USD 6.2 billion, driven by improved consumer trust [29]. - Novo Nordisk's brand value rose by 7% to USD 5.5 billion, supported by its successful diabetes treatments [30]. Brand Strength Analysis - Johnson & Johnson leads with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 83.5, reflecting strong brand equity [47]. - Bayer follows with a BSI of 82.2, benefiting from its consumer health products [52]. - Pfizer's BSI is 76.3, influenced by its role in the COVID-19 pandemic [54]. Medical Devices - Medtronic's brand value increased by 2% to USD 7.4 billion, driven by recovery in volume and new product introductions [57]. - Terumo experienced the highest growth in the sector, with a 52% increase in brand value to USD 2.3 billion [58]. - Philips leads in brand strength with a BSI of 87.8, benefiting from its consumer-facing electronics business [60]. Healthcare Services - UnitedHealthcare is the most valuable healthcare services brand, with a brand value of USD 54.2 billion and a BSI of 84.76 [65]. - The brand's growth is attributed to increased patient volumes in Medicare Advantage and Medicaid offerings [66]. - Other healthcare brands have seen significant declines, with Elevance Health and Aetna experiencing drops of 34% and 25%, respectively [70].

Core Insights - Current market conditions are characterized by escalating geopolitical tensions, strained global trade relationships, and persistent inflation impacting purchasing power [1] - Despite these challenges, there are compelling investment opportunities in high-quality companies trading at attractive valuations [2] Medtronic (MDT) - Medtronic is currently trading at 15 times forward earnings, which is a 25% discount compared to the S&P 500's 20 multiple, while maintaining leadership in high-growth healthcare segments [3] - The company has a strong dividend history, having raised its payout for 47 consecutive years, offering a yield of 3.2%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 1.3% [4] - Concerns about Medtronic's moderating growth overlook catalysts like a 22% surge in its Affera pulsed field ablation business, indicating potential to challenge competitors in the atrial fibrillation market [5] - Medtronic's 85% payout ratio is influenced by temporary factors, with management demonstrating disciplined expense control that has allowed for 7% EPS growth despite slower revenue growth [6] - After a five-year performance of negative 2.5%, Medtronic's discounted valuation, generous yield, and growth signs could benefit patient investors [7] Chevron (CVX) - Chevron trades at 14.7 times forward earnings, nearly 27% below the S&P 500's 20 multiple, while holding a dominant position in key production regions [9] - The company has raised its dividend for 37 consecutive years, with a recent 5% increase, providing a current yield of 4.1% and a sustainable 67% payout ratio [10] - Market concerns about long-term oil demand and downstream weakness do not account for Chevron's cost advantages in the Permian Basin, where 75% of its acreage has low or zero royalty rates [11] - Chevron's commitment to $2 billion to $3 billion in cost reductions by 2026 is expected to enhance profitability [11] - For value investors, Chevron presents a strong combination of yield, attractive valuation, and exposure to essential energy commodities, which are likely to appreciate in inflationary environments [12] Investment Rationale - In a volatile market, companies like Medtronic and Chevron provide proven business models, generous income, attractive valuations, and significant upside potential, making them appealing for regular investment [13]

Medtronic (MDT 2.62%) stock was a fairly hot item as the trading week kicked off, with investors pushing the shares up by almost 3% in value. They liked the medical device specialist's latest piece of news about one of its products, and reacted accordingly. The stock's gain easily topped that of the S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.55%), which closed the day up 0.6%. A viable alternative to surgery More encouragingly, those using Medtronic's device demonstrated superior valve performance across the five- year period. Medtr ...

Core Insights - Orchestra BioMed is focused on executing the BACKBEAT global pivotal study, which aims to establish AVIM therapy as a new standard of care for uncontrolled hypertension in pacemaker patients [2][5] - The company is also preparing to initiate a U.S. coronary pivotal study for the Virtue SAB program, with an updated trial design currently under FDA review [2][5] - The company is entering a formal mediation process with Terumo to resolve partnership negotiations, aiming for a resolution in the second quarter of 2025 [2][5] Financial Results for 2024 - Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities totaled $66.8 million as of December 31, 2024 [10] - Revenue for 2024 was $2.6 million, a decrease from $2.8 million in 2023, primarily due to reduced partnership revenues from Terumo [10] - Research and development expenses increased to $42.8 million in 2024 from $33.8 million in 2023, driven by costs associated with the BACKBEAT study [10] - The net loss for 2024 was $61.0 million, or ($1.66) per share, compared to a net loss of $49.1 million, or ($1.48) per share, in 2023 [10][17] Product Development and Partnerships - AVIM therapy has shown promising results in pilot studies, with net reductions of 8.1 mmHg in 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure and 12.3 mmHg in office systolic blood pressure at six months [8] - Virtue SAB is designed to deliver an extended-release formulation of sirolimus during balloon angioplasty without the need for a coating on the balloon surface [9] - The FDA has granted Breakthrough Device designation to Virtue SAB for specific indications, enhancing its development prospects [11] Leadership and Governance - The board of directors has been enhanced with the appointment of three experienced independent directors, including former executives from Medtronic and Siemens [5] - Mark Pomeranz has been appointed as Executive Vice President & General Manager, bringing over two decades of experience in medical devices [5]