Core Insights - PENTAX Medical has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Merit Medical Systems for the acquisition of the C2 CryoBalloon technology, which aligns with its strategic focus on core flexible reusable endoscopy solutions [1][2][4] - The C2 CryoBalloon technology, which has been part of PENTAX Medical's portfolio since 2017, provides a minimally invasive treatment option for patients with Barrett's Esophagus and other gastrointestinal disorders [2][3] - The transition allows PENTAX Medical to concentrate on its core strengths while Merit Medical is expected to enhance the adoption and impact of the C2 technology [3][4] Company Overview - PENTAX Medical is a division of HOYA Group, specializing in flexible, reusable endoscopy solutions, and is committed to delivering high-quality imaging and intuitive solutions for healthcare professionals [5] - Merit Medical, founded in 1987, develops and distributes proprietary medical devices across various medical fields, including endoscopy, and employs approximately 7,300 individuals globally [6] - HOYA Corporation, established in 1941, is a leader in healthcare and technology innovation, providing advanced products for life care and supporting various industries with high-precision components [7]

Core Viewpoint - Merit Medical Systems, Inc. is set to release its financial results for Q3 2025 on October 30, 2025, and will hold an investor conference call on the same day [1]. Company Overview - Merit Medical Systems, Inc. was founded in 1987 and specializes in the development, manufacture, and distribution of proprietary medical devices for interventional, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, particularly in cardiology, radiology, oncology, critical care, and endoscopy [3]. - The company serves a global customer base with a sales force and clinical support team of over 800 individuals and employs approximately 7,400 people worldwide [3]. Investor Communication - Investors can pre-register for the conference call through a provided link, and a live webcast along with a slide deck will be accessible [2]. - The conference call is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time [1].

Core Viewpoint - The comparison between Merit Medical (MMSI) and Straumann Holding AG (SAUHY) indicates that MMSI is currently more attractive to value investors due to its stronger earnings outlook and better valuation metrics [1][3][7]. Valuation Metrics - MMSI has a forward P/E ratio of 22.61, while SAUHY has a higher forward P/E of 28.18 [5]. - The PEG ratio for MMSI is 2.32, compared to SAUHY's PEG ratio of 2.61, suggesting that MMSI may offer better value relative to its expected earnings growth [5]. - MMSI's P/B ratio stands at 3.27, significantly lower than SAUHY's P/B ratio of 6.92, indicating that MMSI is more undervalued based on its book value [6]. Earnings Outlook - MMSI has experienced stronger estimate revision activity, which is a positive indicator for its future earnings potential [7]. - The Zacks Rank for MMSI is 2 (Buy), while SAUHY has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), further supporting the conclusion that MMSI is the superior option for value investors [3][7]. Value Grades - Based on various valuation metrics, MMSI holds a Value grade of B, whereas SAUHY has a Value grade of D, reinforcing the notion that MMSI is a more attractive investment [6].

Core Insights - Merit Medical Systems, Inc. has achieved a significant milestone with SCOUT® Radar Localization being used in 750,000 patients globally, enhancing breast cancer treatment outcomes [1][3][6] Company Overview - Merit Medical, founded in 1987, specializes in the development, manufacture, and distribution of proprietary medical devices for interventional, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures across various medical fields including cardiology, radiology, oncology, critical care, and endoscopy [8] Product Details - SCOUT® Radar Localization is a wire-free, non-radioactive localization technology that allows for precise surgical removal of abnormal breast tissue, minimizing trauma to surrounding healthy tissue [3][4] - The system utilizes a tiny reflector, about the size of a grain of rice, enabling targeting accuracy within +/- 1 mm, which contributes to more successful surgeries and improved patient care [3] - SCOUT supports various treatment needs, including placement in breast tissue and lymph nodes, and can be utilized pre- or post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy, at the time of biopsy, and for bracketing techniques [4] - The introduction of SCOUT MD™ enhances the localization system with four reflector shapes and distinct radar signals for improved tumor margin mapping and localization of multiple lesions or nodes [5] Market Impact - SCOUT has been referenced in over 100 clinical publications, with nearly 8,500 patients noted, and is utilized in 50 countries, performing more than 500 cases daily, totaling 10,000 cases monthly [6] - Over 1,100 facilities worldwide prefer SCOUT for wire-free localization, indicating strong market adoption and trust in the technology [6] Leadership Perspective - The CEO of Merit Medical expressed pride in the positive impact of SCOUT on patients' lives, emphasizing the company's commitment to supporting individuals with breast cancer beyond just Breast Cancer Awareness Month [7]

Core Insights - Loomis Sayles Small Cap Growth Fund reported a return of 9.37% for Q2 2025, underperforming the Russell 2000 Growth Index which returned 11.97% due to security selection issues in the information technology and financial sectors [1] Company Overview - Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MMSI) is a manufacturer of single-use medical products, focusing on interventional cardiology and radiology [2][3] - As of September 29, 2025, Merit Medical's stock closed at $80.86 per share, with a market capitalization of $4.788 billion [2] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Merit Medical reported revenues of $382.5 million, reflecting a 13% year-over-year increase on a GAAP basis and a 12.5% increase on a constant currency basis [4] Market Position - Merit Medical is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 26 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q2 2025, an increase from 24 in the previous quarter [4] - The company faces challenges due to tariff and trade policy concerns, as approximately 40% of its revenues are generated outside the US [3]

Core Insights - Merit Medical Systems (MMSI) has received CE Mark approval for its Embosphere Microspheres, allowing for genicular artery embolisation (GAE) to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA), providing a minimally invasive treatment option for a common and debilitating condition [1][4][10] Company Summary - The CE Mark approval validates Merit Medical's Embosphere technology, which has shown consistent clinical outcomes across various therapeutic areas, reinforcing the company's leadership in minimally invasive therapies [2][4] - Following the announcement, MMSI's stock experienced a decline of 5.2% at market close, with a year-to-date loss of 11.6%, contrasting with the industry's 1.8% decline and the S&P 500's gain of 12.8% [3] - The approval expands the addressable market for MMSI, tapping into a large and underserved patient population, which is expected to create durable revenue opportunities and enhance the company's competitive edge in pain management [4][9] Product Insights - The Embosphere Microspheres have been clinically proven to provide over 75% of patients with meaningful pain reduction and improved function for up to 24 months, outperforming corticosteroid injections in terms of consistency and duration of benefits [10][11] - The technology has over 25 years of clinical use and is supported by more than 130 pivotal studies, establishing its reliability in procedures involving small arteries [11] Industry Outlook - The global osteoarthritis therapeutics market is projected to grow from an estimated $9.13 billion in 2024 to $13.57 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.89% from 2025 to 2030, driven by the increasing prevalence of OA and significant R&D investments [12]

Core Insights - Merit Medical Systems, Inc. announced that Embosphere Microspheres are now indicated in the EU for genicular artery embolisation (GAE) to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA) [1][4] Group 1: Company Overview - Merit Medical is a global leader in healthcare technology, founded in 1987, focusing on the development, manufacture, and distribution of proprietary disposable medical devices [8] - The company employs approximately 7,300 people worldwide and serves client hospitals with a sales force and clinical support team of over 800 individuals [8] Group 2: Product and Treatment Insights - Embosphere Microspheres have been proven effective in treating knee OA, with over 75% of patients achieving clinical success and significant pain reduction sustained through 24 months [4][6] - GAE selectively reduces blood flow to the inflamed synovium, leading to meaningful reductions in knee pain and improved joint function, representing a growing trend in minimally invasive pain management therapies [3][4] Group 3: Market Context - Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting approximately 595 million people globally, with knee OA being the most frequently affected joint [2] - The prevalence of OA is expected to increase due to aging populations, rising injury rates, and obesity [2] Group 4: Competitive Advantage - Embosphere's proprietary formulation and spherical shape provide complete and durable occlusion of targeted blood vessels, offering consistent and reliable performance, especially in treating small genicular arteries [5][6] - Compared to corticosteroid injections, GAE with Embosphere has shown consistently higher clinical success rates and greater improvements in pain and quality of life at three months [4]

Core Viewpoint - The last six months have been more challenging for Merit Medical than expected, with tariffs acting as a volatile but net-negative earnings driver [1] Group 1 - Merit Medical has faced unexpected challenges in the past six months [1] - Tariffs have contributed to earnings volatility, negatively impacting the company's financial performance [1]

Core Insights - The Cooper Companies (COO) is currently more attractive to value investors compared to Merit Medical (MMSI) based on various financial metrics and rankings [1][3][7] Valuation Metrics - COO has a forward P/E ratio of 18.10, while MMSI has a forward P/E of 24.27, indicating that COO is potentially undervalued [5] - The PEG ratio for COO is 1.79, compared to MMSI's PEG ratio of 2.39, suggesting that COO has a better balance between price and expected earnings growth [5] - COO's P/B ratio is 1.77, significantly lower than MMSI's P/B of 3.51, further supporting the argument that COO is more attractively valued [6] Rankings and Grades - COO holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), while MMSI has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a stronger earnings outlook for COO [3] - The Value grade for COO is B, whereas MMSI has a Value grade of C, reflecting the superior valuation metrics of COO [6]

Core Insights - Merit Medical Systems, Inc. has successfully enrolled the first patient in the WRAP North America registry, aimed at evaluating the WRAPSODY Cell-Impermeable Endoprosthesis (CIE) for patients on hemodialysis experiencing vascular access obstructions [1][2][5] Group 1: WRAP North America Registry - The WRAP North America registry is designed to enroll up to 250 patients in the US and Canada who are on hemodialysis and face obstructions in their vascular access [2][4] - The study will evaluate clinical outcomes over a three-year period for patients treated with the WRAPSODY CIE [2][4] - The first patient was enrolled by Dr. Omar Davis, highlighting the importance of this registry in assessing the device's effectiveness [2][3] Group 2: WRAPSODY CIE Device - The WRAPSODY CIE has shown superior performance in previous clinical trials, specifically the WRAPSODY Arteriovenous Access Efficacy (WAVE) pivotal trial [3][4] - The WAVE trial compared outcomes of patients treated with WRAPSODY CIE versus those treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) [3] - The WRAPSODY CIE received premarket approval from the FDA on December 19, 2024, and was subsequently approved by Health Canada on April 30, 2025 [7] Group 3: Future Prospects - The WRAP North America registry aims to contribute to a growing portfolio of clinical evidence supporting the WRAPSODY CIE, potentially representing the largest cohort of patients treated with an implantable device for vascular access restoration [4][5] - A parallel WRAP Global registry is also being conducted to evaluate real-world outcomes, with an expected final enrollment of up to 500 patients outside North America by the end of 2025 [5][6]