3 Undervalued Medical Instrument Stocks Poised to Grow in 2026

Core Insights - The U.S. medical instrument and medtech sector is stabilizing as it enters 2026, with normalized procedure volumes post-pandemic and a focus on productivity and cost management [1][3] - Companies that can demonstrate operational improvements and earnings visibility are favored in the current investment environment, despite modest top-line growth [1][6] U.S. Macro Trends - Medtech equities are influenced by U.S. macroeconomic factors, particularly the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy, which is currently targeted between 3.5% and 3.75% [3] - Elevated labor and materials inflation rates have moderated, impacting margins more than demand, as companies align pricing and productivity with cost structures [4] Hospital Dynamics - U.S. hospitals are managing tight capital budgets while maintaining steady procedure volumes, benefiting companies with strong service and consumables revenue rather than those reliant on large equipment sales [5] - Staffing shortages are driving hospitals towards automation and efficiency, creating opportunities for device manufacturers offering productivity-enhancing solutions [5] Investment Opportunities in Undervalued Stocks - Undervalued medtech stocks may outperform through earnings recovery and multiple re-rating, as historical periods of uncertainty often compress valuations [6][7] - "Undervalued" stocks are defined as those trading below their historical valuation ranges, with potential for earnings growth through operational leverage and cost-reduction initiatives [7] Company-Specific Insights Fresenius Medical Care (FMS) - FMS is experiencing margin recovery due to cost savings and pricing improvements, with a current P/S F12M of 0.55x, below its 5-year median of 0.63x [10][11] - The company reported a rise in operating margin to 11.7% for Q3 2025, supported by cost savings and disciplined execution, with an expected earnings growth of 9% in 2026 [11][13] Integra LifeSciences (IART) - IART operates in neurosurgery and surgical instruments, currently trading at a P/S F12M of 0.59x, below its 5-year median of 2.14x [14][15] - The company anticipates supply normalization and margin expansion initiatives targeting $25-$30 million in savings, with expected earnings growth of 5.5% in 2026 [15][16] STERIS (STE) - STERIS provides sterilization services and is currently trading at a P/S F12M of 4.23x, slightly above its 5-year median of 3.97x [18][19] - The company reported high-single-digit organic revenue growth and expanded EBIT margin to 23.1%, with an expected earnings growth of 8.6% in 2026 [19][21]