Strength in Cardiovascular Unit Likely to Lift MDT's Q3 Performance

Core Viewpoint - Medtronic (MDT) is expected to report its third-quarter fiscal 2026 results on February 17, with earnings per share (EPS) anticipated at $1.33, reflecting a 4.3% decrease year-over-year, while revenues are projected to reach $8.90 billion, indicating a 7.3% growth from the previous year [1][2]. Group 1: Q3 Estimates and Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Medtronic's third-quarter revenues is $8.90 billion, suggesting a 7.3% increase from the same quarter last year [2]. - The earnings estimate for the third quarter has been revised down by 1 cent to $1.33 per share over the past 60 days [3]. - Medtronic has consistently beaten earnings estimates in the last four quarters, with an average beat of 2.75% [1]. Group 2: Segment Performance Expectations - The Cardiovascular segment is projected to grow by 10.8% year-over-year, driven by the Cardiac Ablation Solutions business and strong performance from the Affera mapping system and Sphere-9 catheter [6][4]. - The Neuroscience segment is expected to see a revenue increase of 5.2% year-over-year, supported by the spine AiBLE ecosystem and growth in Core Spine and Neurosurgery [9][7]. - The Diabetes unit is anticipated to deliver an 11.5% revenue growth, bolstered by new product launches and pent-up demand [15][12]. Group 3: Challenges and Innovations - The Medical Surgical segment has faced challenges due to market pressures from bariatric surgery and a shift towards robotic surgery, but the FDA clearance for the Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system is a positive development [10]. - The Endoscopy business is expected to perform well, driven by growth in esophageal products and the AI-powered GI Genius solution [11]. - Medtronic's Diabetes business is in a strong innovation cycle, with the MiniMed 780G system receiving multiple approvals and a broad U.S. commercial launch [13]. Group 4: Strategic Developments - Medtronic has filed a registration statement for a proposed initial public offering (IPO) as part of a planned separation, allowing the company to focus on high-margin growth markets [14].