Johnson & Johnson is preparing a potential sale of the orthopedics unit that it has been planning to separate, with big buyout firms already circling, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing peopl... ...

Johnson & Johnson is preparing a potential sale of the orthopedics unit that it has been planning to separate, with big buyout firms already circling, according to people familiar with the matter. The business, known as DePuy Synthes, could be valued at more than $20 billion in a sale, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. Most Read from Bloomberg J&J is assembling documents and financials for DePuy Synthes before it meets with possible buyers in the coming w ...

Core Insights - STAAR Surgical (STAA) has received FDA approval to expand the age indication for its EVO/EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lenses (EVO ICL) to patients aged 21 to 60 years, up from the previous limit of 21 to 45 years [1][9] Company Developments - The FDA approval is supported by three-year clinical trial data involving 629 eyes, showing a safety index of 1.25, with no cases of pupillary block or pigment dispersion, and a low incidence of anterior subcapsular cataract at 0.16% [2] - Management highlighted a significant shift in treatment paradigms, with a growing preference among surgeons for lens-based correction in high myopia, indicating that EVO ICL is central to future treatment pathways [4] - Following the announcement, STAA shares increased by 8.4%, although the stock has seen a decline of 37.2% over the past six months compared to the industry's 20.3% growth and the S&P 500's 8.8% rise [5][6] Market Trends - The U.S. refractive market is experiencing a decline in LASIK procedures, which have fallen nearly 40% over the past three years, while EVO ICL volumes are on the rise [10] - A recent survey indicated that 53% of U.S. vision correction consumers are considering alternatives to LASIK, reflecting a shift in patient preferences [10] - Management estimates that approximately 24 million myopic adults in the U.S., including 8 million aged 46-60, could be candidates for EVO ICL, positioning the product to capture a significant share of the refractive market [11] Industry Outlook - The intraocular lens market is projected to reach $5.34 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.72% through 2035, driven by factors such as the rising prevalence of eye disorders and technological advancements [13]

Market Overview - The market is experiencing a mixed message with some rotation observed this week, leading to a down day [2] - Manufacturing data has been strong recently, impacting expectations in the treasury markets, while the Atlanta Fed GDP now forecast came in lower than anticipated [3] - Despite market fluctuations, there is an ongoing rotation, particularly benefiting energy stocks [4] Verizon - Verizon has shown a strong performance year-to-date, up nearly 20%, indicating a potential turnaround after several years of sideways price action [5][6] - The stock has recently broken out of a range following a positive earnings announcement, showing strong momentum [8][9] - A trade example involves buying a 50-52.5 call spread while selling a 47 strike put, allowing for participation in further upside while providing an entry point if the stock tests lower levels [12][13] Dexcom - Dexcom has faced challenges due to the evolution of GLP1 but is now showing signs of breaking out after a period of downside [15][16] - The stock is currently trading around 71.80, with resistance at approximately 75, and potential for a breakout that could lead to a target range of 82-85 [18][21] - A trade example includes buying the stock and selling a June 85 call to capture upside momentum while collecting premium [23] Applied Materials - Applied Materials has increased over 40% this year, benefiting from a strong quarter in the semiconductor sector [24][25] - The stock is maintaining an upward trend, with significant support at 285 and resistance around 375, indicating potential for further gains [27][29] - A trade example involves a call fly strategy to capture a range up to 400, defining risk while allowing for upside participation [31][33]

Core Viewpoint - UFP Technologies, Inc. is set to report its fourth quarter and year-end results on February 24, 2026, with a conference call scheduled for February 25, 2026, at 8:30 AM ET to discuss these results [1][2]. Company Overview - UFP Technologies, Inc. is a contract development and manufacturing organization that specializes in single-use and single-patient medical devices [3]. - The company plays a crucial role in the medical device supply chain and serves as a valued outsourcing partner for leading medical device manufacturers [3]. - Its products are utilized in various medical applications, including minimally invasive surgery, infection prevention, wound care, wearables, orthopedic soft goods, and orthopedic implants [3].

Core Insights - The company delivered 2025 sales and adjusted EPS at the high end of guidance, driven by 6% organic growth and 13% adjusted operating income expansion [1] - Strong performance in 2025 is attributed to new product ramps in electrophysiology, robust neurovascular demand, and successful integration of recent acquisitions [1] - A revenue headwind of 3% to 4% is identified for 2026 due to lower-than-anticipated market adoption of three specific new products in electrophysiology and neuromodulation [1] - The underlying core business remains healthy, with expected growth of 4% to 6% in 2026 when excluding the three underperforming products [1] - The company emphasizes a long-term strategy of engaging early in the design phase to accelerate customer innovation and simplify global supply chains [1] - A 300% increase in product development sales since 2017 is reported, viewed as a leading indicator for future commercial manufacturing contributions [1] - Commitment to a high-performance culture focused on the Integer Production System to drive operational excellence and margin expansion is affirmed [1]

Core Insights - Integer (ITGR) reported revenue of $472.06 million for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting a 5% increase year-over-year and a surprise of +2.04% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $462.63 million [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $1.76, up from $1.43 in the same quarter last year, with an EPS surprise of +3.62% compared to the consensus estimate of $1.70 [1] Financial Performance - Integer's revenue growth was driven by specific segments, with Medical Sales in Other Markets reaching $20.55 million, exceeding the average estimate of $16.59 million [4] - Medical Sales in Cardio & Vascular totaled $284.21 million, surpassing the five-analyst average estimate of $274.01 million, marking a year-over-year increase of +11.3% [4] - However, sales in the Cardiac Rhythm Management & Neuromodulation segment were reported at $167.3 million, slightly below the estimated $172.57 million, representing a year-over-year decline of -1.9% [4] Market Performance - Over the past month, Integer's shares have returned -0.6%, compared to a -0.8% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Catheter Precision (NYSE:VTAK) shares are down on Thursday as the company announced a strategic divestiture of its non-core assets.VTAK Sells Atherectomy Catheter Tech to Focus on ElectrophysiologyCatheter Precision on Thursday agreed to sell its atherectomy catheter technologies, including associated FDA approvals and patents, to a strategic acquirer.This decision aims to enhance capital efficiency and sharpen the company’s focus on its high-growth electrophysiology platform.The divestiture is expected to ...

Wall Street analysts forecast that Globus Medical (GMED) will report quarterly earnings of $1.06 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year increase of 26.2%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $787.85 million, exhibiting an increase of 19.9% compared to the year-ago quarter.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during thi ...

Core Viewpoint - Alcon (ALC) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.79 per share, a 9.7% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected at $2.71 billion, reflecting a 9.3% year-over-year growth [1]. Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised upward by 1.5% over the past 30 days, indicating analysts' reappraisal of their initial projections [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical studies show a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price performance [3]. Key Metrics Projections - Analysts project 'Net Sales- Total Surgical- Equipment/other' to be $277.54 million, a 21.2% increase from the prior-year quarter [5]. - 'Net Sales- Total Surgical- Implantables' is expected to reach $482.10 million, indicating a 5.7% year-over-year change [5]. - The estimate for 'Net Sales- Total Surgical' is $1.56 billion, reflecting a 9.3% increase year-over-year [5]. - 'Net Sales- Total Vision care' is projected at $1.15 billion, a 9.1% increase from the previous year [6]. - 'Net Sales- Total Surgical- Consumables' is expected to be $796.13 million, indicating a 7.9% year-over-year change [6]. - The consensus for 'Net Sales- Total Vision Care- Contact lenses' stands at $687.14 million, reflecting a 7.7% increase [6]. - 'Net Sales- Total Vision Care- Ocular health' is projected to reach $462.70 million, a change of 11.2% from the prior-year quarter [7]. - 'Net Sales and other revenues- Other revenues' is estimated at $26.18 million, suggesting a 4.7% year-over-year change [7]. Stock Performance - Over the past month, Alcon shares have returned +0.8%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by -0.8% [7]. - Alcon holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating that its performance is expected to align with the overall market in the upcoming period [7].