LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of shareholders who purchased or otherwise acquired Picard Medical, Inc. ("Picard†or the "Company†) (NYSE: PMI) securities between September 2, 2025 and October 31, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period†). Picard investors have until April 3, 2026 to file a lead plaintiff motion. On October 23, 2025, during aftermarket trading hours, Picard's stock crashed abruptly, plunging approxi ...

Core Insights - Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.91 for Q1 fiscal 2026, a decrease of 15.2% year over year, but exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.4% [1] - The company’s revenues for the same quarter were $5.25 billion, reflecting a 1.6% year-over-year increase and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2% [2] - BDX's GAAP EPS was $1.34, showing a significant increase of 28.8% from the previous year [1] Revenue Analysis - BDX's new revenue, post-separation of its Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business, was $4.49 billion, marking a 3.5% increase on a reported basis [3] - The Medical Essentials segment generated revenues of $1.59 billion, up 0.6% year over year, while the Connected Care segment saw revenues of $1.13 billion, up 5.5% [4][5] - The BioPharma Systems segment reported revenues of $429 million, up 2.7%, and the BD Interventional segment generated $1.33 billion, up 5.8% [5] Geographic Performance - In the U.S., revenues improved by 2.6% year over year to $3.16 billion, while international revenues totaled $2.09 billion, up 0.2% on a reported basis but down 2.8% at constant exchange rates [6][8] Margin and Expense Analysis - BDX's gross profit increased by 7.9% year over year to $2.41 billion, with gross margin expanding by 266 basis points to 45.9% [9] - Adjusted operating profit rose by 24% to $712 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 13.6%, an increase of 245 basis points [10] Financial Position - At the end of Q1 fiscal 2026, BDX had cash and cash equivalents of $751 million, up from $649 million at the end of fiscal 2025, while total debt increased to $19.54 billion [11] - Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $657 million, down from $693 million a year ago [11] Guidance and Future Outlook - BDX projects full fiscal year revenues to grow above low single-digit on a reported basis and anticipates adjusted EPS in the range of $12.35-$12.65, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $14.84 [13] - The company has a consistent dividend-paying history, with a five-year annualized dividend growth of 5.47% [12] Recent Developments - BDX announced collaborations to enhance hazardous drug contamination testing and expanded its product offerings, including the PureWick Portable Collection System and the BD Surgiphor Surgical Wound Irrigation System [15] - Despite positive developments, lower revenues from the Medical Essentials and Life Sciences segments were noted as disappointing [16]

Core Insights - GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (GEHC) has announced a collaboration with Diagnoly to integrate AI-powered fetal screening into its Voluson women's health ultrasound systems, enhancing its portfolio of clinical AI tools [1][4] - The partnership aims to improve real-time cardiac and brain analysis during fetal exams, thereby increasing the utility of existing ultrasound hardware and pushing ultrasound further into high-value, outcomes-focused care [9][10] Company Strategy - GEHC's strategy focuses on embedding high-value AI applications into its installed base to enhance system differentiation and drive software-led growth [2][4] - By expanding the Voluson Solution Store with FDA-cleared, CE-marked AI offerings, GEHC aims to deepen customer engagement and improve precision in prenatal care [2][4] Market Performance - Following the announcement, GEHC shares traded flat in after-market trading, with a 10.4% gain over the past six months, compared to an 11.3% decline in the industry and an 11% rise in the S&P 500 [3] - GEHC currently has a market capitalization of $36.76 billion [6] Long-term Outlook - The collaboration with Diagnoly strengthens GEHC's transition toward a software- and AI-led growth model, enhancing the value of its large installed ultrasound base [4] - Integrating FDA-cleared AI tools into Voluson systems is expected to improve product differentiation, support premium pricing, and increase customer retention [4][10] Industry Prospects - The global fetal monitoring market is projected to grow from $5.66 billion in 2024 to approximately $10.81 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.68% [12] - Key drivers of market growth include the rising prevalence of chronic conditions, growing adoption of minimally invasive treatments, rapid advances in imaging technologies, and a stronger focus on early disease detection [13]

Core Insights - Sequoia Strategy achieved a return of 9% in Q4 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 Index which returned 2.7% during the same period [1] - For the full year 2025, Sequoia Strategy delivered a return of 21.9%, compared to 17.9% for the S&P 500 Index [1] - The Strategy focuses on investing in high-quality, fundamentally and financially strong businesses at reasonable prices, covering a wide range of sectors, business styles, and regions [1] Company Highlights - Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) was highlighted as a recent addition to Sequoia Strategy's portfolio [2] - As of February 6, 2026, Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN) stock closed at $187.60 per share, with a one-month return of 9.07% and a decline of 11.52% over the past twelve months [2] - Align Technology, Inc. has a market capitalization of $13.598 billion [2] - Other notable new positions added by Sequoia Strategy include MSA Safety, Inc. and Accenture Plc [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses five stocks and ETFs that may be attractive to investors seeking defensive positions amid ongoing market volatility, emphasizing sectors that historically perform well during downturns [1][30]. Group 1: Market Conditions - Lingering tariff concerns, a weakening U.S. dollar, and a significant correction in cryptocurrency markets have contributed to risk-off behavior among investors, with Bitcoin falling nearly 40% from last year's highs [2]. - The tech sector has been a major driver of market turbulence, with tech stocks, particularly software, facing challenges due to stretched valuations and heavy capital spending related to AI, leading to a nearly 22% decline in the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (BATS: IGV) year-to-date [3][6]. Group 2: Defensive Sectors and ETFs - Defensive sectors such as healthcare and consumer staples are attracting capital as investors seek stability amid tech-led weakness and rising volatility [6][30]. - The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA: XLV) is highlighted for its defensive characteristics, offering exposure to essential healthcare services and a 1.6% dividend yield, with strong liquidity and institutional interest [7][9][11]. - The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA: XLP) provides exposure to companies producing everyday necessities, maintaining stable demand even during recessions, and has surged over 13% year-to-date [17][19]. Group 3: Individual Stocks - Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is noted for its stability, with shares up almost 16% year-to-date and a diversified business model that ensures consistent demand across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products [13][15][16]. - Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) is recognized for its defensive nature and strong performance, with a dividend yield of approximately 2.6% and a favorable analyst consensus rating, benefiting from consistent consumer demand for its products [20][23][24]. Group 4: Dividend-Focused Strategies - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSEARCA: VYM) is presented as a strong option for investors seeking diversification and income, yielding 2.25% and outperforming the broader market with an 8% increase year-to-date [25][27][28]. - Dividend-focused strategies, including ETFs and individual stocks like JNJ and KO, are emphasized as effective ways to maintain equity exposure while providing downside protection during market volatility [30].

Core Insights - Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) reported stronger than expected first fiscal quarter 2026 results, highlighting the completion of its Life Sciences business combination with Waters through a Reverse Morris Trust transaction [2] Quarterly Results - BD posted total revenue of $5.3 billion, reflecting a 0.4% year-over-year increase on an FX-neutral basis; "new BD" grew 2.5% with broad-based growth across most of the portfolio, partially offset by challenges in approximately 10% of the business, including Alaris, vaccines in China, and market dynamics in China [3] - The quarter demonstrated "disciplined execution" with accelerated commercial initiatives and strength in several growth platforms, including double-digit growth in biologic drug delivery, PureWick, advanced tissue regeneration, pharmacy automation, and high single-digit growth in advanced patient monitoring [3] Profitability - BD reported an adjusted gross margin of 53.4% and adjusted EPS of $2.91, both exceeding management's expectations; however, adjusted EPS was down 15.2% year-over-year, primarily due to tariffs [4] Segment Performance - Growth was led by Connected Care and Interventional, with details provided on performance across the company's recast segment structure, which includes Medical Essentials, Connected Care, Biopharma Systems, Interventional, and Life Sciences [5] Transaction and Financial Strategy - BD closed the Waters transaction, receiving a $4 billion cash distribution, which will be allocated as $2 billion for accelerated share repurchases and $2 billion to pay down debt; net leverage ended the quarter at 2.9x, with a long-term target of 2.5x [6] - Management maintained fiscal 2026 guidance for low single-digit revenue growth and adjusted EPS of $12.35 to $12.65, while cautioning about ongoing headwinds from China, vaccines, Alaris, and a multi-hundred-basis-point tariff impact [6]

Company Overview - Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW) is valued at a market cap of $45.7 billion and specializes in products and technologies for advanced cardiovascular diseases, emphasizing a patient-centric approach and collaboration with physicians [1] Market Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, EW has underperformed the broader market, gaining 10.9% compared to the S&P 500 Index's 14% increase. Year-to-date, EW's stock is down 7.7%, while the S&P 500 has returned 1.3% [2] - Despite this, EW has outperformed the iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (IHI), which declined 8.9% over the past 52 weeks and 6.1% year-to-date [3] Financial Results - On October 30, EW reported Q3 results, with net sales of $1.6 billion, reflecting a 14.7% year-over-year increase. The adjusted EPS remained stable at $0.67, exceeding consensus expectations by 13.6% [6] Earnings Expectations - For the current fiscal year ending in December, analysts project EW's EPS to grow 6.6% year-over-year to $2.59. The company has a strong earnings surprise history, exceeding consensus estimates in the last four quarters [7] Analyst Ratings - Among 31 analysts covering EW, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," consisting of 18 "Strong Buy," 2 "Moderate Buy," and 11 "Hold" ratings [7] - The configuration has become more bullish, with 17 analysts suggesting a "Strong Buy" rating. UBS Group AG analyst Danielle Antalffy maintained a "Neutral" rating but lowered the price target to $94, indicating a 19.4% potential upside. The mean price target of $96.71 suggests a 22.9% premium, while the highest price target of $110 indicates a 39.8% potential upside [8]

Core Viewpoint - Pulse Biosciences Inc. is experiencing a stock surge driven by positive clinical data from its nPulse Cardiac Catheter feasibility study, despite a slight decline in the broader market [1]. Group 1: Clinical Data and Study Results - The nPulse Cardiac Catheter demonstrated successful treatment outcomes for atrial fibrillation in 150 patients, with rapid procedure times and minimal adverse effects, positioning the technology as a leading market option [2]. - Findings were presented at the Annual AF Symposium 2026 in Boston, highlighting the potential of the nPulse technology to advance atrial fibrillation treatment, with plans to initiate a pivotal IDE study for additional patient treatment [3]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Technical Analysis - The stock is trading 49% above its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) and 39.4% above its 100-day SMA, indicating strong short-term momentum, although shares have decreased by 7.20% over the past 12 months [4]. - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 75.62, indicating overbought territory, while the MACD is above its signal line, reflecting bullish momentum, suggesting mixed signals regarding stock performance [5]. - Benzinga Edge ranks Pulse Biosciences' stock with a strong momentum score of 68.22, indicating outperformance relative to the broader market, but caution is advised due to the overbought RSI condition [6]. Group 3: Current Stock Price Action - Pulse Biosciences shares were up 4.05% at $21.59 during premarket trading, with key resistance identified at $24.50 and key support at $20.00 [7].

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].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2026 was $5.3 billion, reflecting a 0.4% increase year-on-year, with New BD growing by 2.5% [5][18] - Adjusted gross margin was 53.4%, down 140 basis points from the prior year, primarily due to tariffs [20] - Adjusted EPS was $2.91, a decrease of 15.2% year-on-year, mainly impacted by tariffs [21] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $548 million, with a conversion rate of 66%, up from 59% in the prior year [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Medical Essentials experienced expected order timing dynamics and volume-based procurement in China, partially offset by share gains in the US [18] - Connected Care delivered mid-single-digit growth, led by high single-digit growth in APM [18] - Biopharma Systems grew low single digits, with double-digit growth in biologics, particularly GLP-1s, offset by lower vaccine demand [19] - Interventional and surgery segments both delivered solid mid-single-digit growth, with strong performance in Advanced Tissue Regeneration [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The US market showed solid growth in the BD Vacutainer portfolio, while challenges persisted in China due to market dynamics [18] - Alaris performance was slightly ahead of expectations despite a revenue decline due to tough comparisons to the prior year [19] - The Life Sciences segment declined due to US point-of-care headwinds and market dynamics in China [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a balanced capital allocation strategy, prioritizing share repurchases and tuck-in M&A in high-growth markets [8][9] - Key trends shaping the future of healthcare include the rise of smart devices, the shift towards lower-cost care settings, and the growth in chronic disease technologies [9][10] - The company aims to enhance its commercial capabilities and operational excellence through its "Excellence Unleashed" strategy, focusing on competing, innovating, and delivering [11][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the trajectory of the business, with core growth drivers remaining intact [27] - The company anticipates low single-digit revenue growth for New BD in fiscal 2026, with a positive currency impact expected [23] - Management acknowledged known headwinds in 10% of the portfolio but emphasized strong fundamentals in the remaining 90% [33] Other Important Information - The company is set to close a significant transaction with Waters, receiving a $4 billion cash distribution, with plans to allocate $2 billion for share repurchases and $2 billion for debt paydown [8][24] - The company has reduced its manufacturing network by nearly half, enhancing operational efficiency and cost management [16][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance for Q2 revenue and EPS - Management indicated that Q2 guidance reflects modest timing benefits and that core growth drivers remain intact, with no ramp expected from Q1 to Q2 [27][28] Question: Structural changes affecting mid-single-digit growth - Management confirmed confidence in the portfolio, noting strong performance in high-growth areas despite known headwinds [33] Question: Impact of Alaris and vaccines in China - Management expects Alaris to step up in 2027, with vaccines anticipated to have a smaller revenue impact moving forward [40][42] Question: M&A opportunities under New BD strategy - The company remains focused on tuck-in M&A that is accretive to revenue and EPS, with a robust pipeline in high-growth sectors [78][80] Question: Pricing environment and potential for price premiums - Management noted a stable pricing environment with slight positive pricing expected outside of China, anticipating improvements as VBP dynamics lessen [91]