Core Insights - Abbott Laboratories (ABT) has received FDA approval for its Volt PFA System to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), with plans to begin commercial cases in the U.S. and expand in the EU following earlier CE Mark approval [1][4] Company Performance - Following the FDA approval news, ABT shares dipped slightly by 0.2%, but have increased by 9.5% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 0.5% [2] - ABT has a market capitalization of $218.16 billion and an earnings yield of 4.1%, significantly higher than the industry's 0.1% [3] Volt PFA System Details - The Volt PFA System was approved based on the VOLT-AF IDE study involving 392 patients across multiple countries, demonstrating safety and effectiveness for both paroxysmal and persistent AFib [4][7] - The system integrates mapping, pacing, and ablation in one catheter, designed to work with Abbott's EnSite X EP System for enhanced cardiac mapping [5][7] Significance of Volt PFA System - The proprietary design of the Volt PFA System allows for efficient energy transfer to targeted tissue, aiming to reduce the need for repeat ablations and complications [6][8] - Patients can undergo the procedure with conscious sedation instead of general anesthesia, which is beneficial for those who may have barriers to anesthesia [8] Industry Context - Nearly 12 million people in the U.S. over the age of 65 have AFib, a number expected to double in the next 20 years, highlighting a growing market for effective treatment options [9] - AFib significantly increases the risk of stroke, making minimally invasive cardiac ablation procedures essential for many patients when other treatments fail [9] Additional Developments - Abbott has expanded its Lingo biowearable continuous glucose monitor system to Android devices, broadening its user base significantly [10]

Key Takeaways Merit Medical posted 7.8% organic Q3 growth, driven by cardiovascular strength across U.S., EMEA, and APAC.Merit Medical achieved record margins and higher free cash flow as pricing discipline offset tariff pressure.WRAPSODY CIE gained early traction post NTAP reimbursement, supporting long-term dialysis access growth.Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (MMSI) is well-poised for growth in the coming quarters, courtesy of its strong product portfolio. The optimism, led by a solid performance so far in ...

The stock is roughly flat this past year, but the fundamentals quietly moved in the right direction, and that disconnect likely caught this fund’s attention.London-based Sand Grove Capital Management took a new stake in STAAR Surgical Company (STAA 1.34%), adding 829,123 shares valued at ~$22.28 million, according to November 14, 2025, SEC filings.What HappenedAccording to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 14, Sand Grove Capital Management LLP established a new position in ...

Key Takeaways BWAY benefits as Optum expands Deep TMS coverage to adolescents with major depressive disorder.BWAY sees a wider reimbursable teen patient base, driving earlier treatment adoption and utilization growth.BWAY gains from broader insurer alignment that improves revenue visibility and encourages clinic investment.BrainsWay Ltd. (BWAY) recently announced an expansion of insurance coverage for its Deep TMS therapy in adolescent depression. The update signals growing payer confidence in non-drug neur ...

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - December 23, 2025) - National plaintiffs' law firm Berger Montague PC announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Integer Holdings Corporation (NYSE: ITGR) ("Integer" or the "Company") on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Integer securities during the period of July 25, 2024 through October 22, 2025 (the "Class Period"), inclusive.Investor Deadline: Investors who purchased Integer securities during the Class Period may, no ...

Core Insights - Abbott Laboratories has received FDA approval for its Volt™ PFA System to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), marking a significant advancement in its cardiovascular portfolio and enabling commercial procedures in the U.S. and Europe [1][3] - The prevalence of AFib is increasing, with approximately 12 million Americans over 65 currently affected, a number expected to double in the next 20 years, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment solutions [2] - The FDA approval is anticipated to enhance Abbott's market position in the expanding AFib market, potentially increasing procedure volumes and recurring revenues, while also supporting margin expansion [3] Company Overview - Abbott is a global healthcare leader with a market capitalization of approximately $218.1 billion, operating in over 160 countries across various sectors including cardiovascular care, diabetes management, diagnostics, nutrition, and neuromodulation [4] - The stock has experienced a year-to-date gain of nearly 10.35%, although it has seen a decline of 8.15% over the past three months, indicating fluctuating investor sentiment [4] Financial Metrics - Abbott's stock is trading at 24.36 times forward adjusted earnings and 4.87 times sales, which is above industry averages, reflecting strong investor confidence in its earnings durability and long-term growth prospects [5] - The company has increased its quarterly common dividend to $0.63 per share, a 6.8% increase, marking the 54th consecutive year of dividend growth [6]

Economic Overview - The U.S. economy presents a mixed picture with consumer activity remaining intact but shifting towards necessities rather than discretionary spending [2] - Businesses are operating under tighter margins and selective demand, creating a functional yet vulnerable economy [2] Market Sentiment - Investors are becoming more cautious as expectations for 2026 are tempered due to slower economic momentum and rising uncertainty around corporate earnings [1][3] - The market may experience increased volatility as growth becomes less predictable and earnings visibility narrows [3] Defensive Stocks - Defensive stocks are expected to perform better during uncertain periods as they cater to everyday needs, providing more predictable revenues compared to cyclical businesses [4] - These stocks can help reduce portfolio volatility while still allowing for long-term market participation [5] Company Analysis: Turning Point Brands, Inc. (TPB) - TPB has seen a 40% increase in share price over the past year, benefiting from stable consumer demand in habitual consumption categories [6] - The company is focused on maintaining brand strength while evolving its portfolio to align with consumer preferences, including expanding into modern oral nicotine products [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TPB's EPS suggests growth of 50.6% for the current fiscal year and 7.1% for the next [8] Company Analysis: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) - JNJ benefits from steady non-discretionary healthcare demand and a diversified portfolio in pharmaceuticals and medical technologies [11] - The company emphasizes disciplined innovation, advancing its pharmaceutical pipeline and enhancing its medical technology offerings [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for JNJ's EPS indicates growth of 8.9% for the current fiscal year and nearly 5.7% for the next [13] Company Analysis: NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) - NEE has risen 12.1% in the past year, providing essential electricity services that support predictable operations and earnings visibility [14] - The company is positioned to benefit from long-term energy infrastructure demand driven by population growth and electrification trends [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NEE's EPS suggests growth of 7.6% for the current fiscal year and 7.8% for the next [16] Conclusion - As uncertainty increases approaching 2026, investors may prefer companies like TPB, JNJ, and NEE that offer stability through essential products and services while continuing to invest in growth initiatives [17]

On August 4, 2025, Inspire Medical Systems announced significant setbacks in the launch of its new Inspire V device. The company revealed that the rollout was taking much longer than expected because many treatment centers had not yet completed the required training, contracting, and onboarding needed to begin using the product. Inspire also disclosed billing and reimbursement challenges, explaining that although Medicare had approved a CPT code for Inspire V, the necessary software updates for claims proce ...

Upgrades - CFRA upgraded Pool Corp. (POOL) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $304 [2] - Piper Sandler upgraded SEI Investments (SEIC) to Overweight from Neutral with a price target of $102, increased from $93, citing SEI as a "clear beneficiary" of the expanding alternatives landscape [2] - TD Cowen upgraded Ametek (AME) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $230, up from $180, noting that backlog remains near highs and is expected to grow [3] Downgrades - TD Cowen downgraded Janus Henderson (JHG) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $49 after the company agreed to be acquired for $7.4 billion or $49.00 per share [4] - Piper Sandler downgraded Clearwater Analytics (CWAN) to Neutral from Overweight with a price target of $24.55, down from $27, following its agreement to be acquired for $24.55 per share in cash [4] - BMO Capital downgraded Brown & Brown (BRO) to Market Perform from Outperform with a price target of $88, down from $90, due to lower consensus organic growth estimates for 2026 [5] - Evercore ISI downgraded Coty (COTY) to In Line from Outperform with a price target of $7, citing a lack of visibility on timing and catalysts for potential value unlock [6] Initiations - Oppenheimer initiated coverage of Spruce Biosciences (SPRB) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $283, supported by FDA confirmation of compelling clinical biomarker data [7] - LifeSci Capital initiated coverage of Sionna Therapeutics (SION) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $60, highlighting multiple quality shots on goal with its therapies [7] - Oppenheimer initiated coverage of Aardvark Therapeutics (AARD) with an Outperform rating and a price target of $35, noting the company's differentiated obesity franchise [7] - JonesResearch initiated coverage of Septerna (SEPN) with a Buy rating and a price target of $43, forecasting $2.5 billion in unadjusted U.S. peak sales in 2035 [7] - Loop Capital initiated coverage of Malibu Boats (MBUU) with a Buy rating and a price target of $34, indicating the marine industry is in the late stages of inventory rationalization [7]

Core Insights - Merit Medical Systems, Inc. will participate in the 44th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference from January 12-15, 2026, in San Francisco, California [1] - The company will provide an overview and update on January 13th at 4:30 pm Pacific Time / 7:30 pm Eastern Time [2] - Presentation materials will be available on the investor relations website, along with a live audio webcast and a replay for approximately 90 days [3] Company Overview - Merit Medical, founded in 1987, develops, manufactures, and distributes proprietary medical devices for interventional, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures, focusing on cardiology, radiology, oncology, critical care, and endoscopy [4] - The company has a global presence with a sales force and clinical support team of over 800 individuals and employs approximately 7,400 people worldwide [4]