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Owlet vs. Masimo: Which Medical Monitoring Stock Is the Better Buy?
ZACKS· 2026-01-29 15:51
Core Insights - Remote and continuous patient monitoring is becoming essential in modern healthcare due to aging populations, staffing shortages, and a shift towards data-driven care [1] - Owlet, Inc. and Masimo Corporation represent two distinct investment approaches within the same trend, focusing on different patient demographics and stages of business maturity [2] Owlet Stock Analysis - Owlet is transitioning from a hardware-focused company to a pediatric digital health platform with recurring revenue potential, achieving record revenue growth of approximately 45% year over year in Q3 2025 [4] - The Dream Sock is the first FDA-cleared over-the-counter infant monitoring device, enhancing brand trust and market share, with recent international expansion into India [5] - Owlet's subscription platform, Owlet360, has over 85,000 paying subscribers, with plans to integrate AI-driven insights and telehealth capabilities, potentially reshaping its earnings profile [6] - Challenges include tariff impacts on gross margins and the need for sustained investment in healthcare-channel reimbursement and telehealth partnerships [7] Masimo Stock Analysis - Masimo is a leader in noninvasive monitoring technologies, focusing on recurring consumables and long-term contracts, with preliminary full-year revenue of approximately $1.52 billion in 2025 [9] - The company is refocusing on core healthcare operations post-divestiture of its consumer-audio business, with strong contract wins and rising demand for advanced monitoring solutions [10] - Masimo expanded operating margins by 450 basis points year over year in Q3 2025, supported by strong cash flow generation and share repurchases totaling around $350 million [11] - Growth expectations for 2026 are modest, with revenue growth projected in the mid-single-digit range, reflecting maturity and hospital budget constraints [12] Market Performance Comparison - Over the past six months, Owlet shares increased by 71.5%, while Masimo shares decreased by 11.7%, indicating contrasting investor sentiment [13] - Owlet trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of approximately 1.75X, significantly lower than Masimo's 4.54X, suggesting potential upside for Owlet if growth continues [18] Earnings Estimates - Owlet's 2026 loss per share estimate has improved from 48 cents to 25 cents, with projected revenue growth of 21.1% [20] - Masimo's 2026 EPS estimate is $5.77, reflecting steady but slower growth of about 5.9%, with revenues expected to rise 6.6% [22] Investment Outlook - Owlet offers a compelling growth trajectory with regulatory differentiation and an expanding subscription base, while Masimo provides stability and predictable cash flows [25] - Owlet is rated as a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating superior upside potential compared to Masimo, which holds a Rank 2 (Buy) [25]
Owlet Gains From FDA Clarity: Does Regulation Create an Edge?
ZACKS· 2026-01-14 16:01
Core Insights - Owlet, Inc. (OWLT) is positioned favorably due to increased regulatory clarity in the infant monitoring market, enhancing its competitive edge over time [1][4] - The company is the first and only FDA-cleared over-the-counter infant monitoring device provider, which is crucial as the FDA has issued warnings against unauthorized devices [2][9] - Owlet's FDA clearance validates product reliability for parents and reduces compliance risks for retailers and healthcare partners, suggesting a more defensible market position compared to competitors without clearance [3][9] Regulatory Developments - Regulatory differentiation is a significant factor supporting Owlet's long-term outlook, as it reinforces credibility and raises barriers to entry in the market [2][4] - The FDA's safety communication has created a clear distinction between regulated and unregulated products, benefiting Owlet's market positioning [2][9] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Owlet reported over 85,000 paying subscribers for its Owlet360 subscription platform, with attach rates exceeding 25%, indicating strong customer engagement [4][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for OWLT's 2026 loss has narrowed to 25 cents from 48 cents in the past 30 days, with an expected loss of 12 cents per share in 2025 [11] Competitive Landscape - Competition in the connected infant monitoring and digital health sectors remains intense, with companies like Masimo and iRhythm Technologies influencing adjacent segments [5][6] - Owlet's focus on infant health, combined with its FDA-cleared consumer approach, may lead to deeper engagement if execution remains on track [7] Market Performance - Owlet's shares have increased by 69.1% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry's growth of 26.3% and the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's rise of 19.2% [8]