Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients in the United States, Ireland, and internationally. It operates through three segments: the Cardiovascular Portfolio, Neuroscience Portfolio, and Medical Surgical Portfolio. The Cardiovascular Portfolio offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, cardiac ablation products, insertable cardiac monitor systems, TYRX products, and remote monitoring and patient-centered software, as well as aortic valves, surgical valve replacement and repair products, endovascular stent grafts and accessories, transcatheter pulmonary valves, left atrial appendage exclusion systems, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) systems, percutaneous coronary intervention products, percutaneous angioplasty balloons, and endovenous products. The Neuroscience Portfolio provides medical devices and implants, biologic solutions, spinal cord stimulation and brain modulation systems, implantable drug infusion systems, interventional products, and a nerve ablation system under the Accurian name, serving spinal surgeons, neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain management specialists, anesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons, urologists, urogynecologists, interventional radiologists, and ear, nose, and throat specialists, along with energy surgical instruments. The Medical Surgical Portfolio includes surgical stapling devices, vessel sealing instruments, wound closure and electrosurgery products, an AI-powered surgical video and analytics platform, robotic-assisted surgery products, hernia mechanical devices, mesh implants, gynecology products, gastrointestinal and hepatologic diagnostics and therapies, therapies to treat diseases and conditions, patient monitoring and airway management products, insulin pumps and consumables, and continuous glucose monitoring systems.
Medtronic Raises Fiscal 2027 Outlook on Strong Heart Device Demand
Medtronic raised the lower end of its fiscal 2027 profit forecast and lifted its revenue growth outlook, citing strong demand for heart devices used in complex cardiovascular procedures. The Ireland-based company raised the lower end of its adjusted per-share profit forecast to $5.94 from $5.90 while keeping the upper end at $6.00, against an analyst average of $5.95, and now expects annual organic revenue growth of 7.25% to 7.75%, up from 6.75% to 7.25% previously. First-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue reached $9.756 billion, up 13.7% both reported and organically, beating the $9.55 billion analyst consensus, with adjusted earnings per share of $1.45 topping the $1.39 estimate. Growth was broad-based across segments, with Cardiovascular revenue up 19.5%, Diabetes up 16.9%, Neuroscience up 10.3%, and Medical Surgical up 10.0%, though Medtronic said about $570 million of the quarter's growth came from an extra week in the reporting period. The guidance still includes the diabetes business, which Medtronic has said it may fully separate before fiscal year-end, though CFO Thierry Pieton said the company is not under pressure to rush that timeline.
Medtronic plc reported fiscal first-quarter 2027 revenue of nearly $9.8 billion, up 13.7% organically, while non-GAAP diluted EPS rose 15.1% to $1.45. The company raised its full-year organic revenue-growth forecast to 7.25%-7.75% from 6.75%-7.25% and lifted the lower end of its non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to $5.94 from $5.90. Cardiovascular revenue increased 18.9% organically to $3.927 billion, with Cardiac Ablation Solutions up 88%, while Neuroscience grew 9.3% and Medical Surgical increased 10.2%. The quarter included an extra fiscal week that Medtronic estimates benefited organic growth by approximately $570 million, and non-GAAP operating margin rose only 10 basis points to 23.7%. Medtronic also committed $700 million to Cornerstone Robotics for distribution rights to its Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the United States and agreed to invest up to $80 million in Pi-Cardia, with an option to acquire the company for up to $210 million, as it proceeds with the separation of its diabetes division by the end of the year.
Medtronic Raises FY27 Organic Growth Guidance After Strong Q1
Medtronic reported fiscal 2027 first-quarter revenue of $9.8 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.45, both ahead of expectations, and raised its full-year organic revenue growth guidance to 7.25% to 7.75%, a 50 basis point increase from prior guidance. The quarter benefited from an extra selling week, which contributed approximately $570 million or 670 basis points to total organic enterprise revenue growth. Cardiac Rhythm Management delivered 15% global growth, Cranial & Spinal Technologies grew 13%, and Surgical grew 9%. Cardiac Ablation Solutions surged 88% worldwide, surpassing $2 billion in trailing twelve-month revenue. The company also announced strategic investments in Cornerstone Robotics and Pi-Cardia, and expects fiscal 2027 EPS of $5.94 to $6.00.
Intuitive Surgical's Ion Platform Emerges as Second Growth Engine
Intuitive Surgical's Ion robotic platform is becoming a significant second growth engine alongside its core da Vinci franchise, with second-quarter 2026 procedures up 36% year over year to 48,000. Cumulative Ion procedures have surpassed 400,000, and the installed base has grown 21% annually, now available in 12 countries outside the U.S. The platform targets lung cancer diagnosis, a market with robust growth potential, and management is investing in technologies like ROSE and EBUS to expand its clinical utility. Meanwhile, Medtronic's Cardiac Ablation Solutions sales grew 88% in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, and Boston Scientific plans to launch FARAPULSE Ultra at scale in 2027, with the Penumbra acquisition expected to close in the second half of 2027. Intuitive Surgical shares have fallen 35.3% this year, trading at a forward P/E of 31.71X, below its five-year median of 68.26X, with 2026 earnings expected to rise 20.3%.
Global Surgical Robots Market to Reach $22.9 Billion by 2035
A new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com projects the global surgical robots market will grow from USD 10.6 billion in 2026 to USD 22.9 billion by 2035, a compound annual growth rate of about 8.9%. The expansion is driven by demand for minimally invasive surgery, AI integration, and compact systems that lower capital costs. North America is expected to lead the market, while Asia-Pacific is forecast to see the fastest growth. Key players include Intuitive Surgical, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, and Stryker. Recent developments include Medtronic's FDA clearance for its Hugo system in urology and a partnership between Ronovo Surgical and Johnson & Johnson Medical Shanghai.
7 of 8 S&P 500 Firms Beat EPS Estimates as All Report Profit Growth
In a notable earnings week, seven of eight key S&P 500 companies beat consensus EPS estimates, with all eight posting year-over-year profit growth, though revenue performance was mixed. Dell Technologies jumped 15.81% after reporting a 58% revenue increase to $46.97 billion and adjusted EPS of $7.04, driven by AI server demand, and guided third-quarter revenue to $49 billion. Palo Alto Networks slipped 9.28% despite beating estimates with revenue up 34% to $3.41 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.02, while issuing an optimistic forecast. Medtronic rose 1.53% after revenue grew 13.8% to $9.76 billion and raised its full-year guidance. Broadcom dropped 2.7% on lower-than-expected Q4 revenue guidance despite strong Q3 results with revenue up 86% to $29.59 billion. Lululemon shares fell nearly 20% after cutting its full-year sales forecast to $10.35B-$10.50B, down from $11.0B-$11.50B, due to declining China sales. Brown-Forman gained 3.87% on mixed results, NetApp rose 2.55% despite a free cash flow drop, and Campbell's fell 6.96% after missing revenue estimates and cutting its dividend by 36%.
Medtronic, MiniMed, NIO, Apple Move on Earnings and CEO Change
Medtronic plc's shares rose 1.5% after reporting first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenues of $9,756 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9,470.48 million. MiniMed Group Inc. shares jumped 10.7% after posting first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenues of $843 million, beating the estimate of $828 million. NIO Inc. shares tumbled 4% after reporting second-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues of $4,736.39 million, missing the estimate of $4,780.55 million. Apple Inc. shares gained 2.6% after John Ternus, its former senior vice president of hardware engineering, became the new CEO, succeeding Tim Cook after 15 years.
Medtronic reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 adjusted earnings per share of $1.45, up 15.1% year over year and beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.32%, while revenues rose 13.7% to $9.76 billion, surpassing expectations by 3.02%. The company raised its fiscal 2027 organic revenue growth outlook to 7.25%-7.75% from 6.75%-7.25% and lifted adjusted EPS guidance to $5.94-$6.00 from $5.90-$6.00. Cardiovascular led segment growth with a 19.5% reported increase, while Neuroscience, Medical Surgical, and Diabetes also posted strong organic gains. Medtronic completed acquisitions of Scientia Vascular and SPR Therapeutics, and announced a strategic partnership with Cornerstone Robotics and an investment in Pi-Cardia. Shares rose nearly 5% in pre-market trading following the announcement.
Medtronic Raises Fiscal 2027 Outlook After Strong Q1
Medtronic raised its fiscal 2027 outlook after first-quarter revenue rose 13.7% to $9.8 billion and adjusted EPS reached $1.45, beating expectations. The company now expects 7.25%–7.75% organic revenue growth and adjusted EPS of $5.94–$6.00 for the full year. Cardiovascular led operating momentum, with revenue up 19% and Cardiac Ablation Solutions surging 88% globally and 139% in the U.S., driven by Sphere-9 and Affera adoption. CRM also grew 15% and gained global market share. Medtronic continues investing in growth, including its Hugo surgical-robotics platform and a $700 million Cornerstone Robotics agreement, while maintaining plans to separate its MiniMed diabetes business before fiscal year-end. Excluding diabetes would improve gross and operating margins but modestly reduce companywide growth.
Medtronic plc has announced a partnership with Cornerstone Robotics, committing about US$700 million to secure distribution rights for Cornerstone's Sentire surgical system in select markets outside the U.S., where it will complement Medtronic's Hugo robotic-assisted surgery platform. This move broadens Medtronic's robotic surgery offerings, providing hospitals and surgeons with more choices across complementary platforms that integrate into the company's connected surgical ecosystem, potentially boosting adoption of minimally invasive procedures. The partnership adds to Medtronic's investment narrative, which already includes a US$0.72 quarterly dividend and 49 consecutive years of increases, highlighting a balance between innovation spending and shareholder returns. However, the deal does not fundamentally alter the main risk that large new platforms may scale slower or cost more than expected. Medtronic's narrative projects US$41.5 billion revenue and US$6.6 billion earnings by 2029, requiring 4.5% yearly revenue growth and a roughly US$1.8 billion earnings increase from US$4.8 billion today, with a fair value estimate of US$98.00, an 8% upside to its current price.
Medtronic reported first-quarter earnings of $1.45 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.39 and up from $1.26 a year ago, marking a 4.32% surprise. Revenues reached $9.76 billion, beating estimates by 3.02% and rising from $8.58 billion in the prior year. The company has exceeded consensus EPS and revenue estimates in each of the last four quarters. Management's commentary on the earnings call will likely influence near-term stock movement, with shares down 5.6% year-to-date versus the S&P 500's 12.3% gain. The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $1.35 on $9.47 billion in revenues, and for the full fiscal year it is $5.94 on $38.64 billion. Medtronic holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating expectations of in-line performance with the market.
Medtronic raises fiscal 2027 guidance after strong first quarter
Medtronic reported first quarter fiscal 2027 revenue of $9.8 billion, up 13.7% as reported and organically, and raised its full-year guidance. The company's non-GAAP diluted EPS of $1.45 beat expectations, while GAAP EPS was $1.14. Medtronic now expects fiscal 2027 organic revenue growth of 7.25% to 7.75%, up from prior guidance of 6.75% to 7.25%, and non-GAAP EPS of $5.94 to $6.00. Growth was broad-based, with the Cardiovascular portfolio up 18.9% organically, Neuroscience up 9.3%, Medical Surgical up 10.2%, and Diabetes up 14.9%. The company also announced strategic investments and partnerships, including an investment in Pi-Cardia and a partnership with Cornerstone Robotics, and completed acquisitions of Scientia Vascular and SPR Therapeutics.
Medtronic Q1 earnings expected to show strong growth
Medtronic is scheduled to announce its fiscal first-quarter earnings on September 1 after markets close, with analysts expecting strong growth. The consensus EPS estimate is $1.39, a 10.3% year-over-year increase, while revenue is expected to rise 12.2% to $9.54 billion. Over the past three months, EPS estimates have seen 11 upward revisions and 7 downward moves, while revenue estimates have seen 15 upward and 4 downward adjustments, indicating bullish sentiment. Management guided first-quarter organic revenue growth between 11.5% and 12%, and full-year growth of 6.75% to 7.25%, with fiscal 2027 earnings in the range of $5.90 to $6.00. The company also anticipates a tariff impact on cost of goods sold of $75 million in the first quarter, leading to an annual impact of $250 million. Analysts will focus on the performance of its cardiac ablation solutions, which surged 78% year-over-year globally last quarter, and on any revisions to guidance and the timing of the MiniMed disposal.
FDA Issues Early Alert for Medtronic Bravo CF Delivery Devices
The US Food and Drug Administration has issued an Early Alert for Medtronic-owned Given Imaging's Bravo CF esophageal pH monitoring capsule delivery devices, citing potential failure to attach to the esophagus or detach as intended, which could lead to serious complications such as aspiration, esophageal perforation, airway obstruction, hemorrhage, laceration, delayed diagnosis, or retained foreign bodies. Medtronic has reported 184 serious injuries as of August 10, though no deaths have been reported. The company has instructed customers not to use or sell the affected devices.
Intuitive Surgical's Record Cash Flow Fuels Innovation Advantage
Intuitive Surgical's surging cash generation is giving it a meaningful competitive edge as the robotic surgery leader doubles down on innovation. First-half 2026 free cash flow jumped 71% year over year to $1.8 billion, while cash and investments reached $8.6 billion, providing ample financial flexibility to fund research, manufacturing expansion and shareholder returns without compromising growth initiatives. Management is using that financial strength to widen its technology moat, intentionally growing R&D faster than SG&A, expanding manufacturing capacity, and rolling out more than 100 planned updates for the da Vinci 5 platform. The company is also advancing next-generation programs, including a flexible robotic GI endoscope, while supporting innovation across AI, robotics, imaging and advanced materials. Alongside these investments, ISRG repurchased $379 million of stock during the quarter, underscoring confidence in its long-term outlook. Among peers, Boston Scientific delivered another solid quarter with second-quarter 2026 revenues rising 7.5% to $5.44 billion and adjusted EPS climbing 15% to 86 cents, though management trimmed its full-year outlook due to WATCHMAN and electrophysiology pressures. Medtronic secured an expanded CE Mark for the Affera Mapping and Ablation System with the Sphere-9 catheter to treat ventricular arrhythmias, making it the first all-in-one mapping and ablation, dual-energy catheter approved in Europe for ventricular ablation, and also received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation for the technology. ISRG shares have lost 34.6% year-to-date compared with the industry's decline of 6.9%, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings implies a 20.3% improvement from the year-ago period.
Abbott Laboratories received FDA De Novo authorization for its Libre Duo 10 Day, the first dual glucose ketone monitoring wearable for U.S. patients, cleared for people with diabetes as young as age 2. The device supports real-time tracking of both glucose and ketone levels, aiming to help address diabetic ketoacidosis risk. Abbott plans to integrate Libre Duo 10 Day with leading insulin pump systems in the U.S. over the coming years, extending its FreeStyle Libre franchise into dual-analyte sensing and deeper software integration. The company, with a market cap of about $200.9 billion, sees this as part of its broader diagnostics and digital health offering, though analysts note potential pricing and reimbursement scrutiny and competition from Dexcom and Medtronic.
Medication Adherence Market to Reach $15.35 Billion by 2035
The global medication adherence market is projected to grow from USD 6.08 billion in 2026 to USD 15.35 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 10.92%, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market's expansion is driven by rising chronic disease prevalence, an aging population, and adoption of digital health technologies. Software-centric solutions currently account for about 65% of the market, while hardware-centric solutions are expected to see faster growth. North America remains the largest regional market, with Asia-Pacific growing fastest. Key players include Medtronic, Roche, Insulet, Ypsomed, and 13 others.
Atrial Fibrillation Device Market to Reach $29B by 2035
The global atrial fibrillation treatment devices market is projected to grow from USD 9.6 billion in 2026 to USD 29.0 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market expansion is driven by the rising prevalence of atrial fibrillation, an aging population, and increasing adoption of advanced ablation and left atrial appendage closure technologies. Ablation catheters are expected to account for approximately 75% of market revenue, while the left atrial appendage closure segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.4%, the fastest among device types. Pulsed field ablation is forecast to generate more than 60% of total market revenue by 2035. North America is projected to retain close to 50% of global revenue, while Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest regional growth. Key players include Abbott, AtriCure, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic.
Danaher and Medtronic Recoveries Diverge on Drivers
Danaher and Medtronic are both showing signs of recovery, but their paths differ sharply. Medtronic reported its highest annual revenue growth in 10 years in fiscal Q4 and full-year 2026, with Q4 revenue reaching $9.8 billion, up 9.9% as reported and 6.6% organic, and full-year revenue of $36.4 billion, up 8.4% as reported and 5.8% organic. Danaher, meanwhile, cut the upper end of its full-year core revenue growth outlook to 4% from 6%, while maintaining the lower end at 3%, citing weaker respiratory testing revenue. Hedge fund ownership declined for both stocks between Q4 2025 and Q1 2026, with Danaher falling from 125 funds to 110 and Medtronic from 63 to 60.
Medtronic plc's board of directors approved a cash dividend of $0.72 per ordinary share for the second quarter of fiscal year 2027. The dividend is payable on October 16, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 25, 2026. This quarterly declaration is consistent with the dividend increase announced in June 2026. Medtronic has increased its annual dividend payment for 49 consecutive years and is a constituent of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index.
J&J's Underlying Growth Is Double-Digit Despite STELARA Drag
Johnson & Johnson's worldwide sales grew 5.6% operationally in the second quarter of 2026, but that headline rate hides a double-digit underlying growth pace once the shrinking STELARA biosimilar drag is excluded. The STELARA headwind narrowed to about 460 basis points from 540 basis points in the first quarter, and STELARA was only 4% of the Innovative Medicine segment in the second quarter. TREMFYA, which leads new patient starts in inflammatory bowel disease, grew 71% and posted its first $2 billion quarter. Management raised full-year adjusted operational earnings per share guidance by $0.18 at the midpoint, though MedTech cardiovascular grew just 3.1% and Abiomed declined 2% amid physician caution over a neutral U.K. trial.
Medtronic Wins Health Canada Approval for Affera Heart Rhythm System
Medtronic has received Health Canada approval for its Affera Integrated Mapping System and Sphere-9 Catheter for treating atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. The licence allows commercial use of Medtronic's combined pulse field and radiofrequency ablation technologies across Canada. The Affera system provides physicians with an all-in-one mapping and ablation platform aimed at supporting procedural efficiency and patient care. The approval marks a milestone for Medtronic's Cardiac Ablation Solutions division in the global atrial fibrillation treatment market.
Medtronic Faces Record Hernia Mesh Verdict and Gains Cardiac System Approval
A federal jury ordered Medtronic to pay US$88,000,000 in compensatory damages over injuries linked to Covidien hernia mesh, while Medtronic Canada received Health Canada approval for its Affera Integrated Mapping and Ablation System for treating atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. The record-setting mesh verdict sharpens attention on legal and manufacturing risks, but the near-term investment focus still centers on execution in Cardiac Ablation Solutions and other growth platforms. The new Health Canada licence deepens Medtronic's footprint in atrial fibrillation treatment by adding a second pulsed field ablation option alongside PulseSelect, which could influence catheter utilization and procedure volumes if adoption continues. Medtronic's narrative projects $41.5 billion revenue and $6.6 billion earnings by 2029, requiring 4.5% yearly revenue growth and about a $1.8 billion earnings increase from $4.8 billion today. Some of the lowest ranked analysts were already assuming slower growth, with revenue around US$38.6 billion and earnings of about US$6.2 billion by 2029, and this latest mesh verdict could reinforce that more cautious view if concerns about legal and execution risks in CAS and other platforms start to broaden.
Jury Orders Medtronic to Pay $88 Million in First Federal Covidien Hernia Mesh Bellwether Trial
A federal jury ordered Medtronic to pay $88 million to Larry Patterson and his wife, Tammy, after finding that hernia mesh made by its Covidien unit caused Larry serious injuries and that his doctors were never adequately warned of the risks. The verdict, returned on August 4, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Patti B. Saris in Boston, awarded $77 million to Larry Patterson and $11 million to Tammy Patterson on her consortium claim. Patterson, 61, was implanted with a Symbotex hernia mesh during a 2017 hernia repair, and the jury found Covidien failed to warn physicians about the mesh's risks. This $88 million verdict is the highest award for compensatory damages in the 15-year history of mesh products litigation in the U.S., and it resolves only the Pattersons' claims out of more than 2,400 lawsuits against Covidien in the federal multidistrict litigation. Medtronic has indicated it intends to challenge the verdict in post-trial motions and a possible appeal.
Abbott beats Q2 estimates and raises profit forecast, while Medtronic posts strongest annual revenue growth in a decade
Abbott Laboratories beat fiscal second-quarter estimates and raised its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance to a range of $5.45 to $5.60, up from $5.38 to $5.58, driven by a 42% surge in diagnostics sales to $3.09 billion. Medtronic reported its highest annual revenue growth in ten years, with fiscal 2026 revenue reaching $36.4 billion, up 8.4% as reported, as newer platforms like Symplicity Spyral, now annualizing at approximately $100 million, gained traction. Abbott reaffirmed its full-year comparable sales growth outlook of 6.5% to 7.5%, while Medtronic faces an estimated $250 million tariff headwind in fiscal 2027. Hedge fund ownership of Abbott rose to 73 funds in the first quarter of 2026, while Medtronic's declined to 60.
Orchestra BioMed expects BACKBEAT trial enrollment target by Q3 2026, data in Q2 2027
Orchestra BioMed announced that its BACKBEAT global pivotal trial, conducted in collaboration with Medtronic, is on track to reach its target of 284 evaluable randomized patients by the end of the third quarter of 2026, with primary data presentation targeted for the second quarter of 2027. The company reported a cash balance of $110 million as of June 30, 2026, providing projected runway into the fourth quarter of 2027, following $35 million in strategic capital from Medtronic and Ligand during the quarter. AVIM Therapy received a second FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, now covering both the broad group of patients with uncontrolled hypertension and elevated cardiovascular risk and the pacemaker-indicated group studied in the BACKBEAT Trial. The Virtue pivotal trial for coronary in-stent restenosis is advancing with further site activations and patient enrollments. Orchestra BioMed will host an R&D Day on November 12, 2026, in New York City to review both programs.
UBS Upgrades Medtronic to Buy, Sees Turnaround Underway
UBS upgraded Medtronic to Buy from Neutral, telling investors a turnaround is underway at the medical-device company. The upgrade follows Medtronic's report of its highest annual revenue growth in 10 years, with fiscal Q4 revenue reaching $9.8 billion, up 9.9% as reported and 6.6% organic, and full-year fiscal 2026 revenue of $36.4 billion, up 8.4% as reported and 5.8% organic. Cardiac Ablation Solutions revenue rose 78% globally, including 124% U.S. growth, and the Symplicity Spyral hypertension platform is now annualizing at $100 million. Management noted tariffs created a $74 million headwind in the quarter and expects a roughly $250 million impact in fiscal 2027, while guiding for organic revenue growth of 6.75% to 7.25% for the year.
Intuitive Surgical's Recurring Revenue Shields It as Medtronic and J&J Enter Surgical Robotics
Intuitive Surgical faces new competition after Medtronic's Hugo system won U.S. approval in late 2025 and Johnson & Johnson's OTTAVA system gained approval in mid-2026. Despite the entrants, Intuitive Surgical's installed base of 11,710 da Vinci systems grew 12% year over year, and procedures rose 16%, driving its annuity-like revenue stream where instruments and accessories plus services account for roughly 75% of sales. The company sold 468 systems in the second quarter of 2026, up from 395 a year earlier, and its price-to-earnings ratio of 42x sits well below the five-year average of 68x.
Medtronic Wins Expanded CE Mark for Affera System in Ventricular Arrhythmias
Medtronic has received an expanded CE Mark indication for its Affera Mapping and Ablation System and Sphere-9 Catheter, allowing treatment of ventricular arrhythmias. The Sphere-9 catheter also holds a Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. FDA, underscoring its potential clinical impact. This broader regulatory clearance could strengthen Medtronic's position in cardiac arrhythmia care across international markets, though it represents a step in a longer commercialization path rather than an immediate shift in the overall business mix.
Medtronic’s stock could rise more than 40% from its current price of $86 to hit a high-end Wall Street target of $121 by the end of 2026, according to a Motley Fool analysis. The medical device maker’s shares have slumped over 30% in the past five years amid higher costs, supply chain issues, and competitive pressure, but its restructuring efforts are gaining traction. In fiscal 2026, revenue grew 8.4% to $36.4 billion, marking its strongest top-line growth in a decade, while analysts project earnings per share to grow at a compound annual rate of 13% through fiscal 2029. The company recently spun off its diabetes unit as MiniMed and is expanding higher-margin cardiovascular and neuroscience portfolios while integrating AI into surgical planning. Even at $121, the stock would trade at just 18 times next year’s earnings and offers a 3.3% forward dividend yield, with a potential Dividend King milestone next year if it raises its payout for the 50th consecutive year.
New Series Reveals the Hidden Infrastructure of Modern Life
A new mini-documentary series by Nicely Done Productions reveals the hidden infrastructure of modern life, hosted on National Geographic's global digital platform. The series, Threads of Connectivity, follows five companies building the systems that keep modern life moving, with each episode focusing on a global company solving a critical problem. Boldyn Networks is delivering 5G across Rome's metro serving 18 million people in what it calls the largest smart city connectivity project ever built in Italy, while Medtronic is advancing spine surgery through its AiBLE smart ecosystem. Genesys is redesigning customer service around agentic AI as Europe writes new rules for responsible AI, Carrier is turning homes into intelligent energy systems to reduce grid strain, and OATI builds software to keep the grid stable as renewables and electric vehicles flood networks worldwide. The series is available on NatGeo.com.
Ainex's ENAD Selected by Singapore's National University Hospital After Global Competition
Ainex Corporation has signed an agreement to supply its AI-assisted endoscopy diagnostic software ENAD to Singapore's National University Hospital, marking the solution's first adoption by a leading public tertiary hospital in the city-state. ENAD, Korea's first and only AI-assisted solution approved for both upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy, was chosen after evaluation alongside competing solutions from Medtronic, Olympus, and Fujifilm. The agreement, which follows ENAD's regulatory approval from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority in April 2025, also includes expanded joint clinical research to further enhance the platform's diagnostic performance. Ainex plans to collect additional real-world data to improve detection of adenomas, neoplasms, sessile serrated lesions, early gastric cancer, and to develop algorithms for intestinal metaplasia and inflammatory bowel disease. The deployment at National University Hospital is expected to serve as a springboard for Ainex's broader international expansion.
Jim Cramer Says FDA Approval of J&J's OTTAVA Surgical Robot Finally Made Investors See It as a Tech Company
Jim Cramer highlighted the FDA's De Novo marketing authorization for Johnson & Johnson's OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System as the catalyst that forced investors to recognize the healthcare giant as a high-tech innovator. The approval, announced on July 22, 2026, covers a range of general upper-abdominal procedures and marks the world's first table-integrated soft-tissue robotic platform. Cramer had been urging investors to accumulate JNJ stock after a strong earnings report that Wall Street initially dismissed, and the OTTAVA news sent the stock surging. He views holding JNJ as a portfolio 'permit' that allows investors to safely own aggressive tech growth while protecting against market pullbacks. Institutional holders control roughly 77% of JNJ shares, with 113 hedge funds holding positions in Q1 2026, and short interest remains minimal at 1.14%.
Intuitive Surgical and Medtronic Beat Earnings but Face Tariff and Growth Headwinds
Intuitive Surgical and Medtronic both reported better-than-expected quarterly results, yet each faces distinct challenges that cloud their growth outlooks. Intuitive Surgical posted fiscal Q2 2026 revenue of $2.89 billion, up 19%, with adjusted EPS of $2.80 beating estimates by $0.30, but its stock fell on concerns over slowing domestic procedure growth. Medtronic reported its highest annual revenue growth in a decade, with fiscal Q4 revenue reaching $9.8 billion and full-year adjusted revenue of $36.3 billion, driven by a 78% global surge in Cardiac Ablation Solutions. Both companies warned that tariffs are a material headwind: Medtronic absorbed a $74 million impact in the latest period and expects roughly $250 million in fiscal 2027, while Intuitive Surgical cautioned that additional tariffs could materially alter its financial results. Intuitive Surgical maintained its 2026 da Vinci procedure growth guidance of 13.5% to 15.5%, and Medtronic guided for fiscal 2027 organic revenue growth of 6.75% to 7.25%.
Medtronic Nears Dividend King Status With 49 Years of Hikes and Wall Street Sees Upside
Medtronic is one annual increase away from becoming a Dividend King after raising its payout for the 49th consecutive year in June. The medical device maker’s stock has fallen 33% over five years and trades at $87, or 15 times forward earnings, with a 3.4% forward yield. Wall Street analysts hold a median price target of $100 per share and none rate the stock a sell. In fiscal 2026, revenue rose 8.4% to $36.4 billion, the strongest top-line growth in a decade, and free cash flow reached $5.43 billion, comfortably covering $3.64 billion in dividends. Analysts project revenue and earnings per share to grow at compound annual rates of 5% and 13%, respectively, through fiscal 2029, supported by new products such as the Affera Pulsed Field Ablation system, the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system, and the Hugo robotic-assisted surgery platform.
Abbott Rides Key Diabetes, Oncology and Heart Care Innovation Trends
Abbott Laboratories is leaning into three of healthcare's most durable innovation themes: continuous glucose monitoring, oncology diagnostics and advanced cardiovascular treatment. Continuous glucose monitoring sales exceeded $2 billion in the second quarter of 2026 and grew 9.5% on a comparable basis, supported by the scale and adoption of FreeStyle Libre. Cancer Diagnostics sales totaled $919 million in the second quarter and grew 13.3% on a comparable basis, while Electrophysiology grew 13.4% on a comparable basis. The company also secured CE Mark for Libre Duo, a dual glucose-ketone wearable sensor, and expects Volt PFA, TactiFlex Duo, Amulet 360 and coronary intravascular lithotripsy launches to broaden its cardiovascular opportunity over the next 12 months. Abbott currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), along with a VGM Score of C, a Growth Score of C, and a Momentum Score of A.
Medtronic Completes $650 Million SPR Therapeutics Acquisition and Launches ViaVerte System
Medtronic has completed its $650 million acquisition of SPR Therapeutics and formally launched the ViaVerte system at ASPN 2026, expanding its pain therapy portfolio. The deal adds a non-opioid pain management platform to Medtronic's existing medical device offerings, strengthening its position in interventional pain therapies as clinicians seek alternatives to opioids. The move gives Medtronic a larger footprint in chronic pain treatment and adds a distinct product line alongside its robotics and AI platforms. Medtronic trades at $84.22, roughly 14% below the analyst target of $97.84, and the stock is up 4.0% over the past 30 days.
U.S. Robotics Stocks Gain as Physical AI, Surgical Competition, and Defense Autonomy Accelerate
The American robotics industry has entered a decisive acceleration phase in 2026, with June and July emerging as a landmark period across physical AI, surgical systems, defense autonomy, and elder care. In June, BMW Group announced plans to deploy Figure AI's third-generation Figure 03 humanoid at its Spartanburg plant, while NEURA Robotics closed a Series C worth up to $1.4 billion, and humanoid startups have raised $8.6 billion in 2026, 1.8 times the full-year 2025 total. On July 22, the FDA granted de novo authorization to Johnson & Johnson's Ottava system for ten general surgery procedures, breaking a long era of single-platform dominance, and Medtronic unveiled its AI-native Touch Surgery Aide platform. Defense robotics drew fresh capital with Mach Industries raising $300 million and Shifters securing $10.2 million, while the global elder care assistive robot market is projected at $3.9 billion in 2026, reaching $9.8 billion by 2033. Synopsys raised its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to $9.665 billion at midpoint, AMD unveiled its Ryzen AI Embedded X100 Series for robotics, Manhattan Associates reaffirmed full-year guidance of $1.15 billion in revenues, and UiPath targets fiscal 2027 ARR of approximately $2.06 billion.
J&J Enters U.S. Market with Surgical Robot Ottava After FDA Approval
Johnson & Johnson announced on the 22nd that it has received marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its surgical robot Ottava, entering the soft-tissue surgical robot market. The approval covers upper abdominal general surgery procedures such as gastric bypass and gallbladder removal. J&J plans to begin sales at select U.S. medical institutions, with plans for expanded indications and overseas deployment including Japan and Western Europe. The market is currently dominated by Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci, while Medtronic's Hugo also received U.S. approval last year. J&J's surgical business head stated the company intends to lead the surgical robotics field, challenging its competitors.
Robotic Endoscopy Devices Market to Reach $6.5 Billion by 2034
The global robotic endoscopy devices market is projected to grow from $2.8 billion in 2025 to $6.5 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 10%, according to a report by DelveInsight. North America accounted for about 42% of global revenue in 2025, driven by widespread adoption of robotic-assisted surgical technologies and the presence of major players such as Intuitive Surgical, Medtronic, and Johnson & Johnson MedTech. The therapeutic robotic endoscopes category was the largest product segment, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to see the highest growth due to aging populations and rising investments in robotic surgery. Key companies in the market include Intuitive Surgical, Johnson & Johnson MedTech, Medtronic, Olympus, Boston Scientific, FUJIFILM, Stryker, KARL STORZ, Asensus Surgical, and CMR Surgical. Recent developments include FDA clearance of Medtronic's Hugo system for urologic procedures in December 2025 and FDA 510(k) clearance of CMR Surgical's Versius Plus system for cholecystectomy.