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Medical Product Earnings Due on Feb 2: BDX, BSX, IDXX, ATHN

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Already more than one-third of the S&P 500 members (170 companies making up for 19.2% of the total market cap) have reported their Oct–Dec 2016 quarter’s earnings results. According to the latest Earnings Outlook, the score card portrays an improvement. With a significant number of earnings reports yet to be released, this week is going to prove crucial for the Q4 cycle. Till Jan 30, total earnings for these S&P 500 members were up 6% on a 3.1% increase in revenues.

The medical sector, which is one of the 16 broader Zacks sectors, is no exception to the trend. So far, 25.9% members from this space have come up with their quarterly earnings releases with earnings and revenue beats standing at impressive levels of 71.4% and 50%, respectively. With an increasing number of companies lining up for their earnings announcements, the aggregate growth pace of this sector is expected to pick up. The sector is likely to see 2.9% earnings growth on 5.7% higher revenues in the quarter.

What’s in Store for the Med-Product Space?

Medical - Products, a niche area under the medical device subcategory within the broader Medical sector, holds immense promise at the moment thanks to the temporary two-year suspension of the controversial 2.3% medical device excise tax which took a toll on the entire MedTech industry since its enactment. In addition, the recent change in consumer demand and market dynamics led to a dramatic transformation in the entire healthcare system. This is evident from the growing prevalence of minimally invasive surgeries, rising demand for liquid biopsy tests, use of IT for ensuring quick and improved patient care, and the shift of the payment system to a value-based model among others.

Let’s take a look at the major Medical Products stocks that are expected to release their earnings results on Feb 2:

Based in Franklin Lakes, NJ, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX - Free Report) , commonly known as BD, is a medical technology company engaged principally in the development, manufacture and sale of medical devices, instrument systems and reagents.

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Becton, Dickinson is likely to beat on earnings in first-quarter fiscal 2017. This is because the company currently has an Earnings ESP of -0.47% and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). BD's innovative product line, number of regulatory approvals both in the U.S. and international markets and strategic partnerships are likely to boost BD’s trajectory (read more: Becton, Dickinson Q1 Earnings: What's in the Cards?).

Headquartered in Natick, MA, Boston Scientific Corporation (BSX - Free Report) manufactures medical devices and products used in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. The company is scheduled to report fourth-quarter earnings results on Feb 2.

Last quarter, the company posted in-line earnings. It is worth noting that Boston Scientific’s preceding four-quarter trailing average beat is 6.26%. This time, the company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% which makes surprise prediction difficult despite its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). (Read more: Will Boston Scientific Pull a Surprise in Q4 Earnings?)

Headquartered in Delaware NJ, IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX - Free Report) is a developer, manufacturer and distributer of products and services primarily for the companion animal veterinary, livestock and poultry, water testing and dairy markets.

We note that IDXX’s continued strong instrument placements, global lab momentum reflecting leverage of expanded commercial capability as well as strong test menu expansion were its key highlights in the fourth quarter of 2016. However, high dependence on third-party distributors and intense competition continue to pose as threats. Our proven model does not point to a beat as IDEXX currently has an Earnings ESP of -1.96% which makes surprise prediction difficult despite its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. (Read more: IDEXX Laboratories Q4 Earnings: What's in Store?)

 

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Headquartered in Watertown, MA, athenahealth Inc , through its cloud-based network provides services that manage the administrative duties of medical providers. The company’s software platform handles billing management, quality measurement and reporting, clinical documentation and data exchange, patient communication and referrals, and many other related tasks.

The company is scheduled to report fourth-quarter fiscal 2016 earnings on Feb 2, after the closing bell. We believe that the company’s strong product portfolio, expanding physician base and unique business model will enhance the growth prospects of the company. However, our proven model does not conclusively show that the company is likely to beat on earnings, given the combination of a Zacks Rank #2 and Earnings ESP of 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

athenahealth, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

 

athenahealth, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | athenahealth, Inc. Quote

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