We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience.
This includes personalizing content and advertising.
By pressing "Accept All" or closing out of this banner, you consent to the use of all cookies and similar technologies and the sharing of information they collect with third parties.
You can reject marketing cookies by pressing "Deny Optional," but we still use essential, performance, and functional cookies.
In addition, whether you "Accept All," Deny Optional," click the X or otherwise continue to use the site, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, revised from time to time.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Axonics Stock Rises on Favorable Verdict in Patent Case With Medtronic
Read MoreHide Full Article
Axonics recently announced that a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled unanimously in its favor in a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Medtronic (MDT - Free Report) .
The lawsuit, which started in 2019, focused on alleged patent violations concerning sacral neuromodulation (SNM) technology used to treat bladder and bowel dysfunction. The jury determined that Axonics did not infringe on any of the three patents in question, marking a critical win for AXNX.
The patent dispute between Axonics and Medtronic traces back to November 2019, when Medtronic, the long-standing leader in the SNM space, filed the lawsuit alleging that Axonics' devices infringed on its patents. Medtronic’s complaint sought to protect its InterStim system, a neuromodulation technology designed to treat urinary and bowel dysfunctions, from competition. Axonics, a relatively new player in the neuromodulation market, had entered the space in 2019 with its r-SNM platform, challenging Medtronic's dominance.
The legal battle extended across multiple fronts, including federal court and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”). In 2020, Medtronic attempted to block the sale of Axonics' devices by filing a complaint with the ITC, though it was unsuccessful. Simultaneously, Axonics fought to invalidate several of Medtronic’s patents through the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”), though those efforts were largely rejected in 2021.
Likely Trend of AXNX Stock Following the News
Following the announcement on Sept. 18, 2024, shares of the company moved nearly 0.8% north to $69.26 yesterday. The favorable verdict removes a major overhang for the company as it will be able to sell its products following the win, likely benefiting its top line. AXNX’s shares have risen 11.3% year to date against the industry’s 8.5% decline. The S&P 500 Index has gained 19.9% during the same timeframe.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Axonics currently has a market capitalization of $3.53 billion. It has an earnings yield of 0.4%, higher than the industry’s -6.6%. In the last reported quarter, AXNXdelivered an earnings surprise of 62.50%.
Benefits of the Verdict for Axonics
The favorable jury verdict brings multiple benefits to Axonics. First, it allows the company to continue selling its sacral neuromodulation products without the looming threat of a legal injunction. Axonics’ fourth-generation R20 rechargeable SNM system and recharge-free F15 SNM system received FDA approval. They can now freely compete in the market against Medtronic's InterStim system.
This victory has strengthened Axonics’ competitive positioning in the neuromodulation space, where it has been steadily gaining market share. By eliminating the possibility of significant financial penalties or restrictions on its products, Axonics can continue to focus on innovation and growth.
The verdict also holds strategic importance for Axonics, especially as the company is in the middle of a proposed $3.7 billion acquisition by Boston Scientific (BSX - Free Report) . Shares of AXNX surged more than 200% following the announcement of the acquisition deal by BSX in January. Although the deal with BSX has been delayed due to regulatory scrutiny, the positive legal outcome could bolster Axonics' value and smoothen the acquisition process.
Medtronic’s Next Steps
Despite the jury's decision, Medtronic has indicated that it will continue to defend its intellectual property. The company plans to file post-trial motions and, if necessary, an appeal to overturn the verdict. Medtronic also has ongoing legal efforts in place, including a separate case at the ITC, aimed at blocking Axonics from importing and selling certain devices in the United States.
Axonics carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present.
Universal Health Service (UHS - Free Report) is a better-ranked stock from the broader medical space, currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). UHS has an estimated long-term growth rate of 19%. UHS’ earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 14.58%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Universal Health Service has gained 58.4% compared with the industry's 50.7% growth year to date.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
Axonics Stock Rises on Favorable Verdict in Patent Case With Medtronic
Axonics recently announced that a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled unanimously in its favor in a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Medtronic (MDT - Free Report) .
The lawsuit, which started in 2019, focused on alleged patent violations concerning sacral neuromodulation (SNM) technology used to treat bladder and bowel dysfunction. The jury determined that Axonics did not infringe on any of the three patents in question, marking a critical win for AXNX.
The patent dispute between Axonics and Medtronic traces back to November 2019, when Medtronic, the long-standing leader in the SNM space, filed the lawsuit alleging that Axonics' devices infringed on its patents. Medtronic’s complaint sought to protect its InterStim system, a neuromodulation technology designed to treat urinary and bowel dysfunctions, from competition. Axonics, a relatively new player in the neuromodulation market, had entered the space in 2019 with its r-SNM platform, challenging Medtronic's dominance.
The legal battle extended across multiple fronts, including federal court and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”). In 2020, Medtronic attempted to block the sale of Axonics' devices by filing a complaint with the ITC, though it was unsuccessful. Simultaneously, Axonics fought to invalidate several of Medtronic’s patents through the U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”), though those efforts were largely rejected in 2021.
Likely Trend of AXNX Stock Following the News
Following the announcement on Sept. 18, 2024, shares of the company moved nearly 0.8% north to $69.26 yesterday. The favorable verdict removes a major overhang for the company as it will be able to sell its products following the win, likely benefiting its top line. AXNX’s shares have risen 11.3% year to date against the industry’s 8.5% decline. The S&P 500 Index has gained 19.9% during the same timeframe.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Axonics currently has a market capitalization of $3.53 billion. It has an earnings yield of 0.4%, higher than the industry’s -6.6%. In the last reported quarter, AXNXdelivered an earnings surprise of 62.50%.
Benefits of the Verdict for Axonics
The favorable jury verdict brings multiple benefits to Axonics. First, it allows the company to continue selling its sacral neuromodulation products without the looming threat of a legal injunction. Axonics’ fourth-generation R20 rechargeable SNM system and recharge-free F15 SNM system received FDA approval. They can now freely compete in the market against Medtronic's InterStim system.
This victory has strengthened Axonics’ competitive positioning in the neuromodulation space, where it has been steadily gaining market share. By eliminating the possibility of significant financial penalties or restrictions on its products, Axonics can continue to focus on innovation and growth.
The verdict also holds strategic importance for Axonics, especially as the company is in the middle of a proposed $3.7 billion acquisition by Boston Scientific (BSX - Free Report) . Shares of AXNX surged more than 200% following the announcement of the acquisition deal by BSX in January. Although the deal with BSX has been delayed due to regulatory scrutiny, the positive legal outcome could bolster Axonics' value and smoothen the acquisition process.
Medtronic’s Next Steps
Despite the jury's decision, Medtronic has indicated that it will continue to defend its intellectual property. The company plans to file post-trial motions and, if necessary, an appeal to overturn the verdict. Medtronic also has ongoing legal efforts in place, including a separate case at the ITC, aimed at blocking Axonics from importing and selling certain devices in the United States.
Axonics Inc. Price
Axonics Inc. price | Axonics Inc. Quote
AXNX’s Zacks Rank & Stock to Consider
Axonics carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present.
Universal Health Service (UHS - Free Report) is a better-ranked stock from the broader medical space, currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). UHS has an estimated long-term growth rate of 19%. UHS’ earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 14.58%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Universal Health Service has gained 58.4% compared with the industry's 50.7% growth year to date.