Medtronic Beats Zacks Estimate

Medtronic announced fiscal third-quarter earningsMargins
of 77 cents per share, which beat the ZacksGross margin in the third quarter increased 60
Consensus Estimate by a penny. Earnings in thebasis points (bps) year over year to 76.3%.
year-ago period stood at 71 cents per share.Research and development expenses (excluding
SalesIPR&D charges) as a percentage of sales declined
Medtronic's total revenues for the quarter70 bps year over year to 8.9%. Selling, general
increased 10% year over year to $3.851 billion.and administrative expenses as a percentage of
Medtronic witnessed sales growth across all itssales declined 150 bps year over year to 34.5%.
seven business segments. Cardiac RhythmBalance Sheet & Cash Flow
Disease Management (CRDM) revenues increasedMedtronic ended the third quarter with cash, cash
6% year over year to $1.243 billion, driven byequivalents and short-term investments of $2.292
strong demand for implantable cardioverterbillion, an increase of approximately 37% in the
defibrillators (ICDs). Spinal revenues increased 1%first nine months of fiscal 2010. It had an
year over year to $842 million. Growth wasoutstanding long-term debt of $6.396 billion at the
fueled by higher demand for Biologics products.end of the reported quarter. Cash flow from
CardioVascular revenues climbed 28% year overoperations and free cash flow were $1.488 billion
year to $722 million. An increase in revenues canand $1.365 billion, respectively, for the third
be attributed to strong sales growth across thequarter.
company?s Coronary, Structural Heart DiseaseGuidance
and Endovascular segments.Medtronic raised its earnings per share guidance
Neuromodulation revenues soared 11% year overfor fiscal 2010 at the lower end of the range. For
year to $394 million, primarily due to higher salesthe year, earnings per share are expected in the
of Activa PC, RC Deep Brain Stimulation systemsrange of $3.20 to $3.22, compared to the prior
and InterStim Therapy products.guidance of $3.17 to $3.22.
Diabetes, Surgical Technologies and Physio-ControlMedtronic is one of the world?s leading medical
revenues swelled 12%, 15% and 11% year overtechnology companies, specializing in implantable
year to $311 million, $239 million and $100 million,and interventional therapy devices and products.
respectively.The company?s main competitors include St. Jude
On a geographic basis, U.S. sales contributedMedical (STJ) and Boston Scientific Corporation
roughly 58% to total revenues and advanced(BSX).
approximately 3.0% year over year. InternationalPresently, we are Neutral on Medtronic.
sales climbed 22% year over year.