Jim Cramer Put These 16 Stocks Under a Microscope

8. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 67

A caller asked if Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) was a hold ’em or fold ’em and in response, Cramer said:

“I think it’s a hold. It used to be so good. Abbott got some really good news today… and that’s been my favorite. But also Boston Scientific. I prefer Boston Scientific to Edwards Lifesciences, really, really, right now.”

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW) offers advanced cardiovascular products and technologies, including transcatheter heart valve replacement and repair solutions, as well as surgical heart treatments for various valve diseases. Wedgewood Partners stated the following regarding Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) in its Q4 2024 investor letter:

“Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW) was a contributor to quarterly performance but only slightly impacted annual portfolio performance. As we noted earlier this year, the Company’s flagship transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) franchise slowed as compared to the Company’s recent history. While the TAVR market is maturing, it is still far from saturated, as recent clinical trial results demonstrated. Many aortic stenosis patients prior to seeking TAVR treatment exhibit adverse symptoms, often prompting them to get the help of a doctor in the 7irst place. However, there is a large population af7licted with aortic stenosis that do not exhibit symptoms which is monitored rather than treated with TAVR. Edwards presented data from its EARLY TAVR trial that showed 45 percent of untreated asymptomatic aortic stenosis exhibited no symptoms, still ended up dying, suffered a stroke, or were hospitalized for cardiac events compared to only 26 percent that had been treated with TAVR. The standard of care for a disease such as cancer is immediate intervention rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. The EARLY trial could help position aortic stenosis treatment on a similar clinical footing as cancer treatment. Although this is just one study, it adds to the substantial body of knowledge that Edwards has created through its R&D investments, emphasizing how important their treatments are for patients. Edwards is well positioned for double-digit earnings growth over the next several years as they expand its structural heart franchise into new populations and indications.”