Jim Cramer’s Latest Watchlist: 10 Stock Picks You Need to Know

5. Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 52

Jim Cramer recently analyzed the stock of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) after it reached a 52-week high last Wednesday. He tested generative AI chatbots and shared his insights on the latest tech tools, emphasizing that tonight’s lightning round will feature rapid-fire stock evaluations. Cramer highlights Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) as a strong choice in the medical device sector. He notes that Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), which produces devices for cardiovascular, neurological, surgical, and diabetes management, has shown impressive performance.

“After the stock hit a 52-week high last Wednesday, I’m seeing what’s on the horizon with the company. I decided to put generative AI chatbots to the test. Do not miss the fast-moving head-to-head results and how I’m scoring some of the newest tools in tech. It’s a hoot, and all your calls are rapid-fire tonight’s lightning round. So stay with us.

What do we do with the stock of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT), the heavy hitter in the med device space? Now that the stock has finally gotten some real lift, Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) is a fantastic way to play the healthcare utilization bull market. They make all sorts of devices for cardiovascular disease, neuroscience, surgery, and diabetes management. When these guys reported near the end of August, they delivered an incredible quarter. Since then, we’ve seen a rotation in healthcare. Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT)’s stock has risen more than 6%.”

In Q1 FY2025, Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) reported earnings per share of $1.23, slightly surpassing expectations, and revenue of $7.97 billion, which is a 3.4% increase from the previous year. This growth is driven by rising demand for medical devices, especially in the cardiac and neurovascular areas. Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) has also updated its earnings guidance for FY2025, predicting an EPS between $5.42 and $5.50 and revenue between $33.5 billion and $33.8 billion.

Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) is investing in key growth areas like robotics, AI-driven surgical systems, and diabetes care, supported by a strong R&D pipeline and strategic acquisitions. Its healthy balance sheet, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55 and a dividend yield of about 3.2%, reinforces its ability to return value to shareholders. Given its diverse product range, ongoing innovations, and steady financial results, Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) is well-positioned to meet the growing global demand for medical technologies, making it a compelling choice for long-term investors.

Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund stated the following regarding Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

“Medtronic plc’s (NYSE:MDT) fundamental updates in the second quarter were mostly positive, including issuing solid quarterly results and reporting positive results from two cardiology clinical trials. However, there is some investor apprehension around the implied cadence of guidance for fiscal 2025, which was exacerbated by the recent departure of the company’s CFO for a role in another industry.”