For U.S. important safety information on the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, visit https://abbo.tt/PiccoloISI. For U.S. Important Safety Information about the Masters HP 15mm valve, visit https://abbo.tt/MastersISI. "We designed the Amplatzer Piccolo Delivery System based on feedback from leading physicians across the world to make PDA closure procedures even safer and easier," said Sandra Lesenfants, senior vice president of Abbott's structural heart business. "With the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, which is the ...

Group 1: Market Outlook - The stock market's performance in 2026 is uncertain, with potential for significant volatility or a bear market, emphasizing the importance of investing in resilient companies for long-term success [1] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Investing in solid dividend stocks is recommended, with CVS Health and Abbott Laboratories highlighted as attractive options for the upcoming year [2] Group 3: CVS Health Overview - CVS Health's stock has increased by 80% this year, indicating a rebound after previous financial struggles [4] - The company is implementing key initiatives to improve margins, including streamlining its Medicare Advantage business and withdrawing from underperforming insurance markets [5][6] - CVS has a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem and a strong brand presence in the U.S., which positions it well for long-term performance despite facing competition [7][8] Group 4: Technological Advancements - CVS is adopting new technologies, such as an AI platform to enhance patient care services, which may help maintain financial performance and avoid dividend cuts [9] Group 5: Long-term Prospects - Both CVS Health and Abbott Laboratories are expected to have strong long-term prospects and solid dividend programs, with CVS gradually recovering from past challenges [10]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the controversy surrounding the terminology and classification of artificial heart pump technologies, particularly the term "full magnetic suspension," which has implications for patient safety and scientific transparency [1][10]. Industry Overview - Heart failure is a terminal stage of cardiovascular disease, with approximately 5% of cases progressing to severe heart failure. The World Health Organization estimates around 64.3 million heart failure patients globally, with about 13 million in China [2]. - Artificial hearts serve as a "life pump" for end-stage heart failure patients, designed to replace the heart temporarily or permanently, facilitating blood circulation [2]. - There are two types of artificial hearts: partial replacement and total artificial hearts, with the latter being more advanced in terms of technology [2]. Technology Classification - Blood pump bearings are categorized into three main types: contact sliding bearings, fluid dynamic bearings, and magnetic bearings. The latter operates without contact, relying solely on magnetic forces [3]. - The term "full magnetic suspension" is considered the industry benchmark, associated with advanced and safe technologies. However, the precise definition of this term is under dispute [3][10]. - Kurt Dasse emphasizes that if a device requires fluid dynamic effects for stability, it cannot be classified as "full magnetic suspension" [3]. Clinical Implications - The ambiguity surrounding the definition of "full magnetic suspension" may affect the accurate assessment of device performance by clinicians and researchers [10]. - Abbott's HeartMate 3 is highlighted as a benchmark in the industry, demonstrating significant clinical advantages over other devices [11]. - A systematic review comparing three ventricular assist devices showed that HeartMate 3 had the best performance across all major clinical endpoints, reinforcing the link between technology choice and clinical outcomes [11]. Market Competition - Abbott leads the global market with its HeartMate 3 product, while Chinese companies are increasingly participating in the artificial heart sector, with several products approved since 2021 [12][13]. - Major domestic companies are adopting different technological routes, with notable products like the CH-VAD and CorHeart 6 entering the market [12][13]. - The potential market for artificial hearts in China is substantial, with projections indicating that by 2033, the number of implant surgeries could exceed 25,000, corresponding to a market size of over 5.5 billion yuan [14]. Future Outlook - The choice of technology route will significantly influence industry competition, with full magnetic suspension technology being a key focus area [14]. - The transparency and standardization of technology definitions are crucial for building trust among companies and ensuring accurate evaluations by researchers and clinicians [14][15]. - Ongoing discussions aim to standardize definitions and identify high-risk components in various designs, which is essential for independent assessments and patient safety [15].

Core Viewpoint - Prestige Consumer Healthcare (PBH) is currently viewed as a more attractive investment option compared to Abbott (ABT) for those seeking undervalued stocks in the Medical - Products sector [1]. Group 1: Company Rankings and Outlook - PBH has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while ABT has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3]. - The earnings outlook for PBH has likely improved more significantly than that of ABT recently [3]. Group 2: Valuation Metrics - PBH has a forward P/E ratio of 13.54, significantly lower than ABT's forward P/E of 24.64 [5]. - The PEG ratio for PBH is 1.93, while ABT's PEG ratio stands at 2.31, suggesting PBH may offer better value considering expected earnings growth [5]. - PBH's P/B ratio is 1.66, compared to ABT's P/B of 4.3, further indicating PBH's relative undervaluation [6]. Group 3: Value Grades - Based on various valuation metrics, PBH holds a Value grade of A, while ABT has a Value grade of C, reinforcing PBH's position as the superior value option [6].

Company Performance - Abbott's stock closed at $128.47, reflecting a +2.4% change from the previous day's closing price, outperforming the S&P 500's loss of 0.16% [1] - Over the past month, Abbott's shares have decreased by 3.93%, underperforming the Medical sector's gain of 1.12% and the S&P 500's loss of 0.21% [1] Upcoming Financial Results - Abbott's upcoming EPS is projected at $1.5, indicating an 11.94% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year [2] - Revenue is expected to reach $11.79 billion, representing a 7.48% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year [2] Fiscal Year Projections - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $5.15 per share and revenue at $44.6 billion, reflecting changes of +10.28% and +6.33% respectively from the prior year [3] Analyst Estimates - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Abbott are important as they indicate changing near-term business trends, with upward revisions suggesting analysts' positivity towards the company's operations [4] - The consensus EPS projection has remained stable over the past 30 days, and Abbott currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6] Valuation Metrics - Abbott's Forward P/E ratio is 24.37, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 19.3 [6] - The company has a PEG ratio of 2.29, while the average PEG ratio for Medical - Products stocks is 1.92 [7] Industry Context - The Medical - Products industry, part of the Medical sector, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 165, placing it in the bottom 34% of over 250 industries [8] - Research indicates that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [8]

Core Insights - Abbott Laboratories (ABT) has launched Lingo, its first over-the-counter biowearable continuous glucose monitor (CGM), for Android devices, significantly expanding its user base [2][8] - Lingo targets adults not on insulin, helping them understand how diet, exercise, and stress affect their blood sugar levels, thereby promoting healthier lifestyle choices [3][4] - The introduction of Android support aligns with Abbott's strategy to position CGMs as mainstream wellness tools for diabetes and prediabetes management [3][6] Company Developments - The rollout of Lingo on Android devices enhances its scalability, allowing Abbott to reach a larger audience and remove previous limitations tied to device compatibility [9] - Lingo features user-friendly tools like Lingo Count, which helps users track glucose spikes and improve metabolic health over time [9] - Abbott has reported that users who decrease their Lingo Count can halve the time spent above healthy glucose levels and reduce average glucose by 10% within three months [9] Market Position and Trends - Abbott's market capitalization stands at $218.16 billion, reflecting its strong position in the healthcare sector [7] - The CGM device market is projected to reach $5.74 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% through 2034, driven by the rising prevalence of diabetes and demand for preventive measures [12] - Abbott's strategic focus on metabolic awareness positions it well to capitalize on the growing consumer interest in preventing prediabetes and related health conditions [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating dividend-paying stocks into an investment portfolio, highlighting their ability to provide passive income and mitigate losses during market downturns [2][3]. Group 1: Dividend Stocks Overview - Dividend-paying stocks can provide extra cash flow regardless of market conditions, making them a valuable addition to any portfolio [2]. - Dividend Kings, companies that have increased their dividend payments for at least 50 consecutive years, are highlighted as wise investment choices due to their commitment and ability to sustain dividends over time [3]. Group 2: Company Profiles - **Coca-Cola (KO)**: - The company is the largest non-alcoholic beverage producer globally, with a market cap of $303 billion and a dividend yield of 2.89%, having increased its dividend for over 60 years [7][5]. - Current share price is $70.52, with a dividend payment of $2.04 per share [6][7]. - **Abbott Laboratories (ABT)**: - A healthcare giant with a diversified business model across medical devices, nutrition, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals, offering a market cap of $218 billion and a dividend yield of 1.88% [10][12]. - The current share price is $125.46, with a dividend payment of $2.36 per share, and has increased its dividend for 53 years [12][13]. - **Target (TGT)**: - The retailer is undergoing a recovery phase with a new CEO and has a market cap of $44 billion, boasting a dividend yield of 4.66% [14][16]. - Current share price is $97.09, with a dividend payment of $4.56 per share, and has increased its dividend for 54 years [18].

Core Insights - The "High Income DIY Portfolios" service aims to provide high income with low risk and capital preservation for DIY investors, particularly targeting income investors such as retirees [1][2] - The service offers a total of 10 model portfolios, including various strategies like buy-and-hold and rotational portfolios, designed to create stable, long-term passive income with sustainable yields [1][2] Group 1: Portfolio Strategies - The service includes seven portfolios: three buy-and-hold, three rotational, and a conservative NPP strategy portfolio, focusing on low drawdowns and high growth [1] - The portfolios are categorized into two High-Income portfolios, two Dividend Growth Investing (DGI) portfolios, and a conservative NPP strategy [1] Group 2: Investment Approach - The investment approach emphasizes a unique 3-basket strategy that targets 30% lower drawdowns and aims for a 6% current income with market-beating growth over the long term [2] - The service provides buy and sell alerts, as well as live chat for real-time support and guidance [2]

Core Insights - The S&P 500 has experienced a strong bull market over the past three years, with gains exceeding 20% in each of the last two years, driven primarily by technology stocks and optimism regarding lower interest rates [2][3] Company Summaries - **Nvidia**: Positioned to benefit from AI infrastructure spending, which could reach trillions over the next five years, and has seen significant earnings growth due to its leadership in AI chip design [5][6] - **Eli Lilly**: Earnings have surged due to its weight loss drug portfolio, particularly Tirzepatide, and the company is advancing its oral weight loss candidate, orforglipron, towards commercialization [6][7][8] - **American Express**: A strong player in the payment card market, benefiting from a high-income customer base, with 64% of new accounts coming from younger customers, indicating future growth potential [9][10] - **CoreWeave**: Experienced a significant stock increase of over 300% since its market launch, focusing on providing AI customers with high-capacity workloads, suggesting strong revenue growth ahead [12][14] - **Viking Therapeutics**: Aiming to enter the billion-dollar weight loss drug market with promising phase 2 and phase 3 trial results for its injectable and oral candidates, respectively [15][16] - **Meta Platforms**: Trading at 26x forward earnings, it is the most affordable among leading tech stocks, with a strong commitment to AI investment and revenue growth [17][19] - **Abbott Laboratories**: A Dividend King with over 50 years of dividend growth, diversified across multiple healthcare sectors, and strong free cash flow [20][22] - **UnitedHealth Group**: The largest U.S. health insurer, addressing rising healthcare costs and increasing its earnings guidance, making it a potential recovery story [23][24] - **Chewy**: An e-commerce leader in pet products with over 80% of net sales from its AutoShip program, indicating strong customer loyalty and profitability [26][27] - **Amazon**: A market giant with a strong growth trajectory in e-commerce and cloud computing, leveraging AI to enhance efficiency and revenue, currently trading at 32x forward earnings [28][30][31]

Core Viewpoint - Abbott has announced a 6.8% increase in its quarterly common dividend to 63 cents per share, marking its 54th consecutive year of dividend growth and the 408th consecutive quarterly dividend payment since 1924 [1][4]. Group 1: Dividend Information - The quarterly dividend payout has increased more than 70% since 2020 [1][4]. - The cash dividend is payable on February 13, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 15, 2026 [1]. Group 2: Company Background - Abbott is a global healthcare leader with a diverse portfolio in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines, serving over 160 countries [3]. - Abbott is a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which includes companies that have increased dividends annually for at least 25 consecutive years [2].