I’d argue the industry has taken the current technological offerings for pacers/ICDs as far as they will go and everyone is left with a commodity business. Hospitals will continue to demand lower prices for devices as there are several manufacturers available. Physicans are now generally made to implant the manufacturer dictated by the hospital contract. So technology is not driving purchasing decisions by the main customer-the hospitals.
Currently there is nothing unique to any of these companies in this industry anymore. All that is teased in investor meetings is robotic surgery solutions which is not what the company (MDT) knows or specializes in. The stock peaked at $133 as the Micra leadless pacemaker enjoyed market exclusivity and as a new ICD (Cobalt) was launched. Leadless pacemaker tech has since been matched by others in the industry and the Cobalt is riddled with major customer communications/FCAs/recalls and advisories that lead MDT to provide recommendations on programming to mitigate risks to patients. Investors are aware of the cash flow problems. There is nothing exciting going on in the company, no promising technology, no interesting press announcements. The industry and Wall Street did respect Omar. The current stock price reflects the complete lack of enthusiasm there is for this once innovative company. They might innovate their way out of it but will probably seek to expand indications for their devices. That will lead to more patients for the industry just not necessarily more patients for MDT.