Stockchase Opinions

Paul MacDonaldStryker Corp.SYKTOP PICKMar 21, 2018

Orthopedic equipment is a key part of their business. The frontrunner and pioneer of robotics in surgery, and gaining market share. For medtech, Stryker is where to be. (Analysts' target of $173.67)

$164.73

Stock price when the opinion was issued

$305.94

As of May 27, 2026. Market Open.

biotechnologypharmaceutical
It's the ideal tool to help you make quicker, more informed decisions for managing and tracking your investments.

You might be interested:

TOP PICK

Main business is orthopedics, which is profitable for US hospitals. As artificial joints improve, more people opt for surgery rather than rehab. All of med tech in general has been weak (though he's not sure why). 

Very well run. Consistently gaining market share from JNJ and ZBH. Cybersecurity incident in Q1, which impacted production. High quality. Revenue should grow high single digits for foreseeable future. Yield is 1.24%.

(Analysts’ price target is $396.18)
DON'T BUY

Medtech companies have been weak. After the post-Covid boom, customer volumes have normalized. It doesn't hurt to own this long term, but he doesn't feel investing here is timely.

BUY

They provide artificial hips and joints, a growing business as the population ages. They have a good track record of buying and absorbing companies. It's a sticky business because surgeons stay with the same supplier.

TOP PICK

He hasn't seen valuations like this since 2020 briefly and 1993. Their big growth driver is orthopedics with robot-assisted surgeries, with growth expected to double over 5 years; robots account for roughly 45% of their orthopedics business.

(Analysts’ price target is $429.76)
HOLD

The sweet spot of knee and hip replacements is only going to get better. Great name, has done well. Plays the aging theme very well. He's looking at it. If you own it, hold on.

BUY

5-year performance is 15%, creates returns on ROIC, well run, quality.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Apr 10/24, Up 0.48%)

Down along with the market. About 73% of revenues from US; rest is from other parts of the world, so lots of growth internationally. Very strong demographic play. Great company.

HOLD

Owned in the past, but now he owns BSX. Likes the sector, not getting hit as hard today as many other things. Aging population will propel demand for medical devices.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Dec 28/23, Up 31%)

It produces medical devices which is a good business to be in. The aging population needs their products and there is a backlog from Covid. Their products change the quality of life and reduce hospital stays to a couple of days. 71% of its business comes from the U.S. and there is lots of growth internationally.

BUY

It's the best in medical devices. Tailwinds are the aging demographic and rising elective surgeries coming back.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 09/23, Up 42%)

It is a great company, well run, and a core holding. They execute very well on the orthopedic side and is one of the leaders. Five years ago they launched the robotic assisted surgery component which is performing very well. He sees it as a double digit compounder.

BUY

They will buy Inari Medical which largely treats a condition called VTE (impacts 900,000 Americans), which will enhance SYK's neuro-vascular business. He likes this deal.

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Nov 20/23, Up 35%)

Such an important area. Fell during Covid because classified as "elective" surgeries, but they aren't, as they help maintain quality of life without medication. Lots of opportunity to grow in EMs. Lots of free cashflow, which can be used for acquisitions.

HOLD

Good products, good reputation. Good long-term investment in the medical device area. If you own it, keep holding. Her exposure to the space is via ABT and JNJ.

(Analysts’ price target is $379.00)
PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Sep 11/23, Up 21%)

73% of their business comes from the U.S. with the rest from Europe and emerging markets. They make great surgical products (i.e. hip replacements). Also, surgeons are loyal to SYK products and rarely change brand. Aging demographics and foreign markets offer growth.