Smith & Nephew PLC (SNN-N)

Demand continues to grow quite nicely. Competes with SYK (a slightly better business, though at 29x PE), and grows at similar rates. Trades at 13x PE for 10% EPS growth. Likes the risk/reward. Yield is 2.2%.

They make equipment for hip and knee replacements, which is a great place to be. An activist has taken a position here, pushing to break up the company for its underlying value.

It is a UK medical tool company. It is a reasonable company but you have to buy it when it works and when it's on sale. There are better opportunities.

Global leader in hip and knee replacement, also wound management. Great secular growth story. Earnings weak last couple of years. Demographic and pickleball play. Lowest valuation in 50 years, 14x PE, 12x next year's PE. Revenues re-accelerating. Earnings and margins growing. Yield is 3.7%.

Cheaper than SYK, and probably more narrowly focused.

He owns Stryker instead. But SNN enjoys a demographic tailwind as Boomers age. Demand will continue to grow.

US Healthcare For knee replacements and implants he likes SNN-N. He does not prefer the ETFs, such as XLV-N, because they hold too broad of an array of companies, including the big drug companies that are under pressure. He would focus on the tool and device space instead.

Has owned it in the past. Primary business in orthopedics. Great company. Last quarter has been mixed. There is speculation that they are buying Boston Scientific. Valuation wise it is OK. Stryker (SYK-N) is taking leadership in the orthopedic space. Longer term he prefers Stryker (SYK-N).

Smith & Nephew or Stryker? Smith: Knows it only marginally. The options S&N were generation aren't attractive enough for him to buy. Stryker: Keep an eye on this. Their robotic surgery is cutting a strong profile in orthopedic surgeries. It's definitely becoming the market leader.

(A Top Pick Aug 11/11. Up 24.13%.) Demand for discretionary medical devices has been affected by the economy. Like many European companies, the valuations are quite low and can have further upside from here.