Health Care: Medical Supplies & Devices 2007

Michael Weinstein

Clients say “top-notch industry knowledge” helps JPMorgan Securities’ Michael Weinstein, 37, retake the No. 1 title after a year in second. Investors continue to profit from long-standing favorite Baxter International, a Deerfield, Illinois–based medical equipment maker. Weinstein first recommended the stock in January 2006 and highlighted it again in January 2007, citing its untapped growth potential. Year-to-date through mid-September the stock was up 19.0 percent, while the sector gained 8.0 percent. Down a notch to second, Robert Hopkins of Lehman Brothers wins praise from buy-siders for digging deep and finding outperformers in a sector that has not delivered a lot in recent years. In August 2006, Hopkins initiated coverage with an overweight rating on NuVasive, a San Diego–based spinal-surgery-equipment manufacturer, citing the small-cap company’s strong growth prospects. By mid-September 2007 the stock was up 84.4 percent. After slipping to runner-up last year, Frederick Wise returns to third. In February the Bear Stearns analyst impressed clients with his timely downgrade of Boston Scientific Corp., at $17.37, on the belief that rising competition would hamper sales growth for the Natick, Massachusetts, cardiovascular-device manufacturer. By mid-September the stock had fallen 22.3 percent, to $13.50.