Latest news with #EMPOWER
Yahoo
24-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BSX Q2 Deep Dive: Cardiovascular Momentum, New Technologies, and Global Expansion Shape Outlook
Medical device company Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX) reported Q2 CY2025 results topping the market's revenue expectations , with sales up 22.8% year on year to $5.06 billion. Guidance for next quarter's revenue was optimistic at $4.97 billion at the midpoint, 2.2% above analysts' estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.75 per share was 4.1% above analysts' consensus estimates. Is now the time to buy BSX? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Boston Scientific (BSX) Q2 CY2025 Highlights: Revenue: $5.06 billion vs analyst estimates of $4.89 billion (22.8% year-on-year growth, 3.4% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.75 vs analyst estimates of $0.73 (4.1% beat) Adjusted EBITDA: $1.51 billion vs analyst estimates of $1.43 billion (29.8% margin, 5.3% beat) Revenue Guidance for Q3 CY2025 is $4.97 billion at the midpoint, above analyst estimates of $4.86 billion Management raised its full-year Adjusted EPS guidance to $2.97 at the midpoint, a 2.2% increase Operating Margin: 16.2%, up from 12.6% in the same quarter last year Organic Revenue rose 17.4% year on year (14.7% in the same quarter last year) Market Capitalization: $159.4 billion StockStory's Take Boston Scientific's second quarter results reflected broad-based strength, with operational sales rising sharply and organic growth notably outpacing the company's underlying market rates. Management attributed the quarter's outperformance to the Cardiovascular segment, particularly the rapid adoption of FARAPULSE for atrial fibrillation and the sustained momentum of the WATCHMAN device. CEO Michael Mahoney highlighted that the 'reliability and trust that the physician community and referring physicians have in [WATCHMAN], along with our clinical and sales team, is driving that.' The company also cited double-digit growth in several international markets and ongoing commercial execution as key contributors to strong top-line and adjusted profitability. Looking ahead, Boston Scientific's updated guidance is grounded in expectations for continued expansion in core cardiovascular therapies, additional product launches, and further international market penetration. Management emphasized that ongoing investments in research and development, as well as anticipated regulatory approvals for devices such as the EMPOWER leadless pacemaker and expanded indications for FARAPULSE, are set to support the company's growth trajectory. CFO Jonathan Monson stated, 'We now expect to expand full year adjusted operating margin by 75 to 100 basis points while increasing our level of investment in R&D to fuel durable, differentiated revenue growth.' Key Insights from Management's Remarks Management pointed to product innovation and market adoption in cardiovascular therapies as the primary drivers of recent performance, while also addressing operational challenges from product discontinuations and tariffs. Cardiovascular growth surge: The Cardiovascular segment led company growth, fueled by strong demand for FARAPULSE (a pulsed field ablation system for atrial fibrillation) and robust performance of the WATCHMAN left atrial appendage closure device. New labeling and expanded indications, particularly in Japan and the U.S., supported broader adoption. WATCHMAN and concomitant procedures: WATCHMAN's uptake was enhanced by the trend toward concomitant procedures, where atrial fibrillation ablation and appendage closure are performed together. Over 60% of U.S. electrophysiologists using WATCHMAN are adopting this approach, following recent clinical data and reimbursement changes. Management expects ongoing growth as clinical evidence and payer support evolve. Impact of product discontinuation: The global discontinuation of the ACURATE valve led to inventory write-downs and pressured gross margins. However, management highlighted that strong revenue growth and 'spend control' offset these headwinds, keeping full-year margin guidance intact. Geographic diversification: The Asia Pacific region posted double-digit growth, led by Japan and China, where new product launches and expanded clinical indications contributed. The company expects mid-teens growth in China to continue, citing the diversification of its portfolio and ongoing investment in commercial capabilities. Strategic acquisitions: Recent acquisitions of SoniVie (ultrasound-based therapy for hypertension) and Intera Oncology (liver cancer therapies) are intended to strengthen the company's portfolio in targeted adjacencies. Management noted that these additions align with Boston Scientific's strategy to address large, growing end markets and complement existing franchises. Drivers of Future Performance Boston Scientific's forward outlook is anchored by continued innovation, expanded product approvals, and a focus on international growth, balanced against expected tariff and reimbursement headwinds. Expanded product indications: Management anticipates growth from regulatory approvals for new devices and expanded indications, including the expected launch of the EMPOWER leadless pacemaker and additional labeling for FARAPULSE in Japan and China. These approvals are seen as key to increasing the company's addressable market and supporting durable revenue growth. Ongoing R&D and investment: The company plans to maintain elevated investment in research and development, particularly to accelerate clinical trials and support upcoming product launches. This includes expanding clinical evidence for products such as FARAPULSE and WATCHMAN, which management believes will reinforce competitive positioning. External pressures and risk management: Tariffs and reimbursement changes—such as proposed cuts to Medicare payments for certain cardiac procedures—present headwinds. Management stated that they expect a $100 million tariff headwind for the year but intend to offset these impacts through sales mix improvements and expense discipline. They also acknowledged the need for ongoing engagement with medical societies to address reimbursement challenges. Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters Looking ahead, the StockStory team will focus on (1) the pace and commercial impact of new product launches and regulatory approvals, (2) the sustainability of double-digit growth in key international markets such as China and Japan, and (3) the company's ability to manage margin pressures from tariffs and reimbursement changes. Progress in integrating recent acquisitions and execution on clinical trial milestones will also be important indicators. Boston Scientific currently trades at $108.70, up from $103.22 just before the earnings. Is the company at an inflection point that warrants a buy or sell? See for yourself in our full research report (it's free). Our Favorite Stocks Right Now When Trump unveiled his aggressive tariff plan in April 2024, markets tanked as investors feared a full-blown trade war. But those who panicked and sold missed the subsequent rebound that's already erased most losses. Don't let fear keep you from great opportunities and take a look at Top 5 Growth Stocks for this month. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-small-cap company Exlservice (+354% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. StockStory is growing and hiring equity analyst and marketing roles. Are you a 0 to 1 builder passionate about the markets and AI? See the open roles here. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
What! Having dessert may actually help lose weight? Here's what experts say
A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that incorporating small portions of craved foods into a balanced diet can actually aid in weight loss and reduce cravings. You can have your cake and eat it! People on a weight loss journey often struggle with controlling their cravings. Cutting back on sugar is one of the many rules they're told to follow. But scientists are now asking to satisfy your cravings. A new research suggests that indulging those cravings, in moderation, may be the key to long-term success. A recent study conducted by the researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that eating crave foods with meals lessens cravings and boosts weight loss. They observed that consuming crave foods as 'desserts' helped people on a weight loss journey manage cravings, and lose more weight. Oftentimes, people struggle with managing their cravings during dieting, and enter an eternal battle with their willpower to resist the tempting sweets, snacks, and other foods they love. However, the researchers in food science and human nutrition found that eating dessert may be the optimal strategy for losing weight, keeping it off, and keeping cravings at bay. In a clinical trial, people who incorporated craved foods into a balanced meal plan lost more weight during the 12-month weight-loss program, and their cravings remained minimal through the subsequent 12 months of maintenance. Then-graduate student Nouf W. Alfouzan and nutrition professor Manabu T. Nakamura, who published their findings in the journal Physiology and Behavior, said that the participants' food cravings decreased while losing weight and remained minimal as long as they did not regain weight. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 중년될수록 딱딱해지는 복부 "똥뱃살·나잇살" 싹~ 녹였다! 중년비만 나잇살·출렁살 해결 더 알아보기 Undo These participants were part of a large project, conducted by the physicians at Carle Clinic in Urbana, Illinois, that aimed to broaden the outreach of an in-person weight-loss program called the Individualized Dietary Improvement Program by converting it to an online format called EMPOWER. 'We recruited obese patients ages 18 to 75 who had comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes and could benefit from losing weight. Cravings are a big problem for many people. If they have a lot of cravings, it is very difficult to lose weight. Even when they are able to control their cravings and lose weight, if the cravings come back, they regain the weight,' Nakamura said. While past research showed that cravings often decreased during weight loss, Nakamura and Alfouzan noted it was unclear if this continued after reaching a goal or stopping the diet . Alfouzan, the first author of the new study, aimed to explore this and see if fewer cravings were linked to more weight loss. In the dietary program, the participants were educated about key nutrients, helping them make informed decisions about their food selections until sustainable dietary changes are achieved, Nakamura said. Over the first year, participants followed an online curriculum featuring 22 nutrition education sessions. These lessons included strategies for managing cravings, especially through what the researchers called an 'inclusion strategy,' incorporating small portions of craved foods within well-balanced meals. 'If you are eating and snacking randomly, it's very hard to control. Some dietary programs exclude certain foods. Our plan used an 'inclusion strategy,' in which people incorporated small portions of craved foods within a well-balanced meal,' Nakamura said. In an interval of six months, the participants filled a questionnaire about their cravings for specific foods. These included high-fat foods such as hot dogs and fried chicken, fast food fats like hamburgers and chips, sweets such as cakes and cookies, and carbohydrates such as biscuits and pancakes. In another survey, the researchers recorded the frequency and intensity of participants' cravings. Using a scale ranging from 1 (never) to 6 (always), individuals rated themselves on statements such as, 'Whenever I have food cravings, I find myself making plans to eat,' and 'I have no willpower to resist my food cravings. ' The intensity of each dieter's cravings was calculated by adding their scores for all 15 statements. The participants were also asked to weigh themselves every day after getting out of bed and before breakfast using a Wi-Fi scale that transmitted the data to the researchers so they could track the changes. Effective ayurvedic remedies for quick weight loss A total of 30 people participated in the weight-loss program, and by the end of the first year, 24 participants remained, with an average weight loss of 7.9% of their starting weight. During the second year, which focused on maintenance, 20 participants completed the program, maintaining an average loss of 6.7%. Participants who lost more than 5% of their body weight experienced significant reductions in both the frequency and intensity of their cravings. The researchers found that individuals' craving for food in general and for specific types of foods such as sweets and carbohydrates diminished during the year of weight loss and stabilized during maintenance. The study found that individuals' reduced cravings correlated with decreased body fat rather than the negative energy balance of dieting. 'This basically debunks the hungry fat cell theory, a longstanding hypothesis that fat cells become starved for energy and trigger cravings, causing dieters to eat and ultimately regain what they lost. But that is not the case. As long as you stay at a healthy weight, your cravings will remain low,' Nakamura said. Among the 24 participants who remained in the study at 12 months, more than half reported that they used the inclusion strategy to manage cravings. Some even had the craving foods, as frequently as one to three times a day, while others used it once a week or more. Those who used the strategy lost significantly more weight compared with other participants and experienced a great reduction in their cravings for sweet and high-fat foods. 'Consistency is another key to managing cravings and weight. The popular myth is that you have to have a very strong will to fend off temptation, but that is not the case. Fluctuations in eating patterns, meal times, and amounts trigger cravings, too. You have to be consistent,' Nakamura said. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Advocates target gas company spending as Ferguson tamps down bill savings expectations
A bill from Del. Elizabeth Embry (D-Baltimore City) wouldl rein in the STRIDE program, which advocates say hase been abused by utilities to do unnecessary infrastructure work and bill it back to ratepayers. (File photo by Danielle E. Gaines/Maruland Matters) A day after he and other legislative leaders announced a package of bills to lower Marylanders' electricity costs, Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) conceded Tuesday that the measures would provide very little short-term relief. 'There's no one thing that'll stop a $50-a-month increase … or a 40% decrease in prices,' Ferguson told reporters. 'That policy just doesn't exist.' But Ferguson expressed optimism, as he did during a news conference with fellow lawmakers the previous day, that the package of bills, if enacted, would eventually overhaul Maryland's energy landscape, increasing the amount of energy produced in Maryland, kick-starting the state's clean energy economy, and eventually lowering ratepayers' utility bills. Ferguson on Tuesday also said he could see the legislature tinkering with other utility policies this session to save consumers money. The possibilities, he said, include tinkering with the EMPOWER energy efficiency and climate program, which helps homeowners, renters, and businesses save energy and money, and upgrading the STRIDE program, which incentivizes gas utilities to repair and replace pipelines and other infrastructure. Adjusting the EMPOWER program, Ferguson said, 'will have marginal impacts, several dollars per month, which, you know, everything adds up. And then we're also looking through some potential changes to the STRIDE program, which has to do with transparency, for infrastructure, for the natural gas infrastructure, that we could potentially have some few dollars here and there monthly impacts.' 'So those are not incorporated in the bill as introduced, but we are looking to see if there are additional things that are immediate places,' Ferguson said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Around the same time Ferguson was sharing thse observations with reporters in Annapolis Tuesday morning, a group of elected officials, consumer advocates and environmentalists were gathered in front of Baltimore City Hall to argue for state legislation that would scale back the STRIDE program — and, they argued, lower utility bills in the process. The group included Attorney General Anthony Brown (D), Baltimore City Council President Zeke Cohen (D) and the House sponsor of the legislation, Del. Elizabeth Embry (D-Baltimore City), along with council members. The STRIDE law was enacted a dozen years ago to expedite natural gas infrastructure maintenance and repair work around the state. The idea was to give the state's natural gas utilities an incentive to repair and improve their infrastructure over a 30-year period — which in turn, proponents argued, would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The utilities would be allowed to charge ratepayers a monthly surcharge on their gas bills to help defray the cost of the ambitious work schedule. But as utility bills have spiked in recent months, for a variety of reasons, critics of STRIDE have argued that gas companies are taking on work that may not be necessary, adding needless costs to consumers' bills — especially as the state looks to move away from fossil fuels. Embry's legislation, also sponsored by Sen. Mary Washington (D-Baltimore City), would restrict the type of infrastructure work STRIDE would pay for. 'It is a very commonsense, reasonable attempt to make the STRIDE Act accomplish what it was intended for, to create safety,' Embry said. David Lapp, who heads the Office of People's Counsel, a state agency that protects consumers' interests on utility matters, called reforming STRIDE 'single most important action Maryland can take to address the massive utility bills customers are facing today.' Lapp has frequently warned that as the 30-year program runs its course, poorer residents will bear the burden of paying for updated gas infrastructure, as wealthier property owners electrify their homes and commercial buildings. Embry's bill will be heard in the House Economic Matters Committee on Thursday afternoon, together with legislation to expand clean energy production in the state by Del. Lorig Charkoudian (D-Montgomery). A similar version of Embry's bill ran aground in the legislature last year, but as utility prices rise, the STRIDE program is getting more scrutiny. Meanwhile, the three energy bills that are part of the House and Senate leaders' legislative package, had yet to appear in full on the General Assembly's website as of Tuesday evening.
