STJ ST. Jude Medical, Inc.

This year medical device makers have been ramping up their Merger and Acquisition activity as well as their R&D budgets. This comes as somewhat of a surprise as the industry is full of uncertainty at the moment. Poor unemployment numbers have made patients reluctant to spend on medical devices, forcing companies to lower their prices. Meanwhile the FDA is reviewing the industry's safety rules and has proposed dozens of changes in the approval program that covers 90 percent of medical devices. The Bedford Report examines the outlook for companies in the Medical Appliances & Equipment Industry and provides research reports on Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT) and St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE: STJ). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

www.bedfordreport.com/2010-11-MDT

www.bedfordreport.com/2010-11-STJ

During its third quarter earnings call, executives from St. Jude Medical conceded that the market for heart-rhythm devices isn't expanding as fast as they had hoped. Despite headwinds, the company plans to continue with its growth strategy, highlighting key acquisitions which could boost the company's sales figures.

Last month St. Jude announced that will acquire AGA Medical Holdings for around $1.08 billion in cash and stock in an attempt to add products used to treat heart defects and blood-vessel issues. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close by the end of the year.

The Bedford Report releases regular market updates on the Medical Appliances & Equipment Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us for free at www.bedfordreport.com and get exclusive access to our numerous analyst reports and industry newsletters.

Believing innovation is critical to success, Medtronic's finance chief, Gary Ellis, recently said that R&D would be one of the last areas the company would choose to cut spending -- regardless of economic conditions. In the last year Ellis says Medtronic spent between $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion on R&D.

The Bedford Report provides Analyst Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. The Bedford Report has not been compensated by any of the above mentioned publicly traded companies. The Bedford Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at http://www.bedfordreport.com/disclaimer

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