Teleflex Incorporated
(
TFX
), a global leader in medical devices used in critical care and
surgery, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance for its Rusch
EZ-Blocker Disposable Endobronchial Blocker. The EZ-Blocker
Endobronchial Blocker had previously received the European CE Mark
approval.
The innovative EZ-Blocker Endobronchial Blocker will enable safer
lung isolation and one lung ventilation. Its novel features will
enhance standards of care by reducing the risk of dislocation
during surgery.
Teleflex's EZ-Blocker Endobronchial Blocker will enhance its
anesthesia portfolio in its largest segment: Critical Care. The
approval will also extend the company's available line of
differentiated Rusch and Sheridan brands of endotracheal and
endobronchial products.
We note that Teleflex has received quite a few approvals lately.
The company obtained clearance for its Arrow FlexBlock continuous
peripheral nerve block catheter and pressure injectable Arrow PICC
preloaded with Arrow VPS Vascular Positioning System Stylet, among
others. These offerings will expand the product portfolio of the
Critical Care segment.
Revenues from the Critical Care segment edged up 0.2% year over
year to $254.1 million (66% of the total revenues) in the second
quarter of 2012.
In the most recent quarter, Teleflex closed four innovative
technology acquisitions including the acquisition of the EZ-Blocker
line of products for $3.3 million in April 2012.
While acquisitions remain the most important part of the company's
growth strategy, the clearance reflects its aggressive strategy of
portfolio extension to transition into a pure-play medical
technology company.
Limerick, Pennsylvania-based Teleflex's focus on profitable and
consistent growth is expected to yield results, helped by
demographic trends and barriers to entry in the industry. The
recent divestiture of its OEM Orthopedic division is expected to
aid the company's strategy of new product introduction, and
investment in innovative technologies. This will accelerate
Teleflex's top-line in the years ahead.
However,
Covidien
(
COV
),
C.R. Bard
(
BCR
) and
CareFusion
(
CFN
), which operate in similar business segments, present a tough
competitive landscape for Teleflex. The demand for its products is
susceptible to healthcare reimbursement systems in the domestic as
well as the international market.
We currently have a long-term Neutral recommendation on Teleflex.
The stock currently retains a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into
a short-term Hold rating.
BARD C R INC (BCR): Free Stock Analysis Report
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TELEFLEX INC (TFX): Free Stock Analysis Report
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