Health care stocks exploded in 2013, but a few leading medical device stocks in particular hit the jackpot in the market's rally. Cardiac device leader Boston Scientific (BSX 1.04%) saw its stock more than double last year, while rival St. Jude Medical (STJ +0.00%) roared higher by more than 70%. However, sales of mainstay devices such as defibrillators and pacemakers continue to lag, with pricing pressure and tough competition weighing on leading companies in the industry.
Can 2014 bring a turnaround for the cardiac device industry's finances -- and keep these stocks charged with momentum? New areas of innovation such as renal denervation and atrial fibrillation have investors in companies such as Medtronic (MDT 2.11%) and St. Jude excited, while new markets, such as China, are ripe for inroads.
Will that pay off for investors? In the video below, Motley Fool contributor Dan Carroll details whether forward-looking moves by Boston Scientific and other top cardiac device stocks will translate to rising earnings and a stronger industry outlook -- and how you can make money off of the future of these top picks.
