Surgically Sound Trades: SYK, STJ, ABT, BSX

October 15, 2012, 11:00 am ET, BY Billy- Contributor| Editor: Thomas H. Kee Jr. (Follow on LinkedIn)

The Q3 earnings season will be in full swing this week which means there will be an array of opportunities for traders to take advantage of. As we approach mid-week, the heavy-hitters in the medical device industry will get ready to report their quarterly results. Here are four names in particular to keep an eye on.   PROFIT FROM THESE STOCKS TODAY!

Ready to Stryke

On Wednesday after the market close, Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) will release its Q3 earnings. The consensus among analysts is that the company will announce a 7.7% year-over-year uptick in EPS on a 2.0% improvement in total revenue. The company notched similar games last quarter as it benefitted from increased volume and acquisitions.

The 50-day moving average of this stock has been hovering above the 200-day moving average, but the gap has narrowed as Stryker shares have pulled back during the month of October. This is a name I would look to buy after the numbers come out -- not before. The slightest miss here could lead to a major setback for short-term traders if the stock price breaks below $53.50.

Also slated to reports its results on Wednesday is St. Jude Medical, Inc. (NYSE: STJ). Wall Street is calling for a 3.8% upswing in EPS versus the prior year quarter. Total revenue is expected to decline by 3.1% however. This stock is a more attractive trade heading into the earnings release. St. Jude has surprised to the upside in each of its last four quarters and the stock price saw a moving average crossover when the 50-day moving average topped the 200-day moving average earlier this month.

Taking Pulse

Before the opening bell on Wednesday, Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) will announce the results of its Q3. Analysts are predicting that the company will report an 8.9% increase in EPS on a 2.7% gain in total revenue when compared to the prior year quarter.

This is a name that I believe can be safely purchased prior to the release. The stock has steadily grinded higher for much of the year and sits 23.2% above where it began the year. Its 50-day moving average has steadily pulled away from the 200-day moving average for much of the year.

One other name for traders to watch for in the coming days is Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX). Wall Street is looking for EPS of $0.11 versus $0.12 in the prior year quarter when the company reports on Thursday morning. Total sales are expected to decline by 4.4%. The depressed expectations are already baked into the stock price and the company has a history of surprising to the upside. This one is worth a second look as well.

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