NuVasive, a Back Patient's Friend

摘要

Spine disorders are becoming more widespread, to judge by the growing demand for NuVasive (NUVA) products for spinal surgery. First-quarter sales at NuVasive leaped 56%, to $80 million, and the "strong momentum" is apt to continue through 2009 and beyond, says Ben Andrew of investment firm William Blair (it owns shares).rnNuVasive's system lets doctors perform lumbar and thoracic surgery in a minimally invasive way, says CEO Alex Lukianov. NuVasive has yet to make money, but Andrew sees 2009 earnings of 12￠ a share on sales of $358 million and 69￠ in 2010 on $478 million. The stock, which hit 57 on Sept. 9, fell to 24 on Mar. 30 but is now at 35.20.