Never a Dull Moment for Device Makers

Updated from 1:30 p.m. EDT

Considering the recalls, mergers and litigation that medical device makers have been through in recent months, some investors almost might be tempted to treat the upcoming earnings season as a holiday.

Take Guidant (GDT Quote). The company, which is about to report earnings for what probably will be the final time, has made its last year as a standalone company interesting.

Shareholders in the Indianapolis-based firm have had to endure a string of product recalls in recent months, including one a week before the end of the quarter. Now, it seems, they only have to hold on a little longer until the company's acquisition by Johnson & Johnson (JNJ Quote) closes later this year. ...