PREVIEW-Medtronic investors look for new CEO's plan (Reuters)
Medtronic to report earnings on Aug. 23
New CEO to be pressed on long-term strategy
Device maker struggling to revive sales in key markets
Some analysts brace for company to cut outlook
By Susan Kelly
CHICAGO, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Medtronic Inc's (MDT.N) new chief executive, Omar Ishrak, will be pressed for details on his plan to revive the world's largest medical device maker when the company releases first-quarter results next week.
Ishrak, who took the helm in June after leading General Electric Co's (GE.N) Healthcare unit, may consider everything from paring back profit forecasts to divesting units, Wall Street analysts say.
His actions will serve as a response to the flagging sales and pricing pressure Medtronic has seen in its biggest markets for heart rhythm and spinal devices as healthcare providers and insurers try to rein in costs. Medical studies suggesting that some of its implants are overprescribed have also hurt sales.
"Everyone has some expectations that we get to that event and start to get some details about his thoughts on the company and where things can improve," said David Heup...
