Feb 21 (Reuters) - Medtronic Plc (MDT.N) said on Tuesday it expects inflation in various markets to hit its profit in the next fiscal year after the medical device maker beat earnings estimate for the third quarter on strong demand for its heart and diabetes devices. While inflation in many countries has eased in recent months, the management expects a delayed improvement in its earnings as its costs remain high. "VBP has affected us more than many of our competitors, given the size and breadth of our business in China. Stifel analyst Rick Wise expects Medtronic to get past pricing pressure in China in "the not too distant future". Reporting by Leroy Leo and Mariam E Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju SamuelOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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