Piper Jaffray analyst Matt O'Brien believes regulatory constraints from Stryker's (SYK) potential acquisition of Boston Scientific (BSX) "should not be much of an issue" given the little overlap between the businesses. The deal structure would be the biggest issue facing Stryker as the company would likely have to lever up heavily to acquire Boston Scientific, O'Brien tells investors in a research note. The analyst believes a transaction could occur in the $52B-$54B range, assuming a typical medtech takeout premium of 20%-30%. Consequently, any transaction would either require a significant level of debt or dilution to Stryker shareholders, the analyst contends. He sees the potential deal as likely being dilutive until 2021. O'Brien has an Overweight rating on Boston Scientific with a $32.50 price target. The stock closed the trading day up 7% to $34.32 after the Wall Street Journal reported that Stryker approached the company regarding a takeover.

RBC Capital raised the firm's price target on Boston Scientific to $82 from $78 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. Given the company's Q1 momentum on seales and earnings, along with its new product ramp, the management's updated FY24 guidance is likely "conservative" despite easier comps, the analyst tells investors in a research note. RBC adds that the stock is its top pick in the Sector based on its "industry-leading growth profile".

Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Kumar raised the firm's price target on Boston Scientific to $78 from $72 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares as the firm said the company reported "solid results and there wasn't much to pick on." While EP franchise acceleration driven by Farapulse PFA launch "is generally well known" by the Street, the firm says it doesn't think "anyone expected ~86% US growth and ~72% International growth."

Baird analyst David Rescott raised the firm's price target on Boston Scientific to $84 from $79 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. The firm noted its 1Q24 revenue/adjusted EPS beat was the biggest over the past several years and one of the most compelling in diversified LGCP MedTech.

Stifel raised the firm's price target on Boston Scientific to $83 from $70 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. The firm said the company delivered "solid" Q1 outperformance, underpinned by "important" new product launches. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, Stifel believes Boston Scientific could continue outperforming their Loan Repayment Program and the firm's projections.

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