Boston Scientific stock faces negative outlook after growth reset

Published on 11/09/2026 at 12:59 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Boston Scientific stock faces a negative ratings outlook after weaker growth in key franchises. A WATCHMAN study offers fresh clinical support.

Key points for investors

S&P Global Ratings affirmed Boston Scientific's A- ratings but revised its outlook to negative.
Third-quarter sales rose 1.5 percent, while management expects fourth-quarter sales to decline.
The SIMPLAAFY study supported less intensive post-implant drug regimens for WATCHMAN FLX Pro.
Boston Scientific is scheduled to appear at Stifel's Healthcare Conference on November 11.

Boston Scientific, US1011371077, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Boston Scientific faces a more cautious credit outlook after S&P Global Ratings on Friday, November 6, revised its outlook on the company to negative from stable while affirming its A- issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings. The agency cited continued pressure on the WATCHMAN and electrophysiology franchises, as well as the expected increase in leverage after the planned Penumbra acquisition. S&P Global Ratings expects Boston Scientific to sustain weaker performance into 2027.

Growth reset raises execution risks

The rating agency projects revenue growth of 4.4 percent for 2026 and 9 percent for 2027, below the mid- to high-teens growth rates achieved in 2024 and 2025. Its assessment includes the planned 14.5 billion US dollar acquisition of Penumbra, which is expected to close in early 2027. S&P expects adjusted leverage to rise above 3.6 times after the transaction and to remain elevated while the company integrates the asset and works to restore growth.

Boston Scientific's third-quarter release provides the operating backdrop. The company generated 5.138 billion US dollars in net sales for the three months ended September 30, 2026, up 1.5 percent from the prior-year period. GAAP earnings per share fell to 0.40 US dollars from 0.51 US dollars, while adjusted earnings per share declined to 0.73 US dollars from 0.75 US dollars. The release came from Boston Scientific through PR Newswire.

Management expects fourth-quarter 2026 sales to decline between 1.0 percent and 3.0 percent from the prior-year quarter and forecasts adjusted earnings per share of 0.77 to 0.79 US dollars. Full-year 2026 guidance calls for reported sales growth of approximately 4.25 percent and adjusted earnings per share of 3.16 to 3.18 US dollars. These are adjusted measures and should not be confused with GAAP results.

WATCHMAN evidence offsets some pressure

A separate clinical update provides a positive pipeline signal. Boston Scientific said on Monday, November 2, that the SIMPLAAFY randomized trial met its primary endpoints. The study evaluated aspirin alone and reduced-dose non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant therapy against dual antiplatelet therapy after implantation of the WATCHMAN FLX Pro device. At six months, both single-drug approaches achieved non-inferiority to dual antiplatelet therapy, with an ischemic stroke rate of 0.7 percent. Boston Scientific's release said the findings could simplify post-implant treatment, although the regimens remain investigational.

Boston Scientific stock traded at 38.64 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 12:51 CET on Monday, November 9, 2026. Investors can follow the real-time quote of Boston Scientific stock.

The next stated investor event is Boston Scientific's participation in Stifel's 2026 Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, November 11. Investors are likely to focus on the WATCHMAN and electrophysiology franchises, the integration timetable for Penumbra and the path toward lower leverage.

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For more coverage, see more news and analyses on Boston Scientific stock.