Should You Hold On To BSX Stock Despite Its Premium Valuation?

Core Insights - Boston Scientific (BSX) has a stretched valuation with a Value Score of C, trading at a forward five-year price/earnings (P/E) of 27.77X, which is above its median and the industry average of 20.01X [1] - The company's performance has been mixed over the past year, underperforming key rivals Abbott (ABT) and Medtronic (MDT), but still faring better than the industry and sector [2] Valuation and Market Position - BSX's P/E ratio is higher than the broader Medical sector's P/E of 21.03X, indicating an expensive valuation compared to peers [1] - Key competitors, Abbott and Medtronic, are trading at lower P/E ratios of 22.15X and 20.01X, respectively [1] Business Performance and Growth Drivers - WATCHMAN sales increased by 35% in Q3 2025, supported by growing U.S. concomitant use, while the Electrophysiology (EP) business surged 63% in the same quarter due to FARAPULSE adoption [9][15] - The Urology business is driving strong sales from the global stone management franchise, with expectations of improving growth through 2026 following recent European approvals [10] - Endoscopy is experiencing robust growth in anchor products, and the Intracept procedure for chronic vertebrogenic pain is a significant growth driver in Neuromodulation [11] Strategic Initiatives - Boston Scientific aims to outpace market growth across neuromodulation, urology, and endoscopy, which together serve a global market of $20 billion growing nearly 7% [12] - The planned acquisition of Nalu Medical will expand the portfolio into peripheral nerve pain, presenting additional growth opportunities [12] Future Outlook - Management expects approximately 25% of U.S. WATCHMAN procedures to be performed concomitantly by the end of 2025, with a projected market growth of roughly 20% in the coming years [14] - Analysts remain optimistic about the company's earnings for 2025 and 2026, indicating confidence in its growth trajectory [16] Conclusion - Despite a premium valuation, Boston Scientific's innovative portfolio and strategic execution position it well for long-term growth, particularly through its WATCHMAN and EP products [18]