UPDATE: Citigroup Reiterates Neutral Rating, Raises PT for Boston Scientific

In a company update published earlier today, Citigroup Inc. reiterated its Neutral rating for the Boston Scientific Corporation

and slightly raised its price target from $6.30 to $6.50. Citigroup went on to say “In March 2004, Boston Scientific entered an unprecedented new product cycle for a large-capital medical technology company with the U.S. launch of the TAXUS stent. In an attempt to offset a slowing growth profile, Boston Scientific made a bold bid to acquire Guidant for $80 per share. Boston significantly overpaid for Guidant, which has led to significant earnings dilution and a high debt load, in our view. More recently, a slow recovery for the ICD business and launch of next-generation Promus drug-eluting stent have pressured gross margins, which should only abate when the in-house manufactured Promus Element reaches the US in mid-2012. Liquidity issues remain an overhang with significant debt overhang and unsettled legal issues.” Boston Scientific Corporation closed yesterday at $6.31.