Haemonetics Gains Analyst Backing After Strategic Vivasure Buyout

Medical device firm Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE:HAE) is drawing renewed confidence from Wall Street analysts after its recent acquisition of Ireland-based Vivasure Medical, a developer of advanced polymer implants and delivery systems. The strategic move is seen as strengthening Haemonetics' position in the vascular closure and surgical sealant markets.

In a research note issued this week, Barrington Research analyst Michael Petusky maintained an Outperform rating on the stock and increased his price target from $90 to $93. The new target suggests a potential upside of approximately 41% from recent trading levels. Petusky cited the Vivasure acquisition as a key catalyst, expected to enhance Haemonetics' product pipeline and create long-term value.

This bullish sentiment follows an earlier upgrade from Mizuho Securities. In December, analyst Anthony Petrone also reaffirmed an Outperform rating, raising his price target from $75 to $90. Petrone's analysis, part of a broader sector review, pointed to room for further valuation expansion in medical devices, particularly if healthcare maintains its status as a defensive sector amid ongoing market volatility.

Haemonetics specializes in hospital technology for blood and plasma management. Its portfolio includes plasma collection systems, donor management software, and related services aimed at reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.

The company's latest acquisition aligns with a trend of consolidation in the medtech sector, as larger players seek to integrate innovative technologies to address complex surgical and patient management needs.

Market Voices: A Mixed Reaction

We spoke to several industry observers for their take on the news:

• David Chen, Portfolio Manager at Horizon Capital: "This is a logical, tuck-in acquisition. Vivasure's technology complements Haemonetics' existing strengths in hemostasis. It's not transformative, but it solidifies their moat in a niche segment. The revised price targets seem reasonable given the growth trajectory."
• Sarah Miller, Healthcare Analyst at Clearwater Research: "The deal makes strategic sense, but the premium paid and the integration execution are always the real tests. The analyst optimism is notable, but I'd like to see more concrete synergy targets from management before getting overly excited."
• Marcus Thorne, Editor at 'The Skeptical Investor' blog: "Here we go again—another acquisition hailed as a 'game-changer' to justify inflated price targets. This feels like Wall Street manufacturing momentum. Haemonetics' core plasma business faces cyclical pressures, and buying a small private company doesn't magically solve that. The 40%+ upside narrative is overly reliant on hope, not hard numbers."

While Haemonetics garners analyst favor, some investors continue to seek opportunities in other high-growth sectors, including artificial intelligence and onshoring-related industries.