Boston Scientific slumps on downgrade

Boston Scientific Corp.’s shares took a beating after it forecast disappointing earnings on slower sales of its defibrillator implants and stents. The Natick company returned to profit in the third quarter, but slashed its 2009 earnings outlook to 75 to 79 cents per share from 82 to 86 cents. Wells Fargo & Co. downgraded the stock to “market perform’’ from “outperform.’’ Rival St. Jude Medical also reported a drop in defibrillator sales to hospitals. Analysts said it was unclear if hospitals are cutting back or if Medtronic is taking share from both companies.