all Buys on SurModics

Jan David Wald, an analyst at Benchmark Co., has initiated coverage on SurModics Inc. with a "buy" rating. The Eden Prairie-based maker of surface modification products for the medical devices industry is launching a new coating, Serene, that provides more lubricity and durability with fewer particulates that concern regulatory agencies. "We believe this product … will provide significant growth opportunities for SurModics," Wald wrote.

All six analysts who cover SurModics have "buys."

major step for stratasys

On April 2 Eden Prairie-based Stratasys Ltd. announced the acquisition of two privately held companies that it would roll into its RedEye contract manufacturing subsidiary. Solid Concepts of Valencia, Calif., is the largest 3-D printing service bureau in North America. Needham & Co. analyst James Ricchiuti called the acquisition a "major step" and explained in a research note "the logic of establishing a large paid-parts platform is that it puts an equipment company in closer contact with customers that ultimately could be purchasing equipment as well." Ricchiuti maintained a "buy" rating on Stratasys. Texas-based Harvest Technologies was also acquired.

Patrick Kennedy