Edwards Lifesciences Corp Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2017

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation's 2017 10-K report highlights its leading position in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring. The company experienced robust sales growth, primarily driven by its Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy (THVT) segment, with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve seeing significant adoption across major markets like the US, Europe, and Japan. This growth contributed to a strong financial performance, with net sales increasing by 15.9% year-over-year. Strategic acquisitions in 2017, including Valtech Cardio and Harpoon Medical, further bolstered its product pipeline in mitral and tricuspid valve repair technologies, signaling a continued focus on expanding less invasive treatment options. The company demonstrated a strong commitment to research and development, investing 16.1% of net sales in 2017 to drive innovation in its core product areas. While facing increased competition and evolving healthcare landscapes, Edwards Lifesciences maintained its competitive edge through clinical superiority and innovative features. The company also navigated the complexities of international operations and global regulatory environments, with 44% of sales generated outside the United States. Significant events during the year included the successful resolution of intellectual property litigation, contributing positively to net income, and the impact of new U.S. tax legislation, which required a one-time tax expense.