10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

Edwards Lifesciences Corp Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2003

Filed August 13, 2003For Securities:EW

Summary

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW) reported its second-quarter 2003 financial results, showcasing significant revenue growth driven by strong performance in its core cardiac surgery and critical care segments. The company's international sales experienced a substantial increase, largely due to the full consolidation of its Japanese business and favorable currency exchange rates. Operationally, Edwards Lifesciences demonstrated improved gross profit margins, reflecting favorable product mix and increased manufacturing volumes. While SG&A expenses rose, partly due to currency impacts and workforce reduction plans, R&D investments continued, particularly in new platforms. The company also successfully raised capital through a convertible senior debenture offering, enhancing its liquidity. Investors should note a one-time charge related to the sale of its German perfusion services subsidiary and a significant investment in new technology. Despite a slight year-over-year dip in U.S. sales, the overall growth trajectory and strategic investments in product development indicate a positive outlook.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales increased by 26.0% year-over-year to $217.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003.
  • 2International sales saw a robust 61.7% increase, driven by the consolidation of the Japan business and currency tailwinds.
  • 3Gross profit margin improved to 58.9% from 56.9% in the prior year's comparable quarter.
  • 4The company issued $150 million in convertible senior debentures, bolstering its cash position.
  • 5A pre-tax impairment charge of $3.3 million was recorded for the sale of the German perfusion services subsidiary.
  • 6Research and development expenses increased to $18.0 million, reflecting investments in new product platforms.
  • 7Cash and cash equivalents increased to $50.7 million from $34.2 million at the beginning of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The substantial increase in international sales was primarily driven by two factors: the full consolidation of the company's Japanese business operations starting in October 2002, and favorable foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, particularly the strengthening of the Euro and Japanese Yen against the U.S. Dollar.

The acquisition of Jomed N.V.'s endovascular mitral valve repair program on February 18, 2003, resulted in an $11.8 million charge for purchased in-process research and development. The acquisition of Embol-X Inc.'s embolic management system technology on April 16, 2003, involved a $13.6 million allocation to acquired assets, including $4.4 million in goodwill, and contributed to higher investing activities cash outflow.

Edwards Lifesciences significantly increased its long-term debt by issuing $150 million in convertible senior debentures in May 2003. This was partially offset by repayments of existing long-term debt, leading to an overall increase in long-term debt on the balance sheet.

The company is engaged in a patent infringement lawsuit against St. Jude Medical, Inc., which is in the discovery phase. While management believes current litigation will not materially impact the consolidated financial position, the company is subject to various other legal and environmental matters, the outcomes of which are uncertain.