10-Q/APeriod: Q2 FY2003

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

Filed October 30, 2003For Securities:EW

Summary

This filing is an amendment to Edwards Lifesciences' (EW) quarterly report for the period ending June 30, 2003. The amendment addresses comments from the SEC related to a previously filed S-3 registration statement and does not restate financial results. Key financial trends show a significant increase in net sales, driven by strong international performance, particularly in Japan, and growth in cardiac surgery and critical care products. The company successfully issued $150 million in convertible senior debentures, strengthening its liquidity. Despite some challenges like the sale of its German perfusion services subsidiary and an increase in SG&A expenses related to foreign exchange, the overall financial health appears stable with positive growth indicators. Investors should note the substantial increase in international sales, largely due to the full consolidation of the Japan business and favorable currency movements. The company is actively investing in research and development, particularly in its core cardiac surgery and vascular segments, with new product introductions anticipated. While SG&A and R&D expenses have increased, they appear to be in line with strategic growth initiatives and international expansion. The company also repurchased a notable amount of its own stock, indicating confidence in its valuation.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 26.0% year-over-year for the three months ended June 30, 2003, reaching $217.8 million, and by 28.4% for the six-month period, reaching $430.3 million.
  • 2International net sales showed significant growth (61.7% for Q2, 66.2% for YTD), driven by the full consolidation of the Japan business and favorable currency exchange rates.
  • 3Cardiac Surgery and Critical Care product lines were strong performers, with Adjusted Net Sales increasing by 7.1% and 2.4% respectively for Q2, and 10.5% and 4.8% for YTD.
  • 4The company successfully issued $150 million in convertible senior debentures in May 2003, enhancing its liquidity and financial flexibility.
  • 5Gross profit margin improved to 58.9% for the quarter and 58.5% for the six months, up from 56.9% and 57.2% respectively in the prior year.
  • 6The company recorded an $11.8 million charge for purchased in-process R&D related to the acquisition of Jomed N.V.'s endovascular mitral valve repair program.
  • 7A loss of $3.3 million was recorded due to the sale of the German perfusion services subsidiary.

Frequently Asked Questions

The significant increase in net sales, particularly internationally, is driven by two main factors: the full consolidation of Edwards Lifesciences' Japanese business operations starting October 1, 2002, and favorable currency exchange rate movements, primarily the strengthening of the Euro and Japanese Yen against the US dollar. The company also saw growth in its core cardiac surgery and critical care product lines.

Edwards Lifesciences issued $150 million in convertible senior debentures in May 2003. This issuance, along with other financing activities like increased proceeds from stock plans and stock repurchases, resulted in net cash provided by financing activities of $36.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003, a significant turnaround from the $38.6 million used in the prior year. This strengthens the company's liquidity and capital resources.

The acquisition of Jomed N.V.'s program in February 2003 cost $20.0 million, with approximately $11.8 million of this recognized as a charge for purchased in-process research and development expenses in the six-month period. This represents an investment in future growth, particularly in the vascular segment, with an anticipated product introduction in late 2004.

The company is involved in a patent infringement lawsuit against St. Jude Medical, Inc. While discovery is ongoing, management believes that the resolution of any currently pending legal matters would not have a material adverse effect on the company's consolidated financial position, although it could impact net income or cash flows in the period of resolution.