10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2006

Edwards Lifesciences Corp Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2006

Filed May 10, 2006For Securities:EW

Summary

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation reported solid first-quarter 2006 results, with net sales increasing by 3.1% to $256.7 million compared to the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by a strong performance in the Heart Valve Therapy segment, particularly the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna valve, which saw increased market share. The company also benefited from a significant patent litigation settlement with Medtronic, Inc., resulting in a $20.2 million gain and positively impacting operating cash flows. Operationally, the company navigated currency headwinds, with international sales experiencing a slight decline due to unfavorable exchange rates, though this was partially offset by growth in heart valve and critical care products. The adoption of SFAS 123R (Share-Based Payment) led to an increase in reported expenses, particularly in SG&A and R&D, impacting net income. However, management believes the company's liquidity and capital resources remain sufficient to support ongoing operations and growth initiatives.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales grew 3.1% year-over-year to $256.7 million, driven by strong Heart Valve Therapy performance.
  • 2Heart Valve Therapy segment sales increased by 7.2%, largely due to market share gains with the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna valve.
  • 3The company recognized a $20.2 million gain from a patent dispute settlement with Medtronic, Inc.
  • 4Operating cash flow saw a significant increase, partly due to the patent settlement proceeds.
  • 5Adoption of SFAS 123R increased stock-based compensation expense, impacting net income and EPS, but this is a non-cash charge.
  • 6International sales saw a slight decrease of 1.7% due to foreign currency fluctuations, despite growth in certain product lines.
  • 7The company continues to invest in R&D, particularly in percutaneous heart valve programs, with progress in clinical trials in the US and Europe.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth was the Heart Valve Therapy segment, which saw an increase of 7.2% in net sales. This growth was largely attributed to market share gains with the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna valve, including its ThermaFix anti-calcification treatment.

The adoption of SFAS 123R (Share-Based Payment) on January 1, 2006, required the company to recognize compensation expense for stock-based awards at fair value. This resulted in increased expenses, particularly in Selling, General, and Administrative (SG&A) expenses ($3.0 million impact) and Research and Development (R&D) expenses ($0.8 million impact). Consequently, net income and diluted EPS were lower by $3.3 million and $0.05, respectively, compared to what they would have been under the previous accounting method (APB 25).

Edwards Lifesciences settled its patent litigation with Medtronic, Inc. for a cash payment of $37.5 million. The company recorded a net gain of $20.2 million from this settlement in the first quarter of 2006, after accounting for payments to other parties and legal costs. This settlement also positively impacted cash flows from operating activities.

The report notes ongoing competitive pressures in the healthcare marketplace, increasing global demand for healthcare amidst a mounting pressure to contain costs, leading to pricing and market share pressures. Additionally, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations negatively impacted international sales by $8.8 million in the quarter. The company also continues litigation with Cook, Inc. and W.L. Gore & Associates.