10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2008

Edwards Lifesciences Corp Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2008

Filed August 8, 2008For Securities:EW

Summary

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW) reported strong performance in the second quarter of 2008, with net sales increasing by 20.2% to $327.6 million year-over-year. This growth was driven by robust demand in Heart Valve Therapy and Critical Care segments, both domestically and internationally. The company successfully divested its LifeStent product line, generating significant cash while allowing management to refocus on core cardiovascular businesses. Earnings per diluted share also saw a healthy increase to $0.67 from $0.57 in the prior year quarter. The company continues to invest in research and development, particularly in its promising transcatheter heart valve programs, positioning itself for future innovation and market leadership.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales surged by 20.2% to $327.6 million for the second quarter of 2008, compared to $272.6 million in the prior year quarter.
  • 2Heart Valve Therapy sales increased by 23.8% to $162.6 million, boosted by the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna Ease and Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve.
  • 3Critical Care segment sales grew 19.7% to $116.6 million, driven by the FloTrac system and other hemodynamic monitoring products.
  • 4The company completed the sale of its LifeStent peripheral vascular product line, receiving $74.0 million in cash and reducing its focus on non-core assets.
  • 5Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.67 from $0.57 in the prior year period.
  • 6The company repaid its $150.0 million convertible senior debentures through conversions and redemptions.
  • 7Investments in R&D remain strong, with a focus on advancing transcatheter heart valve technologies and Critical Care offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 20.2% increase in net sales to $327.6 million was primarily driven by strong performance in the Heart Valve Therapy segment, which saw a 23.8% rise due to products like the Carpentier-Edwards PERIMOUNT Magna Ease and the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve. The Critical Care segment also contributed significantly with a 19.7% increase, supported by the FloTrac system and other hemodynamic monitoring devices. International sales showed particularly strong growth.

The divestiture of the LifeStent product line in January 2008 resulted in a pre-tax loss of $8.1 million, primarily due to the write-off of goodwill and net book value of assets. However, it generated $74.0 million in cash proceeds at closing and allows Edwards Lifesciences to focus resources on its core heart valve and critical care businesses. The company will continue to provide transition services, including manufacturing, to the buyer.

Edwards Lifesciences expects its SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve and its PERIMOUNT Magna Ease and Magna with ThermaFix valves to continue driving sales growth. The company is working on obtaining FDA approval for the PERIMOUNT Magna mitral valve in the US and has launched the Magna aortic valve in Japan. The development of next-generation transcatheter valves and repair products also indicates a strong commitment to innovation in this key segment.

The company successfully redeemed its $150 million in convertible senior debentures in June 2008. As of June 30, 2008, borrowings under its revolving credit agreement were $141.7 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $58.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008. The company also utilized $214.8 million for stock repurchases during the same period, reflecting confidence in its business and a strategy to return capital to shareholders.