Edwards Lifesciences Reports Third Quarter Results

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE: EW), the global leader in patient-focused innovations for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring, today reported financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2018.

Third Quarter and Recent Highlights:

• Sales grew 10 percent; underlying¹ sales grew 11 percent
• Global THVT sales grew 16 percent; underlying sales increased 13 percent
• EPS grew 34 percent; adjusted¹ EPS grew 27 percent
• Reconfirmed 2018 total company adjusted sales and EPS guidance ranges
• Fourth quarter THVT underlying sales guidance moderated; Critical Care guidance raised
• Commencement of U.S. study and European introduction of CENTERA valve system
• Approval to begin US pivotal study of PASCAL mitral repair system

"We are pleased to report strong third quarter performance that delivered 11 percent sales growth on an underlying basis, consistent with our expectations, driven by our impressive portfolio of innovative technologies.  Our results to-date keep us on track for another year of strong financial performance while we also aggressively invest in our future growth," said Michael A. Mussallem, chairman and CEO.  "Looking forward, based on recent learnings, we have increased confidence that our innovative lifesaving therapies can benefit many more patients whose structural heart disease is deadly and undertreated today."

Third Quarter 2018 Results

Sales for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 were $907 million, up 10 percent.  Total adjusted sales were $921 million, up 11 percent over the third quarter last year. Diluted earnings per share for the quarter was $1.06 per share, while adjusted earnings per share grew 27 percent to $1.07.

Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy (THVT)

For the quarter, the company reported THVT sales of $558 million, a 16 percent growth rate over the third quarter last year, or 13 percent on an underlying basis.  Estimated global TAVR procedures continued to grow robustly in the mid-teens.  Edwards' worldwide sales grew at a lower rate due to a modest year-over-year share decline outside the U.S. and lower royalty revenues. Globally, the company's average selling price remained stable.

Edwards is implementing a targeted commercial introduction in Europe of its feature-rich CENTERA platform and remains on track to receive a CE Mark of the SAPIEN 3 Ultra system in the fourth quarter.  The company has also decided to implement a controlled rollout strategy for the SAPIEN 3 Ultra system in Europe to ensure high procedural success of this advanced valve and delivery system.

Transcatheter Mitral and Tricuspid Therapies

In an important development at a recent medical meeting, favorable results from a large clinical trial clearly demonstrated the importance of reducing mitral regurgitation, reinforcing confidence in Edwards' strategy to address this large opportunity with its portfolio of therapies.  Third quarter sales of the Cardioband system, included in THVT, were limited due to the ongoing supply constraint that is expected to continue in the fourth quarter.   And, Edwards is pleased to announce the approval of its U.S. pivotal trial to study the PASCAL mitral repair system in patients with primary mitral regurgitation.

Surgical Heart Valve Therapy and Critical Care

Surgical Heart Valve Therapy sales for the quarter were $185 million, down 6 percent compared to the third quarter last year, or up 3 percent on an underlying basis.  Growth was driven by solid aortic unit volume and continued adoption of its new premium aortic valves.  Edwards also began launching its INSPIRIS RESILIA aortic valve in Japan last month.

Critical Care sales were $164 million for the quarter, representing an increase of 14 percent versus last year, or 15 percent on an underlying basis.  This performance was strong across all product lines, led primarily by demand for HemoSphere.  Sales in the U.S. were particularly robust this quarter, additionally aided by new Group Purchasing Organization contracts, and 2018 underlying sales growth is now expected to exceed the top end of its full year guidance range of 6 to 8 percent.

Additional Financial Results

For the quarter, the company's adjusted gross profit margin was 75.5 percent, compared to 74.4 percent in the same period last year. This improvement primarily reflects the benefit of a more profitable product mix and the absence of last year's expenses associated with Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. These benefits were partially offset by continued investments in capacity.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 10 percent to $270 million for the quarter, driven by personnel related expenses.

Research and development investments for the third quarter increased 13 percent to $162 million, or 18 percent of sales. This increase was primarily the result of continued investments in transcatheter programs, including spending on clinical trials.

The tax rate for the quarter was 9.2 percent, down from 19.7 percent in the prior year period.  This reduction was driven by U.S. tax reform.  Excluding the impact of special items, the tax rate would have been 14 percent.

Free cash flow for the third quarter was $257 million, defined as cash flow from operating activities of $342 million, less capital spending of $85 million.

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled $1.6 billion at September 30, 2018.  Total debt was $1.2 billion.

Outlook

Overall, sales guidance for total Edwards remains unchanged at the higher end of its range of $3.5 to $3.9 billion.  Underlying sales growth in THVT for the first nine months was 12.5 percent and the company expects its full year 2018 growth to remain in that area because of a limited contribution from Cardioband and a revised rollout strategy for SAPIEN 3 Ultra.  Additionally, the company continues to expect full year 2018 adjusted earnings per share to be between $4.60 and $4.75.

For the fourth quarter 2018, at current foreign exchange rates, the company projects adjusted sales to be between $950 million and $1 billion, and adjusted EPS of $1.05 to $1.20.

"We remain confident in our outlook for continued strong sales growth, and are passionate about helping more patients around the world.  We continue to focus on driving organic growth with leading innovative technologies, while aggressively investing in our future.  Our foundation of leadership, coupled with a robust product pipeline, positions us well for continued longer-term success and greater shareholder value as we pursue multi-billion dollar market opportunities," said Mussallem.

About Edwards Lifesciences        

Edwards Lifesciences, based in Irvine, Calif., is the global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring. Driven by a passion to help patients, the company collaborates with the world's leading clinicians and researchers to address unmet healthcare needs, working to improve patient outcomes and enhance lives. For more information, visit www.Edwards.com and follow us on Twitter @EdwardsLifesci.

Conference Call and Webcast Information          

Edwards Lifesciences will be hosting a conference call today at 2:00 p.m. PT to discuss its third quarter results.  To participate in the conference call, dial (877) 704-2848 or (201) 389-0893.  For 72 hours following the call, an audio replay can be accessed by dialing (877) 660-6853 or (201) 612-7415 and using conference number 13683434.  The call will also be available via live or archived webcast on the "Investor Relations" section of the Edwards web site at ir.edwards.com or www.edwards.com. A live stream and archived replay can also be accessed via mobile devices by downloading Edwards' IR App for iPhone and iPad or Android.

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  These forward-looking statements can sometimes be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "project," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "guidance," "outlook," "optimistic," "aspire," "confident"  or other forms of these words or similar expressions and include, but are not limited to, statements made by Mr. Mussallem, full year and fourth quarter 2018 financial guidance, statements regarding the potential for future products, projected product approvals and commercial launch strategies, and information in the Outlook section.  Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the company and are believed to be reasonable, though they are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict.  The company's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statement.  If the company does update or correct one or more of these statements, investors and others should not conclude that the company will make additional updates or corrections.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or experience to differ materially from that expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results or experience to differ materially from that expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include uncertainties associated with therapy adoption, particularly in THVT; unpredictability of the timing and impact of new product launches; competitive dynamics and changes in commercial strategies; the timing and extent of regulatory approvals and changes to reimbursement levels for the company's products; the company's success in developing new products and avoiding manufacturing and quality issues; the impact of currency exchange rates; the timing or results of R&D and clinical trials; unanticipated actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies; unexpected litigation impacts or expenses; and other risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. These filings, along with important safety information about our products, may be found at edwards.com.

Edwards, Edwards Lifesciences, the stylized E logo, Cardioband, Edwards CENTERA, CENTERA, Edwards SAPIEN, Edwards SAPIEN 3, SAPIEN, SAPIEN 3, SAPIEN 3 Ultra, HemoSphere, INSPIRIS RESILIA and PASCAL are trademarks of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORPORATION
Non-GAAP Financial Information

To supplement the consolidated financial results prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), the Company uses non-GAAP historical financial measures.  Management makes adjustments to the GAAP measures for items (both charges and gains) that (a) do not reflect the core operational activities of the Company, (b) are commonly adjusted within the Company's industry to enhance comparability of the Company's financial results with those of its peer group, or (c) are inconsistent in amount or frequency between periods (albeit such items are monitored and controlled with equal diligence relative to core operations).  The Company uses the term "adjusted sales" or "underlying growth rate" when referring to non-GAAP sales information, which excludes foreign exchange fluctuations, the conversion to a consignment inventory system for surgical heart valves ("SHV"), and the positive impact of transcatheter heart valve therapy ("THVT") stocking sales in Germany and the negative impact of de-stocking. The Company uses the term "adjusted" to also exclude intellectual property litigation income and expenses, amortization of intellectual property, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration liabilities arising from acquisitions, gains and losses from significant investments, impairments, litigation, the positive impact of THVT stocking sales in Germany and the negative impact of de-stocking, realignment expenses, the conversion to a consignment inventory system for SHV, charitable contributions to the Edwards Lifesciences Foundation, significant business development transactions, significant pension curtailment or settlement gains and losses, and the impact from implementation of tax law changes.

Fluctuations in exchange rates impact the comparative results and sales growth rates of the Company's underlying business. Management believes that excluding the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations from its sales growth provides investors a more useful comparison to historical financial results. The impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations has been detailed in the "Reconciliation of Sales by Product Group and Region."

Guidance for sales and sales growth rates is provided on an "underlying basis," and projections for diluted earnings per share, net income and growth, gross profit margin, taxes, and free cash flow are also provided on a non-GAAP basis as adjusted for the items identified above due to the inherent difficulty in forecasting such items.  The Company is not able to provide a reconciliation of the non-GAAP guidance to comparable GAAP measures due to the unknown effect, timing, and potential significance of special charges or gains, and management's inability to forecast charges associated with future transactions and initiatives.

Management considers free cash flow to be a liquidity measure which provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by business operations, after deducting payments for capital expenditures, which can then be used for strategic opportunities or other business purposes including, among others, investing in the Company's business, making strategic acquisitions, strengthening the balance sheet, and repurchasing stock.

Management uses non-GAAP financial measures internally for strategic decision making, forecasting future results, and evaluating current performance.  These non-GAAP financial measures are used in addition to, and in conjunction with, results presented in accordance with GAAP and reflect an additional way of viewing aspects of the Company's operations by investors that, when viewed with its GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the Company's business and facilitate comparability to historical periods.

Non-GAAP financial measures are not prepared in accordance with GAAP; therefore, the information is not necessarily comparable to other companies and should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the corresponding measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.  A reconciliation of non-GAAP historical financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure is provided in the tables below.

The items described below are adjustments to the GAAP financial results in the reconciliations that follow:

SHV Consignment Conversion - In the first, second, and third quarters of 2018, the Company recorded a sales return reserve of $34.7 million ($30.8 million, net of related costs), $28.4 million ($24.6 million, net of related costs) and $14.4 million ($12.9 million, net of related costs), respectively, related to its conversion to a consignment inventory system for surgical heart valves.

THVT Germany Stocking Sales - In the first quarter of 2017, the Company recorded $61.8 million in net stocking sales ($48.0 million, net of related costs) to customers in Germany, as these customers elected to purchase additional inventory in anticipation of a potential supply interruption resulting from intellectual property litigation.  In the second and third quarters of 2017, these customers consumed on a net basis $22.5 million ($17.9 million, net of related costs) and $17.0 million ($13.3 million, net of related costs), respectively, of their stocking inventory.  In the first quarter of 2018, these customers consumed on a net basis $8.0 million ($6.0 million, net of related costs) of their stocking inventory.

Intellectual Property Litigation Expenses - The Company incurred intellectual property litigation expenses of $5.7 million and $10.2 million in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, $5.5 million and $7.7 million in the second quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $7.9 million and $13.7 million in the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration Liabilities, net - The Company recorded expenses related to changes in the fair value of its contingent consideration liabilities arising from acquisitions in the amount of $3.8 million and $1.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $10.9 million and $3.1 million in the second quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, and gains of $6.4 million and $16.7 million in the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Amortization of Intellectual Property - The Company recorded amortization expense related to intellectual property in the amount of $0.6 million and $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, $0.7 million and $2.0 million in the second quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $0.6 million and $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets - The Company recorded a $31.2 million charge in the second quarter of 2017 related to the other-than-temporary impairment of one of its cost method investments and an associated long-term asset related to the Company's option to acquire this investee.

Realignment Expenses - The Company recorded a $10.2 million charge in the third quarter of 2017 related to the severance expenses and other costs associated with the closure of its manufacturing plant in Switzerland.

Pension Curtailment Gain - The Company recorded a $7.1 million gain in the first quarter of 2018 related to the curtailment of its defined benefit plan resulting from the closure of its manufacturing plant in Switzerland.

Provision for Income Taxes - During the first quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a $24.0 million tax expense to adjust its estimated provisional amounts related to the implementation of U.S. tax law changes. During the second quarter of 2018, the Company recorded a $36.1 million tax benefit related to the settlement of tax audits and a $17.3 million benefit related to the reorganization of a foreign entity and adjustments to estimated provisional amounts resulting from the U.S. tax law changes. During the third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded an additional $4.6 million benefit related to the reorganization of a foreign entity. The income tax impact of the expenses and gains discussed above is based upon the items' forecasted effect upon the Company's full year effective tax rate.  Adjustments to forecasted items unrelated to these expenses and gains, as well as impacts related to interim reporting, will have an effect on the income tax impact of these items in subsequent periods.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow - The Company defines free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities less capital expenditures.  During 2018, the Company also excluded from its calculation of free cash flow payments related to tax audit settlements and the repatriation tax resulting from the U.S. tax law changes.

SOURCE Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

Related Links

http://www.edwards.com