Edwards Life Sciences LLC (EW)

[THESTCOKHUNTER]

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW) reported EPS of $0.58 in the third quarter of 2012, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.02. Sales increased 8.5% to $447.9 million, in line with the preliminary result but lagged the original guidance of $465-$485 million. This was primarily due to lower-than-expected THV sales due to economic uncertainties in Europe, coverage issues for certain inoperable patients in US and later-than expected approval of Sapien in high-risk patients.

Given these headwinds, the company lowered its outlook for 2012. We prefer to avoid the stock and accordingly downgrade it to Underperform.

Edwards current trailing 12-month earnings multiple is 36.3. The stock is currently trading at 27.1x the 2013 EPS estimate of $3.21. Our target price is based on 24.6x our 2013 EPS estimate.