Edwards Lifesciences Corp (NYSE:EW) reported Q4 adjusted EPS of 62c, compared with analysts’ consensus estimate of 59c. The adjusted EPS excludes several items, including a pre-tax $17.6M special charge related to southern European receivables risk, a global realignment charge and a legal settlement. The company’s revenue came in lower than expected. Moreover, Edwards provided Q1 adjusted EPS guidance of 47c-49c, versus the consensus estimate of 55c, and the company expects its Q1 revenue to also come in lower than expected. Edwards’ Q1 EPS guidance excludes several special items, the company said. Edwards reiterated its 2012 EPS guidance of $2.70-$2.80, excluding special items, as well as its 2012 transcatheter heart valve sales guidance of $560M-$630M. Edwards’ guidance assumes a mid-year 2012 approval of Cohort A of the Partner Trial of its Sapien heart valve, the company said. “We have just begun offering our life saving Sapien technology to many inoperable U.S. patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis and also anticipate making it available for patients whose conditions place them at high risk for surgery,” said Edwards CEO Michael Mussallem. In a note to investors, Jefferies recommended buying the stock on weakness today, as the firm believes that the company’s outlook is largely unchanged following the results. Jefferies maintains a positive bias and Buy rating on the stock. In late morning trading, Edward dropped $9.36, or 11.60%, to $71.31.
The shares closed at $71.54, down $9.13, or 11.32%, on the day. Its market capitalization is $8.16 billion.
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