Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 2, 2025) - East West Petroleum Corp. (TSXV: EW) ("East West" or the "Company") announces that the Board of directors has approved, subject to shareholder approval, distribution of capital to the shareholders. The distribution is intended to be structured as a return of capital to the Company's shareholders as of a record date to be determined in the near future. The Company will call an annual and special meeting of its shareholders, to approve, among oth ...

Company Overview - Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) is recognized as a high-quality company with a strong history of growth and high returns [1] - The company is a dominant player in the high-tech medical device segment, specifically providing solutions for structural heart patients [1] Market Performance - Share prices of Edwards Lifesciences have underperformed compared to the S&P 500 [1] Valuation Methodology - The company utilizes Cash Flow Returns On Investment based DCF valuation tools from ROCGA Research, which has over 20 years of experience in investment analysis [1] - ROCGA Research aims to identify undervalued and quality companies through an objective and systematic framework [1]

Company Insights - Edwards Lifesciences announced new economic and clinical evidence on severe aortic stenosis (AS) at EuroPCR 2025, indicating that early intervention before symptoms develop can reduce healthcare costs by $36,000 per patient and improve patient outcomes [1][5] - The company has a market capitalization of $44.64 billion and an earnings yield of 3.2%, outperforming the industry average of -2.8% [4] - Edwards' stock closed at $74.79, down 1.7% from the previous close, but the company is expected to maintain positive market sentiment due to its commitment to TAVR innovation and strong clinician adoption of SAPIEN technology [3] Industry Insights - The AS treatment market is projected to reach $8.6 billion in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% by 2034, driven by advancements in medical technology and increased awareness among healthcare professionals and patients [7][8] - The recent FDA approval for the SAPIEN 3 platform for asymptomatic severe AS patients is based on data from the EARLY TAVR trial, which showed superior outcomes compared to traditional clinical surveillance [10] - The company continues to benefit from the strong uptake of its premium RESILIA portfolio in the surgical segment, which includes products like INSPIRIS, MITRIS, and KONECT [3]

Summary of Edwards Lifesciences (EW) Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Edwards Lifesciences (EW) - **Industry**: Medical Devices, specifically focusing on heart valve technologies and related innovations Key Points and Arguments Financial Performance and Guidance - **Q4 and Q1 Performance**: Strong performance in Q4 and Q1, maintaining guidance for 2025 with revenue growth expected between 8% to 10% and EPS between $2.4 to $2.5 [5][11] - **Long-term Growth Commitment**: Aiming for double-digit growth (10%+) starting in 2026, with EPS growth expected to outpace revenue growth [11][12] Product Innovations and Market Opportunities - **TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement)**: Early approval for TAVR expected to drive multi-year growth opportunities; significant patient benefits anticipated from new technologies [6][30] - **EVOQUE Technology**: CE Mark approval for the first transcatheter mitral replacement in Europe; strong data presented on Resilia technology [6][7] - **Emerging Opportunities**: Acquisition of Jesse Medical and ongoing pivotal studies in heart failure technologies [7][8] Supply Chain and Tariff Impact - **Supply Chain Resilience**: Global supply chain footprint is robust, with minimal impact from tariffs; the company is well-protected against tariff fluctuations [13][14][16] - **Tariff Impact on EPS**: Estimated impact of tariffs on EPS is around $0.05 per share, with more significant effects expected in 2026 [15] NCD (National Coverage Determination) and Regulatory Environment - **NCD Reopening for TAVR**: Anticipation that CMS will reopen the NCD for TAVR based on solid data and the procedure's established status as standard care [25][26] - **Guideline Changes**: Ongoing policy and guideline changes expected to further support TAVR growth [30][39] Training and Market Penetration - **Training for EVOQUE Centers**: Significant demand for EVOQUE centers; training processes in place to ensure rapid onboarding of new centers [51][55] - **Market Awareness**: Efforts underway to educate physicians on new data and implications for practice, aiming to drive referrals to interventionalists [34][40] Acquisitions and Future Growth - **Strategic Acquisitions**: Recent acquisitions (Endotronic, InnoValve, Jesse Medical) are expected to enhance the company's portfolio and address various heart conditions [61][63] - **Long-term Vision**: Commitment to long-term growth in structural heart disease, with expectations for significant contributions from new technologies [50][62] Additional Important Insights - **Leadership and Execution**: Strong leadership team noted for effective management of financial performance and strategic priorities [20][22] - **Patient-Centric Approach**: Emphasis on patient care and outcomes as a core value of the company, beyond just business metrics [37][59] This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Edwards Lifesciences conference call, highlighting the company's financial outlook, product innovations, market strategies, and commitment to patient care.

Financial Performance - Net sales for the first three months of 2025 were $1.4 billion, an increase of $82.8 million or 6.2% compared to the same period in 2024, driven primarily by TMTT and TAVR products [127]. - Gross profit increased in the three months ended March 31, 2025, with gross profit as a percentage of sales rising due to foreign currency rate fluctuations [128]. - Net sales in the United States reached $838.9 million, a 7.3% increase from $782.1 million in 2024, while total net sales outside the United States were $573.8 million, up 4.8% [132]. - TAVR product sales were $1,046.6 million, a 3.8% increase from $1,007.9 million in 2024, while TMTT sales surged by 58.1% to $115.2 million [133]. Research and Development - R&D expenses decreased due to reduced investments in aortic transcatheter valve innovations, partially offset by increased investments in heart failure management innovations [155]. - The company is committed to developing new technologies for treating both valvular and non-valvular structural heart disease, focusing on innovative products and stakeholder value [129]. Taxation - The effective income tax rate for continuing operations was 16.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 12.5% in 2024, primarily due to an increase in global minimum tax provisions [159]. - The company plans to contest an additional tax claimed by the IRS of approximately $269.3 million related to transfer pricing adjustments for the 2015 through 2017 tax years [165]. - The company received a notice of assessment from the Israel Tax Authority claiming approximately $110.0 million in taxes related to a 2017 transfer of intellectual property [168]. Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to sell a non-core product group in 2025 as part of its strategy to focus on implantable medical innovations for structural heart disease [124]. Cash Flow and Investments - As of March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents in the United States were $3.4 billion, and outside the United States were $538.7 million [170]. - Net cash flows provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were $280.4 million, an increase of $333.9 million compared to the same period last year [178]. - Net cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $85.3 million, primarily from net proceeds of $198.4 million from investments [179]. - The company has $877.0 million in investments in debt securities as of March 31, 2025, with $119.1 million classified as long-term [184]. Shareholder Actions - The company repurchased 3.4 million shares at an aggregate cost of $306.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2025, with remaining authority to purchase $1.1 billion of common stock [173]. - Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $258.0 million, primarily due to purchases of treasury stock [180]. Acquisitions - The company entered into agreements to acquire multiple medical device companies for a total cash purchase price of $1.5 billion, with $1.1 billion paid upon closing three transactions in 2024 [174]. Credit Facilities - The company has a Five-year Credit Agreement providing for a $750.0 million multi-currency unsecured revolving credit facility, with no amounts outstanding as of March 31, 2025 [171]. - The carrying value of the 2018 Notes was $597.8 million as of March 31, 2025, with no redemptions elected to date [172].

Core Viewpoint - The medical device industry is facing complex challenges due to escalating trade tariffs, but local companies are increasingly filling the gaps left by imported products, particularly in high-end medical devices [1][3][10]. Group 1: Impact of Tariffs on Medical Device Companies - Major US medical device companies, including Boston Scientific and Edwards Lifesciences, have reported significant financial impacts from tariffs, estimating losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars [3][4]. - Boston Scientific anticipates a $200 million loss due to tariffs but expects strong demand for cardiovascular devices to mitigate this impact [3]. - Johnson & Johnson predicts a $400 million impact on its medical technology profits due to tariffs, while Abbott also expects a multi-million dollar effect [3][4]. Group 2: Localization Efforts by Multinational Companies - Multinational medical device companies are increasing local investments in China to adapt to tariff impacts and meet domestic market demands [7][8]. - Boston Scientific has partnered with local manufacturer Xianruida Medical to enhance product localization and reduce production costs [8]. - Medtronic has invested approximately 300 million yuan in Shanghai for the development of cardiac disease-related products, aiming for production within five years [8]. Group 3: Rise of Domestic Medical Device Manufacturers - Domestic medical device companies are rapidly advancing, with many now offering localized alternatives to previously imported products, such as antibacterial sutures [10][11]. - The average price of domestic high-value medical devices is approximately 30% lower than that of imported products, while quality has reached competitive levels [11][12]. - The approval of innovative domestic medical technologies, such as transcatheter tricuspid valve ring systems, indicates significant progress in filling market gaps [11][12]. Group 4: Future Directions and Challenges - The dual pressures of tariff impacts and centralized procurement policies are pushing domestic companies to innovate and explore high-end medical device markets [12][13]. - Companies are encouraged to localize their supply chains and reduce reliance on imported materials to maintain cost advantages [13]. - The industry is witnessing a shift towards high-end products, with significant opportunities in areas like cardiac electrophysiology and advanced imaging equipment [12][13].

Group 1 - Edward Lifesciences announced the launch of the MITRIS RESILIA valve in China, which utilizes RESILIA technology for enhanced durability and offers a sustainable solution for patients requiring mitral valve replacement [1] - The MITRIS RESILIA valve is the first surgical bioprosthetic mitral valve to adopt the RESILIA fully enclosed anti-calcification technology, providing a new management solution for patients in China [1][2] - The valve has also received regulatory approval in the United States, Japan, and Canada, indicating its global market acceptance [1] Group 2 - The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, particularly heart valve diseases, is increasing in China due to an aging population, making it the third most common cardiovascular condition after coronary heart disease and hypertension [2] - Surgical replacement remains the most widely used treatment for mitral valve diseases, with a trend towards less invasive, more durable, and personalized approaches [2] - The demand for minimally invasive surgical techniques is rising, as they reduce surgical trauma and improve patient outcomes [2] Group 3 - The MITRIS RESILIA valve features innovative RESILIA tissue processing technology that enhances valve durability by sealing the sources of calcification [3] - The valve's soft suture ring and low-profile design facilitate easier implantation, making it suitable for minimally invasive surgeries [3] - The valve's large opening design allows for future "valve-in-valve" interventions, ensuring a comprehensive solution for patients throughout their treatment journey [3]

Edwards Lifesciences‘ EW shares are trading higher Thursday after the company reported first-quarter 2025 sales of $1.41 billion.That’s almost in line with the consensus of $1.40 billion and the management guidance of $1.35 billion—$1.43 billion, up 6.2% year-over-year or 7.9% on an adjusted basis.Also Read: Trump Tariffs Spare Drugmakers But Threaten Diabetes Device IndustryIn the first quarter, the company reported: An adjusted EPS of 64 cents. It beat the consensus of 60 cents and remained within the man ...

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW) reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 64 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.7%. The figure increased 16.4% from the year-ago quarter’s level. (Find the latest EPS estimates and surprises on Zacks Earnings Calendar).The quarter’s one-time adjustments primarily include certain litigation expenses and amortization of intangible assets.GAAP EPS from continuing operations was 62 cents compared with 54 cents in the first quarte ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company sales grew 8% to $1.041 billion in Q1 2025, driven by a broad portfolio of therapies for structural heart disease [9][10] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.64, with GAAP EPS at $0.62 [38] - Adjusted gross profit margin was 78.7%, slightly up from 78.5% in the previous year [39] - Full-year total company sales growth guidance is maintained at 8% to 10%, with total sales expected to be between $5.7 billion and $6.1 billion [16][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - TAVR sales reached $1.05 billion, a 5.4% increase year-over-year, with growth comparable in both the US and OUS [18][25] - TMTT sales were $150 million, representing a 60% growth, driven by increased adoption of Pascal and Evoque [26] - Surgical product group sales were $251 million, a 3% increase from the prior year [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - TAVR growth was supported by the expansion of SAPIEN 3 Ultra Resilia in Europe, while Japan faced weaker procedure growth and competitive pressure [24][25][111] - The NCD for Evoque is expected to enhance patient access and treatment opportunities [57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on TAVR innovation and expanding access to treatment options for all AS patients, with upcoming indication approvals expected to drive growth [11][16] - The strategy includes a commitment to developing a transcatheter tricuspid valve and advancing surgical innovations [12][13] - The company aims to address the significant undertreatment of AS in Japan and enhance capabilities in the region [112] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to offset tariff impacts and the dilution from the Yenovale acquisition [16][37] - The company anticipates a multiyear growth opportunity from TAVR and TMTT innovations, with a strong focus on patient care and physician support [11][16][100] Other Important Information - The company has approximately $3 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with ongoing share repurchase programs [43] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet while investing in strategic growth areas [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: EPS guidance maintenance despite tariffs and acquisition impacts - Management clarified that the EPS guidance accounts for tariff impacts of about $0.05 and Yenovale acquisition impacts of $0.05 to $0.10 [51][53] Question: Impact of NCD on Evoque ramp-up - Management indicated that the NCD ensures access for Medicare beneficiaries and aligns with expectations for 2025 growth [57] Question: TAVR business trends and referral patterns - Management noted that physicians are taking time to understand new data, with plans to support market development post-indication approval expected in Q2 [67][68] Question: Capacity constraints and NCD implications - Management discussed the need for NCD updates to cover asymptomatic patients and expand treatment centers [83][84] Question: Trends in Japan's market - Management acknowledged weaker growth in Japan but remains optimistic about long-term opportunities due to an aging population [111][113]