Boston Scientific Announces Results for Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2008
PRNewswire-FirstCall
NATICK, Mass.
(NYSE:BSX)

NATICK, Mass., July 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008, as well as guidance for net sales and earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter of 2008.

  Second quarter highlights:

  -- Achieved net sales of $2.024 billion

-- Reported adjusted EPS of $0.20, an increase of 25 percent over prior year

  -- Increased Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) sales 10 percent
  -- Endosurgery sales growth of 12 percent
  -- Received FDA approval for COGNIS™ CRT-D and TELIGEN™ ICD
  -- Obtained US and European approval for ALTRUA™ family of pacemakers
  -- Paid down $300 million of debt
  -- Reduced SG&A and R&D expenses by $119 million below prior year

"We were pleased with the quarter, especially with our expense management and working capital initiatives, which resulted in excellent earnings leverage and improved cash flow," said Jim Tobin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boston Scientific. "The performance of our CRM group was particularly impressive, with double-digit growth and a number of important product approvals, including FDA approval for the COGNIS CRT-D and the TELIGEN ICD, two breakthrough technologies. Our Neuromodulation and Endosurgery groups also posted double-digit increases. In addition, we have now received FDA approval of our PROMUS™ Everolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System, making us the only company to offer two distinct drug platforms."

Net sales for the second quarter of 2008 were $2.024 billion, including sales from divested businesses of $19 million and a reduction of $22 million in revenue as a result of recording an increase in our sales return reserve in anticipation of our new drug-eluting stent platforms, as compared to sales of $2.071 billion for the second quarter of 2007, including sales from divested businesses of $139 million.

Worldwide sales of the Company's drug-eluting coronary stent systems for the second quarter of 2008 were $382 million, as compared to $437 million for the second quarter of 2007. U.S. sales of these systems were $175 million, as compared to $249 million. International sales of these systems were $207 million, as compared to $188 million. Worldwide sales of coronary stent systems were $440 million for the second quarter of 2008, as compared to $498 million for the second quarter of 2007. U.S. sales of these systems were $200 million, as compared to $275 million. International sales of these systems were $240 million, as compared to $223 million.

Worldwide sales of the Company's CRM products for the second quarter of 2008 were $578 million, which included $420 million of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) sales, as compared to worldwide CRM sales of $524 million for the second quarter of 2007, which included $377 million of ICD sales. U.S. CRM product sales were $364 million, which included $276 million of ICD sales, as compared to $332 million, which included $253 million of ICD sales. International CRM sales were $214 million, which included $144 million of ICD sales, as compared to $192 million, which included $124 million of ICD sales.

Reported net income for the second quarter of 2008 was $98 million, or $0.07 per share. Reported results included acquisition-, divestiture- and restructuring-related charges and amortization expense (after-tax) of $206 million, or approximately $0.13 per share, which consisted of the following:

-- $16 million of pre-tax charges ($19 million after-tax) related to purchased research and development associated with the Company's acquisition of CryoCor, Inc.;

-- $96 million of pre-tax charges ($64 million after-tax), attributable to losses in connection with the sale of the Company's non-strategic investments, which are expected to be partially offset by pre-tax gains of approximately $30 million ($20 million after-tax) when the transactions are completed in the second half of the year;

-- $21 million of pre-tax charges ($15 million after-tax), associated with the Company's ongoing expense and head count reduction initiatives; and

-- $135 million of pre-tax amortization expense ($108 million after-tax).

Adjusted net income for the quarter, excluding these amounts, was $304 million, or $0.20 per share.

Reported net income for the second quarter of 2007 was $115 million, or $0.08 per share. Reported results for the second quarter of 2007 included acquisition-related charges and amortization expense (after-tax) of $127 million, or approximately $0.08 per share. Adjusted net income for the second quarter of 2007, excluding these charges, was $242 million, or $0.16 per share.

Guidance for Third Quarter 2008

The Company estimates net sales for the third quarter of 2008 of between $1.950 billion and $2.060 billion. Adjusted net income, excluding acquisition-, divestiture-, litigation- and restructuring-related charges and amortization expense, is estimated to range between $0.14 and $0.19 per share. The Company estimates reported net income on a GAAP basis of between $0.18 and $0.23 per share. Included in the Company's estimated reported net income on a GAAP basis is approximately $0.12 per share of gains associated with the receipt of an acquisition-related milestone payment, $0.01 per share of expected gains related to the sale of the Company's non-strategic investments, $0.02 per share of restructuring-related costs and $0.07 per share of amortization expense.

Boston Scientific management will be discussing these results with analysts on a conference call at 8:30 a.m. (ET) Tuesday, July 22, 2008. The Company will webcast the call to all interested parties through its website: http://www.bostonscientific.com/. Please see the website for details on how to access the webcast. The webcast will be available for one year on the Boston Scientific website.

Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. For more information, please visit: http://www.bostonscientific.com/.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "anticipate," "expect," "project," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend" and similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and estimates using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding our financial performance, our programs to increase shareholder value, new product approvals, acquisitions and divestitures, our growth strategy, market recovery and our market position. If our underlying assumptions turn out to be incorrect, or if certain risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect our ability to implement our business strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements expressed in this press release. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements.

Factors that may cause such differences include, among other things: future economic, competitive, reimbursement and regulatory conditions; new product introductions; demographic trends; intellectual property; litigation; financial market conditions; and, future business decisions made by us and our competitors. All of these factors are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of them are beyond our control. For a further list and description of these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operations, see Part I, Item IA- Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we may update in Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q we have filed or will file thereafter. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.

Use of non-GAAP Financial Information

A reconciliation of the Company's non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measures, and an explanation of the Company's use of these non-GAAP measures, is included in the exhibits attached to this press release.

   CONTACT:

   Paul Donovan
   508-650-8541 (office)
   508-667-5165 (mobile)
   Media Relations
   Boston Scientific Corporation

   Larry Neumann
   508-650-8696 (office)
   Investor Relations
   Boston Scientific Corporation



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED GAAP RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                               (Unaudited)

                                                      Three Months Ended
                                                           June 30,
  In millions, except per share data                2008              2007

  Net sales                                       $2,024            $2,071
  Cost of products sold                              604               563
  Gross profit                                     1,420             1,508

  Operating expenses
    Selling, general and administrative expenses     655               752
    Research and development expenses                253               275
    Royalty expense                                   48                51
    Amortization expense                             135               158
    Purchased research and development                16                (8)
    Restructuring charges                             10
                                                   1,117             1,228

  Operating income                                   303               280

  Other income (expense):
    Interest expense                                (118)             (146)
    Other, net                                       (85)               (8)

  Income before income taxes                         100               126
    Income tax expense                                 2                11
  Net income                                         $98              $115


  Net income per common share -
   assuming dilution                               $0.07             $0.08

  Weighted average shares outstanding -
   assuming dilution                             1,505.2           1,499.9



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
   NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE RECONCILIATIONS
                               (Unaudited)

                                          Three Months     Three Months
                                              Ended            Ended
                                          June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007
                                                 Impact           Impact
                                                   per              per
                                           Net   diluted    Net   diluted
  In millions, except per share data     income   share   income   share
  GAAP results                             $98    $0.07    $115    $0.08
  Non-GAAP adjustments:
    Acquisition-related charges             19     0.01       2        -
    Divestiture-related losses              64     0.04
    Restructuring-related charges           15     0.01
    Amortization expense                   108     0.07     125     0.08
  Adjusted results                        $304    $0.20    $242    $0.16


  An explanation of the Company's use of these non-GAAP measures is provided
  at the end of this document.



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION

NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE RECONCILIATIONS (CONT.)

                               (Unaudited)

                                                   Three Months Ended
                                                         June 30,
                                                  2008              2007
  Acquisition-related charges:
    Purchased research and development            $16               $(8)
    Integration costs (a)                                            12
                                                   16                 4
      Income tax expense (benefit) (d)              3                (2)
  Acquisition-related charges, net of tax         $19                $2

  Divestiture-related losses:
    Loss on sale of non-strategic
     investments (b)                              $96
      Income tax benefit (d)                      (32)
  Divestiture-related losses, net of tax          $64

  Restructuring-related charges:
    Restructuring-related charges ( c )           $21
      Income tax benefit (d)                       (6)
  Restructuring-related charges, net of tax       $15

  Amortization expense:
    Amortization expense                         $135              $158
      Income tax benefit (d)                      (27)              (33)
  Amortization expense, net of tax               $108              $125


  (a)   Recorded expenses of $8 million to selling, general and
        administrative expenses, $2 million to cost of products sold, and
        $2 million to research and development expenses.

  (b)   Recorded to other, net.

  ( c ) Recorded $10 million to restructuring charges, $6 million to
        selling, general and administrative expenses, $3 million to cost of
        products sold, and $2 million to research and development expenses.

  (d)   Amounts are tax effected at the Company's effective tax rate, unless
        the amount is a significant unusual or infrequently occurring item
        in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 18, "Accounting for
        Income Taxes in Interim Periods."



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
            CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED GAAP RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                               (Unaudited)

                                                      Six Months Ended
                                                          June 30,
  In millions, except per share data               2008              2007

  Net sales                                       $4,071            $4,157
  Cost of products sold                            1,185             1,131
  Gross profit                                     2,886             3,026

  Operating expenses
    Selling, general and administrative
     expenses                                      1,315             1,487
    Research and development expenses                497               564
    Royalty expense                                   94               103
    Amortization expense                             279               312
    Purchased research and development                29                (3)
    Restructuring charges                             39
    Gain on divestitures                            (250)
                                                   2,003             2,463

  Operating income                                   883               563

  Other income (expense):
      Interest expense                              (249)             (287)
      Other, net                                     (72)               10

  Income before income taxes                         562               286
    Income tax expense                               142                51
  Net income                                        $420              $235


  Net income per common share -
   assuming dilution                               $0.28             $0.16

  Weighted average shares outstanding -
   assuming dilution                             1,502.6           1,498.9



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
   NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE RECONCILIATIONS
                               (Unaudited)

                                        Six Months Ended Six Months Ended
                                          June 30, 2008    June 30, 2007
                                                 Impact           Impact
                                                   per              per
                                           Net   diluted    Net   diluted
  In millions, except per share data     income   share   income   share
  GAAP results                            $420    $0.28    $235    $0.16
  Non-GAAP adjustments:
    Acquisition-related charges             27     0.02      22     0.01
    Divestiture-related gains              (51)   (0.04)
    Restructuring-related charges           47     0.03
    Amortization expense                   218     0.15     247     0.17
  Adjusted results                        $661    $0.44    $504    $0.34


  An explanation of the Company's use of these non-GAAP measures is provided
  at the end of this document.



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION

NON-GAAP NET INCOME AND NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE RECONCILIATIONS (CONT.)

                               (Unaudited)

                                                        Six  Months Ended
                                                             June 30,
                                                     2008               2007
  Acquisition-related charges:
    Purchased research and development                $29               $(3)
    Integration costs (a)                                                24
    Fair-value adjustment for the sharing
     of proceeds feature of the Abbott
     stock purchase (b)                                                   8
                                                       29                29
      Income tax benefit (d)                           (2)               (7)
  Acquisition-related charges, net of tax             $27               $22

  Divestiture-related gains:
    Gain on divestitures                            $(250)
    Loss on sale of non-strategic
     investments (b)                                   96
                                                     (154)
      Income tax expense (d)                          103
  Divestiture-related gains, net of tax              $(51)

  Restructuring-related charges:
    Restructuring-related charges ( c )               $65
      Income tax benefit (d)                          (18)
  Restructuring-related charges, net of tax           $47

  Amortization expense:
    Amortization expense                             $279              $312
      Income tax benefit (d)                          (61)              (65)
  Amortization expense, net of tax                   $218              $247


  (a)   Recorded expenses of $17 million to selling, general and
        administrative expenses, $4 million to cost of products sold, and
        $3 million to research and development expenses.

  (b)   Recorded to other, net.

  ( c ) Recorded $39 million to restructuring charges, $15 million to
        selling, general and administrative expenses, $7 million to cost of
        products sold, and $4 million to research and development expenses.

  (d)   Amounts are tax effected at the Company's effective tax rate, unless
        the amount is a significant unusual or infrequently occurring item
        in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 18, "Accounting for
        Income Taxes in Interim Periods."



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                  June 30,      December 31,
  In millions                                       2008              2007
                                                (Unaudited)
  Assets
  Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                     $1,616            $1,452
    Trade accounts receivable, net                 1,416             1,502
    Inventories                                      812               725
    Deferred income taxes                            931               679
    Assets held for sale                                             1,099
    Other current assets                             393               464
      Total current assets                         5,168             5,921

  Property, plant and equipment, net               1,738             1,735
  Investments                                        122               317
  Other assets                                       113               157
  Intangible assets, net                          22,760            23,067
                                                 $29,901           $31,197

  Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  Current liabilities:
    Borrowings due within one year                  $271              $256
    Accounts payable and accrued expenses          2,421             2,680
    Liabilities associated with assets held
     for sale                                                           39
    Other current liabilities                        343               275
      Total current liabilities                    3,035             3,250

  Long-term debt                                   7,014             7,933
  Deferred income taxes                            2,252             2,284
  Other long-term liabilities                      1,965             2,633

  Stockholders' equity                            15,635            15,097
                                                 $29,901           $31,197



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
                             WORLDWIDE SALES
                               (Unaudited)

                                      Three Months Ended
                                             June 30,           Change
                                                        As Reported Constant
                                                           Currency Currency
  In millions                             2008      2007     Basis   Basis

  DOMESTIC                              $1,088    $1,118      (3%)    (3%)

    EMEA                                   531       457      16%      3%
    INTER-CONTINENTAL                      386       357       8%     (3%)
  INTERNATIONAL                            917       814      13%      0%

  DIVESTED BUSINESSES                       19       139      N/A     N/A

  WORLDWIDE                             $2,024    $2,071      (2%)    (7%)


                                      Three Months Ended
                                             June 30,           Change
                                                        As Reported Constant
                                                           Currency Currency
  In millions                             2008      2007     Basis   Basis

    INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY             $707      $741      (5%)   (11%)
    PERIPHERAL INTERVENTION                154       153       0%     (4%)
  CARDIOVASCULAR                           861       894      (4%)    (9%)

    NEUROVASCULAR                           92        88       4%     (5%)
    PERIPHERAL EMBOLIZATION                 23        25      (2%)    (8%)
  NEUROVASCULAR                            115       113       2%     (5%)

    CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT              578       524      10%      5%
    ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY                       38        36       5%      1%
  CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT                616       560      10%      5%

    ENDOSCOPY                              243       214      13%      7%
    UROLOGY                                109       100       9%      7%
  ENDOSURGERY                              352       314      12%      7%

  NEUROMODULATION                           61        51      20%     19%

  DIVESTED BUSINESSES                       19       139      N/A     N/A

  WORLDWIDE                             $2,024    $2,071      (2%)    (7%)


  Growth rates are based on actual, non-rounded amounts.



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
                             WORLDWIDE SALES
                               (Unaudited)

                                        Six Months Ended
                                             June 30,           Change
                                                        As Reported Constant
                                                           Currency Currency
  In millions                             2008      2007     Basis   Basis

  DOMESTIC                              $2,205    $2,287      (4%)    (4%)

    EMEA                                 1,039       926      12%     (1%)
    INTER-CONTINENTAL                      776       670      16%      4%
  INTERNATIONAL                          1,815     1,596      14%      1%

  DIVESTED BUSINESSES                       51       274      N/A     N/A

  WORLDWIDE                             $4,071    $4,157      (2%)    (7%)


                                        Six Months Ended
                                             June 30,           Change
                                                        As Reported Constant
                                                           Currency Currency
  In millions                             2008      2007     Basis   Basis

    INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY           $1,463    $1,518      (4%)    (9%)
    PERIPHERAL INTERVENTION                309       299       3%     (2%)
  CARDIOVASCULAR                         1,772     1,817      (2%)    (8%)

    NEUROVASCULAR                          184       179       3%     (5%)
    PERIPHERAL EMBOLIZATION                 46        46       0%     (6%)
  NEUROVASCULAR                            230       225       2%     (5%)

    CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT            1,143     1,062       8%      3%
    ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY                       76        73       5%      2%
  CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT              1,219     1,135       7%      3%

    ENDOSCOPY                              472       420      12%      6%
    UROLOGY                                209       195       7%      5%
  ENDOSURGERY                              681       615      11%      6%

  NEUROMODULATION                          118        91      29%     28%

  DIVESTED BUSINESSES                       51       274      N/A     N/A

  WORLDWIDE                             $4,071    $4,157      (2%)    (7%)


  Growth rates are based on actual, non-rounded amounts.



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
           NON-GAAP CONSTANT CURRENCY NET SALES RECONCILIATIONS
                               (Unaudited)

                                    Q2 2008 Net Sales as compared to Q2 2007
                                                Change            Estimated
                                       As Reported    Constant    Impact of
                                         Currency     Currency     Foreign
  In millions                             Basis        Basis      Currency

  DOMESTIC                                $(30)        $(30)         $-

    EMEA                                    74           12          62
    INTER-CONTINENTAL                       29          (12)         41
  INTERNATIONAL                            103            -         103

  DIVESTED BUSINESSES                     (120)        (122)          2

  WORLDWIDE                               $(47)       $(152)       $105


                                    Q2 2008 Net Sales as compared to Q2 2007
                                                Change            Estimated
  In millions                          As Reported    Constant    Impact of
                                         Currency     Currency     Foreign
                                          Basis        Basis      Currency

    INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY             $(34)        $(77)        $43
    PERIPHERAL INTERVENTIONS                 1           (6)          7
  CARDIOVASCULAR                           (33)         (83)         50

    NEUROVASCULAR                            4           (3)          7
    PERIPHERAL EMBOLIZATION                 (2)          (4)          2
  NEUROVASCULAR                              2           (7)          9

    CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT               54           28          26
    ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY                        2            1           1
  CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT                 56           29          27

    ENDOSCOPY                               29           15          14
    UROLOGY                                  9            6           3
  ENDOSURGERY                               38           21          17

  NEUROMODULATION                           10           10           -

  DIVESTED BUSINESSES                     (120)        (122)          2

  WORLDWIDE                               $(47)       $(152)       $105


  An explanation of the Company's use of these non-GAAP measures is provided
  at the end of this document.



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
           NON-GAAP CONSTANT CURRENCY NET SALES RECONCILIATIONS
                               (Unaudited)

                                Q2 2008 YTD Net Sales as compared to Q2 2007
                                                Change            Estimated
                                       As Reported    Constant    Impact of
                                         Currency     Currency     Foreign
  In millions                             Basis        Basis      Currency

  DOMESTIC                                $(82)        $(82)         $-

    EMEA                                   113           (4)        117
    INTER-CONTINENTAL                      106           23          83
  INTERNATIONAL                            219           19         200

  DIVESTED BUSINESSES                     (223)        (227)          4

  WORLDWIDE                               $(86)       $(290)       $204


                                Q2 2008 YTD Net Sales as compared to Q2 2007
                                                Change            Estimated
  In millions                          As Reported    Constant    Impact of
                                         Currency     Currency     Foreign
                                          Basis        Basis      Currency

    INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY             $(55)       $(137)        $82
    PERIPHERAL INTERVENTIONS                10           (6)         16
  CARDIOVASCULAR                           (45)        (143)         98

    NEUROVASCULAR                            5           (9)         14
    PERIPHERAL EMBOLIZATION                  -           (3)          3
  NEUROVASCULAR                              5          (12)         17

    CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT               81           30          51
    ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY                        3            1           2
  CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT                 84           31          53

    ENDOSCOPY                               52           25          27
    UROLOGY                                 14            9           5
  ENDOSURGERY                               66           34          32

  NEUROMODULATION                           27           27           -

  DIVESTED BUSINESSES                     (223)        (227)          4

  WORLDWIDE                               $(86)       $(290)       $204


  An explanation of the Company's use of these non-GAAP measures is provided
  at the end of this document.



                      BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
      ESTIMATED NON-GAAP NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE RECONCILIATIONS
                               (Unaudited)

                                           Q3 2008 Estimate Q3 2008 Estimate
                                                   (Low)             (High)
  GAAP results                                     $0.18             $0.23

  Estimated acquisition-related gains              (0.12)            (0.12)
  Estimated divestiture-related gains              (0.01)            (0.01)
  Estimated restructuring-related charges           0.02              0.02
  Estimated amortization expense                    0.07              0.07

  Adjusted results                                 $0.14             $0.19


  An explanation of the Company's use of these non-GAAP measures is provided
  at the end of this document.



  Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement Boston Scientific's condensed consolidated financial statements presented on a GAAP basis; the Company discloses certain non-GAAP measures that exclude certain amounts, including non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, and regional and divisional revenue growth rates that exclude the impact of foreign exchange. These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

The GAAP measure most comparable to non-GAAP net income is GAAP net income and the GAAP measure most comparable to non-GAAP net income per diluted share is GAAP net income per diluted share. Reconciliations of each of these non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measure are included in the accompanying schedules.

To calculate regional and divisional revenue growth rates that exclude the impact of foreign exchange, the Company converts actual current-period net sales from local currency to U.S. dollars using constant foreign exchange rates. The GAAP measure most comparable to this non-GAAP measure is growth rate percentages based on GAAP revenue. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the corresponding GAAP measure is included in the accompanying schedules.

Use and Economic Substance of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Used by Boston Scientific

Management uses these supplemental non-GAAP measures to evaluate performance period over period, to analyze the underlying trends in the Company's business, to assess its performance relative to its competitors, and to establish operational goals and forecasts that are used in allocating resources. In addition, management uses these non-GAAP measures to further its understanding of the performance of the Company's operating segments. The adjustments excluded from the Company's non-GAAP measures are consistent with those excluded from its reportable segments' measure of profit or loss. These adjustments are excluded from the segment measures that are reported to the Company's chief operating decision maker and are used to make operating decisions and assess performance.

The following is an explanation of each of the adjustments that management excluded as part of its non-GAAP measures for the three and six month periods ending June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007 and for the forecasted three month period ending September 30, 2008, as well as reasons for excluding each of these individual items:

-- Acquisition-related (gains) charges -- These adjustments consist of purchased research and development, integration costs associated with the Company's acquisition of Guidant, a fair value adjustment related to the sharing of proceeds feature of the Abbott stock purchase, and a gain associated with the receipt of an acquisition-related milestone. Purchased research and development is a highly variable charge based on valuation assumptions. Management removes the impact of purchased research and development from the Company's operating results to assist in assessing the Company's operating performance and cash generated from operations. The integration costs associated with the Company's acquisition of Guidant do not reflect expected on-going future operating expenses. The fair value adjustment related to the sharing of proceeds feature of the Abbott stock purchase is a non-cash adjustment and is not indicative of the Company's on-going operations. The gain on the acquisition-related milestone payment, recorded in the third quarter of 2008, is not indicative of future operating performance, and will not be used by management in assessing the Company's operating performance. Accordingly, management excluded these amounts for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures to facilitate an evaluation of the Company's current operating performance and a comparison to the Company's past operating performance.

-- Divestiture-related (gains) losses -- These amounts represent gains and losses that the Company recognized related to the sale of non-strategic assets, including the sale of certain businesses, development programs and non-strategic investments. The sale and transfer of these non-strategic assets are expected to be substantially completed during 2008. These gains and losses are not indicative of future operating performance and are not used by management to assess operating performance. Accordingly, management excluded these amounts for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures to facilitate an evaluation of the Company's current operating performance and a comparison to the Company's past operating performance.

-- Restructuring-related charges -- These adjustments primarily represent employee-related termination benefits, employee-related retention costs, asset write-downs and other costs associated with the Company's restructuring initiatives. These expenses are not indicative of the Company's on-going operating performance and are excluded by management in assessing the Company's operating performance, and are also excluded from the Company's operating segments' measures of profit and loss used for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Accordingly, management excluded these charges for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures to facilitate an evaluation of the Company's current operating performance and a comparison to the Company's past operating performance.

-- Amortization expense -- Amortization expense is a non-cash charge and does not impact the Company's liquidity or compliance with the covenants included in its debt agreements. Following the Company's acquisition of Guidant, and the related increase in the Company's debt, management has heightened its focus on cash generation and debt pay down. Management removes the impact of amortization from the Company's operating performance to assist in assessing the Company's cash generated from operations. Management believes this is a critical metric for the Company in measuring the Company's ability to generate cash and pay down debt. Therefore, amortization expense is excluded from management's assessment of operating performance, including the Company's operating segments' measure of profit and loss, and is also excluded from the measures management uses to set employee compensation. Accordingly, management believes this may be useful information to users of its financial statements and therefore has excluded these charges for purposes of calculating these non-GAAP measures to facilitate an evaluation of the Company's current operating performance, particularly in terms of liquidity.

-- Foreign exchange on net sales -- The impact of foreign exchange is highly variable and difficult to predict. Accordingly, management excludes the impact of foreign exchange for purposes of reviewing regional and divisional revenue growth rates to facilitate an evaluation of the Company's current operating performance and comparison to the Company's past operating performance.

Material Limitations Associated with the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, and regional and divisional revenue growth rates that exclude the impact of foreign exchange may have limitations as analytical tools, and these non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a replacement for GAAP financial measures. Some of the limitations associated with the use of these non-GAAP financial measures are:

-- Items such as purchased research and development, divestiture-related gains and losses, and the fair value adjustment related to the sharing of proceeds feature of the Abbott stock purchase reflect economic costs to the Company and are not reflected in non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share.

-- Items such as Guidant integration costs and restructuring-related expenses that are excluded from non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per diluted share can have a material impact on cash flows and GAAP net income and net income per diluted share.

-- Items such as amortization of purchased intangible assets, though not directly affecting Boston Scientific's cash flow position, represent a reduction in value of intangible assets over time. The expense associated with this reduction in value is not included in Boston Scientific's non-GAAP net income or non-GAAP net income per diluted share and therefore these measures do not reflect the full economic effect of the reduction in value of those intangible assets.

-- Revenue growth rates stated on a constant currency basis, by their nature, exclude the impact of foreign exchange, which may have a material impact on GAAP net sales.

-- Other companies may calculate non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per diluted share, or regional and divisional revenue growth rates that exclude the impact of foreign exchange differently than Boston Scientific does, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

Compensation for Limitations Associated with Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Boston Scientific compensates for the limitations on its non-GAAP financial measures by relying upon its GAAP results to gain a complete picture of the Company's performance. The non-GAAP numbers focus instead upon the core business of the Company, which is only a subset, albeit a critical one, of the Company's performance.

The Company provides detailed reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure in the accompanying schedules, and Boston Scientific encourages investors to review these reconciliations.

Usefulness of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to Investors

The Company believes that presenting non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP net income per share, and regional and divisional revenue growth rates that exclude the impact of foreign exchange in addition to the related GAAP measures provides investors greater transparency to the information used by Boston Scientific management for its financial and operational decision-making and allows investors to see Boston Scientific's results "through the eyes" of management. The Company further believes that providing this information better enables Boston Scientific's investors to understand the Company's operating performance and to evaluate the methodology used by management to assess and measure such performance.

SOURCE: Boston Scientific Corporation

CONTACT: Paul Donovan, Media Relations, +1-508-650-8541 (office),
+1-508-667-5165 (mobile), or Larry Neumann, Investor Relations,
+1-508-650-8696 (office), both of Boston Scientific Corporation

Web site: http://www.bostonscientific.com/

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