Q1 2015 Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File No. 1-11083
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
04-2695240
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
300 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC WAY, MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS 01752-1234
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
(508) 683-4000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-Accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
 
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 
 
Shares outstanding
Class
 
as of April 30, 2015
Common Stock, $.01 par value
 
1,340,675,902


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
in millions, except per share data
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,768

 
$
1,774

Cost of products sold
520

 
537

Gross profit
1,248

 
1,237

 
 
 
 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
668

 
666

Research and development expenses
192

 
191

Royalty expense
17

 
40

Amortization expense
113

 
109

Intangible asset impairment charges

 
55

Contingent consideration expense (benefit)
27

 
(22
)
Restructuring charges
6

 
20

Litigation-related charges (credits)
193

 
(7
)
Pension termination charges
8

 

Gain on divestiture

 
(12
)
 
1,224

 
1,040

Operating income (loss)
24

 
197

 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Interest expense
(60
)
 
(54
)
Other, net
(15
)
 
3

Income (loss) before income taxes
(51
)
 
146

Income tax expense (benefit)
(50
)
 
13

Net income (loss)
$
(1
)
 
$
133

 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share — basic
$
(0.00
)
 
$
0.10

Net income (loss) per common share — assuming dilution
$
(0.00
)
 
$
0.10

 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding
 
 
 
Basic
1,333.7

 
1,321.7

Assuming dilution
1,333.7

 
1,349.2


See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


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BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Net income (loss)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
133

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(35
)
 
(6
)
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, net of tax
 
28

 
(27
)
Net change in certain retirement plans
 
5

 
(1
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(2
)
 
(34
)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
99


See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



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BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
As of
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
in millions, except share and per share data
2015
 
2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
242

 
$
587

Trade accounts receivable, net
1,161

 
1,183

Inventories
958

 
946

Deferred and prepaid income taxes
339

 
447

Other current assets
489

 
443

Total current assets
3,189

 
3,606

Property, plant and equipment, net
1,458

 
1,507

Goodwill
5,896

 
5,898

Other intangible assets, net
5,499

 
5,606

Other long-term assets
430

 
425

TOTAL ASSETS
$
16,472

 
$
17,042

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Current debt obligations
$
423

 
$
403

Accounts payable
228

 
262

Accrued expenses
1,512

 
1,950

Other current liabilities
300

 
231

Total current liabilities
2,463

 
2,846

Long-term debt
3,845

 
3,859

Deferred income taxes
963

 
1,214

Other long-term liabilities
2,700

 
2,666

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies

 

 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value - authorized 50,000,000 shares, none issued and outstanding


 


Common stock, $.01 par value - authorized 2,000,000,000 shares and issued 1,587,583,586 shares as of March 31, 2015 and 1,575,018,236 shares as of December 31, 2014
16

 
16

Treasury stock, at cost - 247,566,270 shares as of March 31, 2015 and 247,566,270 shares as of December 31, 2014
(1,717
)
 
(1,717
)
Additional paid-in capital
16,750

 
16,703

Accumulated deficit
(8,690
)
 
(8,689
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
142

 
144

Total stockholders’ equity
6,501

 
6,457

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
16,472

 
$
17,042


See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
in millions
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Cash provided by (used for) operating activities
$
(197
)
 
$
198

 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(46
)
 
(59
)
Purchases of privately held securities

 
(6
)
Purchases of notes receivable
(3
)
 

Proceeds from sales of publicly traded and privately held equity securities and collections of notes receivable

 
7

Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

 
(8
)
Payments for investments and acquisitions of certain technologies
(2
)
 
(11
)
Proceeds from business divestitures, net of costs

 
12

 
 
 
 
Cash used for investing activities
(51
)
 
(65
)
 
 
 
 
Financing activities:
 
 
 
Payment of contingent consideration
(87
)
 
(12
)
Proceeds from borrowings on credit facilities

 
285

Payments on borrowings from credit facilities

 
(285
)
Payments for acquisitions of treasury stock

 
(125
)
Cash used to net share settle employee equity awards
(61
)
 
(47
)
Proceeds from issuances of shares of common stock
54

 
24

 
 
 
 
Cash used for financing activities
(94
)
 
(160
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash
(3
)
 
1

 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(345
)
 
(26
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
587

 
217

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
242

 
$
191

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Information
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-cash operating activities:
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
$
26

 
$
26

Fair value of contingent consideration recorded in purchase accounting
$

 
$
3


See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

NOTE A – BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Boston Scientific Corporation have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Item 8 of our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Subsequent Events
We evaluate events occurring after the date of our most recent accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets for potential recognition or disclosure in our financial statements. We did not identify any material subsequent events requiring adjustment to our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (recognized subsequent events) for the three month period ended March 31, 2015. Those items requiring disclosure (unrecognized subsequent events) in the financial statements have been disclosed accordingly. Refer to Note B - Acquisitions, Note F - Borrowings and Credit Arrangements as well as Note J - Commitments and Contingencies for more information.

NOTE B – ACQUISITIONS

We did not close any material acquisitions during the first quarters of 2015 and 2014.

On March 2, 2015, we announced that we entered into a definitive agreement with Endo International plc to acquire the American Medical Systems urology portfolio, which includes the Men's Health and Prostate Health businesses, for $1.600 billion in up-front cash and a potential additional $50 million milestone based on 2016 sales (AMS Portfolio Acquisition). We expect to close the transaction in the third quarter of 2015, subject to customary closing conditions.

In April 2015, we acquired Xlumena, Inc., a venture-backed medical device company that develops, manufactures and sells minimally invasive devices for Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guided transluminal drainage of targeted areas within the gastrointestinal tract. The agreement calls for an upfront payment of approximately $63 million, an additional payment of $13 million upon FDA clearance of the HOT AXIOS™ product, and further sales-based milestones based on sales achieved through 2018. 

Contingent Consideration
Certain of our acquisitions involve contingent consideration arrangements. Payment of additional consideration is generally contingent on the acquired company reaching certain performance milestones, including attaining specified revenue levels, achieving product development targets and/or obtaining regulatory approvals. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we recognize a liability equal to the fair value of the contingent payments we expect to make as of the acquisition date. We re-measure this liability each reporting period and record changes in the fair value through a separate line item within our consolidated statements of operations.
We recorded a net expense related to the change in fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities of $27 million during the first quarter of 2015 and a net benefit of $22 million during the first quarter of 2014. We paid $99 million of contingent consideration during the first quarter of 2015 and we paid $12 million during the first quarter of 2014.
Changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability were as follows (in millions):
Balance as of December 31, 2014
$
274

Amounts recorded related to new acquisitions

Other amounts recorded related to prior acquisitions

Net fair value adjustments
27

Payments made
(99
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
$
202


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As of March 31, 2015, the maximum amount of future contingent consideration (undiscounted) that we could be required to pay was approximately $1.810 billion.
Contingent consideration liabilities are re-measured to fair value each reporting period using projected revenues, discount rates, probabilities of payment and projected payment dates. The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our contingent consideration liability include the following significant unobservable inputs:
Contingent Consideration Liability
Fair Value as of March 31, 2015
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
R&D, Regulatory and Commercialization-based Milestones
$13 million
Probability Weighted Discounted Cash Flow
Discount Rate
1.2%
Probability of Payment
95% - 100%
Projected Year of Payment
2015
Revenue-based Payments
$51 million
Probability Weighted Discounted Cash Flow
Discount Rate
11.5% - 15%
Probability of Payment
0% - 100%
Projected Year of Payment
2015 - 2018
$138 million
Monte Carlo
Revenue Volatility
11% - 13%
Risk Free Rate
LIBOR Term Structure
Projected Year of Payment
2015-2018

Increases or decreases in the fair value of our contingent consideration liability can result from changes in discount periods and rates, as well as changes in the timing and amount of revenue estimates or in the timing or likelihood of achieving regulatory-, revenue- or commercialization-based milestones. Projected contingent payment amounts related to research and development, regulatory- and commercialization-based milestones and certain revenue-based milestones are discounted back to the current period using a discounted cash flow (DCF) model. Other revenue-based payments are valued using a Monte Carlo valuation model, which simulates future revenues during the earn-out period using management's best estimates. Projected revenues are based on our most recent internal operational budgets and long-range strategic plans. Increases in projected revenues and probabilities of payment may result in higher fair value measurements. Increases in discount rates and the time to payment may result in lower fair value measurements. Increases or decreases in any of those inputs in together, or in isolation, may result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.

NOTE C – DIVESTITURES
In January 2011, we closed the sale of our Neurovascular business to Stryker Corporation for a purchase price of $1.500 billion in cash. We received $1.450 billion during 2011, an additional $10 million during 2012, $30 million during 2013 and the final amount due to us in 2014. At the time of divestiture, due to our continuing involvement in the operations of the Neurovascular business following the transaction, the divestiture did not meet the criteria for presentation as a discontinued operation. Our sales related to our divested Neurovascular business have declined as the various transition services and supply agreements have terminated.
Revenue recorded in the first quarter of 2014 was $2 million related to the Neurovascular business following its divestiture. We recorded a gain of $12 million during the first quarter of 2014 associated with the transaction.


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NOTE D – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The gross carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization for intangible assets subject to amortization and accumulated write-offs of goodwill as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
 
As of
 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Gross Carrying
 
Accumulated
Amortization/
 
Gross Carrying
 
Accumulated
Amortization/
(in millions)
 
Amount
 
Write-offs
 
Amount
 
Write-offs
Amortizable intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technology-related
 
$
8,482

 
$
(3,789
)
 
$
8,406

 
$
(3,697
)
Patents
 
522

 
(347
)
 
519

 
(342
)
Other intangible assets
 
875

 
(546
)
 
875

 
(533
)
 
 
$
9,879

 
$
(4,682
)
 
$
9,800

 
$
(4,572
)
Unamortizable intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
$
15,796

 
$
(9,900
)
 
$
15,798

 
$
(9,900
)
Technology-related
 
197

 

 
197

 

 
 
$
15,993

 
$
(9,900
)
 
$
15,995

 
$
(9,900
)

In addition, we had $105 million and $181 million of in-process research and development intangible assets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. During the first quarter of 2015, we reclassified approximately $76 million of in-process research and development not previously subject to amortization to amortizable intangible assets due to the receipt of FDA approval of the WATCHMAN® device.
The following represents our goodwill balance by global reportable segment:
(in millions)
 
Cardiovascular
 
Rhythm Management
 
MedSurg
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
3,426

 
$
290

 
$
2,182

 
$
5,898

Purchase price adjustments
 
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
 
$
3,424

 
$
290

 
$
2,182

 
$
5,896


Goodwill Impairment Testing
We test our goodwill balances during the second quarter of each year for impairment, or more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that an impairment may exist. Refer to Note D - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets contained in Item 8 of our 2014 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for discussion of our most recent goodwill impairment tests.
The following is a rollforward of accumulated goodwill write-offs by global reportable segment:
(in millions)
Cardiovascular
 
Rhythm Management
 
MedSurg
 
Total
Accumulated write-offs as of December 31, 2014
$
(1,479
)
 
$
(6,960
)
 
$
(1,461
)
 
$
(9,900
)
Goodwill written off

 

 

 

Accumulated write-offs as of March 31, 2015
$
(1,479
)
 
$
(6,960
)
 
$
(1,461
)
 
$
(9,900
)

Intangible Asset Impairment Testing

During the first quarter of 2014, as a result of lower estimates of the resistant hypertension market following the announcement of data from a competitor's clinical trial, we performed an interim impairment test of our in-process research and development projects and core technology associated with our acquisition of Vessix Vascular Inc. (Vessix). The impairment assessments were based upon probability-weighted cash flows of potential future scenarios. Based on our impairment assessment, and lower expected future cash flows associated with our Vessix-related intangible assets, we recorded pre-tax impairment charges of $55 million in the first quarter of 2014 to write-down the balance of these intangible assets to their calculated fair value.


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The nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements of our intangible asset impairment analysis included the following significant unobservable inputs:
Intangible Asset
Valuation Date
Fair Value
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Rate
In-Process R&D
March 31, 2014
$6 million
Income Approach - Excess Earnings Method
Discount Rate
20%
Core Technology
March 31, 2014
$64 million
Income Approach - Excess Earnings Method
Discount Rate
15%

NOTE E – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We address market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative financial instruments, and we operate the program pursuant to documented corporate risk management policies. Our derivative instruments do not subject our earnings or cash flows to material risk, as gains and losses on these derivatives generally offset losses and gains on the item being hedged. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes, and we do not have any non-derivative instruments that are designated as hedging instruments pursuant to Topic 815.
Currency Hedging
We are exposed to currency risk consisting primarily of foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, forecasted foreign currency denominated intercompany and third-party transactions and net investments in certain subsidiaries. We manage our exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on a consolidated basis to take advantage of offsetting transactions. We use both derivative instruments (currency forward and option contracts), and non-derivative transactions (primarily European manufacturing and distribution operations) to reduce the risk that our earnings and cash flows associated with these foreign currency denominated balances and transactions will be adversely affected by foreign currency exchange rate changes.
Currently or Previously Designated Foreign Currency Hedges
All of our designated currency hedge contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were cash flow hedges under Topic 815 intended to protect the U.S. dollar value of our forecasted foreign currency denominated transactions. We record the effective portion of any change in the fair value of foreign currency cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income (OCI) until the related third-party transaction occurs. Once the related third-party transaction occurs, we reclassify the effective portion of any related gain or loss on the foreign currency cash flow hedge to earnings. In the event the hedged forecasted transaction does not occur, or it becomes no longer probable that it will occur, we reclassify the amount of any gain or loss on the related cash flow hedge to earnings at that time. We had currency derivative instruments currently or previously designated as cash flow hedges outstanding in the contract amount of $1.987 billion as of March 31, 2015 and $2.178 billion as of December 31, 2014.
We recognized net gains of $49 million in earnings on our cash flow hedges during the first quarter of 2015, as compared to net gains of $21 million during the first quarter of 2014. All currency cash flow hedges outstanding as of March 31, 2015 mature within 36 months. As of March 31, 2015, $246 million of net gains, net of tax, were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to recognize the effective portion of the fair value of any currency derivative instruments that are, or previously were, designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges, as compared to net gains of $217 million as of December 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2015, $142 million of net gains, net of tax, may be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months.
The success of our hedging program depends, in part, on forecasts of transaction activity in various currencies (primarily Japanese yen, Euro, British pound sterling, Australian dollar and Canadian dollar). We may experience unanticipated currency exchange gains or losses to the extent that there are differences between forecasted and actual activity during periods of currency volatility. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to any unhedged transactions may impact our earnings and cash flows.

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Non-designated Foreign Currency Contracts
We use currency forward contracts as a part of our strategy to manage exposure related to foreign currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities. These currency forward contracts are not designated as cash flow, fair value or net investment hedges under Topic 815; are marked-to-market with changes in fair value recorded to earnings; and are entered into for periods consistent with currency transaction exposures, generally less than one year. We had currency derivative instruments not designated as hedges under Topic 815 outstanding in the contract amount of $2.365 billion as of March 31, 2015 and $2.470 billion as of December 31, 2014.
Interest Rate Hedging
Our interest rate risk relates primarily to U.S. dollar borrowings, partially offset by U.S. dollar cash investments. We have historically used interest rate derivative instruments to manage our earnings and cash flow exposure to changes in interest rates by converting floating-rate debt into fixed-rate debt or fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt.
We designate these derivative instruments either as fair value or cash flow hedges under Topic 815. We record changes in the value of fair value hedges in interest expense, which is generally offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt obligation. Interest payments made or received related to our interest rate derivative instruments are included in interest expense. We record the effective portion of any change in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges as unrealized gains or losses in OCI, net of tax, until the hedged cash flow occurs, at which point the effective portion of any gain or loss is reclassified to earnings. We record the ineffective portion of our cash flow hedges in interest expense. In the event the hedged cash flow does not occur, or it becomes no longer probable that it will occur, we reclassify the amount of any gain or loss on the related cash flow hedge to interest expense at that time.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, we entered into interest rate derivative contracts having a notional amount of $450 million to convert fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt, which we designated as fair value hedges. During the first quarter of 2015, we terminated these hedges and we received total proceeds of approximately $35 million when we terminated the interest rate derivative contracts, which included approximately $7 million of net accrued interest receivable. We had no amounts outstanding as of March 31, 2015. We assessed at inception, and re-assessed on an ongoing basis, whether the interest rate derivative contracts were highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged fixed-rate debt. During the first quarter of 2015, we recognized, in interest expense, an $8 million loss on our hedged debt and an $8 million gain on the related interest rate derivative contract. During the first quarter of 2014, we recognized, in interest expense, a $10 million loss on our hedged debt and a $10 million gain on the related interest rate derivative contract.

The carrying amount of our $450 million senior notes maturing in October 2023 includes unamortized gains of $30 million as of March 31, 2015, related to the interest rate derivative contracts terminated in the first quarter of 2015, which represents the effective portion of these contracts as of the termination date, less amounts amortized. Additionally, in prior years, we terminated certain other interest rate derivative contracts, including fixed-to-floating interest rate contracts, designated as fair value hedges, and floating-to-fixed treasury locks, designated as cash flow hedges. We are amortizing the gains and losses on these derivative instruments upon termination into earnings as a net reduction of interest expense over the remaining term of the hedged debt, in accordance with Topic 815. The carrying amount of certain of our senior notes included unamortized gains of $43 million as of March 31, 2015 and $45 million as of December 31, 2014, and unamortized losses of $1 million as of March 31, 2015 and $2 million as of December 31, 2014, related to the fixed-to-floating interest rate contracts that we terminated in prior years. In addition, we had pre-tax net gains within AOCI related to terminated floating-to-fixed treasury locks of $1 million as of March 31, 2015 and $2 million as of December 31, 2014. We recorded approximately $2 million during the first quarter of 2015 as a reduction to interest expense, resulting from the amortization of interest rate derivative contracts terminated in prior years. As of March 31, 2015, $13 million of pre-tax net gains may be reclassified to earnings within the next twelve months as a reduction to interest expense from amortization of our terminated interest rate derivative contracts.
Counterparty Credit Risk
We do not have significant concentrations of credit risk arising from our derivative financial instruments, whether from an individual counterparty or a related group of counterparties. We manage the concentration of counterparty credit risk on our derivative instruments by limiting acceptable counterparties to a diversified group of major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings, limiting the amount of credit exposure to each counterparty, and actively monitoring their credit ratings and outstanding fair values on an on-going basis. Furthermore, none of our derivative transactions are subject to collateral or other security arrangements and none contain provisions that are dependent on our credit ratings from any credit rating agency.

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We also employ master netting arrangements that reduce our counterparty payment settlement risk on any given maturity date to the net amount of any receipts or payments due between us and the counterparty financial institution. Thus, the maximum loss due to counterparty credit risk is limited to the unrealized gains in such contracts net of any unrealized losses should any of these counterparties fail to perform as contracted. Although these protections do not eliminate concentrations of credit risk, as a result of the above considerations, we do not consider the risk of counterparty default to be significant.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following presents the effect of our derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges under Topic 815 on our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014 (in millions):
 
Amount of Pre-tax
Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
(Effective Portion)
 
Amount of Pre-tax Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Earnings
(Effective Portion)
 
Location in Statement of
Operations
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Currency hedge contracts
$
93

 
$
49

 
Cost of products sold
 
$
93

 
$
49

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Currency hedge contracts
$
(21
)
 
$
21

 
Cost of products sold
 
$
(21
)
 
$
21

 
 

The amount of gain (loss) recognized in earnings related to the ineffective portion of hedging relationships was de minimis for all periods presented.

Net gains and losses on currency hedge contracts not designated as hedging instruments were offset by net losses and gains from foreign currency transaction exposures, as shown in the following table:
in millions
 
Location in Statement of Operations
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Gain (loss) on currency hedge contracts
 
Other, net
 
$
23

 
$
(3
)
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transaction exposures
 
Other, net
 
(33
)
 

Net foreign currency gain (loss)
 
Other, net
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(3
)
Topic 815 requires all derivative instruments to be recognized at their fair values as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet. Generally, we use inputs that include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; other observable inputs for the asset or liability; and inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation or other means. As of March 31, 2015, we have classified all of our derivative assets and liabilities within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy prescribed by ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820), as discussed below, because these observable inputs are available for substantially the full term of our derivative instruments.

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The following are the balances of our derivative assets and liabilities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
 
As of
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
Location in Balance Sheet (1)
2015
 
2014
Derivative Assets:
 
 
 
 
Currently or Previously Designated Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
Currency hedge contracts
Other current assets
$
204

 
$
178

Currency hedge contracts
Other long-term assets
160

 
141

Interest rate contracts
Other current assets

 
3

Interest rate contracts
Other long-term assets

 
22

 
 
364

 
344

Non-Designated Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
Currency hedge contracts
Other current assets
107

 
100

Total Derivative Assets
 
$
471

 
$
444

 
 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Currently or Previously Designated Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
Currency hedge contracts
Other current liabilities
$
1

 
$
1

 
 
1

 
1

Non-Designated Hedging Instruments
 
 
 
 
Currency hedge contracts
Other current liabilities
52

 
35

Total Derivative Liabilities
 
$
53

 
$
36

(1)
We classify derivative assets and liabilities as current when the remaining term of the derivative contract is one year or less.

Other Fair Value Measurements
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
On a recurring basis, we measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value based upon quoted market prices, where available. Where quoted market prices or other observable inputs are not available, we apply valuation techniques to estimate fair value. Topic 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The categorization of financial assets and financial liabilities within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement of fair value. The three levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:
Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are other observable inputs, including quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities and market-corroborated inputs.
Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable inputs based on management’s best estimate of inputs market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date, including assumptions about risk.

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Table of Contents

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the following as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:
 
As of March 31, 2015
 
As of December 31, 2014
(in millions)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Money market and government funds
$
20

 
$

 
$

 
$
20

 
$
151

 
$

 
$

 
$
151

Currency hedge contracts

 
471

 

 
471

 

 
419

 

 
419

Interest rate contracts

 

 

 

 

 
25

 

 
25

 
$
20

 
$
471

 
$

 
$
491

 
$
151

 
$
444

 
$

 
$
595

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency hedge contracts
$

 
$
53

 
$

 
$
53

 
$

 
$
36

 
$

 
$
36

Accrued contingent consideration

 

 
202

 
202

 

 

 
274

 
274

 
$

 
$
53

 
$
202

 
$
255

 
$

 
$
36

 
$
274

 
$
310

Our investments in money market and government funds are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices. These investments are classified as cash and cash equivalents within our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, in accordance with U.S. GAAP and our accounting policies.

In addition to $20 million invested in money market and government funds as of March 31, 2015, we had $53 million in short-term time deposits and $169 million in interest bearing and non-interest bearing bank accounts. In addition to $151 million invested in money market and government funds as of December 31, 2014, we had $255 million in short-term deposits and $181 million in interest bearing and non-interest bearing bank accounts.
Our recurring fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) relate solely to our contingent consideration liabilities. Refer to Note B - Acquisitions in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for a discussion of the changes in the fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities.

Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
We hold certain assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition. The fair value of a cost method investment is not estimated if there are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. The aggregate carrying amount of our cost method investments was $27 million as of March 31, 2015 and $27 million as of December 31, 2014.
During the first quarter of 2014, we recorded $55 million of losses to adjust our intangible asset balances to their fair value. Refer to Note D - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for further information related to these charges and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
The fair value of our outstanding debt obligations was $4.653 billion as of March 31, 2015 and $4.613 billion as of December 31, 2014, which was determined by using primarily quoted market prices for our publicly registered senior notes, classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note F – Borrowings and Credit Arrangements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for a discussion of our debt obligations.

NOTE F – BORROWINGS AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
We had total debt of $4.268 billion as of March 31, 2015 and $4.262 billion as of December 31, 2014. The debt maturity schedule for the significant components of our debt obligations as of March 31, 2015 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
Thereafter
 
Total
Senior notes
$
400

 
$
600

 
$
250

 
$
600

 
$

 
$
1,950

 
$
3,800

Term loan

 
80

 
80

 
240

 

 

 
400

 
$
400

 
$
680

 
$
330

 
$
840

 
$

 
$
1,950

 
$
4,200

 
Note:
The table above does not include unamortized discounts associated with our senior notes, or amounts related to interest rate contracts used to hedge the fair value of certain of our senior notes.

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Table of Contents

Revolving Credit Facility
During the first quarter of 2015, we maintained a $2.000 billion revolving credit facility (the 2012 Facility), maturing in April 2017, with a global syndicate of commercial banks. Eurodollar and multicurrency loans under this revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin of between 0.875 percent and 1.475 percent, based on our corporate credit ratings and consolidated leverage ratio (1.275 percent as of March 31, 2015). In addition, we were required to pay a facility fee based on our credit ratings, consolidated leverage ratio, and the total amount of revolving credit commitments, regardless of usage, under the agreement (0.225 percent as of March 31, 2015). There were no amounts borrowed under our revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014.
Our revolving credit facility agreement in place as of March 31, 2015, required that we maintain certain financial covenants, as follows:
 
Covenant
Requirement
 
Actual as of
March 31, 2015
Maximum leverage ratio (1)
3.5 times
 
2.4 times
Minimum interest coverage ratio (2)
3.0 times
 
8.0 times
(1)
Ratio of total debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit agreement, for the preceding four consecutive fiscal quarters.
(2)
Ratio of consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the credit agreement, to interest expense for the preceding four consecutive fiscal quarters.
The credit agreement in place as of March 31, 2015, provided for an exclusion from the calculation of consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the agreement, through the credit agreement maturity, of any non-cash charges and up to $500 million in restructuring charges and restructuring-related expenses related to our current or future restructuring plans. As of March 31, 2015, we had $95 million of the restructuring charge exclusion remaining. In addition, any cash litigation payments (net of any cash litigation receipts), as defined by the agreement, were excluded from the calculation of consolidated EBITDA and any new debt issued to fund any tax deficiency payments was excluded from consolidated total debt, as defined in the agreement, provided that the sum of any excluded net cash litigation payments and any new debt issued to fund any tax deficiency payments not exceed $2.300 billion in the aggregate. As of March 31, 2015, we had $1.789 billion of the combined legal and debt exclusion remaining. As of and through March 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the required covenants.
On April 10, 2015, we entered into a new $2.000 billion revolving credit facility (the 2015 Facility ) with a global syndicate of commercial banks to refinance the 2012 Facility. The 2015 Facility matures on April 10, 2020. Eurodollar and multicurrency loans under the 2015 Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin of between 0.900 percent and 1.500 percent, based on our corporate credit ratings and consolidated leverage ratio (1.300 percent as of April 10, 2015). In addition, we are required to pay a facility fee based on our credit ratings, consolidated leverage ratio, and the total amount of revolving credit commitment, regardless of usage, under the agreement (0.200 percent per year as of April 10, 2015). The 2015 Credit Facility contains covenants which, among other things, require that we maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio of 3.0 times and a maximum leverage ratio of 4.5 times for the first four fiscal quarter-ends following the closing of the AMS Portfolio Acquisition, and decreasing to 4.25 times, 4.0 times, and 3.75 times for the next three fiscal quarter-ends after such four fiscal quarter-ends, respectively, and then to 3.5 times for each fiscal quarter-end thereafter. The credit agreement for the 2015 Facility provides for an exclusion from the calculation of consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the agreement, through the credit agreement maturity, of any non-cash charges and up to $620 million in restructuring charges and restructuring-related expenses related to our current or future restructuring plans. In addition, any cash litigation payments (net of any cash litigation receipts), as defined by the agreement, are excluded from the calculation of consolidated EBITDA and any new debt issued to fund any tax deficiency payments is excluded from consolidated total debt, as defined in the agreement, provided that the sum of any excluded net cash litigation payments and any new debt issued to fund any tax deficiency payments not exceed $2.000 billion in the aggregate. In addition, the credit agreement provides that until the AMS Portfolio Acquisition is consummated, up to $1.000 billion of new indebtedness issued or incurred on or prior to the consummation of the acquisition to fund the acquisition should be excluded from the calculation of consolidated total debt. With the entry into the 2015 Facility, we terminated the 2012 Facility on April 10, 2015.

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Table of Contents

Term Loans

We had $400 million outstanding under an unsecured term loan facility (2013 Term Loan) as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Term loan borrowings under this facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin of between 1.00 percent and 1.75 percent (currently 1.50 percent), based on our corporate credit ratings and consolidated leverage ratio. The term loan borrowings are payable over a five-year period, with quarterly principal payments of $20 million commencing in the first quarter of 2016 and the remaining principal amount due at the final maturity date in August 2018, and are repayable at any time without premium or penalty. Our term loan facility requires that we comply with certain covenants, including financial covenants with respect to maximum leverage and minimum interest coverage, consistent with the 2012 Facility up to its date of termination, and the 2015 Facility when in place on April 10, 2015. The maximum leverage ratio requirement is 3.5 times and our actual leverage ratio as of March 31, 2015 is 2.4 times. The minimum interest coverage ratio requirement is 3.0 times and our actual interest coverage ratio as of March 31, 2015 is 8.0 times. On April 10, 2015, the 2013 Term Loan credit agreement was amended to conform to similar financial covenants under the 2015 Facility.

On April 10, 2015, we entered into a new $750 million unsecured term loan credit facility (2015 Term Loan) which matures on April 10, 2020. The 2015 Term Loan will be used to partially fund the AMS Portfolio Acquisition, including the payment of fees and expenses. The 2015 Term Loan will only be funded if the acquisition closes. Term loan borrowings under this facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin of between 1.00 percent and 1.75 percent (currently 1.50 percent), based on our corporate credit ratings and consolidated leverage ratio. In addition, we are required to pay a facility fee based on our credit ratings, consolidated leverage ratio, and the total amount of revolving credit commitment, regardless of usage, under the agreement (0.200 percent per year as of April 10, 2015). Such fee accrues from 60 days after April 10, 2015 through the date of funding of the term loan. The 2015 Term Loan requires quarterly principal payments of $38 million commencing on the first fiscal quarter ended after the date which is the second anniversary of the closing date of the AMS Portfolio Acquisition, and the remaining principal amount is due at the final maturity date of April 10, 2020. The 2015 Term Loan agreement contains covenants which, among other things, require that we maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio substantially similar to the ratios in the 2015 Facility.

Interim Revolving Credit Facility

On April 10, 2015, we entered into a $250 million unsecured revolving credit facility (2015 Interim Facility). The availability of the 2015 Interim Facility is conditioned on the closing of the AMS Portfolio Acquisition. The 2015 Interim Facility may be used to finance working capital and for general corporate purposes, including but not limited to acquisitions, and will mature on October 13, 2015. Eurodollar and multicurrency loans under the 2015 Interim Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin of between 0.90 percent and 1.525 percent based on our corporate credit ratings and consolidated leverage ratio (1.325 percent as of April 10, 2015). In addition, we are required to pay a facility fee based on our credit ratings, consolidated leverage ratio, and the total amount of revolving credit commitment, regardless of usage, under the agreement (0.175 percent per year as of April 10, 2015). The 2015 Interim Facility contains covenants which, among other things, require that we maintain a minimum interest coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio substantially similar to the 2015 Facility. Commitments under the 2015 Interim Facility may be reduced by certain debt and equity issuances occurring prior to the maturity date.

Senior Notes
We had senior notes outstanding of $3.800 billion as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Our senior notes are publicly registered securities, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. Our senior notes are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations and rank on parity with each other. These notes are effectively junior to borrowings under our credit and security facility and to liabilities of our subsidiaries (see Other Arrangements below).
Other Arrangements
We also maintain a $300 million credit and security facility secured by our U.S. trade receivables maturing in June 2015, subject to further extension. The credit and security facility requires that we maintain a maximum leverage covenant consistent with our revolving credit facility. The maximum leverage ratio requirement is 3.5 times and our actual leverage ratio as of March 31, 2015 is 2.4 times. We had no borrowings outstanding under this facility as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

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Table of Contents

We have accounts receivable factoring programs in certain European countries that we account for as sales under ASC Topic 860, Transfers and Servicing. These agreements provide for the sale of accounts receivable to third parties, without recourse, of up to approximately $306 million as of March 31, 2015. We have no retained interests in the transferred receivables, other than collection and administrative responsibilities and, once sold, the accounts receivable are no longer available to satisfy creditors in the event of bankruptcy. We de-recognized $153 million of receivables as of March 31, 2015 at an average interest rate of 5.3 percent, and $167 million as of December 31, 2014 at an average interest rate of 3.2 percent. Within Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, the number of days our receivables are outstanding has remained above historical levels. We believe we have adequate allowances for doubtful accounts related to our Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece accounts receivable; however, we continue to monitor the European economic environment for any collectibility issues related to our outstanding receivables. As of March 31, 2015, our net receivables in these countries greater than 180 days past due totaled $25 million, of which $10 million were past due greater than 365 days.
In addition, we have uncommitted credit facilities with a commercial Japanese bank that provide for borrowings, promissory notes discounting and receivables factoring of up to 21.000 billion Japanese yen (approximately $175 million as of March 31, 2015). We de-recognized $125 million of notes receivable as of March 31, 2015 at an average interest rate of 1.7 percent and $134 million of notes receivable as of December 31, 2014 at an average interest rate of 1.8 percent. De-recognized accounts and notes receivable are excluded from trade accounts receivable, net in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
As of March 31, 2015 we had outstanding letters of credit of $58 million, as compared to $59 million as of December 31, 2014, which consisted primarily of bank guarantees and collateral for workers' compensation insurance arrangements. As of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, none of the beneficiaries had drawn upon the letters of credit or guarantees; accordingly, we did not recognize a related liability for our outstanding letters of credit in our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. We believe we will generate sufficient cash from operations to fund these arrangements and intend to fund these arrangements without drawing on the letters of credit.

NOTE G – RESTRUCTURING-RELATED ACTIVITIES
On an ongoing basis, we monitor the dynamics of the economy, the healthcare industry, and the markets in which we compete. We continue to assess opportunities for improved operational effectiveness and efficiency, and better alignment of expenses with revenues, while preserving our ability to make the investments in research and development projects, capital and our people that we believe are essential to our long-term success. As a result of these assessments, we have undertaken various restructuring initiatives in order to enhance our growth potential and position us for long-term success. These initiatives are described below.
2014 Restructuring Plan
On October 22, 2013, our Board of Directors approved, and we committed to, a restructuring initiative (the 2014 Restructuring plan). The 2014 Restructuring plan is intended to build on the progress we have made to address financial pressures in a changing global marketplace, further strengthen our operational effectiveness and efficiency and support new growth investments. Key activities under the plan include continued implementation of our ongoing Plant Network Optimization (PNO) strategy, continued focus on driving operational efficiencies and ongoing business and commercial model changes. The PNO strategy is intended to simplify our manufacturing plant structure by transferring certain production lines among facilities. Other activities involve rationalizing organizational reporting structures to streamline various functions, eliminate bureaucracy, increase productivity and better align resources to business strategies and marketplace dynamics. These activities were initiated in the fourth quarter of 2013 and are expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2015.


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Table of Contents

We estimate that the implementation of the 2014 Restructuring plan will result in total pre-tax charges of approximately $250 million to $300 million, and approximately $235 million to $285 million of these charges is estimated to result in cash outlays, of which we have made payments of $119 million through March 31, 2015. We have recorded related costs of $168 million since the inception of the plan, and recorded a portion of these expenses as restructuring charges and the remaining portion through other lines within our consolidated statements of operations.

The following table provides a summary of our estimates of costs associated with the 2014 Restructuring plan by major type of cost:
Type of cost
Total estimated amount expected to
be incurred
Restructuring charges:
 
Termination benefits
$115 million to $135 million
Other (1)
$25 million to $35 million
Restructuring-related expenses:
 
Other (2)
$110 million to $130 million
 
$250 million to $300 million
(1) Consists primarily of consulting fees and costs associated with contract cancellations.
(2) Comprised of other costs directly related to the 2014 Restructuring plan, including program management, accelerated depreciation, and costs to transfer product lines among facilities.
2011 Restructuring Plan
On July 26, 2011, our Board of Directors approved, and we committed to, a restructuring initiative (the 2011 Restructuring plan) designed to strengthen operational effectiveness and efficiencies, increase competitiveness and support new investments. Key activities under the 2011 Restructuring plan included standardizing and automating certain processes and activities; relocating select administrative and functional activities; rationalizing organizational reporting structures; leveraging preferred vendors; and other efforts to eliminate inefficiency. Among these efforts, we expanded our ability to deliver best-in-class global shared services for certain functions and divisions at several locations in emerging markets. On January 25, 2013, our Board of Directors approved, and we committed to, an expansion of the 2011 Restructuring plan (the Expansion). The Expansion was intended to further strengthen our operational effectiveness and efficiencies and support new investments. Activities under the 2011 Restructuring plan were initiated in the third quarter of 2011 and all activities, including those related to the Expansion, were substantially completed by the end of 2013.
The 2011 Restructuring plan, including the Expansion, resulted in net pre-tax charges of $286 million, and $287 million of cash outlays. In addition, we received $53 million of cash proceeds on facility and fixed asset sales. We recorded a portion of these expenses as restructuring charges and the remaining portion through other lines within our consolidated statements of operations.
The following provides a summary of our total costs associated with the 2011 Restructuring plan, including the Expansion, by major type of cost:
Type of cost
Total amounts incurred
Restructuring charges:
 
Termination benefits
$135 million
Other (1)
$112 million
Restructuring-related expenses:
 
Other (2)
$39 million
 
$286 million
(1)
Includes primarily consulting fees, gains and losses on disposals of fixed assets and costs associated with contract cancellations.
(2)
Comprised of other costs directly related to the 2011 Restructuring plan, including the Expansion, such as program management, accelerated depreciation, retention and infrastructure-related costs.


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Table of Contents

We recorded net restructuring charges pursuant to our restructuring plans of $6 million in the first quarter of 2015 and $20 million in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, we recorded expenses within other lines of our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations related to our restructuring initiatives of $16 million in the first quarter of 2015, and $8 million in the first quarter of 2014.
The following presents these costs (credits) by major type and line item within our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, as well as by program:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Termination
Benefits
 
Accelerated
Depreciation
 
Transfer
Costs
 
Fixed Asset
Write-offs
 
Other
 
Total
Restructuring charges
$
5

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
6

Restructuring-related expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold

 

 
8

 

 

 
8

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 
1

 

 

 
7

 
8

 

 
1

 
8

 

 
7

 
16

 
$
5

 
$
1

 
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

 
$
22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Termination
Benefits
 
Accelerated
Depreciation
 
Transfer
Costs
 
Fixed Asset
Write-offs
 
Other
 
Total
2014 Restructuring plan
$
8

 
$
1

 
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

 
$
25

2011 Restructuring plan (including the Expansion)
(3
)
 

 

 

 

 
(3
)
 
$
5

 
$
1

 
$
8

 
$

 
$
8

 
$
22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Termination
Benefits
 
Accelerated
Depreciation
 
Transfer
Costs
 
Fixed Asset
Write-offs
 
Other
 
Total
Restructuring charges
$
11

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
9

 
$
20

Restructuring-related expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold

 

 
2

 

 

 
2

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 
1

 

 

 
5

 
6

 

 
1

 
2

 

 
5

 
8

 
$
11

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
14

 
$
28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Termination
Benefits
 
Accelerated
Depreciation
 
Transfer
Costs
 
Fixed Asset
Write-offs
 
Other
 
Total
2014 Restructuring plan
$
9

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
11

 
$
23

2011 Restructuring plan (including the Expansion)
2

 

 

 

 
3

 
5

 
$
11

 
$
1

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
14

 
$
28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Termination benefits represent amounts incurred pursuant to our on-going benefit arrangements and amounts for “one-time” involuntary termination benefits, and have been recorded in accordance with ASC Topic 712, Compensation – Non-retirement Postemployment Benefits and ASC Topic 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations (Topic 420). We expect to record additional termination benefits related to our restructuring initiatives throughout 2015 when we identify with more specificity the job classifications, functions and locations of the remaining head count to be eliminated. Other restructuring costs, which represent primarily consulting fees and costs related to contract cancellations, are being recorded as incurred in accordance with Topic 420. Accelerated depreciation is being recorded over the adjusted remaining useful life of the related assets, and production line transfer costs are being recorded as incurred.

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Table of Contents

As of March 31, 2015, we incurred cumulative restructuring charges related to our 2014 Restructuring plan and 2011 Restructuring plan (including the Expansion) of $351 million and restructuring-related costs of $103 million since we committed to each plan. The following presents these costs by major type and by plan:
(in millions)
2014
Restructuring
plan
 
2011
Restructuring
plan (including the Expansion)
 
Total
Termination benefits
$
78

 
$
135

 
$
213

Net loss (gain) on fixed asset disposals

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Other
26

 
113

 
139

Total restructuring charges
104

 
247

 
351

Accelerated depreciation
6

 
5

 
11

Transfer costs
32

 

 
32

Other
26

 
34

 
60

Restructuring-related expenses
64

 
39

 
103

 
$
168

 
$
286

 
$
454


We made cash payments of $26 million in the first quarter of 2015 associated with restructuring initiatives pursuant to these plans, and, as of March 31, 2015, we had made total cash payments of $406 million related to our 2014 Restructuring plan and 2011 Restructuring plan (including the Expansion) since committing to each plan. These payments were made using cash generated from operations, and are comprised of the following:
(in millions)
2014
Restructuring
plan
 
2011
Restructuring
plan (including the Expansion)
 
Total
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Termination benefits
$
9

 
$

 
$
9

Transfer costs
8

 

 
8

Other
9

 

 
9

 
$
26

 
$

 
$
26

 
 
 
 
 
 
Program to Date
 
 
 
 
 
Termination benefits
$
40

 
$
133

 
$
173

Transfer costs
32

 

 
32

Other
47

 
154

 
201

 
$
119

 
$
287

 
$
406

Our restructuring liability is primarily comprised of accruals for termination benefits. The following is a rollforward of the termination benefit liability associated with our 2014 Restructuring plan and 2011 Restructuring plan (including the Expansion), which is reported as a component of accrued expenses included in our accompanying unaudited condensed balance sheets:
(in millions)
 
2014
Restructuring
plan
 
2011
Restructuring
plan (including the Expansion)
 
Total
Accrued as of December 31, 2014
 
$
39

 
$
4

 
$
43

Charges (credits)
 
8

 
(3
)
 
5

Cash payments
 
(9
)
 

 
(9
)
Other
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Accrued as of March 31, 2015
 
$
38

 
$

 
$
38


In addition to our accrual for termination benefits, we had a $6 million liability as of March 31, 2015 and an $6 million liability as of December 31, 2014 for other restructuring-related items.


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Table of Contents

NOTE H – SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Components of selected captions in our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
Trade accounts receivable, net
 
 
As of
(in millions)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Accounts receivable
 
$
1,264

 
$
1,288

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(72
)
 
(76
)
Less: allowance for sales returns
 
(31
)
 
(29
)
 
 
$
1,161

 
$
1,183

The following is a rollforward of our allowance for doubtful accounts for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
Beginning balance
 
$
76

 
$
81

Charges to expenses
 
2

 
(2
)
Utilization of allowances
 
(6
)
 
(4
)
Ending balance
 
$
72

 
$
75

Inventories
 
 
As of
(in millions)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Finished goods
 
$
653

 
$
649

Raw materials
 
210

 
200

Work-in-process
 
95

 
97

 
 
$
958

 
$
946

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
As of
(in millions)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Land
 
$
80

 
$
80

Buildings and improvements
 
925

 
944

Equipment, furniture and fixtures
 
2,672

 
2,633

Capital in progress
 
173

 
189

 
 
3,850

 
3,846

Less: accumulated depreciation
 
2,392

 
2,339

 
 
$
1,458

 
$
1,507

Depreciation expense was $65 million for both the first quarter of 2015 and 2014.

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Accrued expenses
 
 
As of
(in millions)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Legal reserves
 
$
515

 
$
694

Payroll and related liabilities
 
351

 
512

Accrued contingent consideration
 
123

 
158

Other
 
523

 
586

 
 
$
1,512

 
$
1,950

Other long-term liabilities
 
 
As of
(in millions)
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Accrued income taxes
 
$
1,250

 
$
1,231

Legal reserves
 
938

 
883

Accrued contingent consideration
 
79

 
116

Other long-term liabilities
 
433

 
436

 
 
$
2,700

 
$
2,666


Accrued warranties
We offer warranties on certain of our product offerings. The majority of our warranty liability relates to implantable devices offered by our Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) business, which include defibrillator and pacemaker systems. Our CRM products come with a standard limited warranty covering the replacement of these devices. We offer a full warranty for a portion of the period post-implant, and a partial warranty over the substantial remainder of the useful life of the product. We estimate the costs that we may incur under our warranty programs based on the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost per claim, and record a liability equal to these estimated costs as cost of products sold at the time the product sale occurs. We reassess the adequacy of our recorded warranty liabilities on a quarterly basis and adjust these amounts as necessary. The current portion of our warranty accrual is included in other accrued expenses in the table above and the non-current portion of our warranty accrual is included in other long-term liabilities in the table above. Changes in our product warranty accrual during the first three months of 2015 and 2014 consisted of the following (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Beginning Balance
 
$
25

 
$
28

Provision
 
5

 
4

Settlements/reversals
 
(4
)
 
(3
)
Ending Balance
 
$
26

 
$
29


NOTE I – INCOME TAXES
Our effective tax rates from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014, were 97.5 percent and 8.9 percent, respectively. The change in our reported tax rate for the first quarter of 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, relates primarily to the impact of certain receipts and charges that are taxed at different rates than our effective tax rate, including intangible asset impairment charges, acquisition- and divestiture-related items, and litigation- and restructuring-related items, pension termination charges, as well as the impact of certain discrete tax items.
As of March 31, 2015, we had $1.056 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $905 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2014, we had $1.047 billion of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which a net $903 million, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.

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During 2014, we received a Revenue Agent Report from the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) reflecting significant proposed audit adjustments for our 2008, 2009 and 2010 tax years based upon the same transfer pricing methodologies that are currently being contested in U.S. Tax Court for our tax years from 2001 to 2007. We disagree with the transfer pricing methodologies being applied by the IRS and we expect to contest any adjustments received through applicable IRS and judicial procedures, as appropriate. We believe our income tax reserves associated with these matters are adequate as of March 31, 2015. However, final resolution is uncertain and could have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Also, in connection with the IRS issues, a number of agreed adjustments were contained in the IRS report. However, no tax was paid on these amounts as there are outstanding tax receivables from the IRS that are currently being withheld due to the pending U.S. Tax Court case.
We recognize interest and penalties related to income taxes as a component of income tax expense. We had $459 million accrued for gross interest and penalties as of March 31, 2015 and $443 million as of December 31, 2014. The increase in gross interest and penalties was $16 million, recognized in our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. We recognized net tax expense related to interest and penalties of $11 million during the first quarter of 2015 and $9 million during the first quarter of 2014.
It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months we will resolve multiple issues including transfer pricing and transactional-related issues with foreign, federal and state taxing authorities, in which case we could record a reduction in our balance of unrecognized tax benefits of up to approximately $10 million.

NOTE J – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The medical device market in which we primarily participate is largely technology driven. As a result, intellectual property rights, particularly patents and trade secrets, play a significant role in product development and differentiation. Over the years, there has been litigation initiated against us by others, including our competitors, claiming that our current or former product offerings infringe patents owned or licensed by them. Intellectual property litigation is inherently complex and unpredictable. In addition, competing parties frequently file multiple suits to leverage patent portfolios across product lines, technologies and geographies and to balance risk and exposure between the parties. In some cases, several competitors are parties in the same proceeding, or in a series of related proceedings, or litigate multiple features of a single class of devices. These forces frequently drive settlement not only for individual cases, but also for a series of pending and potentially related and unrelated cases. Although monetary and injunctive relief is typically sought, remedies and restitution are generally not determined until the conclusion of the trial court proceedings and can be modified on appeal. Accordingly, the outcomes of individual cases are difficult to time, predict or quantify and are often dependent upon the outcomes of other cases in other geographies.

During recent years, we successfully negotiated closure of several long-standing legal matters and have received favorable legal rulings in several other matters; however, there continues to be outstanding intellectual property litigation. Adverse outcomes in one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our ability to sell certain products and on our operating margins, financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity.

In the normal course of business, product liability, securities and commercial claims are asserted against us. Similar claims may be asserted against us in the future related to events not known to management at the present time. We maintain an insurance policy providing limited coverage against securities claims, and we are substantially self-insured with respect to product liability claims and fully self-insured with respect to intellectual property infringement claims. The absence of significant third-party insurance coverage increases our potential exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. Product liability claims, securities and commercial litigation, and other legal proceedings in the future, regardless of their outcome, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity.

In addition, like other companies in the medical device industry, we are subject to extensive regulation by national, state and local government agencies in the United States and other countries in which we operate. From time to time we are the subject of qui tam actions and governmental investigations often involving regulatory, marketing and other business practices. These qui tam actions and governmental investigations could result in the commencement of civil and criminal proceedings, substantial fines, penalties and administrative remedies and have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or liquidity.

In accordance with ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, we accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, losses for product liability claims and, under certain conditions, costs of defense, based on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. Otherwise, we expense these costs as incurred. If the estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within the range is more likely, we accrue the minimum amount of the range.


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Our accrual for legal matters that are probable and estimable was $1.453 billion as of March 31, 2015 and $1.577 billion as of December 31, 2014, and includes estimated costs of settlement, damages and defense. We recorded $193 million of litigation-related charges during the first three months of 2015 and we recorded a litigation-related net credit of $7 million during the first three months of 2014. We continue to assess certain litigation and claims to determine the amounts, if any, that management believes will be paid as a result of such claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued and paid in the future, which could materially adversely impact our operating results, cash flows and/or our ability to comply with our debt covenants.

In management's opinion, we are not currently involved in any legal proceedings other than those disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and those specifically identified below, which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, operations and/or cash flows. Unless included in our legal accrual or otherwise indicated below, a range of loss associated with any individual material legal proceeding cannot be estimated.

Patent Litigation

On February 18, 2014, Atlas IP, LLC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida alleging that the sale of our LATITUDE® Patient Management System and implantable devices that communicate with the LATITUDE® device infringe a patent owned by Atlas. On July 9, 2014, the District Court granted our motion to transfer venue to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. On January 12, 2015, Atlas dismissed its complaint.

Product Liability Litigation

As of May 5, 2015, there were over 26,000 product liability cases or claims related to transvaginal surgical mesh products designed to treat stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse pending against us. The cases are pending in various federal and state courts in the United States and include eight putative class actions. There were also fewer than 20 cases in Canada, inclusive of three putative class actions, and fewer than 10 claims in the United Kingdom. Generally, the plaintiffs allege personal injury associated with use of our transvaginal surgical mesh products. The plaintiffs assert design and manufacturing claims, failure to warn, breach of warranty, fraud, violations of state consumer protection laws and loss of consortium claims. Over 2,500 of the cases have been specially assigned to one judge in state court in Massachusetts. On February 7, 2012, the Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation (MDL) established MDL-2326 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and transferred the federal court transvaginal surgical mesh cases to MDL-2326 for coordinated pretrial proceedings. During the fourth quarter of 2013, we received written discovery requests from certain state attorneys general offices regarding our transvaginal surgical mesh products. We have responded to those requests. During April 2015, solely by way of compromise and without any admission or concession by us of any liability or wrongdoing, we entered into a Master Settlement Agreement (the “Agreement”) with certain plaintiffs’ counsel to settle substantially all of their inventories of cases and claims pending against us. The Agreement provides that we will pay approximately $119 million to resolve 2,970 of the over 26,000 pending cases and claims, including the case in the District Court of Dallas County (TX) for which there is a judgment of approximately $35 million that is currently subject to appeal. Under the terms of the Agreement, we will make two payments into a settlement fund held in escrow with full funding to be completed on or before October 1, 2015.  The settlement and the distribution of settlement funds to participating claimants are conditioned upon, among other things, achieving minimum required claimant participation thresholds. If the participation thresholds are not satisfied, we may terminate the Agreement.

We have established a product liability accrual for known and estimated future cases and claims asserted against us as well as costs of defense thereof associated with our transvaginal surgical mesh products. While we believe that our accrual associated with this matter is adequate, changes to this accrual may be required in the future as additional information becomes available. We intend to vigorously contest the cases and claims asserted against us; however, the final resolution is uncertain and could have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity. Initial trials involving our transvaginal surgical mesh products have resulted in both favorable and unfavorable judgments for us. We do not believe that the judgment in any one trial is representative of potential outcomes of all cases or claims related to our transvaginal surgical mesh products.


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Table of Contents

Governmental Investigations and Qui Tam Matters

On June 27, 2008, the Republic of Iraq filed a complaint against our wholly-owned subsidiary, BSSA France, and 92 other defendants in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that the defendants acted improperly in connection with the sale of products under the United Nations Oil for Food Program. The complaint also alleges Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) violations, conspiracy to commit fraud and the making of false statements and improper payments, and it seeks monetary and punitive damages. On February 6, 2013, the District Court dismissed the complaint with prejudice on standing and jurisdictional grounds. On September 18, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the District Court’s decision to dismiss the complaint with prejudice. On October 2, 2014, the plaintiff filed a petition for rehearing en banc. On December 2, 2014, the Second Circuit denied the petition for rehearing en banc. On March 2, 2015, the plaintiff filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the United States Supreme Court requesting judicial review of the Second Circuit’s decision.

On February 23, 2015, a judge for the Court of Modena (Italy) ordered a trial for Boston Scientific SpA and three of its employees, as well as numerous other defendants charged in criminal proceedings.  The charges arise from allegations that the defendants made improper donations to certain health care providers and other employees of the Hospital of Modena in order to induce them to conduct unauthorized clinical trials, as well as related government fraud in relation to the financing of such clinical trials.  We deny these allegations and intend to defend ourselves vigorously.  An initial trial hearing has been scheduled for October 28, 2015.

Other Proceedings

On March 18, 2015, Denise Fretter and Maria Korsgaard, claiming to represent a class of current and former female field sales employees at Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (BSNC), filed a lawsuit against BSNC in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiffs allege gender discrimination in pay, promotions and differential treatment against them and the putative class.

Refer to Note I - Income Taxes for information regarding our tax litigation.

Matters Concluded Since December 31, 2014

On September 25, 2006, Johnson & Johnson filed a lawsuit against us, Guidant and Abbott Laboratories in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that Guidant breached certain provisions of the amended merger agreement between Johnson & Johnson and Guidant (Merger Agreement) as well as the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing. The complaint further alleges that Abbott and we tortiously interfered with the Merger Agreement by inducing Guidant's breach. The complaint seeks certain factual findings, damages in an amount no less than $5.500 billion and attorneys' fees, costs, and interest. In August 2007, the judge dismissed the tortious interference claims against us and Abbott and the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing claim against Guidant. On June 20, 2011, Guidant filed a motion for summary judgment, and the hearing on this motion was held on July 25, 2012. On July 7, 2014, the judge denied Guidant’s motion. The bench trial was held in November and December. On February 13, 2015, the parties reached a settlement agreement pursuant to which Guidant made aggregate payments to Johnson & Johnson totaling $600 million, we agreed that neither we nor our affiliates will commence, or assist any third party in commencing, proceedings of any kind, against Johnson & Johnson or its affiliates for patent infringement or seeking any remedy for patent infringement based on Johnson & Johnson or its affiliates making, having made, using, selling, offering for sale or importing the S.M.A.R.T®, S.M.A.R.T® Control®, and S.M.A.R.T® Flex stent products and Johnson & Johnson dismissed its actions against Guidant with prejudice.

On October 5, 2007, Dr. Tassilo Bonzel filed a complaint against Pfizer, Inc. and our Schneider subsidiaries and us in the District Court in Kassel, Germany alleging that a 1995 license agreement related to a catheter patent is invalid under German law and seeking monetary damages. In June 2009, the District Court dismissed all but one of Dr. Bonzel's claims and in October 2009, he added new claims. We opposed the addition of the new claims. The District Court ordered Dr. Bonzel to select the claims he would pursue and in January 2011, he made that selection. A hearing was held on March 28, 2014 and a decision was made to take evidence at a hearing to be set at a later date. On January 23, 2015, the parties reached a confidential settlement agreement. On April 15, 2015, all remaining Boston Scientific affiliates were dismissed from the case.

On May 17, 2010, Dr. Luigi Tellini filed suit against us and certain of our subsidiaries, Guidant Italia S.r.l. and Boston Scientific S.p.A., in the Civil Tribunal in Milan, Italy alleging certain of our Cardiac Rhythm Management products infringe an Italian patent (the Tellini patent) owned by Dr. Tellini and seeking monetary damages. In January 2011, Dr. Tellini refiled amended claims after his initial claims were dismissed without prejudice to refile. On February 12, 2015, the Tribunal found the Tellini patent invalid and dismissed the case.


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On October 14, 2014, MK Optics, LLC filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that the sale of our Spyglass Direct Visualization System infringes a patent owned by MK Optics. The parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement and the case was dismissed on April 6, 2015.

NOTE K – WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in millions)
 
2015

2014
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
 
1,333.7

 
1,321.7

Net effect of common stock equivalents
 

*
27.5

Weighted average shares outstanding - assuming dilution
 
1,333.7

 
1,349.2


* We generated a net loss in the first quarter of 2015. Our weighted-average shares outstanding for earnings per share calculations exclude common stock equivalents of 24.0 million for the first quarter of 2015 due to our net loss position in this period.
Weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution, excludes the impact of 10 million stock options for the first quarter of 2015 and 12 million stock options for the first quarter of 2014, due to the exercise prices of these stock options being greater than the average fair market value of our common stock during the period.
We issued approximately 13 million shares of our common stock in the first quarter of 2015 and 10 million shares of our common stock in the first quarter of 2014, following the exercise or vesting of underlying stock options or deferred stock units, or purchases under our employee stock purchase plans. We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the first quarter of 2015. We repurchased 10 million shares of our common stock during the first quarter of 2014 for approximately $125 million, pursuant to our authorized repurchase programs as discussed in Note L – Stockholders' Equity to our audited financial statements contained in Item 8 of our 2014 Annual Report filed on Form 10-K.

NOTE L – SEGMENT REPORTING
We have three reportable segments comprised of: Cardiovascular, Rhythm Management, and MedSurg. Our reportable segments represent an aggregate of operating segments. Each of our reportable segments generates revenues from the sale of medical devices. We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on segment net sales and operating income, excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency and sales from divested businesses. Sales generated from reportable segments and divested businesses, as well as operating results of reportable segments and corporate expenses, are based on internally-derived standard currency exchange rates, which may differ from year to year, and do not include intersegment profits. We restate segment information for the prior period based on our internally-derived standard currency exchange rates used for the current period in order to remove the impact of foreign currency exchange fluctuation. We exclude from segment operating income certain corporate-related expenses and certain charges or credits that our chief operating decision maker considers to be non-recurring and/or non-operational, such as amounts related to goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges; acquisition-, divestiture-, restructuring- and litigation-related charges and credits; pension termination charges; and amortization expense. Although we exclude these amounts from segment operating income, they are included in reported consolidated operating income (loss) and are included in the reconciliation below.

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A reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
(in millions)
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
 
 
 
   Interventional Cardiology
 
$
541

 
$
501

   Peripheral Interventions
 
232

 
204

Cardiovascular
 
773

 
705

 
 
 
 
 
   Cardiac Rhythm Management
 
483

 
464

   Electrophysiology
 
61

 
58

Rhythm Management
 
544

 
522

 
 
 
 
 
   Endoscopy
 
328

 
316

   Urology and Women's Health
 
130

 
126

   Neuromodulation
 
116

 
109

MedSurg
 
574

 
551

Net sales allocated to reportable segments
 
1,891

 
1,778

Sales generated from divested businesses
 

 
2

Impact of foreign currency fluctuations
 
(123
)
 
(6
)
 
 
$
1,768

 
$
1,774

 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
 
Cardiovascular
 
$
236

 
$
171

Rhythm Management
 
78

 
66

MedSurg
 
166

 
168

Operating income allocated to reportable segments
 
480

 
405

Corporate expenses and currency exchange
 
(82
)
 
(50
)
Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges; and acquisition-, divestiture-, restructuring-, litigation related charges or credits, and pension termination charges
 
(261
)
 
(49
)
Amortization expense
 
(113
)
 
(109
)
Operating income (loss)
 
24

 
197

Other expense, net
 
(75
)
 
(51
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
(51
)
 
$
146



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NOTE M – CHANGES IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table provides the reclassifications out of other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and March 31, 2014. Amounts in the chart below are presented net of tax.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Unrealized gains/losses on derivative financial instruments
 
Defined benefit pension items / Other
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
$
(38
)
 
$
219

 
$
(37
)
 
$
144

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(35
)
 
59

 
(3
)
 
21

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 
(31
)
 
8

 
(23
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income
 
(35
)
 
28

 
5

 
(2
)
Balance as of March 31, 2015
 
$
(73
)
 
$
247

 
$
(32
)
 
$
142

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
 
Unrealized gains/losses on derivative financial instruments
 
Defined benefit pension items / Other
 
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2013
 
$
(16
)
 
$
141

 
$
(19
)
 
$
106

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
(6
)
 
(14
)
 
(1
)
 
(21
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 
(13
)
 

 
(13
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income
 
(6
)
 
(27
)
 
(1
)
 
(34
)
Balance as of March 31, 2014
 
$
(22
)
 
$
114

 
$
(20
)
 
$
72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The income tax impact of the amounts in other comprehensive income for unrealized gains/losses on derivative financial instruments before reclassifications was an expense of $34 million in the first quarter of 2015 and a benefit of $7 million in the first quarter of 2014. The gains and losses on derivative financial instruments reclassified were reduced by income tax impacts of $18 million in the first quarter of 2015 and $8 million in the first quarter of 2014. Refer to Note E – Fair Value Measurements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further detail on the reclassifications related to derivatives.

NOTE N – NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Standards Implemented
ASC Update No. 2014-08
In April 2014, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Update No. 2014-08 changed the criteria for reporting discontinued operations and enhanced convergence of the FASB's and the International Accounting Standard Board's (IASB) reporting requirements for discontinued operations. We are required to apply this amendment, prospectively to: (1) all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components of an entity that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years and (2) all businesses that, on acquisition, are classified as held for sale that occur within annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within those years. We adopted Update No. 2014-08 beginning in our first quarter ended March 31, 2015. The adoption of Update No. 2014-08 did not impact our results of operations or financial position.

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Standards to be Implemented
ASC Update No. 2014-09
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Update No. 2014-09 provides enhancements to the quality and consistency of how revenue is reported while also improving comparability in the financial statements of companies using International Financial Reporting Standards and U.S. GAAP. The core principle requires entities to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration an entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We are currently required to apply Update No. 2014-09 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In April 2015, the FASB proposed to delay the implementation of this standard by one year, which would make the standard effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. If the proposal is approved, the standard will be effective for us on January 1, 2018 and early application is permitted but not before the original public organization effective date, which is for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are in the process of determining the effect, if any, that the adoption of this standard will have on our financial position and results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2014-10

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2014-10, Development Stage Entities (Topic 915): Elimination of Certain Financial Reporting Requirements, Including an Amendment to Variable Interest Entities Guidance in Topic 810, Consolidation. The amendments remove the definition of a development stage entity from the Master Glossary of the Accounting Standards Codification, thereby removing the financial reporting distinction between development stage entities and other reporting entities. The amendments also eliminate an exception provided to development stage entities in Topic 810, Consolidation, for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity on the basis of the amount of investment equity that is at risk. The elimination of the exception may change the consolidation analysis and disclosure requirements for a reporting entity that has an interest in an entity in the development stage. We are required to apply the changes to Topic 810 as part of Update No. 2014-10 for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those years. The adoption of Update No. 2014-10 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2014-15
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements - Going Concern: Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40). Update No. 2014-15 requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern every reporting period, and provide certain disclosures if management has substantial doubt about the entities ability to operate as a going concern, or an express statement if not, by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards. Update No. 2014-15 is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of Update No. 2014-15 is not expected to have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2015-01
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20). Update No. 2015-01 eliminates the concept of extraordinary items from GAAP, which requires an entity to separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions. Update No. 2015-01 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of Update No. 2015-01 is not expected to have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
ASC Update No. 2015-02
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. Update No. 2015-02 amended the process that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities.  Update No. 2015-02 is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2015, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The adoption of Update No. 2015-02 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

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ASC Update No. 2015-03

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. Update No. 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Update No. 2015-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those reporting periods. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The adoption of Update No. 2015-03 will require us to reclassify our debt issuance costs from deferred charges to direct deductions of our debt liabilities. This update is not expected to impact the results of our operations.

ASC Update No. 2015-05

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASC Update No. 2015 -05, Intangibles- Goodwill and Other - Internal -Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. Update No. 2015-05 provides accounting guidance on how customers should treat cloud computing arrangements. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. Update No. 2015-05 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those reporting periods. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments either (1) prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date or (2) retrospectively. The adoption of Update No. 2015-05 is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.



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ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Introduction
Boston Scientific Corporation is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices that are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. Our mission is to transform lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world. Our products and technologies are used to diagnose or treat a wide range of medical conditions, including heart, vascular, digestive, pulmonary, urological, women's health, and chronic pain conditions. We continue to innovate in these areas and are intent on extending our innovations into new geographies and high-growth adjacency markets.
Financial Summary
Our net sales for the first quarter of 2015 were $1.768 billion, as compared to net sales of $1.774 billion for the first quarter of 2014, a decrease of $6 million, or zero percent. Excluding the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which had a $117 million negative impact on our first quarter 2015 net sales as compared to the same period in the prior year, and the decrease in net sales from divested businesses of $2 million, our net sales increased $113 million, or six percent.1 Refer to Quarterly Results and Business Overview for a discussion of our net sales by global business.
Our reported net loss for the first quarter of 2015 was $1 million, or $(0.00) per share. Our reported results for the first quarter of 2015 included acquisition- and divestiture-related net charges, litigation-related charges, restructuring-related charges, pension termination charges and amortization expense totaling $287 million (after-tax), or $0.21 per share. Excluding these items, net income for the first quarter of 2015 was $286 million, or $0.21 per share.1 Our reported net income for the first quarter of 2014 was $133 million, or $0.10 per share. Our reported results for the first quarter of 2014 included an intangible asset impairment charge, acquisition- and divestiture-related net credits, litigation-related credits, restructuring-related charges, discrete tax items, and amortization expense totaling $135 million (after-tax), or $0.10 per share. Excluding these items, net income for the first quarter of 2014 was $268 million, or $0.20 per share.1 














1 Sales growth rates that exclude the impact of sales from divested businesses and/or changes in foreign currency exchange rates and net income and net income per share excluding certain items required by GAAP are not prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Refer to Additional Information for a discussion of management’s use of these non-GAAP financial measures.

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Table of Contents

The following is a reconciliation of our results of operations prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP to those adjusted results considered by management. Refer to Quarterly Results and Business Overview for a discussion of each reconciling item:
 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 

 

Tax

 

Impact per
 
in millions, except per share data

Pre-Tax

Impact

After-Tax

share
 
GAAP net income (loss)

$
(51
)
 
$
50


$
(1
)

$
(0.00
)
 
Non-GAAP adjustments:


 


 

 
 
Acquisition- and divestiture-related net charges

42

 
1


43

 
0.03

*
Restructuring and restructuring-related net charges

22

 
(4
)

18

 
0.01

*
Litigation-related charges

193

 
(70
)

123

 
0.10

*
Pension termination charges
 
8

 
(3
)
 
5

 
0.00

*
Amortization expense

113

 
(15
)

98

 
0.07

*
Adjusted net income

$
327

 
$
(41
)

$
286

 
$
0.21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
* Assumes dilution of 24.0 million shares for the three months ended March 31, 2015 for all or a portion of these non-GAAP adjustments.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Tax
 
 
 
Impact per
 
in millions, except per share data
 
Pre-Tax
 
Impact