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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K



ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
Commission File No. 1-11083

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

Commission File No. 1-11083

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION

(Exact Name Of Company As Specified In Its Charter)


DELAWARE

04-2695240
(State of Incorporation)04-2695240
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

ONE BOSTON SCIENTIFIC PLACE, NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS 01760-1537
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices)

(508) 650-8000
(Company’s Telephone Number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


ONE BOSTON SCIENTIFIC PLACE, NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS 01760-1537
(Address Of Principal Executive Offices)

(508) 650-8000
(Company's Telephone Number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE PER SHARE


NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
(Title Of Class)(Name of Exchange on Which Registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
NONE
________________
Indicate by check mark if the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes: ýR    No o£


Indicate by check mark if the Company is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes: o£    No ýR


Indicate by check mark whether the Company (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 Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes: ýR    No o£


Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Company'sCompany’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o£


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer"(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer Act).

oYes:  Accelerated filer ýR     Non-accelerated filer oNo £


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes: o£    No ýR


The aggregate market value of the Company'sCompany’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the Company was approximately $17$21.8 billion based on the closing price of the Company'sCompany’s common stock on June 30, 2005,2006, the last business day of the Company'sCompany’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.


The number of shares outstanding of the Company'sCompany’s common stock as of February 22, 2006,January 31, 2007, was 821,567,300.


1,480,340,219.





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142EX-10.2 FORM OF OMNIBUS AMENDMENT
EX-10.47 ABBOTT TRANSACTIONEX-10.16 FORM OF DEFERRED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
EX-10.48 AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO ABBOTT TRANSACTION AGREEMENT
EX-10.49 AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO ABBOTT TRANSACTION AGREEMENT
EX-10.50 AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO ABBOTT TRANSACTION AGREEMENT
EX-10.51 AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS
EX-10.52 FORM OF FOURTHEX-10.21 FIFTH AMENDMENT TO 401(K) RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN
EX-10.23 2006 GLOBAL EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
EX-10.24 FIRST AMENDMENT TO 2006 GLOBAL EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
EX-10.46 GUIDANT CORPORATION 1994 STOCK PLAN, AS AMENDED
EX-10.47 GUIDANT CORPORATION 1996 NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK PLAN, AS AMENDED
EX-10.48 GUIDANT CORPORATION 1998 STOCK PLAN, AS AMENDED
EX-10.49 FORM OF GUIDANT CORPORATION OPTION GRANT
EX-10.50 FORM OF GUIDANT CORPORATION RESTRICTED STOCK GRANT
EX-10.51 GUIDANT CORPORATION EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
EX-10.52 FIRST AMENDMENT TO GUIDANT CORPORATION EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
EX-10.53 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC EXECUTIVE ALLOWANCESECOND AMENDMENT TO GUIDANT CORPORATION EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
EX-10.54 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC EXECUTIVE RETIREMENTTHIRD AMENDMENT TO GUIDANT CORPORATION EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
EX-10.55 AMENDEDFOURTH AMENDMENT TO GUIDANT CORPORATION EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND RESTATED COMMITMENT LETTERSTOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
EX-10.56 FORM OF DEFERREDFIFTH AMENDMENT TO GUIDANT CORPORATION EMPLOYEE SAVINGS AND STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (2000 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN)OWNERSHIP PLAN
EX-10.57 FORM OF DEFERRED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (2003 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN)
EX-12 STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
EX-21 LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES AS OF 2/15/200628/2007
EX-23 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
EX-31.1 SECTION 302 CEO CERTIFICATION
EX-31.2 SECTION 302 CFO CERTIFICATION
EX-32.1 SECTION 906 CEO CERTIFICATION
EX-32.2 SECTION 906 CFO CERTIFICATION
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        None.


PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

The Company

Boston Scientific Corporation is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices that are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties including interventional cardiology, cardiac rhythm management, peripheral interventions, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, electrophysiology, neurovascular intervention, oncology, endoscopy, urology, gynecology and neuromodulation. When used in this report, the terms "we," "us," "our"we,“us,” “our” and the "Company"“Company” mean Boston Scientific Corporation and its divisions and subsidiaries.

Since we were formed in 1979, we have advanced the practice of less-invasive medicine by helping physicians and other medical professionals treat a variety of diseases and improve their patients'patients quality of life by providing alternatives to surgery and other medical procedures that are typically traumatic to the body. Our products are generally inserted into the human body through natural openings or small incisions in the skin and can be guided to most areas of the anatomy to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical problems.

Some of our less-invasive medical products are used for enlarging narrowed blood vessels to prevent heart attack and stroke; clearing passages blocked by plaque to restore blood flow; detecting and managing fast, slow or irregular heart rhythms; mapping electrical problems in the heart; opening obstructions and bringing relief to patients suffering from various forms of cancer; performing biopsies and intravascular ultrasounds; mapping electrical problems in the heart; placing filters to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs, heart or brain; treating urological, gynecological, renal, pulmonary, neurovascular and gastrointestinal diseases; and modulating nerve activity to treat deafness and chronic pain.

Our history began in the late 1960s when our co-founder, John Abele, acquired an equity interest in Medi-tech, Inc., a research and development company focused on developing alternatives to surgery. Medi-tech'sMedi-tech’s initial products, a family of steerable catheters, were introduced in 1969. They1969 and were used in some of the first less-invasive procedures performed and versions of these catheters are still used today.performed. In 1979, John Abele joined with Pete Nicholas to form Boston Scientific Corporation, which indirectly acquired Medi-tech. This acquisition began a period of active and focused marketing, new product development and organizational growth. Since then, our net sales have increased substantially, growing from $1.8 million in 1979 to approximately $6.3$7.8 billion in 2005.

2006.

Our growth has been fueled in part by strategic acquisitions and alliances designed to improve our ability to take advantage of growth opportunities in less-invasive medicine. For example,the medical device industry. In 2006, we experienced a transforming event with our acquisition of Guidant Corporation, a world leader in 2005the treatment of cardiac disease. This acquisition enabled us to become a major provider in the more than $9 billion global Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) business,  enhancing our overall competitive position and long-term growth potential and further diversifying our product portfolio. With this acquisition, we acquired Advanced Stent Technologies, Inc. (AST), CryoVascular, Inc., Trivascular, Inc. and Rubicon Medical Corporation. AST is a developer of stent delivery systems that are designed to address coronary artery disease in bifurcated vessels; TriVascular is a developer of medical devices and procedures used for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA); CryoVascular is a developer and manufacturer of a proprietary angioplasty device to treat atherosclerotic diseasehave become one of the legsworld’s largest cardiovascular device companies and other peripheral arteries; and Rubicon is a developer of embolic protection filters for useglobal leader in interventional cardiovascular procedures. Thesemicroelectronic therapies. This and other acquisitions have helped us add promising new technologies to our pipeline and to offer one of the broadest product portfolios in the world for use in less-invasive procedures. TheWe believe that the depth and breadth of our product portfolio has also enabled us to compete more effectively in, and better absorb the pressures of, the current healthcare environment of cost containment, managed care, large buying groups and hospital consolidation.



        On January 25, 2006, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Guidant Corporation pursuant to which we will acquire Guidant for $27 billion (net of proceeds from option exercises). Guidant develops, manufactures and markets products that focus on the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and coronary and peripheral disease. The acquisition will enable us to become a major provider in the high-growth cardiac rhythm management business. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearances under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and the European Union merger control regulation, as well as approval of Boston Scientific and Guidant shareholders. Subject to these conditions, we currently expect the acquisition to occur during the week of April 3, 2006.

Information on revenues, profits and total assets for our business segments and by geographical area appears in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, which are included in Item 8 of this report.

The Drug-Eluting Stent Opportunity

Our broad, innovative product offerings have enabled us to become a leader in the interventional cardiology market. This leadership is in large part due to our coronary stent product offerings. Coronary stents are tiny, mesh tubes used in the treatment of coronary artery disease and implanted in patients to prop open arteries and facilitate blood flow from the heart. We have further enhanced the outcomes associated with the use of coronary stents, particularly the processes that lead to restenosis (the growth of neointimal tissue within an artery after angioplasty and stenting), through dedicated internal and external product development and scientific research. We believe that the combinationresearch of certain drugs and coronary stents offers the opportunity for a more durable solution for coronary artery disease.

drug-eluting stent systems.

Use of our products in the United States and abroad has demonstrated that drug-eluting stents reduce the need for repeat procedures—or more expensive surgical procedures—and reduce healthcare costs, as well as overall patient risk, trauma, procedure time and the need for aftercare. Since its U.S. launch in March 2004 and its launch in our Europe and Inter-Continental launchmarkets in 2003, our proprietary polymer-based paclitaxel-eluting stent technology for reducing coronary restenosis, the TAXUS® Express2™ paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system, has become the worldwide leader in the drug-eluting coronary stent market. The proprietary polymer on the stent allows for controlled delivery of the drug paclitaxel. Paclitaxel is a multi-functional microtubular inhibitor that affects platelets, smooth muscle cells and white blood cells, all of which are believed to contribute to restenosis. The flexibility of the device facilitates placement of the stent in the coronary anatomy and improves the conformability of the stent within a diseased coronary artery. This, combined with our polymer-based drug-eluting technology, contributes to the differentiation of the TAXUS paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent platform. In 2005,2006, approximately 41%30 percent of our net sales were derived from sales of our TAXUS stent system.

We are continuing to enhance our product offerings in the coronary drug-eluting stent market. We recently launched our next-generation coronary stent, the TAXUS® Liberté™ paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system, in our Europe and in 18 countries in our Inter-Continental markets, and we expect to launch the product in the U.S. during the second half of 2006,, subject to regulatory approval. The Liberté™ coronary stent is designed to further enhance deliverability and conformability, particularly in challenging lesions. Also, in conjunction with theprior to our acquisition of Guidant, acquisition, Abbott Laboratories has agreed to acquire Guidant'sacquired Guidant’s vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses and to shareshares the drug-eluting stent technology it acquiresacquired from Guidant with us. This will enablearrangement gives us access to access a second drug-eluting stent program that will complementwhich complements our existing TAXUS coronary stent program.

        The introduction In the fourth quarter of drug-eluting stents has had a significant impact on the market size for coronary stents and on the distribution of market share across that market. Our drug-eluting2006, we launched our PROMUS™ everolimus-eluting stent system is currently onein certain European countries and expect to launch the PROMUS stent system in certain other European markets in the first quarter of only two drug-eluting stent products2007, certain Inter-Continental markets in the second quarter of 2007 and in the U.S. market. in 2008, subject to regulatory approval.

Our share of the



drug-elutingU.S. TAXUS stent market may be adversely affected as additional competitors enter the market, which began during the third quarter ofsystem sales decreased in 2006 relative to 2005, internationally and is expecteddue in part to occur during the second half of 2007a decline in the U.S. market size due to recent uncertainty regarding the risk of late stent thrombosis following the use of drug-eluting stents. Late stent thrombosis is the formation of a clot, or thrombus, within the stented area one year or more after implantation of the stent. In July 2005, Medtronic, Inc. received approvalthe fourth quarter of 2006, the FDA held a special advisory panel meeting to discuss drug-eluting stents. Members of the panel concluded that drug-eluting stents remain safe and effective when used as indicated, and that the benefits outweigh the risks.

The Cardiac Rhythm Management Opportunity
As a result of our acquisition of Guidant in April 2006, we now develop, manufacture and market products that focus on the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. Natural electrical impulses stimulate the heart’s chambers to pump blood. In healthy individuals, the electrical current causes the heart to beat at an appropriate rate and in synchrony. We make a variety of implantable devices that can monitor the heart and deliver electricity to treat cardiac abnormalities, including:

·  Implantable defibrillator systems used to detect and treat abnormally fast heart rhythms (tachycardia) that could result in sudden cardiac death, including implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator systems used to treat heart failure; and
·  Implantable pacemaker systems used to manage slow or irregular heart rhythms (bradycardia), including implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker systems used to treat heart failure.
Tachycardia (abnormally fast or chaotic heart rhythms) can prevent the heart from European regulatorspumping blood efficiently and can lead to begin commercial salessudden cardiac death. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator systems (defibrillators, leads, programmers, our LATITUDE® Patient Management System and accessories) monitor the heart and can deliver electrical energy, restoring a normal rhythm. Our defibrillators can deliver tiered therapy—a staged progression from lower intensity pacing pulses designed to correct the abnormal rhythm to more aggressive shocks to restore a heartbeat.

Heart failure (the heart’s inability to pump effectively) is a debilitating, progressive condition, with symptoms including shortness of its Endeavor™ drug-eluting stent systembreath and extreme fatigue. After a person is diagnosed with heart failure, the one-year mortality rate is high, with one in five people dying. Moreover, once diagnosed, sudden cardiac death occurs at six to nine times the rate of the general population. The condition is pervasive, with approximately five million people in the European market. Guidant received similar regulatory approvalU.S. affected.

Bradycardia (slow or irregular heart rhythms) often results in a heart rate insufficient to commence European sales of its XIENCE™ V drug-eluting stentprovide adequate blood flow throughout the body, creating symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness and fainting. Cardiac pacemaker systems (pulse generators, leads, programmers and accessories) deliver electrical energy to stimulate the heart to beat more frequently and regularly. Pacemakers range from conventional single-chamber devices to more sophisticated adaptive-rate, dual-chamber devices.
Our remote monitoring system, on January 30, 2006. If the acquisition is consummatedLATITUDE® Patient Management System, can be placed in a patient’s home (at their bedside) and following Abbott's acquisition of Guidant's drug-eluting stent portfolio, Abbott will sellreads implantable device information at times specified by the XIENCE™ V drug-eluting stent system in competition with us.patient’s physician. The communicator can then transmit the data to a secure Internet server where the physician (or other third party) can access this medical information anytime, anywhere. In addition on February 17, 2006, Conor Medsystems, Inc. receivedto automatic device data uploads, the communicator enables a CE Mark for its CoStar™ paclitaxel-eluting stent system.

        The most significant variables that may impact the sizedaily confirmation of the drug-eluting coronary stent marketpatient’s device status, providing assurance the device is operating properly. Available as an optional component to the system is the LATITUDE Weight Scale and our position withinBlood Pressure Monitor. Weight and blood pressure data is captured by the communicator and sent to the secure server for review by the patient’s physician (or other technician). In addition, this market includeweight and blood information is immediately available to patients in their home to assist their compliance with the entry of additional competitors in international marketsday-to-day and the U.S.; declines in the average selling prices of drug-eluting stent systems; variations in clinical results or product performance of our or our competitors' products; new competitive product launches; delayed or limited regulatory approvals and reimbursement policies; litigation related to intellectual property; continued physician confidence in our technology; the average number of stents used per procedure; expansion of indications for use; a reduction in the overall number of procedures performed; the international adoption rate of drug-eluting stent technology; and the level of supply of our drug-eluting stent system and competitive stent systems.

home-based heart failure instructions prescribed by their physician.

Business Strategy

Our mission is to improve the quality of patient care and the productivity of healthcare delivery through the development and advocacy of less-invasive medical devices and procedures. OurWe believe that the pursuit of this mission is accomplishedwill likewise enhance shareholder value.
We intend to accomplish our mission through the continuing refinement of existing products and procedures and the investigation and development of new technologies that can reduce risk, trauma, cost, procedure time and the need for aftercare. Our approach to innovation combines internally developed products and technologies with those we obtained externally through strategic acquisitions and alliances. Building relationships with developmentdevelopment-stage companies and inventors allows us to deepen our current franchises as well as expand into complementary businesses.

Key elements of our overall business strategy include the following:

Product Quality

Our commitment to quality and the success of our quality objectives are designed to build customer trust and loyalty. This commitment to provide quality products to our customers runs throughout our organization and is one of our most critical business objectives. During 2005, in order to strengthen our existing quality controls, we established Project Horizon, a new cross-functional initiative to further to improve and harmonize our overall quality processes and systems.

Under Project Horizon, we have made an overarching effort to elevate quality thinking in all that we do. To that end, in 2006, we have made significant improvements to our quality systems, including in the areas of field action decision-making, corrective and preventative actions, management controls, process validations and complaint management systems. In 2006, our Board of Directors created a Compliance and Quality Committee to monitor our compliance and quality initiatives. Our quality policy, applicable to all employees, is “I improve the quality of patient care and all things Boston Scientific.”

Innovation

We are committed to harnessing technological innovation through a mixture of tactical and strategic initiatives that are designed to offer sustainable growth in the near and long term. Combining internally developed products and technologies with those obtained through acquisitions and alliances allows us to focus on and deliver products currently in our own research and development pipeline as well as to strengthen our technology portfolio by accessing third-party technologies.

Clinical Excellence

Our commitment to innovation is further demonstrated by our rapidly expanding clinical capabilities. Our clinical group is focusedgroups focus on driving innovative therapies that can transform the practice of medicine. Our clinical teams are organized by therapeutic specialty to better to support our



research and development pipeline and marketing and sales efforts. During 2005,2006, our clinical organizationorganizations planned, initiated and conducted an expanding series of focused clinical trials that support regulatory and reimbursement requirements and demonstrate the safe and effective clinical performance of critical products and technologies.

Product Diversity

In October, we announced positive results from our TAXUS OLYMPIA registry, supporting the safety and efficacy of our TAXUS Liberté stent system in real-world patient subsets considered high risk for bare-metal stenting, including diabetics, small vessels and long lesions. We are committed to reinvestingcurrently enrolling patients in our profits into ourSYNTAX clinical trial, which will compare the performance of drug-eluting stent technology and other product lines. stents with cardiac surgery in the most complex subsets: those with coronary artery disease in all three coronary arteries, in the left main coronary artery, or both.

Product Diversity
We offer products in numerous product categories, which are used by physicians throughout the world in a broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The
breadth and diversity of our product lines permit medical specialists and purchasing organizations to satisfy many of their less-invasive medical device requirements from a single source.

Operational Excellence

We are focused on continuously improving our supply chain effectiveness, strengthening our manufacturing processes and optimizing our plant network in order to increase operational efficiencies within our organization. By centralizing our operations at the corporate level and shifting global manufacturing along product lines, we are able to leverage our existing resources and concentrate on new product development, including the enhancement of existing products and their commercial launch. We are committing additional resources to support our growth and implementing new systems designed to provide improved quality and reliability, service, greater efficiency and lower supply chain costs.

We have substantially increased our focus on process controls and validations, supplier controls, distribution controls and providing our operations teams with the training and tools necessary to drive continuous improvement in product quality. In 2007, we are also focused on examining our operations and general business activities to identify cost-improvement opportunities in order to enhance our operational effectiveness.

Focused Marketing

We consistently strive to understand and exceed the expectations of our customers. Each of our business groups maintains dedicated sales forces and marketing teams focusing on physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of different medical conditions. We believe that this focused disease state management enables us to develop highly knowledgeable and dedicated sales representatives and to foster close professional relationships with physicians. In recent years, we have expanded our direct sales presence worldwide so as to be in a position to take advantage of expanding market opportunities.

Active Participation in the Medical Community

We believe that we have excellent working relationships with physicians and others in the medical industry, which enable us to gain a detailed understanding of new therapeutic and diagnostic alternatives and to respond quickly to the changing needs of physicians and patients. Active participation in the medical community contributes to physician understanding and adoption of less-invasive techniques and the expansion of these techniques into new therapeutic and diagnostic areas.

Corporate Culture

We believe that success and leadership evolve from a motivating corporate culture that rewards achievement, respects and values individual employees and customers, and focuses on quality, patient care, integrity, technology and service. This high performance culture has embraced an intense increase in quality focus, and now places quality at the top of its priorities. We believe that our success is attributable in large part to the high caliber of our employees and our commitment to respecting the values on which our success has been based.

Research and Development

Our investment in research and development is critical to drive our future growth. We have directed our development efforts toward regulatory compliance and innovative technologies designed to expand current markets or enter new markets. Enhancements to existing products that are typically originated and developed within our research and development, manufacturing and marketing operations contribute to each



year'syear’s sales growth. We believe that streamlining,

prioritizing and coordinating our technology pipeline and new product development activities are essential to our ability to stimulate growth and maintain leadership positions in our markets. By centralizing certain new platform technology development at the corporate level, we are able to pursue technologies that can be leveraged across multiple markets. Our approach to new product design and development is through focused, cross-functional teams. We believe that our formal process for technology and product development aids in our ability to offer innovative and manufacturable products in a consistent and timely manner. Involvement of the R&D,research and development, clinical, quality, regulatory, manufacturing and marketing teams early in the process is the cornerstone of our product development cycle. This collaboration allows these teams to concentrate resources on the most viable and game-changing new products and technologies and get them to market in a timely manner. In addition to internal development, we work with hundreds of leading research institutions, universities and clinicians around the world to develop, evaluate and clinically test our products.

We believe our future success will depend upon the strength of these development efforts. There can be no assurance that we will realize financial benefit from our development programs, continue to be successful in identifying, developing and marketing new products or that products or technologies developed by others will not render our products or technologies noncompetitive or obsolete. In 2005,2006, we expended approximately $680 millionover $1.0 billion on research and development, representing approximately 1113 percent of our 20052006 net sales. TheOur investment in research and development reflects spending on new product development programs as well as regulatory compliance and clinical research, particularly relating to our next-generation stent platforms and other development programs acquired in connection with our business combinations.

reflects:

·  spending on new product development programs;
·  regulatory compliance and clinical research, particularly relating to our next-generation stent and CRM platforms and other development programs acquired in connection with our business combinations; and
·  sustaining engineering efforts which factor customer (or “post market”) feedback into continuous improvement efforts for currently marketed products.
Strategic Initiatives

Since 1995, we have undertaken a strategic acquisition program to assemble the lines of business necessary to achieve the critical mass that allows us to continue to be a leader in the medical device industry. In 2005,2006, in addition to our acquisition of Guidant, we invested more thanapproximately $500 million (including both cash and issuance of our common stock) in approximately 4025 new and existing strategic alliances and acquisitions. These initiatives are intended to further expand our product offerings by adding new or complementary technologies to our already diverse technology portfolio.

Many of our alliances involve complex arrangements with third parties and include, in many instances, the option to purchase these companies at pre-established future dates, generally upon the attainment of performance, regulatory and/or revenue milestones. These arrangements allow us to evaluate new technologies prior to acquiring them.

We expect that our acquisition of Guidant will enable us to become a major provider in the high-growth cardiac rhythm management business. In addition, we expect that we will continue to focus selectively on strategic acquisitions and alliances in order to provide new products and technology platforms to our customers, including making additional investments in several of our existing strategic relationships.

Products

Our products are principally offered for sale by three dedicated business groups—Cardiovascular (which includes our interventional cardiology, cardiac rhythm management and cardiovascular divisions), Endosurgery (which includes our oncology, endoscopy and Neuromodulation.urology/gynecology divisions) and Neuromodulation (which includes our cochlear and pain management divisions). Our Cardiovascular organization focuses on products and technologies for use in interventional cardiology, cardiac rhythm management, peripheral interventions, cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, electrophysiology and neurovascular procedures. Our Endosurgery organization focuses
on products and technologies for use in oncology, endoscopy, urology and gynecology procedures. We entered theOur Neuromodulation market through our acquisition of Advanced Bionics Corporation in 2004. This organization currently focuses on the treatment of auditory disorders and chronic pain. During 2005,2006, approximately 7880 percent of our net sales were derived from our Cardiovascular business group,



groups, approximately 2017 percent from our Endosurgery business groupgroups and approximately 23 percent from our Neuromodulation business group.

The following section describes some of our Cardiovascular, Endosurgery and Neuromodulation offerings:

Cardiovascular

Coronary StentsStent Business

Drug-Eluting Stents

        In 2005, we marketedWe market our TAXUS Express2 paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system principally in the U.S., Europe and certain other international markets, and we expect to launch the TAXUS Express2 stent system in Japan during the firstsecond half of 2007, pendingsubject to regulatory approval. In 2005, weJanuary 2007, the FDA approved extending the shelf life of our TAXUS coronary stent system in the U.S. from 12 to 18 months. We also launchedmarket our next-generationsecond-generation coronary stent, the TAXUS® Liberté™ coronary stent system, in Europeour European and in 18 countries in our Inter-Continental market.markets. We also expect to launch the TAXUS Liberté coronary stent system in the U.S., subject to regulatory approval.
During the fourth quarter of 2006, we launched our PROMUS everolimus-eluting coronary stent system in certain European countries, expanding our drug-eluting stent portfolio to include two distinct drug platforms. We expect to launch the PROMUS stent system in certain Inter-Continental countries during the second quarter of 2007 and in the U.S. duringin 2008, subject to regulatory approval. We also expect to launch an internally manufactured next-generation everolimus-based stent system in Europe in 2010 and in the second half of 2006, pendingU.S. in 2011. In addition, we have commenced regulatory filings to begin clinical trials for our next-generation paclitaxel-eluting stent beyond TAXUS Liberté stent system, the TAXUS® Element™ coronary stent system, which we expect to launch in Europe in 2009 and in the U.S. in 2010, subject to regulatory approval.

Bare-Metal Stents

        In April 2005, we received FDA approval for

We offer our Liberté coronary stent system.system globally. The Liberté coronary stent system serves as the platform for our next generationsecond-generation paclitaxel-eluting stent system, the TAXUS Liberté coronary stent system. The Liberté bare-metal coronary stent is designed to enhance deliverability and conformability, particularly in challenging lesions,lesions.
Cardiac Surgery
Our acquisition of Guidant also enabled us to enter the cardiac surgery business. Cardiac surgery devices are used to perform endoscopic vessel harvesting, cardiac surgical ablation and is offered for sale in the U.S., Europe and certain other international markets.

        We also market both balloon-expandable and self-expandingless-invasive coronary stent systems. Our Express2 coronary stent system is offered on a worldwide basis. The Express2 coronary stent system—an Express stent combined with advanced Maverick® balloon catheter technology—features a laser-bonded, flexible tip with a long, low profile designed for easy tracking and is the platform for our drug-eluting stent system. Its Bioslide® hydrophilic coating is designed to reduce friction, while the proprietary Crimp 360™ process technology secures the stent to the balloon.

artery by-pass surgery.

Coronary Revascularization

We market a broad line of products used to treat patients with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, a coronary vessel disease and a principal cause of heart attacks,coronary artery obstructive disease, is characterized by a thickening of the walls of the coronary arteries and a narrowing of arterial lumens (openings) caused by the progressive development of deposits of plaque. The majority of our products in this market are used in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and include bare-metal and drug-
eluting stents, such as the TAXUS® paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent systems, PTCA balloon catheters, such as the Maverick® balloon catheter, the Cutting Balloon® microsurgical dilatation device, rotational atherectomy systems, guide wires, guide catheters and diagnostic catheters. We also market a broad line of fluid delivery sets, pressure monitoring systems, custom kits and accessories that enable the injection of contrast and saline or otherwise facilitate cardiovascular procedures.

Intraluminal Ultrasound Imaging

We market a family of intraluminal catheter-directed ultrasound imaging catheters and systems for use in coronary arteries and heart chambers as well as certain peripheral systems.

In July 2006, we launched the new iLab Ultrasound Imaging System in the U.S. This new system enhances the diagnosis and treatment of blocked vessels and heart disorders.

Embolic Protection

Our FilterWire EZ™ Embolic Protection System is a low profile filter designed to capture embolic material that may become dislodged during cardiovascular interventions,a procedure, which could otherwise travel into the


th

e microvasculature where it could cause a heart attack. The FilterWire EZ™ System is a low-profile filter mounted on a rapid-exchange deployment system designed to capture embolic debris released during a procedure and prevent it from traveling to the brain, where it could cause aattack or stroke. It has been granted CE Mark and is commercially available in the U.S., Europe and other international markets for multiple indications, including the treatment of disease in peripheral, coronary and carotid vessels. It is also available in the U.S. for the treatment of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs). In April 2005, we acquired Rubicon Medical Corporation, a developer of embolic protection devices, including a filter that is integrated into a guidewire. The Rubicon™ filter, an embolic protection system that traps and removes debris that may be dislodged during interventional procedures, received CE Mark in April 2005. It has been cleared for commercialization in three indications—SVGs, native coronary arteries and carotid arteries. Product evaluations in Europe will enable us to determine our commercialization strategy for the Rubicon filter.

artery stenting procedures.

Peripheral Interventions

We also sell various products designed to treat patients with peripheral disease (disease which appears in blood vessels other than in the heart and in biliary structures)strictures), including a broad line of medical devices used in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and peripheral vascular stenting. Our peripheral product line includes vascular access products, balloon catheters, stents and peripheral vascular catheters, wires and accessories. DuringWe also market the second quarter of 2005, we completed the acquisition of CryoVascular Systems, Inc., the manufacturer of the PolarCath™ Peripheral Dilatation System. The PolarCath peripheral dilatation system is used in CryoPlasty® Therapy®, an innovative approach to the treatment of peripheral artery disease in the lower extremities. The PolarCath peripheral dilatation system uses nitrous oxide to fill an angioplasty balloon within a blocked artery, cooling the balloon's surface to -10° C. As it is inflated, the cold surface of the balloon cools the vascular lesion, which exerts both mechanical and biological effects that may help prevent restenosis. In addition, we expect to launchWe launched in June 2006 the Sterling™ Balloon dilatation catheter, a dilatation catheter with several differentiating features, including the only pre- and post-stent dilatation indication for carotid artery stenting,stenting.
In January 2007, we completed the acquisition of EndoTex Interventional Systems, Inc., a development stage medical device company, and now market the NexStent® Carotid Stent System, a laser-cut, nitinol stent with a rolled sheet design that enables one stent size to adapt to multiple diameters in 2006, subject to receiving regulatory approvals.

tapered or non-tapered vessel configurations.

Vascular Surgery

        We design abdominal, thoracic and peripheral vascular grafts for the treatment of aortic aneurysms and dissections, peripheral vascular occlusive diseases and dialysis access. Our grafts and fabrics are used for peripheral vascular and cardiovascular indications.

Electrophysiology

        We offer medical devices for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions called arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats). Included in our product offerings are RF generators, mapping systems, intracardiac ultrasound and steerable ablation catheters, as well as a line of diagnostic catheters and associated accessories. In 2005, we launched the Chilli II™ cooled ablation catheter, the first bidirectional cooled-tip catheter available in the U.S.

Neurovascular Intervention

We market a line of coils (coated and uncoated), micro-delivery stents, micro-guidewires, micro-catheters, guiding catheters and embolics to neuroradiologists and neurosurgeons to treat diseases of the neurovascular system. We market the GDC® Coils (Guglielmi Detachable Coil) and Matrix® systems to treat brain aneurysms. During 2005, the FDA granted a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) approval forWe also offer the Wingspan™ Stent System with Gateway™ PTA Balloon Catheter.Catheter under a Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) approval granted by the FDA. The Wingspan Stent System is designed to treat atherosclerotic lesions or accumulated plaque in brain arteries. Designed for the brain'sbrain’s fragile vessels, the Wingspan™Wingspan Stent System is a self-expanding,



nitinol stent sheathed in a delivery system that enables it to

reach and open narrowed arteries in the brain. The Wingspan Stent System is currently the only device available in the U.S. for the treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and is indicated for improving cerebral artery lumen diameter in patients with ICAD who are unresponsive to medical therapy.

Vascular Surgery
We design abdominal, thoracic and peripheral vascular grafts for the treatment of aortic aneurysms and dissections, peripheral vascular occlusive diseases and dialysis access. Our grafts and fabrics are used for peripheral vascular and cardiovascular indications.
Electrophysiology
We offer medical devices for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac conditions called arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats). Included in our product offerings are RF generators, mapping systems, intracardiac ultrasound and steerable ablation catheters, as well as a line of diagnostic catheters and associated accessories. We also market the Chilli II™ cooled ablation catheter, the first bidirectional cooled-tip catheter available in the U.S. In 2006, we launched our next-generation line of RF generators, the MAESTRO 3000® Cardiac Ablation System.
Cardiac Rhythm Management
Through our acquisition of Guidant, we now offer a variety of implantable devices that can monitor the heart and deliver electricity to treat cardiac rhythm abnormalities, including tachycardia (abnormally fast or chaotic heart rhythms), heart failure and bradycardia (slow or irregular heart rhythms).
Our product offerings include:
·  the VITALITY® family of defibrillators which provide a broad range of atrial (upper chambers of the heart) and ventricular (lower chambers) therapies to serve patients’ various needs;
·  cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, like those in our CONTAK RENEWAL® family of devices, which can help reduce mortality and hospitalization;
·  the INSIGNIA® family of pacemakers which offer proprietary blended sensor technology designed to measure patient workload through respiration and motion, providing rate response based on the patient’s activity; and
·  the LATITUDE® Patient Management System, comprised of the LATITUDE Communicator, LATITUDE Website, CONTAK RENEWAL 3RF CRT-D and ZOOM® LATITUDE Programmer, which enables a physician or technician to monitor a patient’s device status and health data from home.
In October 2006, the FDA approved our LATITUDE® Patient Management System to be used for remote monitoring in certain existing ICD systems and cardiac resynchronization defibrillators. We are in the process of making this technology available to many of our current CRM patients.
The Frontier CRM technology is our next-generation CRM pulse generator platform that will incorporate new components and software and will be leveraged across all CRM product lines to
treat electrical dysfunction in the heart. We expect to launch various products based on the Frontier CRM technology in the U.S. over the next 36 months, subject to regulatory approval.
Endosurgery

Esophageal, Gastric and Duodenal (Small Intestine) Intervention

We market a broad range of products to diagnose, treat and palliate a variety of gastrointestinal diseases and conditions, including those affecting the esophagus, stomach and colon. Common disease states include esophagitis, portal hypertension, peptic ulcers and esophageal cancer. Our products in this area include disposable single and multiple biopsy forceps, balloon dilatation catheters, hemostasis catheters and enteral feeding devices. We also market a family of esophageal stents designed to offer improved dilatation force and greater resistance to tumor in-growth.

We launched the Radial Jaw® 4 Single-Use Biopsy Forceps, the newest version of our Radial Jaw Single-Use Biopsy Forceps, in July 2006. The Radial Jaw 4 biopsy forceps are designed to enable collection of large high-quality tissue specimens without the need to use large channel therapeutic endoscopes.

Colorectal Intervention

We market a line of hemostatic catheters, polypectomy snares, biopsy forceps, enteral stents and dilatation catheters for the diagnosis and treatment of polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and colon cancer.

Pancreatico-Biliary Intervention

We sell a variety of products to diagnose, treat and palliate benign and malignant strictures of the pancreatico-biliary system (the gall bladder, common bile duct, hepatic duct, pancreatic duct and the pancreas) and to remove stones found in the common bile duct. Our products include diagnostic catheters used with contrast media, balloon dilatation catheters and sphincterotomes. We also market self-expanding metal and temporary biliary stents for palliation and drainage of the common bile duct.

 In 2006, we introduced the Spyglass™ Direct Visualization System for direct imaging of the bile duct system.  This is the first single operator cholangioscopy device that offers clinicians a direct visualization of the bile duct system and includes supporting devices for tissue acquisition, stone retrieval and lithotripsy.

Pulmonary Intervention

We market devices to diagnose, treat and palliate diseases of the pulmonary system. The major devices include pulmonary biopsy forceps, transbronchial aspiration needles, cytology brushes and tracheobronchial stents used to dilate strictures or for tumor management.

Urinary Tract Intervention and Bladder Disease

We sell a variety of products designed primarily to treat patients with urinary stone disease, including ureteral dilatation balloons used to dilate strictures or openings for scope access; stone baskets used to manipulate or remove the stone; intracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy devices and holmium laser systems used to disintegrate stones; ureteral stents implanted temporarily in the urinary tract to provide short-term or long-term drainage; and a wide variety of guidewires used to gain access to a specific site. We have also developed other devices to diagnose and treat bladder cancer and bladder obstruction.

Prostate Intervention

For the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), we currently market electro-surgical resection devices designed to resect large diseased tissue sites. We also market disposable needle biopsy devices, designed to take core prostate biopsy samples. In addition, we distribute and market the Prolieve®Prolieve thermodilatation system, a transurethral microwave thermotherapy system, and the DuoTomeDuoTome™ SideLite™ holmium laser treatment system for treatment of symptoms associated with BPH.



Pelvic Floor Reconstruction and Urinary Incontinence

We market a line of less-invasive devices includingto treat female pelvic floor conditions in the area of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. These devices include a full line of mid-urethral sling products, sling materials, graft materials, suturing devices and injectables,injectables. In May 2006, we were granted exclusive U.S. distribution rights to treatthe Coaptite® Injectable Implant, a next-generation bulking agent, for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence, an affliction commonly treated with various surgical procedures.

incontinence.    

Gynecology

We also market other products in the area of women'swomen’s health. Our Hydro ThermAblator® System (HTA® system) offers a less-invasive technology for the treatment of excessive uterine bleeding by ablating the lining of the uterus, the tissue responsible for menstrual bleeding.

Oncology

We market a broad line of products designed to treat, diagnose and palliate various forms of benign and malignant tumors. Our current suite of products includes a variety of microcatheters, embolic agents and coils useddesigned to restrict blood supply to targeted organs or other areas of the body.sites. In addition, we market radiofrequency-based therapeutic devices for the ablation of various forms of soft tissue lesions (tumors).

Also included in the oncology portfolio is a complete line of venous access products which are marketed for infusion therapy.

Neuromodulation

Cochlear Implants

We develop and market in the U.S., Europe and Japan the HiResolution® 90K Cochlear Implant System to restore hearing to the profoundly deaf. The technology consists of an external sound processor, which captures and processes sound information from the environment and transmits the digital information through the skin to the implant. The implant delivers digital pulses of electrical current to precise locations on the auditory nerve, which the brain perceives as sound.

In September 2006, our next-generation cochlear implant technology, the Harmony HiResolution Bionic Ear System was approved by the FDA. We commercially launched this product on a limited basis in late 2006 and anticipate a full launch in early 2007.

Pain Management

We market the Precision® Spinal Cord Stimulation System for the treatment of chronic pain of the lower back and legs. This system delivers advanced pain management by applying a small electrical signal to mask pain signals traveling from the spinal cord to the brain. The Precision System utilizes a rechargeable battery and features a patient-directed fitting system for fast and effective programming.

Growth Initiatives

        In addition to the products and technologies described above, we intend to focus significant resources on the following additional growth initiatives:

Next-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Platforms

        Our next-generation TAXUS® Liberté™ coronary stent system combines the TAXUS® drug-eluting stent technology with a more flexible stent that is intended to enhance deliverability to the lesion site and improve conformability to the natural contours of the vessel. We launched the TAXUS Liberté coronary stent system in Europe and certain Inter-Continental markets in 2005, and expect to launch the TAXUS Liberté coronary stent system in the U.S. during the second half of 2006, subject to receiving regulatory approval. In addition, we intend to continue to invest aggressively in next-generation drug-eluting stent systems and underlying technologies.

        In addition, in conjunction with our acquisition of Guidant, Abbott Laboratories has agreed to acquire Guidant's vascular intervention and endovascular businesses and to share the drug-eluting stent



technology it acquires from Guidant with us. This will enable us to access a second drug-eluting stent program that will complement our existing TAXUS stent program.

Bifurcation Stenting

        In March 2005, we acquired Advanced Stent Technologies (AST), a development stage company that has developed a coronary bifurcation stent, with a proprietary Petal™ stent feature. We intend to use the AST technology to develop a bifurcation stent that combines a drug-eluting stent with a dual-wire delivery system to address the special challenges of stent therapy at bifurcation sites (branches in the arterial tree).

Carotid Artery Stenting

        Carotid artery stenting represents a less-invasive and potentially safer alternative to endarterectomy, the traditional surgical treatment for obstructions in the carotid artery in the neck. Our Carotid Wallstent® Monorail® Endoprosthesis is a self-expanding stent loaded within a rapid exchange deployment system engineered to open the carotid artery and improve blood flow to the brain. Our FilterWire EZ™ Embolic Protection The Precision System is a retrievable device placed distal to the area where the stent isalso being implanted to capture embolic debris released during the procedure and prevent it from migrating to the brain, where it could cause serious harm. We are in the process of seeking FDA approval to market our Carotid Wallstent and Filterwire EZ embolic protection system. In addition, we have collaborated with Endotex Interventional Systems, Inc. to conduct a clinical trial which combines our FilterWire EZ system with the Endotex NexStent® carotid stent. In 2005, the NexStent® Monorail® system, developed and manufactured by Endotex, received CE Mark for commercialization in Europe and certain other international markets. We began to distribute the product during 2005 in those markets. In addition to these exclusive distribution rights, we also expect to acquire Endotex during the second half of 2006 prior to or upon receipt of FDA approval of the NexStent Monorail system.

Endovascular Aortic Repair

        In April 2005, we acquired Trivascular, Inc., an early stage company focused on the development of a stent graft for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms, a weak, bulging section of the wall of the aorta that can rupture and lead to death. The Enovus™ device replaces much of the metal in a traditional stent graft with a liquid polymer injected into channels within the stent graft during the procedure, resulting in a graft that can use a small delivery system while potentially providing enhanced durability, positive fixation and seal. A Phase I trial has already been completed and we expect to commence a Phase II trial in 2007 upon completion of certain technical improvements to the device.

Endoscopic Video Imaging

        Our Endovations™ Endoscopy Suite is an integrated system that includes a scope, a console and a flat screen monitorassessed for use in endoscopic procedures, such as colonoscopies. By employing lighter, disposable scopes, Endovations is designed to reduce reprocessing costs, improve efficiency and make procedures easier for clinicians and less painful for patients. We expect to conduct first-in-man clinical trialstreating migraine pain.

Neuromodulation

        Our bion® microstimulator is designed, among other things, to relieve migraine pain by sending electrical pulses to the occipital nerves at the base of the skull. The bion microstimulator is currently the subject of a feasibility trial and a commercial release could occur in 2009, subject to regulatory approval.



Cardiac Rhythm Management

        Our agreement to acquire Guidant will enable us to become a major provider in the high-growth cardiac rhythm management business. Guidant makes a variety of implantable devices that can monitor the heart and deliver electricity to treat cardiac abnormalities, including tachycardia (abnormally fast or chaotic heart rhythms), heart failure and bradycardia (slow or irregular heart rhythms).

        We also have an equity investment in and option to purchase Cameron Health, a company that is developing a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for cardiac rhythm management. Implanted in subcutaneous tissue, these ICDs automatically deliver high-energy electrical shocks as needed to stabilize the heart's rhythm when it is beating in a rapid, uncontrolled fashion. Cameron's ICDs offer a less-invasive alternative for treating certain cardiac rhythm abnormalities. In conjunction with our acquisition of Guidant, we have agreed, if required, to divest our equity investment in Cameron Health.

Cardiac Surgery

        Our agreement to acquire Guidant will also enable us to enter the cardiac surgery business. Cardiac surgery devices are used to perform endoscopic vessel harvesting, cardiac surgical ablation and less-invasive coronary artery by-pass surgery.

        While we intend to focus on each of these and other initiatives, there can be no guarantee that any of them will be successful and we may discontinue any or all of these initiatives at any time.

Marketing and Sales

        A dedicated

Dedicated sales forceforces of approximately 1,9002,400 individuals in overapproximately 45 countries internationally and over 2,0003,400 individuals in the U.S. marketed our products worldwide as of December 31, 2005.2006. Sales in countries where we have direct sales organizations accounted for approximately 9994 percent of our net sales during 2005.2006. A network of distributors and dealers who offer our products in more than 50 countries worldwide accounts for our remaining sales. We also have a dedicated corporate sales organization in the U.S. focused principally on selling to major buying groups and integrated healthcare networks.

In 2005,2006, we sold our products to over 10,000 hospitals, clinics, out-patient facilities and medical offices. We are not dependent on any single institution and no single institution accounted for more than 10 percent of our net sales in 2005.2006. Large group purchasing organizations, hospital networks and other buying groups have, however, become increasingly important to our business and represent a substantial portion of our U.S. net sales.

We also distribute certain products for third parties, including an introducer sheath and certain guidewires, as well as BPH devices, various graft materials, and pneumatic and laser lithotripters for use in connection with urology and gynecology procedures. Our agreement to distribute certain guidewire and sheath products will expireexpired during the first quarter of 2006. WeWhile we have identified replacements for these products. However,products, the sales level associated with the replacement products ishas been, as expected, to be less than that of our previously distributed products. Together, these distributed products represented less than 10two percent of our 20052006 net sales. Leveraging our sales and marketing strength, we expect to continue to seek new opportunities for distributing complementary products as well as new technologies.

International Operations

Internationally, through 2006, we operateoperated through three business segmentsunits divided among the geographic regions of Europe, Japan and Inter-Continental. Maintaining and expanding our international presence is an important component of our long-term growth plan. Through our international presence, we seek to



increase net sales and market share, leverage relationships with leading physicians and their clinical research programs, accelerate the time to bring new products to market and gain access to worldwide technological developments that may be implemented across our product lines. After our acquisition of Guidant, we integrated Guidant’s international sales operations into our geographic regions. Consistent with our geographic focus, the Guidant CRM business became a business unit within each country organization across Europe, Japan and Inter-Continental. In 2005,the first quarter of 2007, we moved functional positions from a regional to a country level in Europe to better address the local business needs. We also created a single cross-functional organization for ourbegan operating through four international business to improve coordination among,units: Europe, Asia Pacific/Japan, Inter-Continental and leverage the resources within, Europe and Inter-Continental.

Distributor Management.

International sales accounted for approximately 3938 percent of our net sales in 2005.2006. Net sales and operating income attributable to significant geographic areas are presented inNote N—Segment Reporting to our 20052006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

In recent years, we have expanded our direct sales presence worldwide so as to be in a position to take advantage of expanding market opportunities. As of December 31, 2005,2006, we had direct marketing and sales operations in overapproximately 45 countries internationally. We believe that we will continue to leverage our infrastructure in markets where commercially appropriate and to use third parties in those smaller markets where it is not economical or strategic to establish a direct presence.

We have fourfive international manufacturing facilities in Ireland, one in Costa Rica and one in Costa Rica.Puerto Rico. Presently, approximately 3533 percent of our products sold worldwide are manufactured at these facilities. We also maintain an international research and development
facility in Ireland, a training facility in Tokyo, Japan, and a training and research and development center in Miyazaki, Japan.

        Our international presence exposes us to certain financial and other risks. One of these risks is the potentially negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations on our sales and expenses. Although we engage We currently share a training facility in hedging transactions that may offset the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities, earnings and cash flows, financial exposure may nonetheless result, primarily from the timing of transactions, forecast volatility and the movement of exchange rates.

        International markets are also affected by economic pressure to contain reimbursement levels and healthcare costs. Our profitability from our international operations may be limited by risks and uncertainties related to economic conditions in these regions, foreign currency fluctuations, regulatory and reimbursement approvals, competitive offerings, infrastructure development, rights to intellectual property and our ability to implement our overall business strategy. Any significant changes in the competitive, political, legal, regulatory, reimbursement or economic environment where we conduct international operations may have a material impact on our revenues and profits.

        Further, the trend in countries around the world, including Japan, toward more stringent regulatory requirements for product clearance, changing reimbursement models and more vigorous enforcement activities has generally caused or may cause medical device manufacturers to experience more uncertainty, delay, risk and expense. In addition, we are required to renew regulatory approvals in certain international jurisdictions, which may require additional testing and documentation. A decision not to dedicate sufficient resources, or the failure to timely renew these approvals, may limit our ability to market our full line of existing products within these jurisdictions.

Brussels, Belgium with Abbott.

Manufacturing and Raw Materials

We design and manufacture the majority of our products in technology centers around the world. Many components used in the manufacture of our products are readily fabricated from commonly available raw materials or off-the-shelf items available from multiple supply sources. Certain items are custom made for us to meet our specifications. We believe that in most cases, redundant capacity exists at our suppliers and that alternative sources of supply are available or could be developed within a reasonable period of time. We also have an ongoing program to identify single-source components and to develop alternative back-up supplies. However, in certain cases, we may not be able to quickly



establish additional or replacement suppliers for specific components or materials, largely due to the regulatory approval system and the complex nature of the manufacturing processes employed by us and many suppliers. A reduction or interruption in supply, an inability to develop and validate alternative sources if required, or a significant increase in the price of raw materials or components could adversely affect our operations and financial condition, particularly materials or components related to our TAXUS® paclitaxel-elutingand PROMUS™ drug-eluting coronary stent system.

systems and our CRM products.

Quality Assurance

On January 26, 2006, welegacy Boston Scientific received a corporate warning letter from the FDA notifying us of serious regulatory problems at three of our facilities and advising us that our corporate widecorporate-wide corrective action plan relating to three site-specific warning letters issued to us in 2005 was inadequate. The letter expressed concerns about our quality systems at six facilities as well as recent recalls, rather than any specific product performance issues. TheAs stated in this FDA corporate warning letter, does not prevent the continued distribution of products referenced in the letter, including our TAXUS coronary stent system. The letter does state, however, that the FDA willmay not grant our requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve pre-market approval (PMA) applications for our class III devices to which the quality control or current good manufacturing practices deficiencies described in the letter are reasonably related until the deficiencies described in the letter have been corrected. We are working with the FDADuring 2005, in order to resolve these issues and have recentlystrengthen our corporate-wide quality controls, we established Project Horizon a new global complaint information system designed to help address the types of issues raised in the warning letter. We also launched a global,corporate-wide cross-functional initiative to further improve and harmonize our overall quality processes and systems.

As part of Project Horizon, we have made modifications to our process validation and complaint management systems. Project Horizon resulted in the reallocation of significant internal engineering and management resources to quality initiatives, as well as incremental spending, which has resulted in adjustments to product launch schedules of certain products and the decision to discontinue certain other product lines over time.


In 2006, our Board of Directors created a Compliance and Quality Committee to monitor our compliance and quality initiatives. We believe we have identified solutions to the quality issues cited by the FDA, and we continue to make progress in transitioning our organization to implement those solutions. We communicate frequently and meet regularly with the FDA to apprise them of our progress. The FDA has communicated the need for us to complete substantially our remediation efforts before they will re-inspect our facilities. We have engaged a third party to audit our enhanced quality systems in order to assess our Company-wide compliance prior to re-inspection by the FDA. We believe we will be ready for third-party audit in the second quarter of 2007.

On December 23, 2005, Guidant received an FDA warning letter citing certain deficiencies with respect to its manufacturing quality systems and record keeping procedures in its CRM facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. This FDA warning letter followed an inspection by the FDA that was completed on September 1, 2005 and cited a number of observations. Guidant received a follow-up letter from the FDA dated January 5, 2006. As stated in this follow-up letter, until we have corrected the
identified deficiencies, the FDA may not grant requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve PMA applications for class III devices to which the deficiencies described are reasonably related. The FDA conducted a further inspection of the CRM facility between December 15, 2005 and February 9, 2006 and made one additional inspectional observation. The FDA has concluded its reinspection of our CRM facilities. While we believe this reinspection went well, we may be required to take additional actions in order to comply with any FDA observations that we may receive.
We are committed to providing high quality products to our customers. To meet this commitment, we are implementing state-of-the-artupdated quality systems and concepts throughout our organization. Our quality system starts with the initial product specification and continues through the design of the product, component specification process and the manufacturing, sales and servicing of the product. Our quality system is designed to build in quality and process control and to utilize continuous improvement concepts throughout the product life. These systems are designed to enable us to satisfy the quality system regulations of the FDA with respect to products sold in the U.S. Many of our operations are certified under ISO 9001, ISO 9002, ISO 13485, ISO 13488, EN 46001 and EN 46002 international quality system standards. ISO 9002 requires, among other items, an implemented quality system that applies to component quality, supplier control and manufacturing operations. In addition, ISO 9001 and EN 46001 require an implemented quality system that applies to product design. These certifications can be obtained only after a complete audit of a company'scompany’s quality system by an independent outside auditor. Maintenance of these certifications requires that these facilities undergo periodic reexamination.

re-examination.

We maintain an ongoing initiative to seek ISO 14001 certification at our plants around the world. ISO 14001, the environmental management system standard in the ISO 14000 series, provides a voluntary framework to identify key environmental aspects associated with our businesses. We engage in continuous environmental performance improvement around these aspects. At present, nine of our manufacturing and distribution facilities have attained ISO 14001 certification. This initiative is expected to continue until each of our manufacturing facilities, including those we acquire, becomes certified.

Competition

We encounter significant competition across our product lines and in each market in which our products are sold from various companies, some of which may have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. Our primary competitors have historically included: Guidant Corporation (including its subsidiary Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.),included Johnson & Johnson (including its subsidiary, Cordis Corporation) and Medtronic, Inc. (including its subsidiary, Medtronic AVE, Inc.), as



well as a wide range of companies which sell a single or limited number of competitive products or participate only in a specific market segment. If theSince we acquired Guidant, acquisition is consummated, Abbott Laboratories willhas become a primary competitor of ours in the interventional cardiology market. In addition, if the Guidant acquisition is consummated,market and St. Jude Medical, Inc. willhas become a competitor of ours in the CRM market, in addition to the neuromodulationNeuromodulation market.

        Additionally, the medical device market is characterized by extensive research and development, and rapid technological change. Developments by other companies of new or improved products, processes or technologies, in particular in the drug-eluting stent market, may make our products or proposed products obsolete or less competitive and may negatively impact our revenues. If we fail to develop new products or enhance existing products, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We also face competition from non-medical device companies, such as pharmaceutical companies, which may offer non-surgical alternative therapies for disease states intended to be treated using our products.

We believe that our products compete primarily on the basis of their ability to safely and effectively to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in a less-invasive manner, including ease of use, reliability and physician familiarity. In the current environment of managed care, economically motivated buyers, consolidation among healthcare providers, increased competition and declining reimbursement rates, we have also increasingly been required to compete on the basis of price, value, reliability and efficiency. We believe that our continued competitive success will depend upon our ability to create or acquire scientifically advanced technology, apply our
technology cost-effectively and with superior quality across product lines and markets, develop or acquire proprietary products, attract and retain skilled development personnel, obtain patent or other protection for our products, obtain required regulatory and reimbursement approvals, continually enhance our quality systems, manufacture and successfully market our products either directly or through outside parties and supply sufficient inventory to meet customer demand.


RegulationRegulation

The medical devices that we manufacture and market are subject to regulation by numerous regulatory bodies, including the FDA and comparable international regulatory agencies. These agencies require manufacturers of medical devices to comply with applicable laws and regulations governing the development, testing, manufacturing, labeling, marketing and distribution of medical devices. Devices are generally subject to varying levels of regulatory control, the most comprehensive of which requires that a clinical evaluation program be conducted before a device receives approval for commercial distribution.

In the U.S., permission to distribute a new device generally can be met in one of two ways. The first process requires that a pre-market notification (a 510(k) Submission) be made to the FDA to demonstrate that the device is as safe and effective as, or substantially equivalent to, a legally marketed device that is not subject to pre-market approval (PMA) (i.e., the “predicate” device). A legally marketedAn appropriate predicate device for a pre-market notification is a deviceone that (i) was legally marketed prior to May 28, 1976, (ii) has beenwas approved under a PMA but then subsequently reclassified from class III to class II or I, or (iii) has been found to be substantially equivalent to a device followingand cleared for commercial distribution under a 510(k) Submission. The legally marketed device to which equivalence is drawn is known as the "predicate" device. Applicants must submit descriptive data and, when necessary, performance data to establish that the device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device. In some instances, data from human clinical trials must also be submitted in support of a 510(k) Submission. If so, these data must be collected in a manner that conforms with specific requirements in accordance with federalto the applicable Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) regulations. The FDA must issue an order finding substantial equivalence before commercial distribution can occur. Changes to existing devices covered by a 510(k) Submission which do not significantly affectraise new questions of safety or effectiveness can generally be made by us without additional 510(k) Submissions.

More significant changes, such as new designs or materials, may require a separate 510(k) with data to support that the modified device remains substantially equivalent.

The second process requires that an application for PMA be made to the FDA to demonstrate that the device is safe and effective for its intended use as manufactured. This approval process applies to certain class III devices. In this case, two steps of FDA approval are generally required before marketing in the U.S. can begin. First, we must comply with investigational device exemption (IDE)the applicable IDE regulations in connection with any human clinical investigation of the device in the U.S. Second, the FDA must review our PMA application which contains, among other things, clinical information acquired under the IDE. The FDA will approve the PMA application if it finds that there is a reasonable assurance that the device is safe and effective for its intended purpose.

The FDA can ban certain medical devices,devices; detain or seize adulterated or misbranded medical devices,devices; order repair, replacement or refund of these devicesdevices; and require notification of health professionals and others with regard to medical devices that present unreasonable risks of substantial harm to the public health. The FDA may also enjoin and restrain certain violations of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and the Safe Medical Devices Act pertaining to medical devices, or initiate action for criminal prosecution of such violations. International sales of medical devices manufactured in the U.S. that are not approved by the FDA for use in the U.S., or are banned or deviate from lawful performance standards, are subject to FDA export
requirements. Exported devices are subject to the regulatory requirements of each country to which the device is exported. Some countries do not have medical device regulations, but in most foreign countries medical devices are regulated. Frequently, regulatory approval may first be obtained in a foreign country prior to application in the U.S. to take advantage of differing regulatory requirements.

Most countries outside of the United States require that product approvals be recertified on a regular basis, generally every five years. The recertification process requires that we evaluate any device changes and any new regulations or standards relevant to the device and conduct appropriate testing to document continued compliance. Where recertification applications are required, they must be approved in order to continue to sell our products in those countries.

In the European Union, we are required to comply with the Medical Devices Directive and obtain CE Mark certification in order to market medical devices. The CE Mark certification, granted following approval from an independent Notified Body, is an international symbol of adherence to quality assurance standards and compliance with applicable European Medical Devices Directives. We also comply with all other foreign regulations such as the requirement that we obtain Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare approval before we can launch new products in Japan, including our TAXUS® Express2 coronary stent system



in Japan.system. The time required to obtain these foreign approvals to market our products may be longer or shorter than that required in the U.S., and requirements for such approval may differ from those required by the FDA.

        The process of obtaining clearance to market products is costly and time-consuming in virtually all of the major markets in which we sell products and can delay the marketing and sale of new products. Countries around the world have recently adopted more stringent regulatory requirements which are expected to add to the delays and uncertainties associated with new product releases, as well as the clinical and regulatory costs of supporting those releases. No assurance can be given that any of our new medical devices will be approved on a timely basis, if at all. In addition, regulations regarding the development, manufacture and sale of medical devices are subject to future change. We cannot predict what impact, if any, those changes might have on our business. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are also subject to various environmental laws, directives and regulations both in the U.S. and abroad. Our operations, like those of other medical device companies, involve the use of substances regulated under environmental laws, primarily in manufacturing and sterilization processes. We believe that compliance with environmental laws will not have a material impact on our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. Given the scope and nature of these laws, however, there can be no assurance that environmental laws will not have a material impact on our results of operations. We assess potential environmental contingent liabilities on a quarterly basis. At present, we are not aware of any such liabilities which would have a material impact on our business. We are also certified with respect to the new enhanced environmental FTSE4Good criteria and are a constituent member of the London Stock Exchanges FTSE4Good Index.

Index, which recognizes companies that meet certain corporate responsibility standards.

Third-Party Coverage and Reimbursement

Our products are purchased by hospitals, doctors and other healthcare providers who are reimbursed by third-party payors, such as governmental programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid), private insurance plans and managed care programs, for the healthcare services provided to their patients. Third-party payors may provide or deny coverage for certain technologies and associated procedures based on assessment criteria as determined by the third-party payor. Reimbursement by third-party payors for these services is based on a wide range of methodologies that may reflect the services'services’ assessed resource costs, clinical outcomes and economic value. These reimbursement methodologies confer different, and often conflicting, levels of financial risk and incentives to healthcare providers and patients, and these methodologies are subject to frequent refinements. Third-party payors are also increasingly adjusting reimbursement rates and challenging the prices charged for medical products and services. There can be no assurance that our products will be automatically covered by third-party payors, that reimbursement will be available or, if available, that the third-party payors'payors’ coverage policies will not adversely affect our ability to sell our products profitably.

Initiatives to limit the growth of healthcare costs, including price regulation, are also underway in many countries in which we do business. Implementation of cost containment initiatives and healthcare reforms in significant markets such as Japan, Europe and other countriesinternational markets may limit the
price of, or the level at which reimbursement is provided for, our products and may influence a physician'sphysician’s selection of products used to treat patients.

Proprietary Rights and Patent Litigation

        The interventional medicine market in which we primarily participate is in large part technology driven. Physician customers, particularly in interventional cardiology, move quickly to new products and new technologies. As a result, intellectual property rights, particularly patents and trade secrets, play a



significant role in product development and differentiation. However, intellectual property litigation to defend or create market advantage is inherently complex and unpredictable. Furthermore, appellate courts frequently overturn lower court patent decisions.

        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 of individual cases, but also of a series of pending and potentially related and unrelated cases. In addition, although monetary and injunctive relief is typically sought, remedies and restitution are generally not determined until the conclusion of the proceedings, and are frequently 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.

        Several third parties have asserted that our current and former stent systems infringe patents owned or licensed by them. We have similarly asserted that stent systems or other products sold by these companies infringe patents owned or licensed by us. Adverse outcomes in one or more of these proceedings against us could limit our ability to sell certain stent products in certain jurisdictions, or reduce our operating margin on the sale of these products. In addition, damage awards related to historical sales could be material.

We rely on a combination of patents, trademarks, trade secrets and non-disclosure agreements to protect our intellectual property. We generally file patent applications in the U.S. and foreign countries where patent protection for our technology is appropriate and available. We hold approximately 4,0006,000 U.S. patents (many of which have foreign counterparts) and have approximately 7,800more than 8,600 patent applications pending worldwide that cover various aspects of our technology. In addition, we hold exclusive and non-exclusive licenses to a variety of third-party technologies covered by patents and patent applications. There can be no assurance that pending patent applications will result in issued patents, that patents issued to or licensed by us will not be challenged or circumvented by competitors, or that such patents will be found to be valid or sufficiently broad to protect our technology or to provide us with a competitive advantage.

We rely on non-disclosure and non-competition agreements with employees, consultants and other parties to protect, in part, trade secrets and other proprietary technology. There can be no assurance that these agreements will not be breached, that we will have adequate remedies for any breach, that others will not independently develop equivalent proprietary information or that third parties will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets and proprietary knowledge.

There has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas in which we compete. We have defended, and will continue to defend, ourself against claims and legal actions alleging infringement of the patent rights of others. Adverse determinations in any patent litigation could subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, require us to seek licenses from third parties, and, if licenses are not available, prevent us from manufacturing, selling or using certain of our products, which could have a material adverse effect on us.

Additionally, we may find it necessary to initiate litigation to enforce our patent rights, to protect our trade secrets or know-how and to determine the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others. Patent litigation can be costly and time-consuming, and there can be no assurance that our litigation expenses will not be significant in the future or that the outcome of litigation will be favorable to us. Accordingly, we may seek to settle some or all of our pending litigation. Settlement may include cross-licensing of the patents which are the subject of the litigation as well as our other intellectual property and may involve monetary payments to or from third parties.



SeeItem 3. Legal Proceedings below andNote J—Commitments and Contingencies to our 20052006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a further discussion of patent and other litigation and proceedings involving us.in which we are involved. In management'smanagement’s opinion, we are not currently involved in any legal proceeding other than those specifically identified in Note J to our consolidated financial statements, which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material effect on our financial condition, operations and/or cash flows.

Risk Management

The testing, marketing and sale of human healthcare products entails an inherent risk of product liability claims. We are involved in various lawsuits arising in the normal course of business from product liability and securities litigation claims. We have elected to becomeare substantially self-insured with respect to general, product liability and securities litigation claims. As a result of the economic factors currently impacting the insurance industry, meaningful liability insurance coverage became unavailable due to its economically prohibitive cost.

In connection with our acquisition of Guidant, the number of product liability claims and other legal proceedings filed against us, including private securities litigation and shareholder derivative suits, significantly increased. Product liability and securities claims against us may be asserted in the future related to unknown events at the present time. The absence of significant third-party insurance coverage increases our potential exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. However, based onProduct liability claims, product liability losses andrecalls, securities litigation experiencedand other litigation in the past, our election to become substantially self-insured is not expected tofuture, regardless of their outcome, could have a material impactadverse effect on our future operations.business. We believe that our risk management practices, including limited insurance coverage, are reasonably adequate to protect against anticipated general, product liability and securities litigation losses. However, unanticipated catastrophic losses could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

Employees

As of December 31, 2005,2006, we had approximately 19,80028,600 employees, including approximately 10,80014,300 in operations, 1,4002,000 in administration, 3,0004,600 in clinical, regulatory and research and development and 4,6007,700 in selling, marketing, distribution and related administrative support. Of these employees, approximately 7,10014,500 were employed outside the U.S., approximately 6,200 of which are included in our international operations.the Operations function. We believe that the continued success of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel.

Seasonality

Our worldwide sales do not reflect any significant degree of seasonality; however, customer purchases have been lighter in the third quarter of prior years than in other quarters. This reflects, among other factors, lower demand during summer months, particularly in European countries.

Available Information

Copies of our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge on our website (www.bostonscientific.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the material with or furnish it to the SEC. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Conduct, which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller, are also available on our website (along with any amendments to those documents). Any amendments to or waivers for executive officers or directors of our Code of Conduct will be disclosed on our website promptly after the date of any such amendment or waiver. Printed copies of these posted materials are also available free of charge to shareholders who request them in writing from Investor Relations, One Boston Scientific Place, Natick, MA 01760-1537. Information on our website or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.



Cautionary Statement for Purposes of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Certain statements that we may make from time to time, including statements contained in this report and information incorporated by reference into this report, constitute "forward-looking“forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "anticipate," "expect," "project," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend"“anticipate,” “expect,” “project,” “believe,” “plan,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar words used in connection with, among other things, discussions of our financial performance, growth strategy, regulatory
approvals, product development or new product launches, market position, sales efforts, intellectual property matters or acquisitions and divestitures. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and estimates using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance. If our underlying assumptions turn out to be incorrect, or if certain risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. As a result, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements.

We do not intend to update thesethe forward-looking statements below or the risk factors described in Item 1A under the heading "Risk Factors"“Risk Factors” even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future. We have identified these forward-looking statements below and the risk factors described in Item 1A under the heading "Risk Factors"“Risk Factors” in order to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements are contained below and in the risk factors described in Item 1A under the heading "Risk“Risk Factors."

CRM Business
·  The recovery of the CRM market to historical growth rates and our ability to regain CRM market share and increase CRM net sales;
·  
The overall performance of and referring physician, implanting physician and patient confidence in our and other CRM products and technologies, including our LATITUDE® Patient Management System and Frontier CRM technology;
·  The results of CRM clinical trials undertaken by us, our competitors or other third parties;
·  Our ability to launch various products utilizing the Frontier CRM technology, our next generation CRM pulse generator platform, in the U.S. over the next 36 months and to expand our CRM market position through reinvestment in our CRM products and technologies;
·  Our ability to retain our CRM sales force and other key personnel;
·  Competitive offerings in the CRM market and the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals to market existing and anticipated CRM products and technologies; and
   ·Our ability to avoid disruption in the supply of certain components or materials or to quickly secure additional or replacement components or materials on a timely basis.
Coronary StentsStent Business

    Volatility in the coronary stent market, competitive offerings and the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals to market existing and anticipated drug-eluting stent technology and other coronary and peripheral stent platforms;

    Our ability to launch our TAXUS® Express2 coronary stent system in Japan during the first half of 2007, and to launch our next-generation drug-eluting stent system, the TAXUS® Liberté™ coronary stent system, in the U.S. during the second half of 2006 and to maintain or expand our worldwide market leadership positions through reinvestment in our drug-eluting stent program;

    The continued availability of our TAXUS stent system in sufficient quantities and mix, our ability to prevent disruptions to our TAXUS stent system manufacturing processes and to maintain or replenish inventory levels consistent with forecasted demand around the world as we transition to next-generation stent products;

    The impact of new drug-eluting stents on the size of the coronary stent market, distribution of share within the coronary stent market in the U.S. and around the world, the average number of stents used per procedure and average selling prices;

    The overall performance of and continued physician confidence in our and other drug-eluting stents and the results of drug-eluting stent clinical trials undertaken by us, our competitors or other third parties;

    Continued growth in the rate of physician adoption of drug-eluting stent technology in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets;

    Our ability to take advantage of our position as one of two early entrants in the U.S. drug-eluting stent market, to anticipate competitor products as they enter the market and to respond to the challenges presented as additional competitors enter the U.S. drug-eluting stent market; and
   ·Volatility in the coronary stent market, competitive offerings and the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals to market existing and anticipated drug-eluting stent technology and other coronary and peripheral stent platforms;

   ·
Our ability to launch our TAXUS® Express2 coronary stent system in Japan during the second half of 2007, and to launch our next-generation drug-eluting stent system, the TAXUS® Liberté™ coronary stent system, in the U.S., subject to regulatory approval, and to maintain or expand our worldwide market leadership positions through reinvestment in our drug-eluting stent program;

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[Table of Contents]
      Our ability to manage inventory levels, accounts receivable, gross margins and operating expenses relating to our TAXUS stent system and other product franchises and to react effectively to worldwide economic and political conditions.

       · The continued availability of our TAXUS stent system in sufficient quantities and mix, our ability to prevent disruptions to our TAXUS stent system manufacturing processes and to maintain or replenish inventory levels consistent with forecasted demand around the world as we transition to next-generation stent products;

       ·The impact of concerns relating to late stent thrombosis on the size of the coronary stent market, distribution of share within the coronary stent market in the U.S. and around the world, the average number of stents used per procedure and average selling prices;

       · The overall performance of and continued physician confidence in our and other drug-eluting stents, our ability to adequately address concerns regarding the risk of late stent thrombosis, and the results of drug-eluting stent clinical trials undertaken by us, our competitors or other third parties;

       · Our ability to sustain or increase the penetration rate of drug-eluting stent technology in the U.S. and our European and Inter-Continental markets;

    ·   Our ability to take advantage of our position as one of two early entrants in the U.S. drug-eluting stent market, to anticipate competitor products as they enter the market and to respond to the challenges presented as additional competitors enter the U.S. drug-eluting stent market;

       ·Our ability to manage inventory levels, accounts receivable, gross margins and operating expenses relating to our drug-eluting stent systems and other product franchises and to react effectively to worldwide economic and political conditions;

    ·   Our ability to manage the launch of our PROMUS™ everolimus-eluting stent system and the supply of this stent system in sufficient quantities and mix; and

    ·   Our ability to manage the mix of our PROMUS stent system revenue relative to our total drug-eluting stent revenue and maintain our overall profitability as a percentage of revenue.
    Litigation and Regulatory Compliance

       · Any conditions imposed in resolving, or any inability to resolve, our outstanding warning letters or other FDA matters, as well as risks generally associated with our regulatory compliance quality systems and complaint handling;

    ·   The effect of our litigation, risk management practices, including self-insurance, and compliance activities on our loss contingency, legal provision and cash flow;

       · The impact of our stockholder derivative and class action, patent, product liability, contract and other litigation and other legal proceedings;

       · The ongoing, inherent risk of potential physician communications or field actions related to medical devices;

    ·   Costs associated with our incremental compliance and quality initiatives, including Project Horizon; and

    ·   The availability and rate of third-party reimbursement for our products and procedures.
    Innovation
       · Our ability to complete planned clinical trials successfully, to obtain regulatory approvals and to develop and launch products on a timely basis within cost estimates, including the successful completion of in-process projects from purchased research and development;

       ·Our ability to manage research and development and other operating expenses consistent with our expected revenue growth;

    The impact
       · Our ability to fund and achieve benefits from our focus on internal research and development and external alliances as well as our ability to capitalize on opportunities across our businesses;

       · Our ability to develop products and technologies successfully in addition to our drug-eluting stent and cardiac rhythm management technologies;

       · Our ability to develop next-generation products and technologies within our drug-eluting stent and cardiac rhythm management business;
       · Our failure to succeed at, or our decision to discontinue, any of our growth initiatives;

       · Our ability to integrate the acquisitions and other strategic alliances we have consummated, including Guidant;

       · Our decision to exercise, or not to exercise, options to purchase certain companies party to our strategic alliances and our ability to fund with cash or common stock these and other acquisitions, or to fund contingent payments associated with these alliances;

       · The timing, size and nature of strategic initiatives, market opportunities and research and development platforms available to us and the ultimate cost and success of these initiatives; and

       · Our ability to successfully identify, develop and market new products or the ability of others to develop products or technologies that render our products or technologies noncompetitive or obsolete.
    International Markets
       · Dependency on international net sales to achieve growth;

       · Risks associated with international operations, including compliance with local legal and regulatory requirements as well as reimbursement practices and policies; and
       ·   The potential effect of foreign currency fluctuations and interest rate fluctuations on our net sales, expenses and resulting margins.
    Liquidity
       ·  Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to fund operations and capital expenditures, as well as our strategic investments over the next twelve months and to maintain borrowing flexibility beyond the next twelve months;

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    [Table of stockholder derivative and class action, patent, product liability and other litigation; and

    Any conditions imposed in resolving, or any inability to resolve, outstanding warning letters or other FDA matters, as well as risks generally associated with regulatory compliance, quality systems standards and complaint-handling.

    InnovationContents]

      Our ability successfully to complete planned clinical trials, to obtain regulatory approvals and to develop and launch products on a timely basis within cost estimates, including the successful completion of in-process projects from purchased research and development;

      Our ability to manage research and development and other operating expenses consistent with our expected revenue growth over the next twelve months;

      Our ability to fund and achieve benefits from our focus on internal research and development and external alliances as well as our ability to capitalize on opportunities across our businesses;

      Our ability to develop products and technologies successfully in addition to our TAXUS coronary stent technology;

      Our failure to succeed at, or our decision to discontinue, any of our growth initiatives;

      Our ability to integrate the acquisitions and other strategic alliances we have consummated;

      Our decision to exercise options to purchase certain companies party to our strategic alliances and our ability to fund with cash or common stock these and other acquisitions; and

      The timing, size and nature of strategic initiatives, market opportunities and research and development platforms available to us and the ultimate cost and success of these initiatives.

    International Markets

      Increasing dependence on international sales to achieve growth;

      Risks associated with international operations including compliance with local legal and regulatory requirements; and

      The potential effect of foreign currency fluctuations and interest rate fluctuations on our revenues, expenses and resulting margins.

    Liquidity

      Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to fund operations and capital expenditures, as well as our strategic investments over the next twelve months and to maintain borrowing flexibility beyond the next twelve months;

      Our ability to access the public capital markets and to issue debt or equity securities on terms reasonably acceptable to us;
       ·Our ability to access the public capital markets and to issue debt or equity securities on terms reasonably acceptable to us;

        Our ability to achieve a 23 percent effective tax rate, excluding certain charges, during 2006 and to recover substantially all of our deferred tax assets;
           ·
        Our ability to achieve a 21 percent effective tax rate, excluding certain charges, during 2007 and to recover substantially all of our deferred tax assets;

        ·   Our ability to maintain investment-grade credit ratings and satisfy our financial covenants;

        Our ability to align expenses with future expected revenue levels and reallocate resources to support our future growth.

      ·   Our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to effectively manage our debt levels and minimize the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our floating-rate debt; and

         · Our ability to better align expenses with future expected revenue levels and reallocate resources to support our future growth.
      Other

         ·  Risks associated with significant changes made or to be made to our organizational structure or to the membership of our executive committee; and


      Risks associated with our proposed acquisition of Guidant Corporation, including, among other things, the indebtedness we will incur and the integration challenges we will face after consummation of the acquisition.

         ·  Risks associated with our acquisition of Guidant Corporation, including, among other things, the indebtedness we have incurred and the integration costs and challenges we will continue to face.
      Several important factors, in addition to the specific factors discussed in connection with each forward-looking statement individually and the risk factors described in Item 1A under the heading "Risk“Risk Factors," could affect our future results and growth rates and could cause those results and rates to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and the risk factors contained in this report. These additional factors include, among other things, future economic, competitive, reimbursement and regulatory conditions, new product introductions, demographic trends, intellectual property, financial market conditions and future business decisions made by us and our competitors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, we wish to caution each reader of this report to consider carefully these factors as well as the specific factors discussed with each forward-looking statement and risk factor in this report and as disclosed in our filings with the SEC. These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect our ability to implement our business strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements expressed in this report.



      ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

      In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K and the exhibits hereto, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. This section contains forward- lookingforward-looking statements. You should refer to the explanation of the qualifications and limitations on forward-looking statements set forth at the beginningend of Item 1 of this Form 10-K. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      24

      We alsoderive a significant portion of our revenue from the sale of drug-eluting coronary stent systems and a decline in market size or our market share of drug-eluting stents may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.
      Drug-eluting coronary stent revenues represented approximately 30 percent of our consolidated net sales during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. Our U.S. TAXUS sales declined in 2006 relative to 2005, due in part to a decline in the U.S. market size attributable to recent uncertainty regarding the risk of late stent thrombosis following the use of drug-eluting stents. Late stent thrombosis is the formation of a clot, or thrombus, within the stented area one year or more after implantation of the stent. In the fourth quarter of 2006, the FDA held a special advisory panel meeting to discuss drug-eluting stents. If concerns about the risk of late stent thrombosis persist, there can be no assurance that the market will return to previous levels.  

      In addition, lower device utilization per procedure and a decline in the overall percutaneous coronary intervention market contributed to the decline in our TAXUS stent system sales in 2006. There can be no assurance that these concerns will be alleviated in the near term or that drug-eluting stent penetration rates will return to previous levels. Our TAXUS® coronary stent system and Johnson & Johnson’s CYPHER® drug-eluting stent system are currently the only two drug-eluting stents available in the U.S. market. We expect our share of the drug-eluting stent market, as well as unit prices, to continue to be adversely affected as additional significant competitors enter the drug-eluting stent market, which began during the third quarter of 2005 internationally and is expected to continue to occur as early as the second half of 2007 in the U.S. In July 2005, Medtronic, Inc. received approval from European regulators to begin commercial sales of its Endeavor® drug-eluting stent system in the European market. As a result of Abbott’s acquisition of Guidant’s drug-eluting stent portfolio, Abbott sells its XIENCE™ V everolimus-eluting stent system in competition with us in certain international markets. In addition, Conor Medsystems, Inc., which was recently acquired by Johnson & Johnson, sells its CoStar® paclitaxel-eluting stent system in competition with us in certain international markets.
      The manufacture of our TAXUS® coronary stent system involves the integration of multiple technologies, critical components, raw materials and complex processes. Significant favorable or unfavorable changes in forecasted demand, as well as disruptions associated with our TAXUS® stent manufacturing process, may impact our inventory levels. Variability in expected demand or the timing of the launch of next-generation products may result in excess or expired inventory positions and future inventory charges, which may adversely impact our results from operations. We share with Abbott rights to Guidant’s XIENCE™ V everolimus-eluting stent program. As a result, delays in receipt of regulatory approvals for the XIENCE™ V everolimus-eluting stent system, receipt of insufficient quantities of the PROMUS everolimus-eluting stent from Abbott or material nonacceptance of these stents in the marketplace could adversely affect our results from operations, as well as our ability to effectively differentiate ourselves from our competitors in the drug-eluting stent market as the leading company with two drug-eluting stent programs.
      The worldwide CRM market growth rates declined during 2006 and if the CRM market does not recover, our results of operation and financial condition may be adversely impacted.
      During 2005 and 2006, the operating and financial performance of our CRM business has been adversely impacted by various implantable defibrillator and pacemaker system field actions in the industry and a corresponding reduction in CRM market growth rates. We believe that field actions in the industry contributed to our CRM division having a lower market share for implantable defibrillator and pacemaker systems for 2006 as compared to 2005. The worldwide CRM market growth rate, including the U.S. defibrillator market growth rate, declined during the first three quarters of 2006; these growth levels are below those experienced in recent years. The U.S. defibrillator market represents approximately half of the worldwide CRM market. There can be no assurance that the CRM market will return to its historical growth rate
      25

      or that we will be able to regain CRM market share or increase net sales in a timely manner, if at all.
      Because we derive a significant amount of our revenues from our cardiovascular business, changes in market or regulatory conditions that impact that business or our inability to develop non-cardiovascular products, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation.
      During 2006, approximately 80 percent of our net sales were derived from our cardiovascular business, which includes our interventional cardiology, cardiac rhythm management and cardiovascular divisions. As a result, our sales growth and profitability from our cardiovascular business may be limited by risks and uncertainties related to market or regulatory conditions that impact that business.  For example, if the worldwide CRM market and the U.S. ICD market do not return to their historical growth rates or we are unable to regain CRM market share or increase CRM net sales, it may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operation.  Coronary stent revenue represented approximately 32 percent of our consolidated net sales for 2006.  If the decline in U.S. drug-eluting stent market penetration attributable to concerns regarding the risk of late stent thrombosis following the use of drug-eluting stents or the declines in device utilization per procedure and overall percutaneous coronary intervention volumes continue, there can be no assurance that the drug-eluting stent market will recover to previous levels which may have a material adverse effect on our business.  Similarly, our inability to develop products and technologies successfully in addition to our drug-eluting stent and cardiac rhythm management technologies could further expose us to fluctuations and uncertainties in these markets.
      We may be unable to resolve issues related to our warning letters in a timely manner, which could delay the production and sale of our products and have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
      We are currently taking remedial action in response to certain deficiencies of our quality systems as cited by the FDA in its warning letters to us. For example, on January 26, 2006, we received a corporate warning letter from the FDA notifying us of serious regulatory problems at three of our facilities and advising us that our corrective action plan relating to three site-specific warning letters issued to us in 2005 was inadequate. As stated in this FDA warning letter, the FDA may not grant our requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve pre-market approval (PMA) applications for our class III devices to which the quality control or current good manufacturing practices deficiencies described in the letter are reasonably related until the deficiencies have been corrected. If we are unable to resolve the issues raised by the FDA in its warning letters to the satisfaction of the FDA on a timely basis, we may not be able to launch our new class III devices as planned, including our Taxus® Liberté™ drug-eluting stent system in the United States, which may weaken our competitive position in the markets in which we participate.
      In addition, in December 2005, Guidant received an FDA warning letter citing certain deficiencies with respect to its manufacturing quality systems and record keeping procedures in its CRM facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. This FDA warning letter followed an inspection by the FDA that was completed on September 1, 2005 and cited a number of observations. Guidant received a follow-up letter from the FDA dated January 5, 2006. As stated in this follow-up letter, until the identified deficiencies have been corrected, the FDA may not grant requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve PMA applications for class III devices to which the deficiencies described are reasonably related. The FDA conducted a further inspection of the CRM facility between December 15, 2005 and February 9, 2006 and made one additional inspectional observation. The FDA has concluded its reinspection of our CRM facilities. We may be required to take additional actions in order to comply with any FDA observations that we may receive.
      We may face certain risksenforcement actions in connection with our proposed acquisitionthese FDA warning letters, including injunctive relief, consent decrees or civil fines. While we are working with the FDA to resolve these issues, this work has required and will continue to require the dedication of Guidant Corporation as described abovesignificant incremental internal and external resources and has resulted in Item 1 of this Form 10-K. We encourage you to consider the risks below under the caption "—Risks Relatedadjustments to the Proposed Acquisition and Guidant"product launch schedules of certain products and the risk factors set forth indecision to discontinue certain other product lines over time. There can be no assurances regarding the length of time or cost it will take us to resolve these issues to the satisfaction of the FDA. In addition, if our registration statement on Form S-4 filed withremedial actions are not satisfactory to the SEC on February 6, 2006 (Registration No. 333-131608) forFDA, we may have to devote additional risk factors relatingfinancial and human resources to our proposed acquisitionefforts and the FDA may take further regulatory actions against us including, but not limited to, seizing our product inventory, obtaining a court injunction against further marketing of Guidant Corporation.

      Risks Relatedour products, assessing civil monetary penalties or imposing a consent decree on us, which could result in further regulatory constraints, including the governance of our quality system by a third party. If we or our manufacturers fail to Our Businessadhere to QSR or ISO requirements, this could delay production of our products and lead to fines, difficulties in obtaining regulatory clearances, recalls or other consequences, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

      26

      We are subject to extensive medical device regulation which may impede or hinder the approval process for our products and, in some cases, may not ultimately result in approval or may result in the recall or seizure of previously approved products.

      Our products, development activities and manufacturing processes are subject to extensive and rigorous regulation by the FDA pursuant to the Federalfederal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FDC Act), by comparable agencies in foreign countries, and by other regulatory agencies and governing bodies. Under the FDC Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance or approval before they can be commercially marketed in the U.S. In addition, most major markets for medical devices outside the U.S. require clearance, approval or compliance with certain standards before a product can be commercially marketed. The process of obtaining marketing approval or clearance from the FDA for new products, or with respect to enhancements or modifications to existing products, could:

      take a significant period of time;

      require the expenditure of substantial resources;

      involve rigorous pre-clinical and clinical testing;

      require changes to the products; and

      result in limitations on the indicated uses of the products.


      Countries around the world have recently adopted more stringent regulatory requirements that are expected to add to the delays and uncertainties associated with new product releases, as well as the clinical and regulatory costs of supporting those releases. Even after products have received marketing approval or clearance, product approvals and clearances by the FDA can be withdrawn due to failure to comply with regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems following initial approval. There can be no assurance that we will receive the required clearances from the FDA for new products or modifications to existing products on a timely basis or that any FDA approval will not be subsequently withdrawn.

      In addition, regulations regarding the development, manufacture and sale of medical devices are subject to future change. We cannot predict what impact, if any, those changes might have on our business. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product or manufacturer could result in fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions and/or criminal prosecution. The failure to receive product approval clearance on a timely basis, suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products or the withdrawal of product approval by the FDA could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.



      We may not meet regulatory quality standards applicable to our manufacturing and quality processes, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      As a device manufacturer, we are required to register with the FDA and are subject to periodic inspection by the FDA for compliance with the FDA'sFDA’s Quality System Regulation (QSR) requirements, which require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain regulations, including testing, quality control and documentation procedures. In addition, the federal Medical Device Reporting regulations require us to provide information to the FDA whenever there is evidence that reasonably suggests that a device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or, if a malfunction were to occur, could cause or contribute to a death or serious injury. Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is
      27

      rigorously monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA. In the European Community, we are required to maintain certain ISO certifications in order to sell our products and must undergo periodic inspections by notified bodies to obtain and maintain these certifications.

              In that regard, we are currently taking remedial action in response to certain deficiencies of our quality systems as cited by the FDA in FDA warning letters to us. For example, we received several warning letters from the FDA in 2005 with respect to our global quality-control systems and in 2004 with respect to our auditory product line. In addition, on January 26, 2006, we received a corporate warning letter from the FDA notifying us of serious regulatory problems at three facilities and advising us that our corporate wide corrective action plan relating to three warning letters previously issued to us in 2005 was inadequate. As also stated in this FDA warning letter, the FDA will not grant our requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve pre-market approval applications for our class III devices to which the quality control or current good manufacturing practices deficiencies described in the letter are reasonably related until the deficiencies described in the letter have been corrected. If we are unable to resolve the issues raised by the FDA in its warning letters to the satisfaction of the FDA on a timely basis, we may not be able able to launch our new class III devices as planned, including our Taxus® Liberté™ drug-eluting stent system in the United States in the second half of 2006.

              We may face enforcement actions in connection with these FDA warning letters, including injunctive relief and civil fines. While we are working with the FDA to resolve these issues, this work has required and will continue to require the dedication of significant incremental internal and external resources. There can be no assurances regarding the length of time it will take to resolve these issues. In addition, if our remedial actions are not satisfactory to the FDA, the FDA may take further regulatory actions against us, including but not limited to, seizing our product inventory, obtaining a court injunction against further marketing of our products or assessing civil monetary penalties. If we or our manufacturers fail to adhere to QSR or ISO requirements, this could delay production of our products and lead to fines, difficulties in obtaining regulatory clearances, recalls or other consequences, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

      Pending and future intellectual property litigation could be costly and disruptive to us.

      We operate in an industry that is susceptible to significant intellectual property litigation and, in recent years, it has been common for companies in the medical device field to aggressively challenge the patent rights of other companies in order to prevent the marketing of new devices. We are currently the subject of various patent litigation proceedings including theand other proceedings described in more detail underItem 3. Legal Proceedings. Intellectual property litigation is expensive, complex and lengthy and its outcome is difficult to predict. Pending or future patent litigation may result in significant royalty or other payments or injunctions that can prevent the sale of products and may significantly divert the attention of our technical and management personnel. In the event that our right to market any of our products is successfully challenged, and if we fail to obtain a required license



      or are unable to design around a patent, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

      We may not effectively be able effectively to protect our intellectual property rights which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      The interventional medicinemedical device market in which we primarily participate is in large part technology driven. Physician customers, particularly in interventional cardiology, move quickly to new products and new technologies. As a result, intellectual property rights, particularly patents and trade secrets, play a significant role in product development and differentiation. However, intellectual property litigation to defend or create market advantage is inherently complex and unpredictable. Furthermore, appellate courts frequently overturn lower court patent decisions.

      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 of individual cases, but also of a series of pending and potentially related and unrelated cases. In addition, although monetary and injunctive relief is typically sought, remedies and restitution are generally not determined until the conclusion of the proceedings and are frequently 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.

      Several third parties have asserted that our current and former stent systems or other products infringe patents owned or licensed by them. We have similarly asserted that stent systems or other products sold by these companies infringe patents owned or licensed by us. Adverse outcomes in one or more of these proceedings against us could limit our ability to sell certain stent products in certain jurisdictions, or reduce our operating margin on the sale of these products. In addition, damage awards related to historical sales could be material.

      We have similarly asserted that stent systems or other products sold by these companies infringe patents owned or licensed by us.

      Patents and other proprietary rights are and will be essential to our business, and our ability to compete effectively with other companies will be dependent upon the proprietary nature of our technologies. We rely upon trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovations, strategic alliances and licensing opportunities to develop, maintain and strengthen our competitive position. We pursue a policy of generally obtaining patent protection in both the U.S. and abroad for patentable subject matter in our proprietary devices and also attempt to review
      28

      third-party patents and patent applications to the extent publicly available to develop an effective patent strategy, avoid infringement of third-party patents, identify licensing opportunities and monitor the patent claims of others. We currently own numerous U.S. and foreign patents and have numerous patent applications pending. We also are party to various license agreements pursuant to which patent rights have been obtained or granted in consideration for cash, cross-licensing rights or royalty payments. No assurance can be made that any pending or future patent applications will result in issued patents, that any current or future patents issued to, or licensed by, us will not be challenged or circumvented by our competitors, or that our patents will not be found invalid.

      In addition, we may have to take legal action in the future to protect our patents, trade secrets or know-how or to assert them against claimed infringement by others. Any legal action of that type could be costly and time consuming to us and no assurances can be made that any lawsuit will be successful. We are generally involved as both a plaintiff and a defendant in a number of patent infringement and other intellectual property-related actions. We are involved in numerous patent-related claims with our competitors, including Johnson & Johnson.



      The invalidation of key patents or proprietary rights that we own, or an unsuccessful outcome in lawsuits to protect our intellectual property, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations.

      Pending and future product liability claims and other litigation, including private securities litigation, and shareholder derivative suits and contract litigation, may adversely affect our business, reputation and ability to attract and retain customers.

      The design, manufacture and marketing of medical devices of the types that we produce entail an inherent risk of product liability claims. Many of the medical devices that we manufacture and sell are designed to be implanted in the human body for long periods of time or indefinitely. A number of factors could result in an unsafe condition or injury to, or death of, a patient with respect to these or other products that we manufacture or sell, including component failures, manufacturing flaws, design defects or inadequate disclosure of product-related risks or product-related information. These factors could result in product liability claims, a recall of one or more of our products or a safety alert relating to one or more of our products. Product liability claims may be brought by individuals or by groups seeking to represent a class.

      We are currently the subject of numerous product liability claims and other litigation, including private securities litigation and shareholder derivative suits including, but not limited to, the claims and litigation described underItem 3. Legal Proceedings. In addition, ifconnection with our acquisition of Guidant, the Guidant acquisition is consummated, we will also be subject to certainnumber of product liability claims and other legal proceedings filed against us, including private securities litigation and shareholder derivative suits, significantly increased. We are currently involved in litigation involving a contract dispute with certain former shareholders of Guidant. Advanced Bionics Corporation, one of our subsidiaries. The outcome of this litigation could prevent us from operating the Advanced Bionics business in the manner that we expected at the time of acquisition.
      The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits often seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, including not only actual damages, but also punitive damages. The magnitude of the potential loss relating to these lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In addition, the cost to defend against any future litigation may be significant. Further, we are largelysubstantially self-insured forwith respect to general, product liability claims and securities litigation. As a result of economic factors currently impacting the insurance industry, meaningful product liability and
      29

      securities litigation insurance coverage has become unavailable due to its economically prohibitive cost. The absence of significant third-party insurance coverage increases our potential exposure to unanticipated claims and adverse decisions. Product liability claims, product recalls, securities litigation and other litigation in the future, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

              We derive a significant portion of our revenue from the sale of drug-eluting coronary stent systems and a decline in our market share of drug-eluting stents may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

              Drug-eluting coronary stent revenues represented approximately 41% of our consolidated net sales during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. We have experienced declines in our U.S. drug-eluting stent revenues during the second half of 2005 as compared to the same period in the prior year largely as a result of a reduction in market share, as well as pricing pressure. Our TAXUS® coronary stent system and Johnson & Johnson's CYPHER® drug-eluting stent system are currently the only two drug-eluting stents available in the U.S. market. During the first three quarters of 2005, we experienced sequential declines in our market share. In the fourth quarter of 2005, our market share stabilized and was relatively consistent with the prior quarter. Our share of the drug-eluting stent market, as well as unit prices, are expected to continue to be adversely affected as additional significant competitors enter the drug-eluting stent market, which began during the third quarter of 2005 internationally and is expected to continue to occur during the second half of 2007 in the U.S. Companies have recently obtained regulatory approval to market and sell their drug-eluting stents in the European market. In July 2005, Medtronic, Inc. received approval from European regulators to begin commercial sales of its Endeavor drug-eluting stent system in the European market. Guidant received similar regulatory



      approval to commence European sales of its XIENCE™ V drug-eluting stent system on January 30, 2006. If the acquisition is consummated and following Abbott's acquisition of Guidant's drug-eluting stent portfolio, Abbott will sell the XIENCE™ V drug-eluting stent in competition with us. In addition, on February 17, 2006, Conor Medsystems, Inc. received a CE Mark for its CoStar™ paclitaxel-eluting stent system.

              A material decline in our drug-eluting stent revenue would have a significant adverse impact on our future operating results. The most significant variables that may impact the size of the drug-eluting stent market and our position within that market include:

              The manufacture of our TAXUS® coronary stent system involves the integration of multiple technologies, critical components, raw materials and complex processes. Significant favorable or unfavorable changes in forecasted demand, as well as disruptions associated with the TAXUS® stent manufacturing process, may impact our inventory levels and our ability to provide the TAXUS® stent system in sufficient quantities and mix. Variability in expected demand or the timing of the launch of next-generation products may result in excess or expired inventory positions and future inventory charges, which may adversely impact our results from operations. Also, if the Guidant acquisition is consummated, we expect to share with Abbott rights to Guidant's XIENCE™ V drug-eluting stent program. As a result, delays in receipt of regulatory approvals for the XIENCE™ V drug-eluting stent system, Abbott's inability to supply us with sufficient quantities of the XIENCE™ V drug-eluting stent system or material nonacceptance of these stents in the marketplace could adversely affect our results from operations, as well as our ability to effectively differentiate ourselves from our competitors in the drug-eluting stent market as the leading company with two drug-eluting stent programs.

      We may not be successful in our strategic acquisitions of, investments in or alliances with, other companies and businesses, which have been a significant source of historical growth for us.

      Our strategic acquisitions, investments and alliances have historically beenare intended to further expand our ability to offer customers effective, high quality medical devices that satisfy their interventional needs. Many of these alliances involve equity investments and often give us the option to acquire the other company or assets of the other company in the future. If we are unsuccessful in our acquisitions, investments and alliances, we may be unable to continue to grow our business significantly or may record asset impairment charges in the future. These acquisitions, investments and alliances have



      historically been significant sources of growth for us. The success of any acquisition, investment or alliance that we may undertake will depend on a number of factors, including:

      our ability to identify suitable opportunities for acquisition, investment or alliance, if at all;


      our ability to finance any future acquisition, investment or alliance on terms acceptable to us, if at all;


      whether we are able to establish an acquisition, investment or alliance on terms that are satisfactory to us, if at all;


      the strength of the other companies'companies’ underlying technology and ability to execute;


      intellectual property and litigation related to these technologies; and


      our ability to successfully integrate the acquired company or business with our existing business, including the ability to adequately fund acquired in-process research and development projects.

      If we are unsuccessful in our acquisitions, investments and alliances, we may be unable to continue to grow our business significantly or may record asset impairment charges in the future.

      We incurred substantial indebtedness in connection with our acquisition of Guidant and if we are unable to manage our debt levels and maintain our investment-grade credit ratings, it could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
      We had outstanding borrowings of $8.9 billion at December 31, 2006, attributable in large part to our acquisition of Guidant. We will be required to use a significant portion of our operating cash flow to reduce our outstanding debt obligations over the next several years. We are examining all of our operations in order to identify cost improvement measures that will better align operating expenses with expected revenue levels and cash flow, and may decide to sell certain non-strategic assets or implement other strategic initiatives to generate proceeds that would be available for debt repayment. Certain of our debt agreements contain financial covenants that require us to maintain specified financial ratios. If we are unable to maintain these ratios, we may be required to obtain waivers from our lenders and no assurance can be made that our lenders
      30

      would grant such waivers on favorable terms or at all. While our credit ratings are currently investment grade, our Moody’s and S&P ratings outlooks are currently negative. Our inability to maintain our investment grade credit ratings could make it more expensive for us to borrow funds or issue debt securities in the public capital markets on terms reasonably acceptable to us.
      Our future growth is dependent upon the development of new products, which requires significant research and development, clinical trials and regulatory approvals, all of which are very expensive and time-consuming and may not result in a commercially viable product.

      In order to develop new products and improve current product offerings, we focus our research and development programs largely on the development of next-generation and novel technology offerings across multiple programs and divisions, particularly in our drug-eluting stent program.and CRM programs. We expect to launch our TAXUS® Liberté™ coronary stent system in the U.S. during the second half of 2006,, subject to regulatory approval. In addition, we expect to continue to invest in our CRM technologies, including our LATITUDE® Patient Management System and the Frontier CRM technology. If we are unable to develop and launch these and other products as anticipated, our ability to maintain or expand our market position in the drug-eluting stent marketand CRM markets may be adversely impacted.

      Further, we anticipate continuing our increased focus and spending onexpect to invest selectively in areas outside of drug-eluting stent and CRM technologies. We believe our focus will be primarily on technologies in which we have already made significant investments, including neuromodulation, endoscopic systems, carotid stenting and bifurcation stenting, but may also extend into other medical device opportunities. However, given their early stage of development, thereThere can be no assurance that these andor other technologies will achieve technological feasibility, obtain regulatory approval or gain market acceptance. In addition, due to the substantial amount of debt we expect to incur to finance the cash portion of the Guidant acquisition consideration, there can be no assurance that, if the acquisition is consummated, we will choose to continue to invest in these technologies. A delay in the development or approval of these technologies or our decision to reduce funding of these projects may adversely impact the contribution of these technologies to our future growth.

      As a part of the regulatory process of obtaining marketing clearance from the FDA for new products, we conduct and participate in numerous clinical trials with a variety of study designs, patient populations and trial endpoints. Unfavorable or inconsistent clinical data from existing or future clinical trials conducted by us, by our competitors or by third parties, or the market'smarket’s perception of this clinical data, may adversely impact our ability to obtain product approvals from the FDA, our position in, and share of, the markets in which we participate and our business, financial condition, results of operations or future prospects.



      We face intense competition and may not be able to keep pace with the rapid technological changes in the medical devices industry, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      The medical device market is highly competitive. We encounter significant competition across our product lines and in each market in which our products are sold from various medical device companies, some of which may have greater financial and marketing resources than we do. Our primary competitors have historically included: Guidant (including its subsidiary Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.),included Johnson & Johnson (including its subsidiary, Cordis Corporation) and Medtronic, Inc. (including its subsidiary, Medtronic AVE, Inc.). If theThrough our acquisition is consummated,of Guidant, Abbott willhas become a primary competitor of ours in the interventional cardiology market and St. Jude Medical, Inc. willhas become a competitor of ours in the CRM market and in addition to the neuromodulationNeuromodulation market. In addition, we face competition from a wide range of companies that sell a single or a limited number of competitive products or which participate only in a specific market segment, as well as from non-medical device companies, including pharmaceutical companies, which may offer non-surgical alternative therapies for disease states intended to be treated using our products.

      Additionally, the medical device market is characterized by extensive research and development, and rapid technological change. Developments by other companies of new or improved products,
      31

      processes or technologies, in particular in the drug-eluting stent market,and CRM markets, may make our products or proposed products obsolete or less competitive and may negatively impact our revenues. We are required to devote continued efforts and financial resources to develop or acquire scientifically advanced technologies and products, apply our technologies cost-effectively across product lines and markets, attract and retain skilled development personnel, obtain patent and other protection for our technologies and products, obtain required regulatory and reimbursement approvals and successfully manufacture and market our products.products consistent with our quality standards. If we fail to develop new products or enhance existing products, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      Because we derive a significant amount of our revenues from international operations and a significant percentage of our future growth is expected to come from international operations, changes in international economic or regulatory conditions could have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      Sales outside the U.S. accounted for approximately 39%38 percent of our net sales in 2005.2006. Additionally, a significant percentage of our future growth is expected to come from international operations. As a result, our sales growth and profitability from our international operations may be limited by risks and uncertainties related to economic conditions in these regions, foreign currency fluctuations, exchange rate fluctuations, regulatory and reimbursement approvals, competitive offerings, infrastructure development, rights to intellectual property and our ability to implement our overall business strategy. Further, international markets are also being affected by economic pressure to contain reimbursement levels and healthcare costs. The trend in countries around the world, including Japan, toward more stringent regulatory requirements for product clearance, changing reimbursement models and more rigorous inspection and enforcement activities has generally caused or may cause medical device manufacturers to experience more uncertainty, delay, risk and expense. In addition, we are required to renew regulatory approvals and obtain exportation certificates to foreign governments in order to market our products in certain international jurisdictions, which may require additional testing and documentation. These approvals and certificates have been impacted by the FDA warning letters we have received. If sufficient resources are not available to renew these approvals or these approvals are not timely renewed, our ability to market our full line of existing products within these jurisdictions may be limited. Any significant changes in the competitive, political, legal, regulatory, reimbursement or economic environment where we conduct international operations may have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.



      Healthcare cost containment pressures and legislative or administrative reforms resulting in restrictive reimbursement practices of third-party payors or preferences for alternate therapies could decrease the demand for our products, the prices which customers are willing to pay for those products and the number of procedures performed using our devices, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      Our products are purchased principally by hospitals or physicians, which typically bill various third-party payors, including governmental programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid), private insurance plans and managed care plans, for the healthcare services provided to their patients. The ability of customers to obtain appropriate reimbursement for their products and services from private and governmental third-party payors is critical to the success of medical technology companies. The availability of reimbursement affects which products customers purchase and the prices they are willing to pay. Reimbursement varies from country to country and can significantly impact the acceptance of new products and services. After we develop a promising new product, we may find limited demand for the product unless reimbursement approval is obtained from private and governmental third-party payors. Further legislative or administrative
      32

      reforms to the U.S. or international reimbursement systems in a manner that significantly reduces reimbursement for procedures using our medical devices or denies coverage for those procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      Major third-party payors for hospital services in the U.S. and abroad continue to work to contain healthcare costs. The introduction of cost containment incentives, combined with closer scrutiny of healthcare expenditures by both private health insurers and employers, has resulted in increased discounts and contractual adjustments to hospital charges for services performed and has shifted services between inpatient and outpatient settings. Initiatives to limit the increase of healthcare costs, including price regulation, are also underway in several countries in which we do business. Hospitals or physicians may respond to these cost-containment pressures by substituting lower cost products or other therapies for our products. If the Guidant acquisition is consummated, inIn light of the Guidant product recalls, third-party payors may seek claims and further recourse against us for the recalled defibrillator and pacemaker systems for which Guidant had previously received reimbursement.

      Consolidation in the healthcare industry could lead to demands for price concessions or the exclusion of some suppliers from certain of our significant market segments, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

      The cost of healthcare has risen significantly over the past decade and numerous initiatives and reforms initiated by legislators, regulators and third-party payors to curb these costs have resulted in a consolidation trend in the healthcare industry, including hospitals. This in turn has resulted in greater pricing pressures and the exclusion of certain suppliers from important market segments as group purchasing organizations, independent delivery networks and large single accounts continue to consolidate purchasing decisions for some of our hospital customers. We expect that market demand, government regulation, third-party reimbursement policies and societal pressures will continue to change the worldwide healthcare industry, resulting in further business consolidations and alliances among our customers and competitors, which may reduce competition, exert further downward pressure on the prices of our products and may adversely impact our business, financial condition or results of operations.



      Risks RelatedWe rely on external manufacturers to the Proposed Acquisitionsupply us with materials and Guidant

              If the acquisition is consummated, the separationcomponents used in our products and any disruption of Guidant's vascular and endovascular businesses from Guidant's other businesses and thesuch sources of supply could adversely impact our production efforts.

      We vertically integrate operations where integration of Boston Scientific and Guidant following the acquisition may presentprovides significant challenges.

              Because Abbott will be acquiring Guidant's vascular and endovascular businesses prior to the consummationcost, supply or quality benefits. However, we purchase many of the acquisition, these businesses will needmaterials and components used in manufacturing our products, some of which are custom made. Certain supplies are purchased from single-sources due to be separatedquality considerations, costs or constraints resulting from Guidant's other businesses before the closing of the acquisition. In addition, Boston Scientific and Guidant may face significant challenges in combining operations and product lines in a timely and efficient manner and retaining key Guidant personnel. This integration will be complex and time-consuming, and the separation of the Guidant businesses required by the Abbott transaction will add complexity to the transition process and require the receipt or provision of transitional services. The failure to successfully integrate Guidant's business and ours and to manage the challenges presented by the transition process successfully, including the retention of key Guidant personnel, may prevent us from achieving the anticipated potential benefits of the acquisition.

      regulatory requirements. We will incur significant indebtedness in order to finance the acquisition, which will limit our operating flexibility.

              In order to finance the cash portion of the acquisition consideration, we expect to incur incremental borrowings of approximately $8 billion. Our significant indebtedness may:

              In addition, the terms of the financing obligations to be incurred by us in order to finance the cash portion of the acquisition consideration will contain restrictions substantially similar to the restrictions contained in our current financing obligations, including limitations on our ability to, among other things:

              These restrictions will be applicable to Boston Scientific after the acquisition. In addition, to the extent that our credit ratings are below pre-acquisition levels, borrowing costs may increase, and to the extent that our credit ratings are below investment grade, the restrictions in these financing obligations could be more stringent and could include additional covenants, conditions to borrowing, subsidiary guarantees and stock pledges. A failure to comply with these restrictions could result in a default under these financing obligations or could require us to obtain waivers from our lenders for failure to comply



      with these restrictions. The occurrence of a default that remains uncured or the inability to secure a necessary consent or waiver could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

              We expect that, if the acquisition is consummated, our credit ratings will be downgraded from our current credit ratings and it is possible that our credit ratings could fall below investment grade.

              We currently have investment grade credit ratings. During February 2006, our credit rating was downgraded. The rating agencies have indicated that our credit rating will be further downgraded if the acquisition of Guidant is consummated. Although we expect our credit ratings to remain at investment grade following the acquisition of Guidant, it is possible that the credit rating agencies could downgrade our credit ratings to below investment grade. The credit ratings assigned to our indebtedness affect both our ability to obtain new financing and the cost of financing and credit. If our credit ratings were to be further downgraded, our borrowing costs may increase, we may become subject to more stringent covenants and our access to unsecured debt markets could be limited. In addition, we may not be able to refinance our indebtedness on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Further,establish additional or replacement suppliers for certain components or materials in December 2005, we agreed to supplement the terms of our senior notes issued in November 2005 to provide for a potential interest rate adjustment accruing from November 17, 2005 on each series of these senior notes in the event that our credit ratings are downgraded as a result of our closing of the proposed acquisition of Guidant.

              If the acquisition is consummated, our stockholders' ownership percentage of Boston Scientific will be diluted and the acquisition will result in dilution to our earnings per share.

              In connection with the proposed acquisition, we will issue to Guidant shareholders and Abbott shares of our common stock. As a result of the issuance of these shares of our common stock, our stockholders will own a smaller percentage of our company after the acquisition if the acquisition is consummated. The proposed acquisition will also result in significant dilution to our 2006 earnings per share and may result in dilution to our earnings per share in future years.

              Since June of 2005, Guidant has issued a number of product advisories to physicians concerning its defibrillator and pacemaker systems due to reported adverse events and malfunctions that have adversely impacted its sales and market share and, if the acquisition is consummated, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

              Since June of 2005, Guidant has issued a number of product advisories to physicians concerning its defibrillator and pacemaker systems due to reported adverse events and malfunctions. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, Guidant reported that sales during the second half of 2005 decreased 14% compared to the same period in 2004, primarilytimely manner largely due to the impactcomplex nature of various implantable defibrillatorour and pacemaker system field actions that occurred in 2005,many of our suppliers’ manufacturing processes. Production issues, including certain voluntary product recallscapacity constraint; quality issues affecting us or our suppliers; an inability to develop and physician notifications. These product recalls included Guidant's decision announced on June 24, 2005 to temporarily stop selling Guidant's leading defibrillator systems, which were returned to the market beginning on August 2, 2005. The impact of the product recalls resulted in Guidant havingvalidate alternative sources if required; or a lower market share for implantable defibrillator and pacemaker systems for the second half of 2005 compared to the same periodsignificant increase in the prior year. If the acquisition is consummated, there can be no assurance that we will be able to regain that market shareprice of materials or sales, if at all. If we are able to regain Guidant's prior market sharecomponents could adversely affect our operations and sales, there can be no assurance as to when our market share and sales will return to pre-product recall levels, due to, among other things, customer perceptionsfinancial condition.

      33



      operations. There can be no assurance that, if the Guidant acquisition is consummated, we will not have product recalls concerning defibrillator and pacemaker systems (or our own products) in the future or that any product recalls would not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

              The FDA, the Department of Justice, the SEC and various state agencies are conducting, and other governmental entities may commence, investigations of Guidant in connection with Guidant's product recalls which could have an adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of Guidant and Boston Scientific if the Guidant acquisition is consummated.

              The FDA, the Department of Justice, the SEC and various state agencies are conducting, and other governmental entities may commence, investigations of Guidant in connection with Guidant's product recalls. While Guidant is cooperating with officials in connection with these investigations, Guidant cannot predict when these investigations will be resolved, the outcome of these investigations or their impact on Guidant or, if the acquisition is consummated, Boston Scientific. An adverse outcome in any of these investigations could include the commencement of civil and/or criminal proceedings involving substantial fines, penalties and injunctive or administrative remedies, including the exclusion of Guidant and Boston Scientific from government reimbursement programs. Additionally, if these investigations continue over a long period of time, they could divert the attention of management from the day-to- day operations of Guidant's and our business, impose significant administrative burdens on Guidant and us and result in additional compliance or other costs. These potential consequences, as well as any material adverse outcome from any of these investigations, could have an adverse effect on Guidant's and our business, financial condition or results of operations.


      ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

      There are no material unresolved written comments that were received from the SEC staff 180 days or more before the end of our fiscal year relating to our periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


      ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

      Our world headquarters are located in Natick, Massachusetts. We have regional headquarters located in Tokyo, Japan;Japan and Paris, France; and Singapore.France. As of December 31, 2005,2006, our manufacturing, research, distribution and other Key Facilitieskey facilities totaled more than 7.28,242,344 million square feet, of which more than 6.15,838,787 million square feet was owned by us and the balance is leased. As of December 31, 2005,2006, our principal manufacturing and technology centers were located in Massachusetts, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, Florida, California, New York, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Costa Rica and Japan, and our principal distribution centers were located in Massachusetts, The Netherlands and Japan. As of December 31, 2005,2006, we maintained 2637 manufacturing, distribution and technology centers, 1925 in the U.S., fourone in Puerto Rico, five in Ireland, one in Costa Rica, onetwo in The Netherlands and onetwo in Japan. We also share a training facility in Brussels, Belgium with Abbott. Many of these facilities produce and manufacture products for more than one of our divisions and include research facilities.

      (in square feet)

       Total Space
       Owned
       Leased
      Domestic 6,094,000 5,211,000 883,000
      Foreign 1,157,000 964,000 193,000
      Total 7,251,000 6,175,000 1,076,000


             
      (in square feet) Total Space Owned Leased
      Domestic 6,255,900 4,353,965 1,901,935
      Foreign 1,986,444��1,484,822    501,622
      Total 8,242,344 5,838,787 2,403,557
             

      ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      SeeNote J—Commitments and Contingencies to our 20052006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.


      ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

      None.



      PART II

      ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'SREGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

      Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BSX."BSX. Our annual CEO certification for the previous year has been submitted to the NYSE.

      The following table shows the market range for our common stock for each of the last eight quarters based on reported sales prices on the New York Stock Exchange.

       
       High
       Low

      2005      
      First Quarter $35.19 $28.67
      Second Quarter  30.80  27.00
      Third Quarter  28.95  23.05
      Fourth Quarter  27.33  22.95

      2004

       

       

       

       

       

       
      First Quarter $44.12 $35.86
      Second Quarter  45.81  37.32
      Third Quarter  42.70  32.12
      Fourth Quarter  39.46  33.36


      2006
       
      High
       
      Low
       
      First Quarter $26.48 $20.90 
      Second Quarter  23.30  16.65 
      Third Quarter  17.75  14.77 
      Fourth Quarter  17.18  14.65 
      2005
             
      First Quarter $35.19 $28.67 
      Second Quarter  30.80  27.00 
      Third Quarter  28.95  23.05 
      Fourth Quarter  27.33  22.95 
      We have not paid a cash dividend during the past two years. We currently do not intend to pay dividends, and intend to retain all of our earnings to repay indebtedness and invest in the continued growth of our business. We may consider declaring and paying a dividend in the future; however, there can be no assurance that we will do so.

      At February 22, 2006,23, 2007, there were 8,14313,832 record holders of our common stock.

      The closing price of our common stock on February 22, 200623, 2007 was $24.13.

      $17.12.

      There were no shares repurchased under our share repurchase program in the fourth quarter of 2005.2006. There are approximately 37 million shares available for repurchase under our share repurchase program.

      Stock Performance Graph

      The graph below compares the five-year total return to stockholders on our common stock with the return of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index and the Standard & Poor’s Healthcare Equipment Index. The graph assumes $100 was invested in our common stock and in each of the named indices on January 1, 2002, and that all dividends were reinvested.
      34


      ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

      FIVE-YEAR SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
      (in millions, except per share data)
      Year Ended December 31,
       
      2006
       
      2005
       
      2004
       
      2003
       
      2002
       
                  
      Operating Data
                     
      Net sales $7,821 $6,283 $5,624 $3,476 $2,919 
      Gross profit  5,614  4,897  4,332  2,515  2,049 
      Selling, general and administrative expenses  2,675  1,814  1,742  1,171  1,002 
      Research and development expenses  1,008  680  569  452  343 
      Royalty expense  231  227  195  54  36 
      Amortization expense  530  152  112  89  72 
      Litigation-related charges (credits), net     780  75  15  (99)
      Purchased research and development  4,119  276  65  37  85 
      Total operating expenses  8,563  3,929  2,758  1,818  1,439 
      Operating (loss) income  (2,949) 968  1,574  697  610 
      Loss (income) before income taxes  (3,535) 891  1,494  643  549 
      Net (loss) income  (3,577) 628  1,062  472  373 
                       
      Net (loss) income per common share — basic $(2.81)$0.76 $1.27 $0.57 $0.46 
      Net (loss) income per common share — assuming dilution $(2.81)$0.75 $1.24 $0.56 $0.45 
                       
      Weighted average shares outstanding — assuming dilution  1,273.7  837.6  857.7  845.4  830.0 


      As of December 31,
       
      2006
       
      2005
       
      2004
       
      2003
       
      2002
       
                  
      Balance Sheet Data
                     
      Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities $1,668 $848 $1,640 $752 $260 
      Working capital  2,271  1,152  684  487  285 
      Total assets  31,096  8,196  8,170  5,699  4,450 
      Borrowings (long-term and short-term)  8,902  2,020  2,367  1,725  935 
      Stockholders’ equity  15,298  4,282  4,025  2,862  2,467 
      Book value per common share $10.37 $5.22 $4.82 $3.46 $3.00 
      On April 21, 2006, we consummated our acquisition of Guidant.  We consolidated Guidant’s operating results with those of Boston Scientific beginning on the date of acquisition.  See Note D - Business Combinations for further details regarding the transaction.


      Year Ended December 31,

       

      2005


       

      2004


       

      2003


       

      2002


       

      2001


       

       
      Operating Data                
       Net sales $6,283 $5,624 $3,476 $2,919 $2,673 
       Gross profit  4,897  4,332  2,515  2,049  1,754 
       Selling, general and administrative expenses  1,814  1,742  1,171  1,002  926 
       Research and development expenses  680  569  452  343  275 
       Royalty expense  227  195  54  36  35 
       Amortization expense  152  112  89  72  136 
       Litigation-related charges (credits), net  780  75  15  (99)   
       Purchased research and development  276  65  37  85  282 
       Total operating expenses  3,929  2,758  1,818  1,439  1,654 
       Operating income  968  1,574  697  610  100 
       Income before income taxes  891  1,494  643  549  44 
       Net income (loss)  628  1,062  472  373  (54)
       
      Net income (loss) per common share—basic

       

      $

      0.76

       

      $

      1.27

       

      $

      0.57

       

      $

      0.46

       

      $

      (0.07

      )
       Net income (loss) per common share—assuming dilution $0.75 $1.24 $0.56 $0.45 $(0.07)
       
      Weighted average shares outstanding—assuming dilution

       

       

      837.6

       

       

      857.7

       

       

      845.4

       

       

      830.0

       

       

      802.8

       

      As of December 31,

       

      2005


       

      2004


       

      2003


       

      2002


       

      2001


      Balance Sheet Data               
       Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities $848 $1,640 $752 $260 $185
       Working capital  1,152  684  487  285  275
       Total assets  8,196  8,170  5,699  4,450  3,974
       Borrowings (long-term and short-term)  2,020  2,367  1,725  935  1,204
       Stockholders' equity  4,282  4,025  2,862  2,467  2,015
       Book value per common share $5.22 $4.82 $3.46 $3.00 $2.49

              The Company

      We paid a two-for-one stock split that was effected in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend on November 5, 2003. AllWe have restated all historical amounts above have been restated to reflect the stock split.

      See also the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 below.


      35


      ITEM 7.       MANAGEMENT'SMANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      Overview

      Boston Scientific Corporation is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices that are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties including interventional cardiology, peripheral interventions, vascular surgery, electrophysiology, neurovascular intervention, oncology, endoscopy, urology, gynecology and neuromodulation.specialties. Our mission is to improve the quality of patient care and the productivity of healthcare delivery through the development and advocacy of less-invasive medical devices and procedures. This mission is accomplished through the continuing refinement of existing products and procedures and the investigation and development of new technologies that can reduce risk, trauma, cost, procedure time and the need for aftercare. Our approach to innovation combines internally developed products and technologies with those we obtain externally through our strategic acquisitions and alliances.

      Our management'squality policy, applicable to all employees, is “I improve the quality of patient care and all things Boston Scientific.”

      Our management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) begins with an overview of the Guidant acquisition, which represents a transforming event for Boston Scientific. It then provides an executive summary that outlines our financial highlights during 20052006 and focuses on the impact of drug-eluting stents to our operations. In addition, our executive summary will discuss the significance of the proposed Guidant Corporation acquisition to our future growth. Following the executive summary is an examination of the material changes in ouridentifies some key trends that impacted operating results for 2005 as compared to 2004 and our operating results for 2004 as compared to 2003. The operating results are supplemented byduring the year. We supplement this summary with an in-depth look at the major issues we believe are most relevant to our current and future prospects, includingprospects. Next is an examination of the proposed acquisition of Guidant.material changes in our operating results for 2006 as compared to 2005 and our operating results for 2005 as compared to 2004. The discussion then provides an examination of liquidity, focusing primarily on material changes in our operating, investing and financing cash flows, as depicted in our consolidated statements of cash flows, and the trends underlying these changes. In addition, we will highlight the impact of the potential Guidant acquisition on our future liquidity. Finally, the MD&A provides information on our critical accounting policies.

      Guidant Acquisition and Abbott Transaction

      On April 21, 2006, we consummated our acquisition of Guidant Corporation for an aggregate purchase price of $28.4 billion, which represented a combination of cash, common stock and fully vested stock options. The purchase price net of cash acquired was approximately $21.7 billion. In conjunction with the acquisition, we acquired approximately $6.7 billion of cash, including $4.1 billion in connection with Guidant’s prior sale of its vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses to Abbott Laboratories. With this acquisition, we have become a major provider in the more than $9 billion global Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) business, enhancing our overall competitive position and long-term growth potential and further diversifying our product portfolio. The acquisition has established us as one of the world’s largest cardiovascular device companies and a global leader in microelectronic therapeutics.

      Guidant makes a variety of implantable devices that can monitor the heart and deliver electricity to treat cardiac abnormalities, including tachycardia, heart failure and bradycardia. These devices include implantable cardioverter defibrillator systems (ICDs) and pacemaker systems. In addition, Guidant also makes cardiac surgery systems to perform cardiac surgical ablation, endoscopic vessel harvesting and clampless beating-heart bypass surgery.

      Prior to our acquisition of Guidant, Abbott acquired Guidant’s vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses and agreed to share the drug-eluting technology it acquired from Guidant with Boston Scientific. This agreement gives us access to a second drug-eluting stent program, which will complement our existing TAXUS® stent system program. See Note D - Business Combinations to our
      36

      2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details on the transaction.

      We consolidated Guidant’s operating results with those of Boston Scientific beginning on the date of the acquisition, April 21, 2006. Since we have not restated our results retroactively to reflect the historical financial position or results of operations of Guidant, fluctuations in our operating results for 2006 are due primarily to the acquisition of Guidant. However, we have included supplemental pro forma financial information in Note D - Business Combinations to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K to give effect to the acquisition as though it had occurred at the beginning of 2006 and 2005.
      Executive Summary

      Our net sales in 20052006 increased to $6,283 million$7.821 billion from $5,624 million$6.283 billion in 2004, an increase of 12 percent. Excluding the favorable impact of $25 million of foreign currency fluctuations, our net sales increased 11 percent. Our gross profit increased to $4,897 million, or 77.9 percent of net sales, in 2005 from $4,332 million, or 77.0 percent of net sales, in 2004.2005. Our reported net loss for 2006 was $3.577 billion, or $2.81 per diluted share, on approximately 1.274 billion weighted average shares outstanding as compared to net income for 2005 wasof $628 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, as comparedon approximately 838 million weighted average shares outstanding in 2005. Our reported results included net after-tax charges primarily related to $1,062 million,the acquisition of Guidant of $4.537 billion, or $1.24$3.55 per diluted share, in 2004. Our reported results included2006 as compared to net after-tax charges of $894 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, in 2005 as compared to net after-tax charges of $332 million, or $0.39 per diluted share, in 2004.2005.1  In addition, our cash provided by operating activities was $1.845 billion in 2006 as compared to $903 million in 2005, which includes $750 million paid for the Medinol settlement, as compared to $1,804 million in 2004.2005.

      The growth in 2005net sales resulted largely from our acquisition of Guidant, which accounted for sales of $1.503 billion. The geographic mix of Guidant sales included $1.025 billion of U.S. and $478 million of international sales. The business mix of Guidant sales consisted of $1.371 billion of CRM net sales and $132 million of Cardiac Surgery net sales. Our CRM net sales were comprised of $988 million of ICDs and $383 million of pacemaker systems. On a pro forma basis, assuming a full year of results, CRM sales were $2.026 billion in 2006 as compared to $2.28 billion in 2005. The decline, on a pro forma basis, was a result of our TAXUS® Express2™ paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system that we launchedlower average market shares for the Guidant devices in 2006 relative to 2005. We believe the lower market share, as well as reduced market growth rates, was due primarily to previous field actions in the United Statesindustry. However, during the fourth quarter of 2006, we experienced a 10 percent sequential increase in March 2004net sales from our CRM business and a 13 percent increase for U.S. ICD sales, which we believe is a sign that our market share has increased and the CRM market is stabilizing and will return to growth. We remain focused on our share recovery.
      The increase in our sales as a result of the acquisition of Guidant was partially offset by a decrease in TAXUS stent system sales to $2.358 billion in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets.2006 from $2.556 billion in 2005. The geographic mix of TAXUS stent system sales in 2006 included $1.561 billion of U.S. and $797 million of international sales. In 2005, were $2,556we had $1.763 billion of U.S. and $793 million of international sales. The decline in TAXUS sales during 2006 was attributable to a decrease in the U.S. market size due to recent uncertainty regarding the risk of late stent thrombosis following the use of drug-eluting stents and a decline in
      _________________________
      1    The 2006 net after-tax charges consisted of: $4.477 billion in expenses resulting from purchase accounting associated primarily with purchased research and development obtained as compared $2,143part of the Guidant acquisition and the step-up value of acquired Guidant inventory sold; $143 million in 2004, an increaseacquisition-related costs, including the fair value adjustment related to the sharing of 19 percent. We have achievedproceeds feature of the Abbott stock purchase, a CRM technology offering charge and maintained leading drug-eluting stent market positions withinother business integration costs; a $31 million credit resulting primarily from the reversal of accrued contingent payments due to the cancellation of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) program that we obtained as part of the TriVascular, Inc. acquisition; $81 million in write-downs attributable to our U.S., Europe


      1
      investment portfolio; and a $133 million one-time tax benefit for the reversal of tax accruals previously established for offshore unremitted earnings. The 2005 net after-tax charges consisted of a $598 million litigation settlement with Medinol Ltd.; and $267 million in purchased research and development attributable primarily attributable to our recent acquisitions; $24 million2005 acquisitions.
      37

      average market shares in expenses related2006 relative to certain retirement benefits; and a $6 million tax adjustment associated with a technical correction made to2005. Late stent thrombosis is the American Jobs Creation Act. The 2004 net after-tax charges consistedformation of a $75 million provision for legal and regulatory exposures; a $71 million enhancement to our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan; $65 millionclot, or thrombus, within the stented area one year or more after implantation of purchased research and development; a $61 million charge relating to taxes on the approximately $1 billionstent. Exiting 2005, the percentage of cash that we repatriateddrug-eluting stents used in 2005 underU.S. interventional procedures were in the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004; and a $60 million non-cash charge resulting from certain modifications to our stock option plans.

      and Inter-Continental markets. Further, due to increased penetration rates and the successful launch of our next-generation TAXUS® Liberté™ paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets, our international TAXUS stent system sales for 2005 increased by 38high 80 percent range, as compared to 2004. This increase in sales was offset by decreased TAXUSU.S. drug-eluting stent system salesmarket penetration rates in the low 70 percent range exiting 2006. Our U.S. during the second half of 2005, as compared to the same period in the prior year largely due to a reduction indrug-eluting stent market share as well as pricing pressure. Duringdeclined throughout the first three quarters of 2005, but has been stable during 2006 and we experienced sequential declines inhave maintained our market share. In the fourth quarter of 2005, our market share stabilized and was relatively consistent with the prior quarter.leadership position. We expect to launch our TAXUS Express2stent system in the Japan market, which we believe exceeds $500 million, in the second half of 2007 and our TAXUS Liberté stent system in the U.S. in the second half of 2006 and our TAXUS Express2 stent system in Japan in the first half of 2007,, subject to regulatory approvals.

              In addition, during 2005,

      During 2006, our worldwide Endosurgery group sales increased to $1,228 million$1.346 billion from $1,088 million$1.228 billion in 2004,2005, an increase of 1310 percent. Further, our Neuromodulation division, formed following the June 2004 acquisition of Advanced Bionics Corporation, generated $148$234 million in net sales during 20052006 as compared to $46$148 million in 2004, which represents the period following the acquisition.

              During 2005, we invested a portionan increase of our increased58 percent.

      Our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, declined from 77.9 percent in various2005 to 71.8 percent in 2006 largely as a result of certain one-time purchase accounting adjustments associated with the Guidant acquisition. In addition, our gross profit declined by approximately 2.0 percentage points due to period expenses, including costs associated with Project Horizon, a corporate-wide cross-functional initiative to improve and harmonize our overall quality processes and systems. Our gross profit also declined by 0.8 percentage points due to shifts in our product sales mix toward lower margin products, including CRM products and lower sales of TAXUS stents in the U.S.
      Our operating expenses, excluding purchased research and development initiatives, particularlyand litigation-related charges, increased $1.571 billion to $4.444 billion in 2006 from $2.873 billion in 2005. Of this increase, $1.299 billion related to operating expenses associated with the Guidant business. In the second half of 2006, we maintained existing spending levels given our 2004 acquisition of Advanced Bionicsexpectation that the CRM market and the drug-eluting stent market will recover over time and this infrastructure will be necessary to support future growth. In addition, we announced our 2005 acquisition of TriVascular, Inc., as well as on projects within our Endosurgery group,plan to reallocate certain CRM resources, including our Endovations™ Endoscopy Suite. We funded additional headcountthose in the research and programs to strengthen ourdevelopment and sales and marketing organizationfunctions; to increase innovation, productivity and competitiveness; and to enhance our ability to deliver new products to physicians and their patients. This plan resulted in a reduction of our CRM workforce by approximately 500 to 600 employees during the first quarter of 2007. We intend to reinvest the bulk of the savings from the plan back into the CRM business to create a strong, competitive pipeline that will help grow revenue that, combined with expense controls, should lead to increased profitability. The reinvestment will include additional hiring within the research and development function where there were shortages of desired skills.
      We continue to be focused on examining our operations in order to identify cost improvement measures and reallocate resources to support growth initiatives.
      At December 31, 2006, we made enhancementshad total outstanding debt of $8.902 billion, related primarily to our manufacturingthe Guidant acquisition, cash of $1.668 billion and distribution network.

      working capital of $2.271 billion. We continued to generate strong operating cash flow during 2005. In addition, due2006. We expect to favorable market conditions, we raised $750 million from the public markets throughuse a November 2005 debt offering. We used cash generated from operating activities and from the public debt issuance to: repay short-term debt obligations; repurchase sharesportion of our common stock onoperating cash flow to reduce our outstanding debt obligations over the open market; and fund 2005 strategic alliances and acquisitions.

      Recent Developments

              On January 25, 2006, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Guidant Corporationnext several years; our first upcoming debt maturity is in April 2008 for an aggregate purchase price$650 million. 

      38

      FDA Warning Letters

      On January 26, 2006, welegacy Boston Scientific received a corporate warning letter from the FDA, notifying us of serious regulatory problems at three facilities and advising us that our corporate wide corrective action plan relating to three site-specific warning letters issued to us in 2005 was inadequate. As also stated in this FDA warning letter, the FDA willmay not grant our requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve pre-market approval (PMA) applications for our class III devices to which the quality control or current good manufacturing practices deficiencies described in the letter are reasonably related until the deficiencies described in the letter have been corrected. During 2005, in order to strengthen our corporate-wide quality controls, we launched Project Horizon, a corporate-wide cross-functional initiative to improve and harmonize our overall quality processes and systems. As part of Project Horizon, we have made modifications to our process validation and complaint management systems. Project Horizon has resulted in the reallocation of significant internal engineering and management resources to quality initiatives, as well as incremental spending. It also has resulted in adjustments to product launch schedules of certain products and the decision to discontinue certain other product lines over time.
      In 2006, our Board of Directors created a Compliance and Quality Committee to monitor our compliance and quality initiatives. We intendbelieve we have identified solutions to resolve the quality issues



      cited by the FDA, and we continue to make progress in transitioning our organization to implement those solutions. We communicate frequently and meet regularly with the FDA to apprise them of our progress. The FDA has communicated the need for us to complete substantially all remediation efforts before they will reinspect our facilities. We have engaged a third party to audit our enhanced quality systems in order to assess our corporate-wide compliance prior to reinspection by the FDA. We believe we will be ready for the third-party audit in the second quarter of 2007.


      On December 23, 2005, Guidant received an FDA warning letter citing certain deficiencies with respect to its manufacturing quality systems and record-keeping procedures in its CRM facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. This FDA warning letter followed an inspection by the FDA that was completed on September 1, 2005 and cited a number of observations. Guidant received a follow-up letter from the FDA dated January 5, 2006. As stated in this follow-up letter, until we have corrected the identified deficiencies, the FDA may not grant requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve PMA applications for class III devices to which the deficiencies described are reasonably related. The FDA conducted a further inspection of the CRM facility between December 15, 2005 and February 9, 2006 and made one additional inspectional observation. The FDA has concluded its reinspection of our CRM facilities. While we believe this reinspection went well, we may be required to take additional actions in order to comply with any FDA observations that we may receive.

      Outlook

      Guidant Acquisition

      On April 21, 2006, we consummated our acquisition of Guidant. With this acquisition, we have become a major provider in the more than $9 billion global CRM business, enhancing our overall competitive position and long-term growth potential and further diversifying our product portfolio. The acquisition has established us as one of the world’s largest cardiovascular device companies and a global leader in microelectronic therapeutics.

      The integration of Guidant’s operations and product lines with Boston Scientific’s is complex and time-consuming, and the separation of the Guidant businesses required by the Abbott transaction adds complexity to the transition process. We have entered transition services agreements with Abbott, under which Abbott and Boston Scientific provide or make available to each other certain services, rights, properties and assets for a temporary period. Many of these transition services agreements expire during 2007. The failure to integrate Boston Scientific and Guidant successfully and to manage the challenges presented by the transition process effectively, including the retention of key Guidant personnel and the
      39

      timely execution of activities under the transition services agreement, may reduce the anticipated potential benefits of the acquisition.

      During 2007, we will continue to incur integration and restructuring costs as we integrate certain operations of Guidant. In January 2007, we announced our plan to reallocate certain CRM resources, including those in research and development as well as sales and marketing functions, to increase innovation, productivity and competitiveness, and to enhance our ability to deliver new products to physicians and their patients. This plan resulted in a reduction of our CRM workforce by approximately 500 to 600 employees during the first quarter of 2007. There can be no assurances that we will realize efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses sufficient to offset incremental transaction, acquisition-related, integration and restructuring costs over time.

      Net sales from our CRM and Cardiac Surgery businesses were $1.503 billion for 2006, including $1.371 billion of CRM sales and $132 million of Cardiac Surgery sales. On a pro forma basis, assuming a full year of results, CRM sales were $2.026 billion in 2006 as compared to $2.28 billion in 2005. The decline, on a pro forma basis, was a result of lower average market shares for the Guidant devices in 2006 relative to 2005. We believe the lower market share, as well as reduced market growth rates, was due primarily to previous field actions in the industry. These field actions included Guidant’s decision announced on June 24, 2005 to stop selling Guidant’s leading defibrillator systems temporarily, which were returned to the market beginning on August 2, 2005. In addition, on June 26, 2006, we announced that we were retrieving a specific subset of pacemakers, cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers and ICDs due to a supplier’s low-voltage capacitor not performing consistently. We believe that these field actions contributed to our CRM division having a lower market share for ICDs and pacemaker systems for 2006 as compared to 2005.
      The worldwide CRM market growth rates, including the U.S. defibrillator market, declined during the first three quarters of 2006; these growth levels are below those experienced in recent years. The U.S. defibrillator market represents approximately half of the worldwide CRM market. During the fourth quarter of 2006, we experienced a 10 percent sequential increase in net sales from our CRM business and a 13 percent increase for U.S. ICD sales, which we believe is a sign that our market share has increased and the CRM market is stabilizing and will return to growth. We expect that growth rates in the worldwide CRM market, and the U.S. ICD market, will recover over several years. However, there can be no assurance that these markets will return to their historical growth rates or that we will be able to regain CRM market share or increase net sales in a timely manner, if at all. The most significant variables that may impact the size of the CRM market and our position within this market include:
      • our ability to retain our sales force and other key personnel;
      • our ability to reestablish the trust and confidence of the implanting community, the referring community and prospective patients in our technology;
      • delayed or limited regulatory approvals;
      40

      • international economic and regulatory conditions;
      • new competitive launches;
      • unfavorable reimbursement policies;
      • declines in average selling prices;
      • the overall number of procedures performed; and
      • the outcome of legal proceedings related to our CRM business.
      We remain focused on our market share recovery and intend to accelerate recovery by regaining the trust and confidence of the implanting community, the referring community and prospective patients; continuing to improve our quality systems; investing in new technologies and clinical trials; retaining our sales force and other key personnel; continuing research and development productivity; and improving physician and patient communication. However, if these efforts are not successful, and the CRM market does not recover according to our expectations, or we are unable to regain market share and net sales on a timely basis, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

      Coronary Stent Business

      Coronary stent revenue represented approximately 32 percent of our consolidated net sales for 2006, as compared to 43 percent in 2005, primarily as a result of the Guidant acquisition. We estimate that the worldwide coronary stent market approximated $6 billion in 2006, and estimate that drug-eluting stents represented approximately 90 percent of the dollar value of the worldwide coronary stent market in 2006. The U.S. drug-eluting stent market for 2006 approximated $3 billion. Our U.S. TAXUS sales declined to $1.561 billion for 2006 as compared to $1.763 billion for 2005. Recent uncertainty regarding the risk of late stent thrombosis following the use of drug-eluting stents contributed to a decline in the U.S. stent market size. In addition to the decline in U.S. drug-eluting stent market penetration, device utilization per procedure and overall percutaneous coronary intervention volume has decreased likely due to market conservatism. We believe this conservatism is a temporary circumstance that, if alleviated, may lead to an increase in future procedural volume and usage of drug-eluting stents. In the fourth quarter of 2006, the FDA held a special advisory panel meeting to discuss drug-eluting stents. Members of the panel concluded that drug-eluting stents remain safe and effective when used as indicated, and that the benefits outweigh the risks. We believe that percutaneous coronary interventions, device utilization per procedure and drug-eluting stent penetration rates will increase in the future, and result in a market recovery; however, there can be no assurance that this will happen or that the market will recover to previous levels. We expect that our U.S. drug-eluting stent sales in 2007 may be below those experienced in 2006.

      During 2006, our international TAXUS stent system net sales remained consistent with 2005. Drug-eluting stent penetration rates increased during the first half of 2006, and remained relatively flat throughout the second half of 2006 and exiting 2006, the effect of which offset declines in our market share associated with several competitive launches of new drug-eluting stent products in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets. We expect competitive launches in these geographies to continue to put pressure on our market share and average selling prices in 2007. In addition, we expect that drug-eluting stent penetration rates will remain relatively consistent in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets during 2007 due primarily to concerns regarding the risk of late stent thrombosis. Subject to regulatory
      41

      approval, we expect to launch our TAXUS Express 2 stent system in Japan during the second half of 2007, where we estimate a drug-eluting stent market size exceeding $500 million.

      Historically, the worldwide coronary stent market has been dynamic and highly competitive with significant market share volatility. In addition, in the ordinary course of our business, we conduct and participate in numerous clinical trials with a variety of study designs, patient populations and trial end points. Unfavorable or inconsistent clinical data from existing or future clinical trials conducted by us, by our competitors or by third parties, or the market’s perception of this clinical data, may adversely impact our position in and share of the drug-eluting stent market and may contribute to increased volatility in the market.
      However, we believe that we can maintain a leadership position within the drug-eluting stent markets in which we compete for a variety of reasons, including:
      However, a material decline in our drug-eluting stent revenue would have a significant adverse impact on our future operating results. The most significant variables that may impact the size of the drug-eluting coronary stent market and our position within this market include:
      • continued physician and patient confidence in our technology and attitudes toward drug-eluting stents;
      • our ability to resolve the issues identified in the current legacy Boston Scientific corporate warning letter to the satisfaction of the FDA;
      • declines in the average selling prices of drug-eluting stent systems;
      • variations in clinical results or product performance of our and our competitors’ products;
      • delayed or limited regulatory approvals;
      • the overall number of procedures performed;
      • unfavorable reimbursement policies;
      42

      • our ability to maintain and expand indications for use;
      • our ability to launch next-generation products and technology features;
      • the international adoption rate of drug-eluting stent technology;
      • international economic and regulatory conditions; and
      • the level of supply of our drug-eluting stent systems and competitive stent systems.
      The TAXUS drug-eluting stent system is currently one of only two drug-eluting products in the U.S. market. Our share of the drug-eluting stent market, as well as unit prices, may be adversely impacted as additional significant competitors enter the drug-eluting stent market, which could occur as early as the second half of 2007 in the U.S.

      Prior to our acquisition of Guidant, Abbott acquired Guidant’s vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses and agreed to share the drug-eluting technology it acquired from Guidant with Boston Scientific, including the XIENCE™ V everolimus-eluting coronary stent system. In October of 2006, we received CE mark approval to begin marketing the PROMUS™ stent system, which is a private-labeled XIENCE V drug-eluting coronary stent system supplied to us by Abbott. During the fourth quarter of 2006, we initiated a limited launch of the PROMUS stent system in certain European countries. We expect to launch the PROMUS stent system in certain Inter-Continental countries in the second quarter of 2007 and in the U.S. in 2008, subject to regulatory approval. Under the terms of our supply arrangement with Abbott, the profit margin of a PROMUS stent system will be significantly lower than our TAXUS drug-eluting stent. Therefore, the mix of PROMUS stent system revenue relative to our total drug-eluting stent revenue could have a negative impact on our overall profitability as a percentage of revenue. In addition, we will incur incremental costs and expend incremental resources in order to develop and commercialize products utilizing the Guidant drug-eluting stent system technology and to support the launch of our TAXUS Libertéinternally manufactured everolimus-eluting stent system in the United Statesfuture, which we expect will have profit margins more comparable to our TAXUS stent system.

      Regulatory Compliance

      In January 2006, legacy Boston Scientific received a corporate warning letter from the FDA, notifying us of serious regulatory problems at three facilities. During 2005, in order to strengthen our corporate-wide quality controls, we launched Project Horizon, which has resulted in the reallocation of significant internal engineering and therefore do not anticipate delaysmanagement resources to quality initiatives, as well as incremental spending. It also has resulted in adjustments to product launch schedules of this product. However, while we believe we can remediate these issues in an expeditious manner, therecertain products and the decision to discontinue certain other product lines over time. See the FDA Warning Letters section above for further information regarding the FDA warning letters.

      There can be no assurances regarding the length of time or cost it will take us to resolve these issues to the satisfaction of the FDA, and any such resolutionFDA. Our inability to resolve these issues in a timely manner may requirefurther delay product launch schedules, including the dedicationU.S. launch of significant incremental internal and external resources. In addition, ifour TAXUS Liberté stent, which may weaken our competitive position in the markets in which we participate. If our remedial actions are not satisfactory to the FDA, we may have to devote additional financial and human resources to our efforts, and the FDA may take further regulatory actions against us, including, but not limited to, seizing our product inventory,
      43

      obtaining a court injunction against further marketing of our products, issuing a consent decree or assessing civil monetary penalties.


      Intellectual Property Litigation 

      There continues to be significant intellectual property litigation in the coronary stent market. We are currently involved in a number of legal proceedings with our existing competitors, including Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, Inc. There can be no assurance that an adverse outcome in one or more of these proceedings would not impact our ability to meet our objectives in the market. See Note J - Commitments and Contingencies to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a description of these legal proceedings.

      Innovation

      Our approach to innovation combines internally developed products and technologies with those we obtain externally through our strategic acquisitions and alliances. Our research and development program is largely focused on the development of next-generation and novel technology offerings across multiple programs and divisions. As a result of our agreement with Abbott, we now have access to a second drug-eluting stent program, which will complement our existing TAXUSstent system program. We expect to continue to invest in our paclitaxel drug-eluting stent program, along with our internally manufactured everolimus-eluting stent program, to continue to sustain our worldwide drug-eluting stent market leadership position. During 2007, we expect to incur incremental capital expenditures and research and development expenses as a result of our dual drug-eluting stent program. We successfully launched our next-generation drug-eluting stent product, the TAXUS Liberté stent system, during 2005 in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets. We expect to launch our TAXUS Liberté stent system in the U.S., subject to regulatory approval. In addition, we expect to continue to invest in our CRM technologies, including our LATITUDE® Patient Management System, which is technology that enables physicians to monitor device performance remotely while patients remain in their homes, and the Frontier CRM technology, our next-generation pulse generator platform. In October 2006, the FDA approved expansion of our LATITUDE System to be used for remote monitoring in certain existing ICDs and cardiac resynchronization defibrillators. We also expect to invest selectively in areas outside of drug-eluting stent and CRM technologies. There can be no assurance that these technologies will achieve technological feasibility, obtain regulatory approval or gain market acceptance. A delay in the development or approval of these technologies may adversely impact our future growth.

      Our acquisitions and alliances are intended to expand further our ability to offer our customers effective, high-quality medical devices that satisfy their interventional needs. Management believes it has developed a sound plan to integrate acquired businesses. However, our failure to integrate these businesses successfully could impair our ability to realize the strategic and financial objectives of these transactions. Potential future acquisitions, including companies with whom we currently have strategic alliances or options to purchase, or the fulfillment of our contingent consideration obligations may be dilutive to our earnings and may require additional debt or equity financing, depending on their size and nature. Further, in connection with these acquisitions and other strategic alliances, we have acquired numerous in-process research and development projects. As we continue to undertake strategic growth initiatives, it is reasonable to assume that we will acquire additional in-process research and development projects.

      In addition, we have entered a significant number of strategic alliances with privately held and publicly traded companies. Many of these alliances involve equity investments and often give us the option to acquire the other company or assets of the other company in the future. We enter these strategic alliances to broaden our product technology portfolio and to strengthen and expand our reach into existing and new markets. The success of these alliances is an element of our growth strategy and we will continue to seek
      44

      market opportunities and growth through selective strategic alliances and acquisitions. However, the full benefit of these alliances is often dependent on the strength of the other companies’ underlying technology and ability to execute. An inability to achieve regulatory approvals and launch competitive product offerings, or litigation related to these technologies, among other factors, may prevent us from realizing the benefit of these alliances.

      Even though we believe that the drug-eluting stent market and CRM market will recover above existing levels, there can be no assurance to the timing or extent of this recovery. In 2007, we will continue to reprioritize our internal research and development project portfolio and our external investment portfolio primarily based on expectations of future market growth. This reprioritization may result in our decision to sell, discontinue, write-down, or otherwise reduce the funding of certain projects, operations, investments or assets. Any proceeds from sales, or any increases in operating cash flows, resulting from such management actions may be used to reduce debt or may be reinvested in other research and development projects or other operational initiatives. 

      Reimbursement and Funding

      Our products are purchased by hospitals, doctors and other healthcare providers who are reimbursed by third-party payors, such as governmental programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid), private insurance plans and managed-care programs, for the healthcare services provided to their patients. Third-party payors may provide or deny coverage for certain technologies and associated procedures based on assessment criteria as determined by the third-party payor. Reimbursement by third-party payors for these services is based on a wide range of methodologies that may reflect the services’ assessed resource costs, clinical outcomes and economic value. These reimbursement methodologies confer different, and often conflicting, levels of financial risk and incentives to healthcare providers and patients, and these methodologies are subject to frequent refinements. There is no way of predicting the outcome of reimbursement decisions, or their impact on our operating results. Third-party payors are also increasingly adjusting reimbursement rates and challenging the prices charged for medical products and services. There can be no assurance that our products will be automatically covered by third-party payors, that reimbursement will be available or, if available, that the third-party payors’ coverage policies will not adversely affect our ability to sell our products profitably.  

      International Markets

      International markets are also being affected by economic pressure to contain reimbursement levels and healthcare costs. Our sales growth and profitability from our international operations may be limited by risks and uncertainties related to economic conditions in these regions, currency fluctuations, regulatory and reimbursement approvals, competitive offerings, infrastructure development, rights to intellectual property and our ability to implement our overall business strategy. Any significant changes in the competitive, political, regulatory, reimbursement or economic environment where we conduct international operations may have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
      In addition, we are required to receive or renew regulatory approvals and obtain exportation certificates to foreign governments in order to market our products in certain international jurisdictions. These approvals and certificates could be impacted by the FDA warning letters we have received. If these approvals and certificates are not renewed or obtained on a timely basis, our ability to market our full line of existing products within these jurisdictions may be limited, which could have a material adverse impact on our business.
      45

      Results of Operations

      Net Sales

      The following table provides our net sales by region and the relative change on an as reported and constant currency basis:

       
        
        
        
       2005 versus 2004
       2004 versus 2003
      (in millions)
       2005
       2004
       2003
       As
      Reported
      Currency
      Basis

       Constant
      Currency
      Basis

       As
      Reported
      Currency
      Basis

       Constant
      Currency
      Basis


      United States $3,852 $3,502 $1,924 10% 10% 82% 82%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Europe $1,161 $994 $672 17% 17% 48% 35%
      Japan  579  613  541 (6%)(4%)13% 6%
      Inter-Continental  691  515  339 34% 28% 52% 44%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
      International $2,431 $2,122 $1,552 15% 13% 37% 27%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Worldwide $6,283 $5,624 $3,476 12% 11% 62% 57%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       

              
      2006 versus 2005
       
      2005 versus 2004
       
      (in millions)
       
      2006
       
      2005
       
      2004
       
      As Reported
      Currency
      Basis
       
      Constant
      Currency
      Basis
       
      As Reported
      Currency
      Basis
       
      Constant
      Currency
      Basis
       
                      
      United States
       
      $
      4,840
       
      $
      3,852
       
      $
      3,502
        
      26
      %
       
      26
      %
       
      10
      %
       
      10
      %
                             
      Europe  1,574  1,161  994  36% 34% 17% 17%
      Japan  594  579  613  3% 8% (6%) (4%)
      Inter-Continental  813  691  515  18% 16% 34% 28%
      International
        
      2,981
        
      2,431
        
      2,122
        
      23
      %
       
      22
      %
       
      15
      %
       
      13
      %
                             
      Worldwide
       
      $
      7,821
       
      $
      6,283
       
      $
      5,624
        
      24
      %
       
      24
      %
       
      12
      %
       
      11
      %
      The following table provides our worldwide net sales by division and the relative change on an as reported and constant currency basis:

       
        
        
        
       2005 versus 2004
       2004 versus 2003
      (in millions)
       2005
       2004
       2003
       As
      Reported
      Currency
      Basis

       Constant
      Currency
      Basis

       As
      Reported
      Currency
      Basis

       Constant
      Currency
      Basis


      Cardiovascular $4,498 $4,107 $2,168 10% 9% 89% 84%
      Electrophysiology  132  130  113 2% 2% 15% 12%
      Neurovascular  277  253  223 9% 9% 13% 9%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Cardiovascular $4,907 $4,490 $2,504 9% 9% 79% 74%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Oncology $207 $186 $166 11% 11% 12% 8%
      Endoscopy  697  641  580 9% 9% 11% 7%
      Urology/Gynecology  324  261  226 24% 24% 15% 13%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Endosurgery $1,228 $1,088 $972 13% 13% 12% 9%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Neuromodulation $148 $46  N/A 222% 222% N/A N/A
        
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Worldwide $6,283 $5,624 $3,476 12% 11% 62% 57%
        
       
       
       
       
       
       


      (in millions)
       
      2006
       
      2005
       
      2004
       
      2006 versus 2005
       
      2005 versus 2004
       
                  
      Interventional Cardiology $3,612 $3,783 $3,451  (5%) 10%
      Peripheral Interventions/ Vascular Surgery  666  715  656  (7%) 9%
      Electrophysiology  134  132  130  2% 2%
      Neurovascular  326  277  253  18% 9%
      Cardiac Surgery  132  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A 
      Cardiac Rhythm Management  1,371  N/A  N/A  N/A  N/A 
      Cardiovascular
        
      6,241
        
      4,907
        
      4,490
        
      27
      %
       
      9
      %
                       
      Oncology  221  207  186  7% 11%
      Endoscopy  754  697  641  8% 9%
      Urology  371  324  261  15% 24%
      Endosurgery
        
      1,346
        
      1,228
        
      1,088
        
      10
      %
       
      13
      %
                       
      Neuromodulation
        
      234
        
      148
        
      46
        
      58
      %
       
      222
      %
                       
      Worldwide
       
      $
      7,821
       
      $
      6,283
       
      $
      5,624
        
      24
      %
       
      12
      %
      We manage our international operating regions and divisions on a constant currency basis, while market risk from currency exchange rate changes is managed at the corporate level.

      The relative change on a constant currency basis by division approximated the change on an as reported basis. To calculate regional and divisional revenue growth rates that exclude the impact of currency exchange, we convert actual current-period net sales from local currency to U.S. dollars using constant currency exchange rates.

      46

      U.S. Net Sales

      In 2006, our U.S. net sales increased by $988 million, or 26 percent, as compared to 2005. The increase is related primarily to the inclusion of $1.025 billion of U.S. net sales from our new CRM and Cardiac Surgery divisions. In addition, we experienced increases in our U.S. net sales related to sales growth of $83 million from our Endosurgery group and $75 million from our Neuromodulation division. Offsetting this increase were declines in our U.S. net sales of TAXUS coronary stent systems to $1.561 billion for 2006 as compared to $1.763 billion for 2005 and sales decreases of approximately $70 million in 2006 as compared to 2005 due to the expiration during the first quarter of 2006 of our agreement to distribute certain third-party guidewire and sheath products. The decline in TAXUS sales was due principally to a decrease in the U.S. drug-eluting stent market size and a decline in average TAXUS market share in 2006 relative to 2005. The drug-eluting stent market decline was due to recent uncertainty regarding the risk of late stent thrombosis following the use of drug-eluting stents, which resulted in conservative usage by physicians. The overall size of the U.S. drug-eluting stent market is driven primarily by the number of percutaneous coronary interventional procedures performed; the number of devices used per procedure; the drug-eluting stent penetration rate or mix between bare metal and drug-eluting stents across procedures; and average drug-eluting stent selling prices. The primary reason for the decline in the U.S. drug-eluting stent market size was lower penetration rates in 2006 relative to 2005. Exiting 2005, the percentage of drug-eluting stents used in U.S. interventional procedures were in the high 80 percent range, as compared to U.S. drug-eluting stent market penetration rates in the low 70 percent range exiting 2006. The drug-eluting stent market also declined due to decreases in the number of devices used per procedure and slight reductions in average selling prices. Our drug-eluting stent market share declined throughout the first three quarters of 2005, but has been stable during 2006. See the Outlook section for a more detailed discussion of the drug-eluting stent market and our position within that market.
      In 2005, our U.S. net sales increased by $350 million, or 10 percent, as compared to 2004. The increase primarily related to $1,763 million in salesresulted largely from a full year of our TAXUS stent system sales, which we launched in March 2004. U.S. TAXUS stent system sales for 2005 were $1.763 billion as compared to $1,570 million$1.57 billion for 2004. We launched our TAXUS stent system2004, offset by a reduction in the U.S. late in the first quarter of 2004 and estimate that physicians in the U.S. have converted approximately 88 percent of the stents they use in interventional procedures from bare-metal stents to drug-eluting stents as of December 31, 2005, asmarket share compared to 85 percent at December 31, 2004.the prior year. The remainder of the increase in our U.S. net sales related to sales growth of $83 million from our Endosurgery group and $75 million from our Neuromodulation division. This increase in sales was offset by decreased TAXUS stent system sales in the U.S. during the second half of 2005, as compared to the same period in the prior year largely due to a reduction in market share, as well as pricing pressure. During the first three quarters of 2005, we experienced sequential declines in
      International Net Sales
      In 2006, our market share. In the fourth quarter of 2005, our market share stabilized and was relatively consistent with the prior quarter.

              In 2004, our U.S.international net sales increased by $1,578$550 million, or 8223 percent, as compared to 2003.2005. The increase related primarily to $1,570the inclusion of $478 million inof international net sales offrom our TAXUS stent system. Declines in our bare-metal stent revenue by $155 million to $59 million in 2004 partially offset this increase, as physicians continued to convert the stents they use in interventional procedures from bare-metal stents to drug-eluting stents, including our TAXUS stent system. Sales from other products within our Cardiovascular division also increased by $49 million, or five percent, during 2004.new CRM and Cardiac Surgery divisions. The remainder of the increase in our U.S. revenues relatedrevenue in these markets was due to sales growth in each ofvarious product franchises, including $35 million in net sales from our other U.S. divisions, including $37Endosurgery group and $27 million in sales growth from our NeuromodulationNeurovascular division.

      TAXUS stent system sales in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets were $797 million in 2006 as compared to $793 million in 2005. TAXUS stent system sales were favorably impacted by drug-eluting stent penetration rates in these markets. The drug-eluting stent penetration rates increased during the first half of 2006, and remained relatively flat throughout the second half of 2006 and exiting 2006. Market share declines associated with several competitors having launched new drug-eluting stent products in these markets offset the favorable impact of increased penetration rates.

      International Net SalesIn 2006, our legacy Boston Scientific net sales in Japan, excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, were relatively consistent with the prior year. Due to the timing of regulatory approval for our TAXUS stent system and government-mandated pricing reductions for other products, we do not expect significant revenue growth in our legacy Japan business until we launch our TAXUS Express

      2 stent system in Japan,

      47

      which we expect to occur during the second half of 2007. Japan net sales for 2006 included $62 million from CRM and Cardiac Surgery products.
      In 2005, our international net sales increased by $309 million, or 15 percent, as compared to 2004. The increase related primarily to sales growth of our TAXUS stent system by $220 million, or 38 percent, in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets. As of December 31, 2005, we estimate that physiciansThis increase in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets have converted approximately 49 percent of the stents they use in interventional procedures from bare-metal stents to drug-eluting stents, as compared to approximately 40 percent at the end of 2004. Conversion rates have been more gradualTAXUS stent system sales in these markets than inwas primarily the U.S. primarily due toresult of increased market penetration rates, as well as the timingsuccessful launch of local reimbursement and funding levels. In addition, we successfully launched our TAXUS Liberté stent system in certain Inter-Continental markets during the first quarter of 2005 and in Europe during the third quarter of 2005. The remainder of the increase in our revenue in these markets was due to growth in various product franchises, including $57 million in incremental sales from our Endosurgery group and $27 million in sales growth from our Neuromodulation division.

              In 2005, our Japan net sales decreased by $34 million, or six percent, as compared to 2004 primarily due to decreased sales from our Cardiovascular division. We have experienced declining coronary stent sales in Japan since a competitor launched its drug-eluting stent in this market late in the second quarter of 2004. Due to the timing of regulatory approval for our TAXUS stent system and government-mandated pricing reductions for other products, we do not expect revenue growth in our existing Japan business until we receive regulatory approval and launch our drug-eluting stent in Japan, which we expect to occur in the first half of 2007.

              In 2004, our international net sales increased by $570 million, or 37 percent, as compared to 2003. Excluding the favorable impact of $155 million of foreign currency fluctuations, international net sales increased 27 percent. The increase related primarily to sales growth of our TAXUS stent system by $375 million, or 189 percent, in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets. We launched the TAXUS stent system in these markets during the first quarter of 2003. In addition, in 2004 our Japan net sales increased by $72 million, or 13 percent, as compared to 2003 primarily due to sales of our Express2



      stent system, which we launched in Japan during the first quarter of 2004. The remainder of the increase in our revenue in these markets was due to incremental growth in various product franchises, none of which were individually significant.

      Gross Profit

      The following table provides a summary of our gross profit:

       
       2005
       2004
       2003
      (in millions)
       $
       % of Net Sales
       $
       % of Net Sales
       $
       % of Net Sales

      Gross profit 4,897 77.9 4,332 77.0 2,515 72.4

        
      2006
       
      2005
       
      2004
       
      (in millions)
       $ % of Net Sales $ % of Net Sales $ % of Net Sales 
      Gross profit  5,614  71.8  4,897  77.9  4,332  77.0 
      In 2006, our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, decreased by 6.1 percentage points as compared to 2005. Our gross profit for 2006 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 3.8 percentage points as compared to 2005 due to costs associated with Guidant, including $267 million in step-up value of acquired Guidant inventory sold during the period and a $31 million charge associated with making our LATITUDE Patient Management System available to many of our existing CRM patients without additional charge. In connection with the accounting for the Guidant acquisition, we wrote up inventory acquired from manufacturing cost to fair value. As of December 31, 2006, we had no inventory step-up value remaining in inventory. In addition, our gross profit for 2006 decreased as a percentage of net sales by approximately 2.0 percentage points as compared to 2005 due to period expenses, including costs associated with Project Horizon and certain inventory charges. Shifts in our product sales mix toward lower margin products, including CRM products and lower sales of TAXUS stents in the U.S., decreased our gross profit as a percentage of net sales by 0.8 percentage points. These decreases were offset by a 0.8 percentage point increase due to the favorable change in currency exchange rates on our gross profit.
      In 2005, our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, increased by 0.9 percentage points as compared to 2004. Shifts in our product sales mix toward higher margin products, primarily drug-eluting coronary stent systems, increased ourOur 2004 gross profit as a percentage of net salesdecreased by 0.6 percentage points. Our gross profit percentage increased byapproximately 1.0 percentage point relatedpoints due to $57 million in inventory write-downs, in 2004, including a $43 million write-down attributable to our recalls of certain of our coronary stent systems and a $14 million write-down of TAXUS stent inventory due to shelf-life dating. In addition, shifts in our product sales mix toward higher margin products, primarily TAXUS stents, increased our gross profit as a percentage of net sales by 0.6 percentage points. Our gross profit for 2005 was reduced as a percentage of net sales by 0.9 percentage points related to period expenses, including manufacturing start-up costs primarily associated with our TAXUS Liberté stent system and increased investment in quality initiatives. The remaining fluctuation in gross profit as a percentage of net sales primarily related to the favorable impact of changeschange in foreigncurrency exchange rates.

              In 2004, our gross profit, as a percentage of net sales,

      Operating Expenses
      Our operating expenses, excluding purchased research and development and litigation-related charges, increased by 4.6 percentage points as compared$1.571 billion to 2003. Shifts$4.444 billion in our product sales mix toward higher margin products, primarily drug-eluting coronary stent systems2006 from $2.873 billion in the U.S., increased our gross profit as a percentage of net sales by 6.5 percentage points. This improvement in our gross profit as a percentage of net sales was partially reduced by 1.0 percentage point2005. Of this increase, $1.299 billion related to $57 million in inventory write-downs. In addition, otheroperating expenses primarily associated with increased investmentsthe Guidant business. The significant increase in
      48

      each of our manufacturing capabilities reduced gross profit asoperating expense categories is primarily a percentageresult of net sales during 2004 by approximately 1.0 percentage point.

      Operating Expenses

      Guidant operating expenses. The following table provides a summary of certain of our operating expenses:

      expenses, excluding purchased research and development and litigation-related charges:
       
       2005
       2004
       2003
      (in millions)
       $
       % of Net Sales
       $
       % of Net Sales
       $
       % of Net Sales

      Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,814 28.9 1,742 31.0 1,171 33.7
      Research and development expenses 680 10.8 569 10.1 452 13.0
      Royalty expense 227 3.6 195 3.5 54 1.6
      Amortization expense 152 2.4 112 2.0 89 2.6

        
      2006
       
      2005
       
      2004
       
      (in millions)
       $ % of Net Sales $ % of Net Sales $ % of Net Sales 
      Selling, general and administrative expenses  2,675  34.2  1,814  28.9  1,742  31.0 
      Research and development expenses  1,008  12.9  680  10.8  569  10.1 
      Royalty expense  231  3.0  227  3.6  195  3.5 
      Amortization expense  530  6.8  152  2.4  112  2.0 
      Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) Expenses

      In 2006, our SG&A expenses increased by $861 million, or 47 percent, as compared to 2005. As a percentage of our net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 34.2 percent in 2006 from 28.9 percent for the same period in the prior year. The increase in our SG&A expenses related primarily to: $670 million in expenditures associated with Guidant; $65 million of acquisition-related costs associated primarily with certain Guidant integration and retention programs; increases of $63 million due primarily to increased headcount attributable to the expansion of our sales force within our international regions and Neuromodulation division; and $55 million in incremental stock-based compensation expense associated with the adoption of Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. See the Critical Accounting Policies section and Note L - Stock Ownership Plans for a more detailed discussion of Statement No. 123(R). SG&A expenses for 2005 included $21 million in costs related to certain business optimization initiatives and $17 million in costs related to certain retirement benefits.

      In 2005, our SG&A expenses increased by $72 million, or four percent, as compared to 2004. The increase primarily related to: approximately $100 million in increased headcount and higher compensation expense mainly attributable to the expansion of the sales force within our Interventional Cardiology business unit and Endosurgery group and costs related to market development initiatives; $75 million in incremental operating expenses associated with our 2004 and 2005 acquisitions, primarily



      Advanced Bionics; $21 million in employee-related costs primarily attributablerelated to certain business optimization initiatives within our human resources function and international divisions;initiatives; $19 million in stockstock-based compensation expense associated primarily associated with the issuance of deferred stock units in 2005; and $17 million in costs related to certain retirement benefits. Certain charges incurred in 2004 partially offset these increases, including a $110 million enhancement to our 401(k) Plan, and a $90 million non-cash charge resulting from certain modifications to our stock option plans. As a percentage of our net sales, SG&A expenses decreased to 28.9 percent in 2005 from 31.0 percent in 2004 primarily due to the increase in our net sales in 2005.

              In 2004, our SG&A expenses increased by $571 million, or 49 percent, as compared to 2003. The increase primarily related to: approximately $200 million in additional marketing programs, increased headcount and higher sales force commission expenses, mainly attributable to our TAXUS stent program and, to a lesser degree, to support our other product franchises; and approximately $40 million due to the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. In addition, our SG&A expenses in 2004 included charges of $110 million attributable to an enhancement to our 401(k) Plan and $90 million resulting from certain modifications to our stock option plans. Further, our SG&A expenses included $40 million in operating expenses associated with our acquisition of Advanced Bionics. As a percentage of our net sales, SG&A expenses decreased to 31.0 percent in 2004 from 33.7 percent in 2003 primarily due to the significant increase in our net sales in 2004.

      Research and Development (R&D) Expenses

      Our investment in research and developmentR&D reflects spending on regulatory compliance and clinical research as well as new product development programs. In 2006, our R&D expenses increased by $328 million, or 48 percent, as compared to 2005. As a percentage of our net sales, R&D expenses increased to 12.9 percent in 2006 from 10.8 percent in 2005. The increase primarily related to: the inclusion of $270 million in expenditures associated with Guidant; approximately $30 million in costs related to the cancellation of the TriVascular AAA program; $24 million of stock-based compensation expense associated with the adoption of Statement No. 123(R); and $13 million of acquisition-related costs associated with certain Guidant
      49

      integration and retention programs. See the Purchased Research and Development section for further discussion regarding the cancellation of our TriVascular AAA stent-graft program.
      In 2005, our research and developmentR&D expenses increased by $111 million, or 20 percent, as compared to 2004. As a percentage of our net sales, research and developmentR&D expenses increased to 10.8 percent in 2005 from 10.1 percent in 2004. The increase related primarily related to an increased investment of approximately $60 million in incremental research and development expensesR&D expense attributable to our 2004 and 2005 acquisitions, primarily Advanced Bionics and TriVascular. In addition, we increased spending on internal research and developmentR&D projects within our Endosurgery group by $25 million, including increased spending onmillion.
      Royalty Expense
      In 2006, our Endovations Endoscopy Suite.

              In 2004, our research and development expensesroyalty expense increased by $117$4 million, or 262 percent, as compared to 2003.2005. The increase relatedwas due to $25 million of royalty expense associated with the CRM and Cardiac Surgery products that we acquired as part of the Guidant acquisition. This increase was offset by a decrease in royalty expense attributable to sales of our TAXUS stent system by $20 million to $153 million for 2006 as compared to the prior year due primarily to an increased investment of approximately $50 million in our Cardiovascular division, which was mainly associated with our next-generation stent platforms. In addition, our research and development expenses in 2004 included $25 million attributable to our acquisition of Advanced Bionics. The remainder of the growth in our research and development spending reflects investments to enhance our clinical and regulatory infrastructure and provide additional funding for research and development on next-generation and novel technology offerings across multiple programs and divisions.lower sales volume. As a percentage of our net sales, research and development expensesroyalty expense decreased to 10.13.0 percent in 20042006 from 13.03.6 percent in 20032005. This decrease was primarily due toa result of the significant increase in ourinclusion of net sales in 2004.

      Royalty Expense

      from our new CRM and Cardiac Surgery products, which on average have a lower royalty cost relative to legacy Boston Scientific net sales.

      In 2005, our royalty expense increased by $32 million, or 16 percent, as compared to 2004. As a percentage of net sales, royalty expense increased to 3.6 percent in 2005 from 3.5 percent in 2004. The increase in our royalty expense related to sales growth of royalty-bearing products, primarily sales of our TAXUS stent system. Royalty expense attributable to sales of our TAXUS stent system increased by $27 million to $174 million for 2005 as compared to 2004.

      Amortization Expense
      In 2004,2006, our royaltyamortization expense increased by $141$378 million, or 261249 percent, as compared to 2003.2005. As a percentage of our net sales, royaltyamortization expense increased to 3.56.8 percent in 20042006 from 1.62.4 percent in 2003.2005. The increase in our royaltyamortization expense related primarily to: $334 million of amortization of intangible assets obtained as part of the Guidant acquisition; $23 million for the write-off of intangible assets due to sales growththe cancellation of royalty-bearing products, primarily salesthe TriVascular AAA program; $21 million for the write-off of



      our TAXUS stent system. Royalty expense attributable to sales the intangible assets associated with developed technology obtained as part of our TAXUS stent system increased by $137 million to $1472005 acquisition of Rubicon Medical Corporation; and $12 million for 2004the write-off of the intangible assets associated with our Real-time Position Management System (RPM) technology, a discontinued technology platform obtained as comparedpart of our acquisition of Cardiac Pathways Corporation. The write-off of the RPM intangible assets resulted from our decision to 2003. In November 2004, we exercised our right under an existing licensing agreement with Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to obtain an exclusive license for the use of paclitaxel and other agents for certain applicationscease investment in the coronary vascular field.

      technology. The write-off of the Rubicon developed technology resulted from our decision to redesign the first generation of the technology and concentrate resources on the development and commercialization of the next-generation product. We do not expect these program cancellations and related write-offs to impact our future operations or cash flows materially. Amortization Expenseexpense for 2005 included a $10 million write-off of intangible assets related to our

      Enteryx® Liquid Polymer Technology, a discontinued technology platform obtained as a part of our acquisition of Enteric Medical Technologies, Inc.. The write-off resulted from our decision during 2005 to cease selling the Enteryx product.

      In 2005, our amortization expense increased by $40 million, or 36 percent, as compared to 2004. As a percentage of our net sales, amortization expense increased to 2.4 percent in 2005 from 2.0 percent in 2004. The increase in our amortization expense was due primarily due to $25 million in incremental amortization expense from the intangible assets obtained in conjunction with our 2004 and 2005
      50

      acquisitions, primarily Advanced Bionics. In addition, our amortization expense included a $10 million write-off of intangible assets related to our Enteryx® Liquid Polymer Technology (Enteryx), a discontinued technology platform obtained as a part of our acquisition of Enteric Medical Technologies, Inc. The write-off resulted from our decision during the third quarter of 2005 to cease selling the Enteryx product.

              In 2004, our amortizationEnteryx.

      Interest Expense
      Our interest expense increased by $23to $435 million or 26 percent,in 2006 as compared to 2003.$90 million in 2005. The increase in our interest expense related primarily to the amortization of intangible assets from our acquisitions in 2004 of Advanced Bionics and Precision Vascular Systems, Inc. (PVS). Amortization expense for these two acquisitions was $17 million in 2004. As a percentage of our net sales, amortization expense decreased to 2.0 percent in 2004 from 2.6 percent in 2003 primarily due to the significantan increase in our average debt levels used to finance the Guidant acquisition, as well as an increase in our weighted-average borrowing cost. Our average debt levels for 2006 increased to approximately $7.2 billion as compared to approximately $2.4 billion for 2005. Our weighted-average borrowing cost for 2006 increased to 6.1 percent from 3.8 percent for 2005. At December 31, 2006, $5.886 billion, or 81 percent, of our approximately $7.234 billion in outstanding net sales in 2004.

      Interest Expense and Other, Net

      debt is at fixed interest rates.

      Our interest expense increased to $90 million in 2005 from $64 million in 2004 and $46 million in 2003.2004. The increase in 2005 as compared to 2004 related primarily to an increase in average market interest rates on our borrowings. The increase
      Fair Value Adjustment

      During 2006, we recorded net expense of $95 million to reflect the change in 2004 as comparedfair value related to 2003 related primarily the sharing of proceeds feature of the Abbott stock purchase, which is discussed in further detail at Note D- Business Combinations to an increaseour 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. This sharing of proceeds feature is being marked-to-market through earnings based upon changes in our average debt levels and in average market rates on our floating-rate borrowings.

      stock price, among other factors.

      Other, net
      Our other, net reflected expense of $56 million in 2006, income of $13 million in 2005 and expense of $16 million in 2004, and expense of $8 million in 2003.2004. Our other, net included assetinvestment write-downs of $121 million in 2006, $17 million in 2005 and $58 million in 2004, in each case attributable to an other-than-temporary decline in fair value of certain strategic alliances. These write-downs were partially offset by realized gains on investments of $9 million in 2006, $4 million in 2005 and $36 million in 2004. Our write-downs during 2006 included charges of $34 million associated with certain investmentsinvestment write-downs due primarily to the termination of a gene therapy trial being conducted by one of our portfolio companies. In addition, we recorded $27 million of investment write-downs related to one of our vascular sealing portfolio companies due to continued delays in its technology development and loans to privately held and publicly traded companies.the resulting deterioration in its financial condition. The remaining investment write-downs were not individually significant. We do not believe thatexpect these write-downs of assets will have a materialto impact on our future operations. In 2004, our other, net included realized gains of $36 million from sales of investments in privately held and publicly traded companies.operations or cash flows materially. In addition, our other, net included interest income of $67 million in 2006, $36 million in 2005 and $20 million in 2004, and $6 million in 2003.2004. Our interest income increased in 2006 as compared to 2005 due primarily to increases in our cash and cash equivalents balances and increases in average market interest rates. Our interest income in 2005 increased as compared to 2004 due to increases in average market interest rates. Our interest income in 2004 increased as compared to 2003 due primarily to growth in our cash balances.

      51

      Tax Rate

      The following table provides a summary of our reported tax rate:

       
        
        
        
       Percentage Point
      Increase

       
       2005
       2004
       2003
       2005 versus
      2004

       2004 versus
      2003


      Reported tax rate 29.5%28.9%26.6%0.6 2.3
      Impact of certain charges 5.5%4.9%1.6%0.6 3.3

              
      Percentage Point
      Increase (Decrease)
       
        
      2006
       
      2005
       
      2004
       
      2006 versus 2005
       
      2005 versus 2004
       
      Reported tax rate  1.2%  29.5%  28.9%  (28.3)  0.6 
      Impact of certain charges  
      (20.2%)
       5.5%  4.9%  (25.7)  0.6 
      In 2006, the decrease in our reported tax rate as compared to 2005 related primarily to the impact of certain charges during 2006 that are taxed at different rates than our effective tax rate. These charges include: purchased research and development; asset write-downs; reversal of taxes associated with unremitted earnings; and tax gain on the sale of intangible assets.
      As of December 31, 2005, we had recorded a $133 million deferred tax liability for unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that we had anticipated repatriating in the foreseeable future. During 2006, we made a significant acquisition that, when combined with certain changes in business conditions subsequent to the acquisition, resulted in a reevaluation of this liability. We have determined that we will not repatriate these earnings in the foreseeable future and, instead, we will indefinitely reinvest these earnings in foreign operations to repay debt obligations associated with the acquisition. As a result, we reversed the deferred tax liability and reduced income tax expense by $133 million in 2006.
      We currently estimate that our 2007 effective tax rate, excluding certain charges, will be approximately 21 percent due primarily to our intention to reinvest offshore substantially all of our offshore earnings. However, acquisitions or dispositions in 2007 and geographic changes in the manufacture of our products may positively or negatively impact our effective tax rate.
      In 2005, the increase in our reported tax rate as compared to 2004 related primarily to the impact of certain charges during 2005 that are taxed at different rates than our effective tax rate. These



      charges include: certain litigation-related charges; purchased research and development; asset write-downs and employee-related costs that resulted from certain business optimization initiatives; costs related to certain retirement benefits; and a tax adjustment associated with a technical correction made to the American Jobs Creation Act.

              Management currently estimates that our 2006 effective tax rate, excluding certain charges, will be approximately 23 percent primarily due to our intention to reinvest substantially all of our offshore earnings. However, geographic changes in the manufacture of our products may positively or negatively impact our effective tax rate.

              In 2004, the increase in our reported tax rate as compared to 2003 related primarily to the net impact of certain charges during 2004 that were taxed at different rates than our effective tax rate. These charges included: a provision for an extraordinary dividend related to overseas cash balances we repatriated in 2005 pursuant to the American Jobs Creation Act; an accrual for our legal and regulatory exposures; an enhancement to our 401(k) Plan; purchased research and development; and a non-cash charge resulting from certain modifications to our stock option plans. In addition, our effective tax rate was favorably impacted by more revenue being generated from products manufactured in lower tax jurisdictions.

      Litigation-Related Charges and Credits

      In 2005, we recorded a $780 million pre-tax charge associated with the Medinol litigation settlement. On September 21, 2005, we reached a settlement with Medinol resolving certain contract and patent infringement litigation. In conjunction with the settlement agreement, we paid $750 million in cash and cancelled our equity investment in Medinol.

      In 2004, we recorded a $75 million provision for certain legal and regulatory matters, which included thea civil settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, which waswe paid in the second quarter of 2005.

              In 2003, we agreed to settle a number

      See further discussion of our outstanding product liability cases. The costmaterial legal proceedings in Item 3. Legal Proceedings above and Note J — Commitments and Contingencies to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of settlement in excess of our available insurance limits was $8 million. In addition, during 2003, we recorded a $7 million charge related to an adverse judgment in a suit filed by the Federal Trade Commission.

      this Form 10-K.

      Purchased Research and Development

      During 2006, we recorded $4.119 billion of purchased research and development. This amount included a charge of approximately $4.169 billion associated with the purchased research and development obtained
      52

      in conjunction with the Guidant acquisition; a credit of approximately $67 million resulting primarily from the reversal of accrued contingent payments due to the cancellation of the TriVascular AAA program; and an expense of approximately $17 million resulting primarily from the application of equity method accounting for our investment in EndoTex Interventional Systems.

      The $4.169 billion of purchased research and development associated with the Guidant acquisition consists primarily of approximately $3.26 billion for acquired CRM-related products and approximately $540 million for drug-eluting stent technology shared with Abbott. The purchased research and development value associated with the Guidant acquisition also includes approximately $369 million that represents the estimated fair value of the potential milestone payments of up to $500 million that we may receive from Abbott upon receipt of certain regulatory approvals by the vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses it acquired from Guidant. We recorded the amounts as purchased research and development at the acquisition date because the receipt of the payments is dependent on future research and development activity and regulatory approvals, and the asset has no alternative future use as of the acquisition date.

      The most significant purchased research and development projects acquired from Guidant include the Frontier CRM technology and rights to the everolimus-eluting stent technology that we share with Abbott. The Frontier CRM technology represents Guidant’s next-generation pulse generator platform that will incorporate new components and software while leveraging certain existing intellectual property, technology, manufacturing know-how and institutional knowledge of Guidant. We expect to leverage this platform across all CRM product lines to treat electrical dysfunction in the heart. We expect to launch various Frontier-based products commercially in the U.S. over the next 36 months, subject to regulatory approval. As of December 31, 2006, we estimate that the total costs to complete the Frontier CRM technology is between $150 million and $200 million. We expect material cash inflows from Frontier-based products to commence in 2008.

      The $540 million attributable to the everolimus-eluting stent technology represents the estimated fair value of the rights to Guidant’s everolimus-based drug-eluting stent technology we share with Abbott. In December 2006, we launched PROMUS, our first-generation everolimus-based stent, supplied by Abbott, in limited quantities in Europe. We expect to launch a first-generation everolimus-eluting stent, supplied by Abbott, in the U.S. in 2008, subject to regulatory approval. We expect to launch an internally manufactured next-generation everolimus-based stent in Europe in 2010 and in the U.S. in 2011. We expect that material net cash inflows (net of operating costs, including research and development costs to complete) from our internally manufactured everolimus-based drug-eluting stent will commence in 2010 or 2011, following its approval in Europe and in the U.S. As of December 31, 2006, we estimate that the cost to complete the next-generation everolimus-eluting stent technology project is between $200 million and $250 million. The in-process projects acquired in conjunction with the Guidant acquisition are generally progressing in line with our estimates as of the acquisition date.

      In 2005, we recorded $276 million of purchased research and development. Our 2005 purchased research and development consisted of: $130 million relating to our acquisition of TriVascular; $73 million relating to our acquisition of Advanced Stent Technologies, Inc. (AST); $45 million relating to our acquisition of Rubicon Medical Corporation;Rubicon; and $3 million relating to our acquisition of CryoVascular Systems, Inc. In addition, we recorded $25 million of purchased research and development in conjunction with obtaining distribution rights for new brain monitoring technology that Aspect Medical Systems, one of our strategic partners, is currently developing. This technology is designed to aid the diagnosis and treatment of depression, Alzheimer'sAlzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions.


      The most significant 2005 purchased research and development projects included TriVascular's abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)TriVascular’s AAA stent-graft and AST'sAST’s Petal™ bifurcation stent, which collectively represented 73 percent of our 2005
      53

      purchased research and development. TriVascular'sDuring the second quarter of 2006, management cancelled the TriVascular AAA stent-graft design reducesprogram. The program cancellation was due principally to forecasted increases in time and costs to complete the sizedevelopment of the stent-graft by replacing muchand to receive regulatory approval. We do not expect the program cancellation and related write-downs to impact our future operations or cash flows materially. The cancellation of the metal stent assembly with a polymer that is injected into channels within the stent-graft during the procedure. During the fourth quarter of 2005, management decided to re-design certain aspects of the stent graft to enhance patient safety and to improve product performance. The re-design will result in incremental costs and time to complete



      the project relative to those expected at the date of acquisition. We currently expect to launch theTriVascular AAA stent-graftprogram resulted in the U.S. by 2011shutdown of our facility in Santa Rosa, California and to incurthe displacement of approximately $200 million of300 employees. During 2006, we recorded a charge to research and development expenses of approximately $20 million associated primarily with write-downs of fixed assets and a charge to research and development expenses of approximately $10 million associated with severance and related costs overincurred in connection with the next five yearscancellation of the TriVascular AAA program. In addition, we recorded an impairment charge related to complete the project. We continue to assess the pace of developmentremaining TriVascular intangible assets and reversed our opportunities within this market, which may result in a delayaccrual for contingent payments recorded in the timinginitial purchase accounting. The effect of regulatory approval.

              AST'sthe write-off of these assets and liabilities was a $23 million charge to amortization expense and a $67 million credit to purchased research and development during the second quarter of 2006. We completed substantially the shutdown activities during the third quarter of 2006.

      AST’s Petal bifurcation stent is designed to expand into the side vessel whenwhere a single vessel branches into two vessels, permitting blood to flow into both branches of the bifurcation and providing support at the junction. We estimate the remaining cost to complete the Petal bifurcation stent to be between $100 million and $125 million. As of the date we acquired AST, we expectedWe expect material net cash inflows from the Petal bifurcation stent to begin in 2011, which is when we expect the stent to be commercially available on a worldwide basis within six yearsin the U.S. in a drug-eluting configuration.

      The AST Petal bifurcation stent in-process project is generally progressing in line with our estimates as of the acquisition date.

      In 2004, we recorded $65 million of purchased research and development. Our 2004 purchased research and development consisted primarily of $50 million relating to our acquisitionacquisitions of Advanced Bionics and $14 million relating to our acquisition of PVS.Precision Vascular Systems, Inc. The most significant in-process projects acquired in connection with our 2004 acquisitions included Advanced Bionics' bion®Bionics’ bion® microstimulator and drug delivery pump, which collectively represented 77 percent of our 2004 acquired in-process projects'projects’ value. The bion microstimulator is an implantable neurostimulation device designed to treat a variety of neurological conditions, including migraine headaches and urge incontinence. Theconditions. We estimate the remaining cost to complete the bion microstimulator is estimatedfor migraine headaches to be betweenapproximately $35 million and $45 million. We expect thatmaterial net cash inflows from the bion microstimulator will be commercially available within three years.to commence in 2011, following its approval in the U.S., which we expect to occur in 2010. The Advanced Bionics drug delivery pump is an implanted programmable device designed to treat chronic pain. TheWe estimate the remaining cost to complete the drug delivery pump is estimated to be between $30$50 million and $40$60 million. We continue to assess the pace and risk of development and ourof the drug delivery pump, as well as general market opportunities for the drug delivery pump, which may result in a delay in the timing of regulatory approval.

              In 2003,approval or lower potential market value. We currently expect material net cash inflows from the drug delivery pump to commence in 2012, following its approval in the U.S., which we recorded $37 million of purchased researchexpect to occur in 2011 or 2012. The estimated timing and development. Our 2003 purchased research and development consisted of $9 million relating to our acquisition of InFlow Dynamics, Inc. and $28 million relating primarily to certain acquisitions we consummated in prior years. The in-process projects acquired in connection with our acquisition of InFlow were not significant to our consolidated results. The purchased research and development associated with the prior years' acquisitions related primarily to our 2001 acquisition of Embolic Protection, Inc. and resulted from consideration that was contingent at the date of acquisition, but earned during 2003.

              In connection with our 2002 acquisitions, we acquired several in-process projects, including Smart Therapeutics, Inc.'s atherosclerosis stent. The atherosclerosis stent is a self-expanding nitinol stent designed to treat narrowing of the arteries around the brain. During 2005, we completed the atherosclerosis stent in-process project and received Humanitarian Device Exemption approval to begin selling this technology on a limited basis. The total cost for uscosts to complete the project was approximately $10 million.

              In connection with our 2001 acquisitions,bion microstimulator and the drug delivery pump have increased relative to what we acquired several significant in-process projects, including Interventional Technologies, Inc.'s next-generation Cutting Balloon® device. The Cutting Balloon device is a novel balloon angioplasty device with mounted scalpels that relieve stress in the artery, reducing the force necessary to expand the vessel. During 2005, we completed the Cutting Balloon in-process project and received FDA approval for this technology. The total cost for us to complete the project was approximately $7 million.


      Outlook

      Coronary Stents

              Coronary stent revenue represented 43 percent of our consolidated net sales during 2005, and approximated $2,693 million in 2005estimated as compared to $2,351 million in 2004. We estimate that the worldwide coronary stent market will approximate $6 billion in 2006, as compared to $5.9 billion in 2005. Drug-eluting stents are estimated to represent approximately 87 percent of the dollar value of the worldwide coronary stent market in 2005 and 90 percent in 2006. As of the fourth quarter of 2005,acquisition date; however, we believe that the U.S. stent market has been substantially penetrated and estimate that physicians in the U.S. have converted approximately 88 percent of the stents they use in interventional procedures from bare-metal stents to drug-eluting stents. We have experienced declines in our U.S. drug-eluting stent revenues in the second half of 2005 as compared to the same period in the prior year largely as a result of a reduction in market share, as well as pricing pressure. During the first three quarters of 2005, we experienced sequential declines in our market share. In the fourth quarter of 2005, our market share stabilized and was relatively consistent with the prior quarter. We expect to launch our TAXUS Liberté stent system in the U.S. during the second half of 2006, subject to regulatory approval.

              As of the fourth quarter of 2005, we estimate that physicians in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets have converted approximately 49 percent of the stents they use in interventional procedures from bare-metal stents to drug-eluting stents, as compared to approximately 40 percent at the end of 2004. We expect that conversion rates will continue to increase in our Europe and Inter-Continental markets. We successfully launched our TAXUS Liberté stent system in certain Inter-Continental markets during the first quarter of 2005 and in Europe during the third quarter of 2005. We believe our TAXUS Liberté stent system represents a driver of future revenue in these markets. Further, we expect to launch our TAXUS Express2 stent system in Japan during the first half of 2007, subject to regulatory approval, where we estimate the size of the market in 2007 to approximate $700 million.

              Historically, the worldwide coronary stent market has been dynamic and highly competitive with significant market share volatility. In addition, in the ordinary course of our business, we conduct and participate in numerous clinical trials with a variety of study designs, patient populations and trial endpoints. Unfavorable or inconsistent clinical data from existing or future clinical trials conducted by us, by our competitors or by third parties, or the market's perception of this clinical data, may adversely impact our position in and share of the drug-eluting stent market and may contribute to increased volatility in the market.

              We believe that we can maintain a leadership position within the drug-eluting stent markets in which we compete for a variety of reasons, including:

        the positive and consistent results of our TAXUS clinical trials;

        the performance benefits of our current technology;

        the strength of our pipeline of drug-eluting stent products and the planned launch sequence of these products;

        our overall market leadership in interventional medicine and our sizeable interventional cardiology sales force; and

        our significant investments in our sales, clinical, marketing and manufacturing capabilities.

              A material decline in our drug-eluting stent revenue would have a significant adverse impact on our future operating results. The most significant variables that may impact the size of the drug-eluting coronary stent market and our position within this market include:

        entry of additional competitors in international markets and the U.S.;

          declines in the average selling prices of drug-eluting stent systems;

          variations in clinical results or product performance of our and our competitions' products;

          new competitive product launches;

          delayed or limited regulatory approvals and reimbursement policies;

          litigation related to intellectual property;

          continued physician confidence in our technology;

          the average number of stents used per procedure;

          expansion of indications for use;

          a reduction in the overall number of procedures performed;

          the international adoption rate of drug-eluting stent technology; and

          the level of supply of our drug-eluting stent system and competitive stent systems.

                Our drug-eluting stent system is currently one of only two drug-eluting products in the U.S. market. Our share of the drug-eluting stent market, as well as unit prices, are expected to continue to be adversely impacted as additional significant competitors enter the drug-eluting stent market, which began during the third quarter of 2005 internationally and is expected to occur during the second half of 2007 in the U.S.

                The manufacture of our TAXUS stent system involves the integration of multiple technologies, critical components, raw materials and complex processes. Significant favorable or unfavorable changes in forecasted demand as well as disruptions associated with our TAXUS stent manufacturing process may impact our inventory levels. Variability in expected demand or the timing of the launch of next-generation products may result in excess or expired inventory positions and future inventory charges.

        Regulatory Compliance

                The trend in countries around the world, including the U.S. and Japan, toward more stringent regulatory requirements for product clearance, changing reimbursement models and more rigorous inspection and enforcement activities has generally caused or may cause medical device manufacturers like us to experience more uncertainty, delay, risk and expense. On January 26, 2006, we received a corporate warning letter from the FDA notifying us of serious regulatory problems at three facilities and advising us that our corporate wide corrective action plan relating to three warning letters issued to us in 2005 was inadequate. As also stated in this FDA warning letter, the FDA will not grant our requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve pre-market approval applications for our class III devices to which the quality control or current good manufacturing practices deficiencies described in the letter are reasonably related until the deficiencies described in the letter have been corrected. We intend to resolve the quality issues cited by the FDA prior to the anticipated launch of our TAXUS Liberté stent system in the United States and therefore do not anticipate delays of this product. However, while we believe we can remediate these issues in an expeditious manner, there can be no assurances regarding the length of time itincreases will take to resolve these issues to the satisfaction of the FDA, and any such resolution will likely require the dedication of significant incremental internal and external resources. In addition, if our remedial actions are not satisfactory to the FDA, the FDA may take further regulatory actions against us, including but not limited to seizing our product inventory, obtaining a court injunction against further marketing of our products or assessing civil monetary penalties.

        Intellectual Property Litigation

                There continues to be significant intellectual property litigation in the coronary stent market and medical device industry. We are currently involved in a number of legal proceedings with our competitors, including Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, Inc. There can be no assurance that an adverse outcome in one or more of these proceedings would not impact our ability to meet our



        objectives in the market. SeeItem 3. Legal Proceedings andNote J—Commitments and Contingencies to our 2005 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a description of these legal proceedings.

        Innovation

                Our approach to innovation combines internally developed products and technologies with those we obtain externally through our strategic acquisitions and alliances. Our research and development program is largely focused on the development of next-generation and novel technology offerings across multiple programs and divisions. We expect to continue to invest aggressively in our drug-eluting stent program to achieve sustained worldwide market leadership positions. We successfully launched our TAXUS Liberté stent system in certain Inter-Continental markets during the first quarter of 2005 and in Europe during the third quarter of 2005. We expect to launch our TAXUS Liberté stent system in the U.S. during the second half of 2006, subject to regulatory approval. Further, we anticipate continuing our increased focus and spending on areas outside of drug-eluting stent technology. We believe our focus will be primarily on technologies in which we have already made significant investments, including neuromodulation, endoscopic systems, carotid stenting, and bifurcation stenting, but may also extend into other medical device opportunities. However, given their early stage of development, there can be no assurance that these technologies will achieve technological feasibility, obtain regulatory approval or gain market acceptance. A delay in the development or approval of these technologies or our decision to reduce funding of these projects may adversely impact the contribution of these technologies to our future growth.

                Our acquisitions and alliances are intended to expand further our ability to offer our customers effective, quality medical devices that satisfy their interventional needs. Management believes it has developed a sound plan to integrate acquired businesses. However, our failure to integrate these businesses successfully could impair our ability to realize the strategic and financial objectives of these transactions. Potential future acquisitions, including companies with whom we currently have strategic alliances or options to purchase, may be dilutive to our earnings and may require additional financing, depending on their size and nature. Further, in connection with these acquisitions and other strategic alliances, we have acquired numerous in-process research and development projects. As we continue to undertake strategic initiatives, it is reasonable to assume that we will acquire additional in-process research and development projects.

                In addition, we have entered a significant number of strategic alliances with privately held and publicly traded companies. Many of these alliances involve equity investments and often give us the option to acquire the other company or assets of the other company in the future. We enter these strategic alliances to broaden our product technology portfolio and to strengthen and expand our reach into existing and new markets. The success of these alliances is an important element of our growth strategy and we will continue to seek market opportunities and growth through investments in selective strategic alliances and acquisitions. However, the full benefit of these alliances is often dependent on the strength of the other companies' underlying technology and ability to execute. An inability to achieve regulatory approvals and launch competitive product offerings, or litigation related to these technologies, among other factors, may prevent us from realizing the benefit of these alliances.

                Our agreement to distribute certain guidewire and sheath products will expire during the first quarter of 2006. Management has identified some replacements for these products. The sales level associated with the replacement products is expected to be less than that of our previously distributed products.

        International Markets

                International markets are also being affected by economic pressure to contain reimbursement levels and healthcare costs. Our profitability from our international operations may be limited by risks and uncertainties related to economic conditions in these regions, foreign currency fluctuations,



        regulatory and reimbursement approvals, competitive offerings, infrastructure development, rights to intellectual property and our ability to implement our overall business strategy. Any significant changes in the competitive, political, regulatory, reimbursement or economic environment where we conduct international operations may have a material impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

                In addition, we are required to renew regulatory approvals in certain international jurisdictions, which may require additional testing and documentation. If sufficient resources are not available to renew these approvals or these approvals are not timely renewed, our ability to market our full line of existing products within these jurisdictions may be limited.

        Guidant Acquisition

                On January 25, 2006, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Guidant Corporation for an aggregate purchase price of $27 billion (net of proceeds from option exercises), which represents a combination of cash and stock worth $80 per share of Guidant common stock. We expect that this acquisition will enable us to become a major provider in the high-growth cardiac rhythm management business, significantly diversifying our revenue stream across multiple business segments and enhancing our overall competitive position. In addition, in conjunction with the acquisition of Guidant, Abbott Laboratories has agreed to acquire Guidant's vascular intervention and endovascular businesses and has agreed to share the drug-eluting stent technology it acquires from Guidant with us. This will enable us to access a second drug-eluting stent program that will complement our existing TAXUS coronary stent program. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearances under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and the European Union merger control regulation, as well as approval of Boston Scientific and Guidant shareholders. Subject to these conditions, we currently expect the acquisition to occur during the week of April 3, 2006.

                In connection with the acquisition, Boston Scientific will issue to Guidant shareholders and Abbott shares of Boston Scientific common stock. As a result of the issuance of these shares, current Boston Scientific stockholders will own a smaller percentage of Boston Scientific after the acquisition. We expect our weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution, to increase from approximately 840 million for 2005 to approximately 1.4 billion following the acquisition. The acquisition will also result in significant dilution to our 2006 earnings per share.

                The integration of Guidant's operations and product lines with Boston Scientific will be complex and time-consuming, and the separation of the Guidant businesses required by the Abbott transaction will add complexity to the transition process. The failure to integrate Boston Scientific and Guidant successfully and to manage the challenges presented by the transition process successfully, including the retention of key Guidant personnel, may result in the combined company and its stockholders not achieving the anticipated potential benefits of the acquisition.

                In addition, the combined company will incur integration and restructuring costs following the completion of the acquisition as Boston Scientific integrates certain operations of Guidant. Although Boston Scientific and Guidant expect that the realization of efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses may offset incremental transaction, merger-related and restructuring costs over time, no assurances can be made that this net benefit will be achieved in the near term, or at all.

                Completion of the acquisition is conditioned upon the receipt of certain governmental authorizations, consents, orders and approvals, including the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period, and any extension of the waiting period, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, and approval under the European Union merger control regulation. These consents, orders and approvals may impose conditions on, or require divestitures relating to, the divisions, operations or assets of Boston Scientific or Guidant, in addition to the purchase by Abbott of Guidant's vascular and endovascular businesses, and could require modification to the terms of the Abbott transaction agreement in a manner adverse to Boston Scientific or the combined company. These conditions or divestitures may jeopardize or delay completion of the Abbott

        financial condition.


        transaction or the acquisition or may reduce the anticipated benefits of the Abbott transaction or the acquisition. Further, no assurance can be given that the required consents and approvals will be obtained or that the required conditions to closing will be satisfied, and, if all required consents and approvals are obtained and the conditions are satisfied, no assurance can be given as to the terms, conditions and timing of the approvals or that they will satisfy the terms of the merger agreement. Additionally, completion of the acquisition is conditioned on the absence of certain restraining orders or injunctions by judgment, court order or law that would restrain or prohibit consummation of the acquisition. Boston Scientific and Guidant have received recent claims related to the acquisition from plaintiffs seeking an injunction to prohibit consummation of the acquisition and other relief, including monetary damages.

        Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The following table providestables provide a summary of key performance indicators that we use to assess our liquidity and operating performance:

        (in millions)
         2005
         2004
         2003

        Cash and cash equivalents $689 $1,296 $671
        Short-term marketable securities  159  344  81
        Cash provided by operating activities  903  1,804  787
        Cash used for investing activities  551  1,622  871
        Cash (used for) provided by financing activities  (954) 439  487
        EBITDA*  1,259  1,813  879
        54

        *
        The following represents a reconciliation between EBITDA and net income:
        (in millions)
         
        2006
         
        2005
         
        2004
         
        Cash and cash equivalents $1,668 $689 $1,296 
        Short-term marketable securities     159  344 
        Cash provided by operating activities  1,845  903  1,804 
        Cash used for investing activities  9,312  551  1,622 
        Cash provided by (used for) financing activities  8,439  (954) 439 
        EBITDA2
          (2,273) 1,278  1,904 

        (in millions)
         2005
         2004
         2003
         

         
        Net income $628 $1,062 $472 
        Income taxes  263  432  171 
        Interest expense  90  64  46 
        Interest income  (36) (20) (6)
        Depreciation and amortization  314  275  196 
          
         
         
         
        EBITDA $1,259 $1,813 $879 
          
         
         
         

        (in millions)
         
        2006
         
        2005
          
        Short-term debt $7 $156  
        Long-term debt  8,895  1,864  
        Gross debt
          
        8,902
          
        2,020
          
        Less: cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities  1,668  848  
        Net debt
         
        $
        7,234
         
        $
        1,172
          
        Management uses EBITDA to assess operating performance and believes that it may assist users of our financial statements in analyzing the underlying trends in our business over time. Users of our financial statements should consider this non-GAAP financial information in addition to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our EBITDA included pre-tax charges of $1,112 million$4.715 billion in 2006, $1.112 billion in 2005 and $340 million in 2004 and $52 million in 2003.22004; see the


        2Executive Summary
        The 2005 pre-tax charges consisted section for a description of a litigation settlement with Medinol; purchased research and development; costs that resulted from certain business optimization initiatives; and expenses related to certain retirement benefits. The 2004 pre-tax charges consisted of a provision for certain legal and regulatory matters, which included a civil settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice, an enhancement to our 401(k) Plan, purchased research and development and a non-cash charge resulting from certain modifications to our stock option plans. The 2003 pre-tax charges consisted of purchased research and development and charges related to litigation and product liability settlements.
        these charges.

        Operating Activities

        Cash generated by our operating activities continues to providebe a major source of funds for servicing our outstanding debt obligations and investing in our growth. The decreaseincrease in cash generated by our operating activities in 20052006 as compared to 20042005 is attributable primarily attributable to the decrease in EBITDA and by changes in our operating assets and liabilities. The decrease in EBITDA insignificant one-time payments made during 2005, as compared to 2004 reflects our third quarter 2005 settlement with Medinol, which was partially offset by increased sales of our TAXUS stent system during 2005. We invested a portion of the cash from sales of our TAXUS stent system in our sales, clinical and manufacturing capabilities, and in research and development projects.

                Significant cash flow effects from our operating assets and liabilities in 2005 included decreases in cash flowconsisting of: $162 million attributable to accounts payable and accrued expenses; $77 million attributable to inventories; $59 million attributable to prepaid expenses and other assets; and $45 million attributable to taxes payable and other liabilities. The decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses in 2005 as compared to 2004 related to ouran approximate $75 million provision for certain legal and regulatory matters, which included a civil settlement withpayment made to the Department of Justice, and ourJustice; a one-time $110 million 401(k) contribution, which were bothcontribution; a cash settlement with Medinol of $750 million; and tax payments, including those associated with the American Jobs Creation Act. Cash paid during Junefor income taxes and interest was $423 million in 2006 and $437 million in 2005. The increase in inventories in 2005 as comparedWe expect to 2004 related primarily to the accumulation of inventory to fulfill worldwide demand for our TAXUS stent system and our Neuromodulation products. The increase in prepaid expenses and other assets in 2005 as compared to 2004 was attributable to the establishment of a tax-related receivable. The decrease in taxes payable and other liabilities in 2005 as compared to 2004 primarily related to $350make approximately $400 million in tax payments made during 2005 including thosethe first quarter of 2007 associated with cash repatriated under the American Jobs Creation Act and to the expected tax benefit associatedprimarily with the settlement agreement with Medinol. gain on the sale of Guidant’s vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses to Abbott.

        _____________________________
        2The decrease in taxes payable in 2005 as compared to 2004 was partially offset by the increase in taxes payable associated with our 2005 earnings.

        following represents a reconciliation between EBITDA and net (loss) income:

        (in millions)
         
        2006
         
        2005
         
        2004
         
        EBITDA $(2,273)$1,278 $1,904 
        Interest income  67  36  20 
        Interest expense  (435) (90) (64)
        Income taxes  (42) (263) (432)
        Stock-based compensation expense  (113) (19) (91)
        Depreciation and amortization  (781) (314) (275)
        Net (loss) income $(3,577)$628 $1,062 
        55

        Investing Activities

        We made capital expenditures of $341 million in 2005 as2006 and 2005. Capital expenditures in 2006 included $107 million associated with our CRM and Cardiac Surgery divisions. Legacy Boston Scientific capital expenditures declined in 2006 compared to $274 million2005 due to significant capital expenditures incurred in 2004. The increase primarily related to capital spendingthe prior year to enhance our manufacturing and distribution capabilities. We expect to incur capital expenditures of approximately $400$450 million during 2006 (excluding Guidant),2007, which includes additionala full year of capital expenditures for our CRM and Cardiac Surgery divisions; and capital expenditures to allow further upgrade our quality systems, to enhance our manufacturing capabilities in order to support a second drug-eluting stent platform, to facilitate the integration of Guidant and to support continuous growth in our Endosurgery group andbusiness units, including our Neuromodulation division, and certain business optimization initiatives in our human resources function, primarily outsourcing costs.

        division.

        Our investing activities during 2005 also2006 included: $178$15.4 billion of cash payments for our acquisition of Guidant, including approximately $100 million associated with the buyout of options of certain former Guidant vascular intervention and endovascular solutions employees in connection with the sale of these businesses to Abbott, and approximately $800 million of direct acquisition costs; $6.7 billion of cash acquired from Guidant, including proceeds of $4.1 billion from Guidant’s sale of its vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses to Abbott; $397 million in contingent payments associated primarily with Advanced Bionics, CryoVascular and Smart Therapeutics, Inc.; and $65 million of net payments primarily attributable to our acquisitions of Rubicon, TriVascular and CryoVascular; $33 million of acquisition earn-out payments primarily associated with prior acquisitions; and $208 million of payments related to ourfor strategic alliances with both privately held and publicly traded companies.

        entities.


        In January 2007, we acquired EndoTex, a developer of stents used in the treatment of stenotic lesions in the carotid arteries. In conjunction with the acquisition of EndoTex, we paid approximately $100 million, which included approximately five million shares of our common stock valued at approximately $90 million and cash of $10 million, in addition to our previous investments and notes issued of approximately $40 million, plus future consideration that is contingent upon EndoTex achieving certain performance-related milestones. We do not expect significant purchased research and development charges associated with this acquisition because EndoTex obtained FDA approval of its carotid stent system prior to acquisition.
        Financing Activities

        Our cash flows from financing activities reflect proceeds from long-term publicissuances and repayments of debt, issuances; repayment of short-term borrowings; payments for share repurchases;repurchases and proceeds from option exercisesstock issuances related to our equity incentive programs.



                The following table provides a summary at December 31 of our net debt:

        (in millions)
         2005
         2004

        Short-term debt $156 $1,228
        Long-term debt  1,864  1,139
          
         
        Gross debt $2,020 $2,367
        Less: cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities  848  1,640
          
         
        Net debt $1,172 $727
          
         

        We had outstanding borrowings of $2,020 million$8.902 billion at December 31, 2006 at a weighted average interest rate of 6.03 percent as compared to outstanding borrowings of $2.02 billion at December 31, 2005 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.80 percent as compared to outstanding4.8 percent. During 2006, we received net proceeds from borrowings of $2,367 million$6.888 billion, which we used primarily to finance the cash portion of the Guidant acquisition. There were no amounts outstanding against our available credit lines of $2.35 billion at December 31, 2004 at2006.  See Note F - Borrowings and Credit Arrangements to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for specific details regarding our 2006 and 2005 debt transactions.

        The debt maturity schedule for the significant components of our long-term debt as of December 31, 2006, is as follows:
          
        Payments Due by Period
           
        (in millions)
         
        2008
         
        2009
         
        2010
         
        2011
         
        Thereafter
         
        Total
         
        Term loan $650 $650 $1,700 $2,000    $5,000 
        Abbott loan           900     900 
        Senior notes           850 $2,200  3,050 
          $650 $650 $1,700 $3,750 $2,200 $8,950 
        We expect to use a weighted average interest rateportion of 3.38 percent. During 2005,our operating cash flow to reduce our outstanding debt obligations over the next several years. We will continue to examine all of our operations in order to identify cost improvement measures that will better align operating expenses with expected revenue levels and reallocate resources to better support growth initiatives. In addition, we made net payments on borrowings of $313 million.

                Our cashhave the flexibility to sell certain non-strategic assets and cash equivalents are primarily held by our non-U.S. operations. In 2005, we repatriated approximately $1,046 million in extraordinary dividends as defined in the American Jobs Creation Act from our non-U.S. operations. The American Jobs Creation Act created a temporary incentiveimplement other strategic initiatives, which may generate proceeds that would be available for U.S. corporations to repatriate accumulated income earned abroad by providing an 85 percent dividends received deduction for certain dividends from controlled foreign corporations. debt repayment.


        As of December 31, 2004, we had recorded a tax liability of $61 million for the amounts we intended to repatriate in 2005 under the American Jobs Creation Act.

                In 2005, we repatriated earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries that did not qualify under the American Jobs Creation Act.2006, our credit ratings were BBB from Fitch Ratings; Baa3 from Moody’s Investor Service; and BBB from Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (S&P). These credit ratings are investment grade. The resulting tax liabilities associated with this repatriation were $127 million. In addition, during 2005, we made a decision to repatriate additional amounts from certain of our non-U.S. operations. In connection with this decision, we established a deferred tax liability of $27 million that we believeMoody’s and S&P ratings outlook is adequate to cover the taxes related to this repatriation.

        Borrowings and Credit Arrangements

        Revolving Credit Facilities

                During 2005, we refinanced ourcurrently negative.

        Our revolving credit facilities to extend the maturity of one credit facility and term loan agreement requires that we maintain a ratio of debt to reduce borrowing capacitypro forma EBITDA, as defined by $165 million. Atthe agreement, of less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.0 through December 31, 2005, our revolving credit facilities totaled approximately $2,020 million,2007 and 3.5 to 1.0 thereafter. The agreement also requires that we maintain a ratio of pro forma EBITDA, as compareddefined by the agreement, to $2,185 million atinterest expense of greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2004. Our revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2005 consisted2006, we were in compliance with both of a $1,500 million credit facility that terminates in May 2009; a $500 million credit facility that terminates in May 2010 and contains an optionthese debt covenants. Exiting 2006, our ratio of debt to increase the facility size by an additional $500 million in the future; and a $20 million uncommitted credit facility that terminates in May 2006. Our use of the borrowings is unrestrictedpro forma EBITDA was 3.6 to 1.0 and the borrowings are unsecured.

        ratio of pro forma EBITDA to interest expense was 5.6 to 1.0. Any breach of these covenants would require that we obtain waivers from our lenders and there can be no assurance that our lenders would grant such waivers. Our credit facilities provide usinability to obtain any necessary waivers, or to obtain them on reasonable terms, could have a material adverse impact on our operations.

        Equity
        In March 2006, we filed a new public registration statement with borrowing capacity and support our commercial paper program. We had $149 million of commercial paper outstanding at December 31, 2005 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.11 percent and $280 million outstanding at December 31, 2004 at a weighted average interest rate of 2.44 percent. In September 2005, we repaid 45 billion Japanese yen (approximately $400 million) in credit facility borrowings outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 0.37 percent.

                During 2005, we decreased our credit and security facility that is secured by our U.S. trade receivables from $400 million to $100 million, effective April 30, 2005.the SEC. During the first quarter of 2006, we expectincreased our authorized common stock from 1.2 billion shares to increase this facility from $1002.0 billion shares in anticipation of our acquisition of Guidant, and issued approximately 577 million shares to $350 million. The credit and security facility terminatesformer Guidant shareholders in August 2006. Borrowing availabilityconjunction with the acquisition. In April 2006, we issued approximately 65 million shares of our common stock under this facility changesregistration statement to Abbott for $1.4 billion. See Note D- Business Combinations to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details on the Guidant acquisition and Abbott transaction.

        During 2006, we received $145 million in proceeds from stock issuances related to our stock option and employee stock purchase plans as compared to $94 million in 2005. Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchases vary from period to period based upon, the amount of eligible receivables, concentration of eligible receivables andamong other factors. Certain significant changes



        factors, fluctuations in the qualityexercise and stock purchase patterns of employees.

        We did not repurchase any of our receivables may require us to repay borrowings immediately under the facility. The credit agreement required us to create a wholly-owned entity, which is consolidated. This entity purchases our U.S. trade accounts receivable and then borrows from two third-party financial institutions using these receivables as collateral. The receivables and related borrowings remain on the balance sheet because we have the right to prepay any borrowings outstanding and effectively retain control over the receivables. Accordingly, pledged receivables are included as trade accounts receivable, net, while the corresponding borrowings are included as debt on the consolidated balance sheets. There were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit and security facility as of December 31, 2005 or December 31, 2004.

                In addition, we have uncommitted credit facilities with two commercial Japanese banks that provide for borrowings and promissory notes discounting of up to 15 billion Japanese yen (translated to $127 million at December 31, 2005 and $145 million at December 31, 2004). Approximately $109 million of notes receivable were discounted at an average interest rate of 0.75 percent at December 31, 2005 and $128 million of notes receivable were discounted at an average interest rate of 0.75 percent at December 31, 2004.

                As of December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, we intended to repay all of our short-term debt obligations within the next twelve-month period.

        Senior Notes

                We had senior notes of $1,850 million outstanding at December 31, 2005 and $1,600 million outstanding at December 31, 2004.

          In November 2005, we issued $400 million of senior notes due November 2015 (November 2015 Notes) and $350 million of senior notes due November 2035 (November 2035 Notes) under a $1,500 million shelf registration statement filed with the SEC in November 2004. The November 2015 Notes bear a semi-annual coupon of 5.50 percent, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. The November 2035 Notes bear a semi-annual coupon of 6.25 percent, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. These are publicly registered securities. In December 2005, we announced our intent to supplement the terms of our November 2015 Notes and November 2035 Notes to provide for a potential interest rate adjustment accruing from November 17, 2005 on each series of these senior notes in the event that our credit ratings are downgraded as a result of the closing of our proposed acquisition of Guidant. The interest rate on these senior notes will be subject to a one-time increase based on our initial credit ratings. Based on preliminary indications from the rating agencies, we expect that the interest rate on each of our November 2015 Notes and our November 2035 Notes may increase by 0.75 percent. We will be unable to determine the actual increase, if any, of the interest rate on each of the November 2015 Notes and November 2035 Notes until after the closing of our proposed acquisition of Guidant. Any subsequent rating improvements will result in a decrease in the adjusted interest rate. The interest rate on the date these senior notes were originally issued will be permanently reinstated if and when the lowest credit ratings assigned to these senior notes is either A- or A3 or higher.

          In March 2005, we repaid $500 million of senior notes that were outstanding at December 31, 2004. The notes bore a semi-annual coupon of 6.625 percent, were not redeemable prior to maturity and were not subject to any sinking fund requirements.

          In November 2004, we issued $250 million of senior notes due January 2011 (January 2011 Notes) and $250 million of senior notes due January 2017 (January 2017 Notes) under a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC in November 2004. The January 2011 Notes bear a semi-annual coupon of 4.25 percent, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any

            sinking fund requirements. The January 2017 Notes bear a semi-annual coupon of 5.125 percent, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. These senior notes are publicly registered securities. We entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps indexed to six-month LIBOR, which approximated 4.70 percent at December 31, 2005 and 2.78 percent at December 31, 2004, to hedge against changes in the fair value of these senior notes.

          In June 2004, we issued $600 million of senior notes due June 2014 (June 2014 Notes) under a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC. The June 2014 Notes bear a semi-annual coupon of 5.45 percent, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. These senior notes are publicly registered securities. We entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps indexed to six-month LIBOR, which approximated 4.70 percent at December 31, 2005 and 2.78 percent at December 31, 2004, to hedge against changes in the fair value of these senior notes.

                SeeItem 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk for further discussion regarding the treatment of our interest rate swaps.

                The remainder of our outstanding borrowings, including capital lease arrangements, was immaterial at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

        Equity

        common stock during 2006. We repurchased approximately 25 million shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $734 million in 2005, and 10 million shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $360 million in 2004, and 22 million shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $570 million in 2003.2004. Since 1992, we have repurchased approximately 132 million shares of our common stock and we have approximately 2412 million shares of our common stock held in treasury at year end.year-end. Approximately 37 million shares remain under our previous share repurchase authorizations. Repurchased shares are available for reissuance under our equity incentive plans and for general corporate purposes, including strategic alliances and acquisitions.

                During 2005, we received $94 million in proceeds from stock issuances related to our stock option and employee stock purchase plans. Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options vary from period to period based upon, among other factors, fluctuations in the exercise patterns of employees.

        Guidant Acquisition

                At the effective time of the acquisition, each share of Guidant common stock will be converted into the right to receive (i) $42.00 in cash and (ii) a number of shares of Boston Scientific common stock equal to $38.00, subject to the calculation of the exchange ratio. SeeNote O—Subsequent Events to our 2005 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details regarding the exchange ratio that will be used in determining the purchase price. Under the terms of the Abbott transaction agreement and at the closing of the Abbott transaction, Abbott has agreed to (1) pay an initial purchase price of $4.1 billion in cash plus potential future earn-out payments for the Guidant vascular and endovascular businesses, (2) make a five-year subordinated loan of $900 million to us at a 4.00 percent annual interest rate, and (3) purchase $1.4 billion in shares of Boston Scientific common stock.

                In connection with the financing of the cash portion of the purchase price, various banks have committed to providing up to $14 billion in financing, which includes a $7 billion 364-day interim credit facility, a $5 billion five-year term loan facility and a $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. The interim credit facility, term loan and revolving credit facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin between 0.30 percent (high A rating) and 0.85 percent (low BBB rating). The interest



        margin will be based on the highest two out of three of our long-term, senior unsecured, corporate credit ratings from Moody's Investor Service, Inc., Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Fitch Ratings. Of the $14 billion available pursuant to the commitment letter, we expect to borrow approximately $7.1 billion to finance the cash portion of the Guidant acquisition purchase price, which includes the $5 billion five-year term loan facility and $2.1 billion in borrowings under the 364-day interim credit facility. We also expect to use the $900 million loan from Abbott, for a total of $8 billion in borrowings to finance the cash portion of the purchase price. In 2006, we anticipate filing a new public registration statement with the SEC under which we intend to issue senior notes in order to refinance any borrowings outstanding under the interim credit facility and to register shares that we will issue to Abbott. The new five-year revolving credit facility will replace our existing $2 billion credit facilities. We also plan to use cash on hand and cash from the Abbott transaction to fund the cash portion of the Guidant purchase price. If the acquisition is completed, we intend to dedicate a significant portion of our future cash flow from operations to repay our outstanding debt obligations.

                We currently have investment grade credit ratings. During February 2006, our credit rating was downgraded. The rating agencies have also indicated that they will further downgrade our credit ratings when the Guidant acquisition is consummated. However, we expect our credit ratings to remain at investment grade levels following the acquisition. Our credit ratings affect our cost of borrowings. If our credit ratings were to be downgraded below investment grade, our borrowing costs may increase and we may be subject to more stringent terms and conditions than those currently contained in our financing arrangements.

                In addition, our authorized common stock will be increased from 1,200,000,000 shares to 2,000,000,000 shares in conjunction with our proposed acquisition of Guidant.

        Contractual Obligations and Commitments


        The following table provides a summary of certain information concerning our obligations and commitments to make future payments. See Notes D, F, H and Opayments, which is in addition to our 2005outstanding principal debt obligations as presented in the previous table. See Note D - Business Combinations, Note F - Borrowings and Credit Arrangements and Note H - Leases to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information
        regarding our business combinations, long-term debt obligations and lease arrangements, and subsequent events.

         
         Payments Due by Period
        (in millions)
         1 Year or Less
         2-3 Years
         4-5 Years
         After 5 Years
         Total

        Debt principal* $156 $4 $2 $1,852 $2,014
        Interest payments  100  200  200  846  1,346
          
         
         
         
         
        Debt, including interest  256  204  202  2,698  3,360
        Operating leases †  47  56  9  2  114
        Purchase obligations†,††  102  15        117
        Minimum royalty obligations††  3  6  4  8  21
        Total $408 $281 $215 $2,708 $3,612
          
         
         
         
         

        *
        Debt as reported in our consolidated balance sheets includes the mark-to-market effect of our interest rate swaps and is net of the unamortized investor discount associated with the issuance of senior notes in conjunction with our various public debt offerings.

        arrangements. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, these obligations are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets.

        ††
        Thesesheets do not reflect the obligations related primarilybelow that relate to inventory commitments and capital expenditures enteredexpenses incurred in future periods.

          
        Payments Due by Period
           
        (in millions)
         
        2007
         
        2008
         
        2009
         
        2010
         
        2011
         
        Thereafter
         
        Total
         
        Operating leases $61 $47 $24 $11 $5 $36 $184 
        Purchase obligations
          182  1  1  1        185 
        Minimum royalty obligations  3  3  3  1  1  6  17 
        Interest payments††
          521  497  457  371  214  1,013  3,073 
          
        $
        767
         
        $
        548
         
        $
        485
         
        $
        384
         
        $
        220
         
        $
        1,055
         
        $
        3,459
         
        These obligations related primarily to inventory commitments and capital expenditures entered in the normal course of business.
        ††Interest payment amounts related to the $5.0 billion five-year term loan are projected using market interest rates as of December 31, 2006. Future interest payments may differ from these projections based on changes in the market interest rates.
        Certain of our business combinations involve the normal coursepayment of business.

                On January 25, 2006, we entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Guidant Corporation for an aggregate purchase price of $27 billion (net of proceeds from option exercises), which represents a combination of cash and stock worth $80 per share of Guidant common stock. In addition, in conjunction with the acquisition of Guidant, Abbott has agreed to acquire Guidant's vascular intervention and endovascular businesses.contingent consideration. SeeNote O—Subsequent EventsD - Business Combinations to our 20052006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details regarding the transaction.

                Certain of our business combinations involve the payment of contingent consideration. Certain of these payments are based on multiples of the acquired company's revenue during the earn-out period and, consequently, we cannot currently determine the total payments. However, we have developed an estimate of the maximum potential contingent consideration for each of our acquisitions with an outstanding earn-out obligation. At December 31, 2005, the estimated maximum potential amount of future contingent consideration (undiscounted) that we could be required to makepay associated with our business combinations is approximately $4 billion, some of which may be payable in our common stock. The milestones associated with the contingent consideration must be reached in certain future periods ranging from 2006 through 2016. The estimated cumulative specified revenue level associated with these maximum future contingent payments is approximately $10 billion.combinations. Since it is not possible to estimate when, or even if, the acquired companies will reach their performance milestones or the amount of contingent consideration payable based on future revenues, the maximum contingent consideration has not been included in the table above.

                In addition, Additionally, we are currently consideringmay consider satisfying these commitments by issuing our stock or refinancing the exercisecommitments with cash, including cash obtained through the sale of our option to acquire EndoTex Interventional Systems, Inc., a developer of stents used in the treatment of stenotic lesions in the carotid arteries. In conjunction with the acquisition of EndoTex, we would pay approximately $100 million in addition to our previous investments and notes issued of approximately $35 million, plus future consideration that is contingent upon EndoTex achieving certain performance-related milestones. Further, manystock.

        Certain of our equity investments give us the option to acquire the company in the future or may require us to make certain payments that are contingent upon the company achieving certain product development targets or obtaining regulatory approvals. Since it is not possible to estimate when, or even if, we will exercise our option to acquire these companies or be required to make these contingent payments, we have not included future potential payments relating to these equity investments in the table above.

        At December 31, 2006, we had outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees of approximately $90 million, which primarily consisted of financial lines of credit provided by banks and collateral for workers’ compensation programs. We enter these letters of credit and bank guarantees in the normal course of business. As of December 31, 2006, we have not drawn upon the letters of credit or guarantees. At this time, we do not believe we will be required to fund any amounts from the guarantees or letters of credit and, accordingly, we have not recognized a related liability in our financial statements as of December 31, 2006. Our letters of credit and bank guarantees were immaterial at December 31, 2005.
        Critical Accounting Policies

        We have adopted accounting policies to prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP. We describe these accounting polices inNote A—Significant Accounting Policies to our 20052006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

        To prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, the disclosure
        of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements and the reported amounts of our revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Our actual results may differ from these estimates.

                These

        We consider estimates are consideredto be critical (1) if we are required to make assumptions about material matters that are uncertain at the time of estimation or (2) if materially different, estimates could have been made or it is reasonably likely that the accounting estimate will change from period to period. The following are areas that we consider to be critical:

        Revenue Recognition

        Our revenue consists primarily consists of the sale of single-use medical devices. Revenue is consideredWe consider revenue to be realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of a



        sales arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. TheseWe generally meet these criteria are generally met at the time of shipment when the risk of loss and title passes to the customer or distributor, unless a consignment arrangement exists. We recognize revenue from consignment arrangements based on product usage, or implant, which indicates that the sale is complete.

        For all other transactions, we recognize revenue when title to the goods and risk of loss transfer to customers, provided there are no remaining substantive performance obligations required of us or any matters requiring customer acceptance. For multiple-element arrangements, whereby the sale of devices is combined with future service obligations, we defer revenue on the undelivered elements based on verifiable objective evidence of fair value.

        We generally allow our customers to return defective, damaged and, in certain cases, expired products for credit. OurIn addition, we may allow customers to return previously purchased products for next-generation product offerings. We establish a reserve for sales returns when the initial product is sold. We base our estimate for sales returns is based upon contractual commitments and historical trends and is recorded such amount as a reduction to revenue.

        We offer sales rebates and discounts to certain customers. We treat sales rebates and discounts as a reduction of revenue and classify the corresponding liability as current. We estimate rebates for products where there is sufficient historical information available to predict the volume of expected future rebates. If we are unable to estimate the expected rebates reasonably, we record a liability for the maximum rebate percentage offered.

        InventoriesInventory Reserves

                We state inventories at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market.

        We base our provisions for excess, obsolete or expired inventory primarily on our estimates of forecasted net sales levels. A significant change in the timing or level of demand for our products as compared to forecasted amounts may result in recording additional provisions for excess or expired inventory in the future. We record provisions for inventory locatedThe industry in our manufacturingwhich we participate is characterized by rapid product development and distribution facilities as costfrequent new product introductions. Uncertain timing of sales. Consignment inventory write-downs are chargednext-generation product approvals, variability in product launch strategies, product recalls and variation in product utilization all impact the estimates related to selling, generalexcess and administrative expense and approximated $15 million in 2005, $10 million in 2004, and $8 million in 2003.

        obsolete inventory.

        Valuation of Business Combinations

                We record intangible assets acquired in recent business combinations under the purchase method of accounting.

        We allocate the amounts we pay for each acquisition to the assets we acquire and liabilities we assume based on their fair values at the dates of acquisition. We then allocate the purchase price in excess of net tangible assets acquired to identifiable intangible assets, including purchased research and development. The
        We base the fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management. We allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired to goodwill. The use of alternative purchase price allocationsvaluation assumptions, including estimated cash flows and discount rates, and alternative estimated useful life assumptions could result in different purchase price allocations, purchased research and development charges, and intangible asset amortization expense in current and future periods.

        The valuation of purchased research and development represents the estimated fair value at the dates of acquisition related to in-process projects. Our purchased research and development represents the value of in-process projects that have not yet reached technological feasibility and have no alternative future uses as of the date of acquisition. The primary basis for determining the technological feasibility of these projects is obtaining regulatory approval to market the underlying products in an applicable geographic region. We expense the value attributable to these in-process projects at the time of the acquisition. If the projects are not successful or completed in a timely manner, we may not realize the financial benefits expected for these projects or for the acquisitions as a whole.

        In addition, we record certain costs associated with our strategic alliances as purchased research and development.

        We use the income approach to determine the fair values of our purchased research and development. This approach determines fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to an in-process project over its useful life and then discounting these after-tax cash flows back to a present value. We base our revenue assumptions on estimates of relevant market sizes, expected market growth rates, expected trends in technology and expected product introductions by competitors. In arriving at the value of the in-process projects, we consider, among other factors,factors: the in-process projects'projects’ stage of completion,completion; the complexity of the work completed as of the acquisition date,date; the costs



        already incurred,incurred; the projected costs to complete,complete; the contribution of core technologies and other acquired assets,assets; the expected introduction datedate; and the estimated useful life of the technology. We base the discount rate used to arrive at a present value as of the date of acquisition on the time value of money and medical technology investment risk factors. For the in-process projects we acquired in connection with our recent acquisitions, we used the following ranges of risk-adjusted discount rates to discount our projected cash flows: 13 percent to 17 percent in 2005,2006, 18 percent to 27 percent;percent in 2004,2005, and 18 percent to 27 percent; andpercent in 2003, 24 percent.2004. We believe that the estimated purchased research and development amounts so determined represent the fair value at the date of acquisition and do not exceed the amount a third party would pay for the projects.

        Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

                We record intangible assets at historical cost. We amortize our intangible assets subject to amortization, including patents, licenses, developed technology and core technology, using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives.

        We review theseour intangible assets quarterly to determine if any adverse conditions exist or a change in circumstances has occurred that would indicate impairment or a change in their remaining useful life. We alsoIn addition, we review our indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment by calculatingand reassess their classification as indefinite-lived assets. To test for impairment, we calculate the fair value of our indefinite-lived intangible assets and comparingcompare the calculated fair values to the respective carrying values.

        We test our March 31 goodwill balances during the second quarter of each year for impairment, or more frequently if certain indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. In performing the test, we calculate the fair value of theour reporting units as the present value of estimated future cash flows using a risk-adjusted discount rate. The selection and use of an appropriate discount rate requires significant management judgment with respect to revenue and expense growth rates. We have not recorded impairment of goodwill in any of the years included in our consolidated statements of operations.

        Investments in Strategic Alliances

                As of December 31, 2005, we had investments in 66 strategic alliances totaling $594 million. As of December 31, 2004, we had investments in 58 strategic alliances totaling $529 million. These assets primarily represent investments in privately held and publicly traded equity securities.

        We account for investments in companies over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method if we hold 50 percent or less of the voting stock. We account for investments in companies over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence under the cost method. Our determination of whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over an investment requires judgment.

                As of December 31, 2005, we held investments totaling $85 million in three companies that we accounted for under the equity method. Our ownership percentages in these companies range from approximately 21 percent to 28 percent. As of December 31, 2004, we held investments totaling $61 million in two companies that we accounted for under the equity method. Our ownership percentages in these companies range from approximately 25 percent to 30 percent.

        Factors that we consider in determining whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence include, but are not limited to:

        our level of representation on the boardBoard of directors;

        Directors;
        our participation in the investee's policy makinginvestee’s policy-making processes;

        transactions with the investee in the ordinary course of business;

        interchange of managerial personnel;

            the investee'sinvestee’s financial or technological dependency on us; and

            our ownership in relation to the concentration of other shareholdings.

                  For investments accounted for under the equity method, we initially record the investment at cost, and adjust the carrying amount to reflect our share of the earnings or losses of the investee, including all adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated financial statements. Amounts recorded to adjust the carrying amounts of investments accounted for under the equity method were not material to our statements of operations in 2005, 2004 or 2003. When we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence over an investee, we follow the cost method of accounting.

          shareholders.

          We regularly review our strategic alliance investments for impairment indicators.  Examples of events or circumstances that may indicate that an investment is impaired include, but are not limited to, a significant deterioration in earnings performance; a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technological environment of an investee; or a significant doubt about an investee's ability to continue as a going concern. If we determine that impairment exists and it is other-than-temporary, we will reduce the carrying value of the investment to its estimated fair value and will recognize an impairment loss in our consolidated statements of operations.equal to the difference between an investment’s carrying value and its fair value. Our exposure to loss related to our strategic alliances is generally limited to our equity investments and notes receivable and intangible assets associated with these alliances.

          See Note A - Significant Accounting Policies and Note C - Investments in Strategic Alliances to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a detailed analysis of our investments and our accounting treatment for our investment portfolio.
          Income Taxes

          We utilize the asset and liability method for accounting for income taxes. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of our assets and liabilities. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when we expect the differences are expected to reverse.

          We recognized net deferred tax liabilities aggregatingof $2.201 billion at December 31, 2006 and $110 million at December 31, 2005 and $18 million at December 31, 2004.2005. The liabilities relate principallyprimarily to deferred taxes associated with our acquisitions and earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries to be remitted in the future.acquisitions. The assets relate principallyprimarily to the establishment of inventory and product-related reserves, litigation and product liability reserves, purchased research and development, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. In light of our historical financial performance, we believe we will substantially recover these assets will be substantially recovered. SeeNote I—Income Taxes to our 2005 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a detailed analysis of our deferred tax positions.

          assets.

          We reduce our deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that we will not realize some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.assets. We consider relevant evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the need for a valuation allowance. Information evaluated includes our financial position and results of operations for the current and preceding years, as well as an evaluation of currently available information about future years.

          We do not provide for income taxes payable related to earnings of our foreign subsidiaries that may be repatriated in the foreseeable future. Income taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries where we have indefinitely reinvested such earnings have been permanently reinvested in our foreign operations. It is not practical to estimate the amount of income taxes payable on the earnings that are permanentlyindefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries that we have indefinitely reinvested offshore are permanently reinvested are $2,106 million$7.186 billion at December 31, 20052006 and $1,005 million$2.106 billion at December 31, 2004.

          2005.

          We provide for potential amounts due in various tax jurisdictions. In the ordinary course of conducting business in multiple countries and tax jurisdictions, there are many transactions and calculations where
          the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Judgment is required in determining our worldwide income tax provision. In our opinion, we have made adequate provisions for income taxes have been made



          for all years subject to audit. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, we can make no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which iswe have reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material impact on our income tax provision and operating results in the period in which we make such determination is made.

          determination.

          See Note I — Income Taxes to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for a detailed analysis of our income tax accounting.
          Legal, Product Liability Costs and Securities Claims

          We are involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings, including intellectual property, breach of contract, securities litigation and product liability suits. In some cases, the claimants seek damages, as well as other relief, which if granted, could require significant expenditures.expenditures or impact our ability to sell our products. We are substantially self-insured with respect to general, product liability and securities claims and record losses for claims in excess of the limits of purchased insurance in earnings at the time and to the extent they are probable and estimable. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, we accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, loss for general product liability claims and, under certain conditions, costs of defense when a loss is deemedbased on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and such costs are 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. Our accrual for regulatory and litigation-related costslegal matters that wereare probable and estimable was $20$485 million at December 31, 20052006 and $99$35 million at December 31, 2004.2005. In connection with our acquisition of Guidant, the number of product liability claims and other legal proceedings filed against us, including private securities litigation and shareholder derivative suits, significantly increased. The amounts accrued at December 31, 2006 represent primarily accrued legal defense costs related to assumed Guidant litigation and product liability claims recorded as part of the purchase price. In connection with the acquisition of Guidant, we are still assessing certain assumed litigation and product liability claims to determine the amounts that management believes will be paid as a result of such claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued in the future. See further discussion of our individual material legal proceedings inItem 3. Legal Proceedings above andNote J—J — Commitments and Contingencies to our 20052006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. As of December 31, 2005, a range of loss associated with these individual material legal proceedings can not be estimated due to uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the proceedings.

          Product Liability Costs and Securities Litigation ClaimsStock-Based Compensation

                  We are substantially self-insured with respect to general, product liability and securities litigation claims. In the normal course of business, product liability and securities litigation claims are asserted against us. We accrue anticipated costs of litigation and loss for product liability and securities litigation claims based on historical experience, or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. We record losses for claims in excess of the limits of purchased insurance in earnings at the time and to the extent they are probable and estimable. Our accrual for product liability and securities litigation claims was $15 million at December 31, 2005 and $13 million at December 31, 2004. Product liability and securities litigation claims against us will likely be asserted in the future related to events not known to management at the present time. The absence of significant third-party insurance coverage increases our exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. However, based on product liability and securities litigation losses experienced in the past, our election to become substantially self-insured is not expected to have a material impact on our future operations.

                  Management believes that our risk management practices, including limited insurance coverage, are reasonably adequate to protect us against anticipated general, product liability and securities litigation losses. However, unanticipated catastrophic losses could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

          Costs Associated with Exit Activities

                  We accrue employee termination costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement if the obligation is attributed to prior services rendered, the rights to the benefits have vested and the payment is probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. We generally record such costs into expense over the future service period, if any. In addition, in conjunction with an employee termination,On January 1, 2006, we may offer voluntary termination benefits to employees. These benefits are recorded when the employee accepts the termination benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Other costs associated with exit activities may include costs related to leased facilities to be abandoned or subleased and long-lived asset impairments.

                  During 2005, we recorded charges associated with exit activities of approximately $40 million. These charges included costs primarily attributable to employee terminations and outsourcing costs



          within our human resources function and international divisions; and a $10 million write-off of intangible assets related to our Enteryx Technology.

                  The recognition of charges associated with exit activities requires our management to make judgments and estimates regarding the nature, timing, and amount of costs associated with the planned exit activity. Management's estimates of future liabilities may change, requiring us to record additional restructuring charges or reduce the amount of liabilities already recorded. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate the remaining accrued balances to ensure their adequacy, that no excess accruals are retained and that utilization of the provisions are for their intended purposes in accordance with developed exit plans.

          New Accounting Standard

                  During 2004, theadopted FASB issued Statement No. 123(R),Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of Statement No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Statement No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and amends Statement No. 95,Statement of Cash Flows. In general, Statement No. 123(R) contains similar accounting concepts as those described in Statement No. 123. However, Statement No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the consolidated statementstatements of operations based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. Alternative phase-in methods are allowedWe adopted Statement No. 123(R) using the “modified-prospective method” and have not restated prior period results of operations and financial position to reflect the impact of stock-based compensation expense under Statement No. 123(R). We adopted Statement No. 123(R) on its effective dateuse the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of January 1, 2006 using the "modified-prospective method." Under this method, compensation cost is recognized (a)our stock options. We value restricted stock awards and deferred stock units based on the requirementsclosing trading value of Statement No. 123(R) for all share-based payments granted on or after January 1, 2006 and (b) basedour shares on the requirementsdate of Statement No. 123 for all unvested awardsgrant. The following represents the assumptions used in calculating our stock-based compensation expense that wererequire significant judgment by management:


          Expected Volatility - We have considered a number of factors in estimating volatility. For options granted to employees prior to January 1, 2006. We expect to apply the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of share-based payments to employees, which will then be amortized on a straight-line basis.

                  As permitted by Statement No. 123, for periods prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for share-based paymentsused our historical volatility as a basis to employees using Opinion No. 25's intrinsic valueestimate expected volatility in our valuation of stock options. We changed our method and, as such, generally recognized no compensation cost for the granting of employee stock options, except as disclosed inNote L—Stock Ownership Plans to our 2005 consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Accordingly,estimating volatility upon the adoption of Statement No. 123(R)'s fair value method. We now consider historical volatility, trends in volatility within our industry/peer group and implied volatility.


          Expected Term - We estimate the expected term of our options using historical exercise and forfeiture data. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of our new option grants.

          Estimated Forfeiture Rate -We have applied, based on an analysis of our historical forfeitures, an annual forfeiture rate of eight percent to all unvested stock awards as of December 31, 2006, which represents the portion that we expect will negatively impact our statements of operations. The impact of adoption of Statement No. 123(R) cannot be quantified atforfeited each year over the vesting period. We will reevaluate this time because itanalysis periodically and adjust the forfeiture rate as necessary. Ultimately, we will depend on the level of share-based payments granted in the future, expected volatilities and expected useful lives, among other factors, present at the grant date. However, had Statement No. 123(R) been effective in prior periods, the impact ofonly recognize expense for those shares that standard would have approximated the impact of Statement No. 123 as described in our disclosure of pro forma net income and net income per share invest.

          See Note A—Significant Accounting PoliciesL - Stock Ownership Plans to our 20052006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Statement No. 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under currently effective accounting literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after10-K for further discussion regarding our adoption of Statement No. 123(R). While we cannot estimate what those amounts
          New Accounting Standard
          In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to create a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. Interpretation No. 48 requires the use of a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and disclosures regarding uncertainties in income tax positions, including a roll forward of tax benefits taken that do not qualify for financial statement recognition. We will berecord the cumulative effect of initially adopting Interpretation No. 48 as an adjustment to opening retained earnings in the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options),year of adjustment and present such adjustment separately. Only tax positions that we are more likely than not to realize at the amounteffective date may be recognized upon adoption of operating cash flows recognizedInterpretation No. 48. We are required to adopt Interpretation No. 48 effective for our first quarter of 2007. We are currently in prior periods for such excess tax deductions was $28 million in 2005, $185 million in 2004 and $154 million in 2003.

                  Further, mostthe process of our stock option awards provide for immediate vesting upon retirement, death or disabilityassessing the impact of the participant. We have traditionally accounted for the pro forma compensation expense related to stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals using the stated vesting period of the grant. This approach results in recognizing compensation expense over the vesting period except in the instance of the participant's actual retirement. Statement No. 123(R) clarified the accounting for

          new standard.


          stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals, which explicitly provides that the vesting period for a grant made to a retirement eligible employee is considered non-substantive and should be ignored when determining the period over which the award should be expensed. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we will be required to expense stock-based awards over the period between grant date and retirement eligibility or immediately if the employee is retirement eligible at the date of grant. If we had historically accounted for stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals under these requirements, the pro forma expense disclosed in Note A would not have been materially impacted for the periods presented.

          Management'sManagement’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

          As the management of Boston Scientific Corporation, we are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We designed our internal control system to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of our financial statements.

          We assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005.2006. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2005,2006, our internal control over financial reporting is effective at a reasonable assurance level based on these criteria.

          Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on management'smanagement’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting and on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. This report in which they expressed an unqualified opinion is included below.


          /s/ JAMESJames R. TOBIN      
          Tobin
          /s/ Lawrence C. Best
          President and Chief Executive Officer /s/  LAWRENCE C. BEST      
          Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


          Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

          The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Boston Scientific Corporation

                  We have audited management'smanagement’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management'sManagement’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Boston Scientific Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Boston Scientific Corporation'sCorporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management'smanagement’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

                  We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management'smanagement’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

                  A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company'scompany’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company'scompany’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

                  Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

                  In our opinion, management'smanagement’s assessment that Boston Scientific Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Boston Scientific Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, based on the COSO criteria.

                  We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Boston Scientific Corporation as of December 31, 20052006 and December 31, 2004,2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 20052006 of Boston Scientific Corporation and our report dated February 24, 2006,26, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

          Boston, Massachusetts
          February 24, 2006

          26, 2007 

          ITEM 7A.       QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

          We develop, manufacture and sell medical devices globally and our earnings and cash flow are exposed to market risk from changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. We address these risks through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. We operate the program pursuant to documented corporate risk management policies. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes. Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments substantially offset losses and gains on underlying hedged exposures. Furthermore, we manage our exposure to counterparty nonperformance on derivative instruments by entering into contracts with a diversified group of major financial institutions and by monitoring outstanding positions.

          Our currency risk consists primarily of foreign currency denominated firm commitments, forecasted foreign currency denominated intercompany and third-party transactions and net investments in certain subsidiaries. We use both nonderivative (primarily European manufacturing operations) and derivative instruments to manage our earnings and cash flow exposure to changes in currency exchange rates. We had currency derivative instruments outstanding in the contract amount of $3,593 million$3.413 billion at December 31, 20052006 and $4,171 million$3.593 billion at December 31, 2004. The decrease in the outstanding amount of our currency derivative instruments is primarily due to the maturity of hedge contracts.2005. We recorded $176$71 million of other assets and $55$27 million of other liabilities to recognize the fair value of these derivative instruments at December 31, 20052006 as compared to $70$176 million of other assets and $129$55 million of other liabilities recorded at December 31, 2004.2005. A 10 percent appreciation in the U.S. dollar'sdollar’s value relative to the hedged currencies would increase the derivative instruments'instruments’ fair value by $112 million at December 31, 2006 and by $129 million at December 31, 2005 and by $163 million at December 31, 2004.2005. A 10 percent depreciation in the U.S. dollar'sdollar’s value relative to the hedged currencies would decrease the derivative instruments'instruments’ fair value by $134 million at December 31, 2006 and $157 million at December 31, 2005 and $190 million at December 31, 2004.2005. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of our currency exchange rate sensitive derivative instruments would be substantially offset by a corresponding decrease or increase in the fair value of the hedged underlying asset, liability or cash flow.

          forecasted transaction.

          Our earnings and cash flow are exposed to interest rate changes onrisk relates primarily to U.S. dollar denominated debtborrowings partially offset by interest rate changes on U.S. dollar denominated cash investments. We use interest rate swapsderivative instruments to manage our exposure tothe risk of interest rate movements and to reduce borrowing costschanges either by converting either floating-rate debtborrowings into fixed-rate debtborrowings or fixed-rate debtborrowings into floating-rate debt.borrowings. We had interest rate swapsderivative instruments outstanding in the notional amount of $1,100 million$2.0 billion at December 31, 20052006 and $1,600 million$1.1 billion at December 31, 2004. Our interest rate swaps hedge against potential changes in the fair value of certain of our senior notes and are designated as fair value hedges.2005. The decreaseincrease in the notional amount of our interest rate swaps is due to the maturing$2.0 billion of hedge contracts related to our $500$5.0 billion five-year term loan, offset by our termination of $1.1 billion in hedge contracts related to certain of our existing senior notes. We recorded $11 million 6.625 percent senior notes, which we repaid upon maturity during March 2005. Toof other liabilities to recognize the fair value of theseour interest rate swaps, we recordedderivative instruments at December 31, 2006 as compared to $21 million of other assets and $7 million of other liabilities recorded at December 31, 2005 as compared to $32 million of other assets and $1 million of other liabilities at December 31, 2004.2005. A one percentage point increase in globalinterest rates would increase the derivative instruments’ fair value by $26 million at December 31, 2006 as compared to a decrease of $74 million at December 31, 2005. A one percentage point decrease in interest rates would decrease the derivative instruments'instruments’ fair value by $74$26 million at December 31, 20052006 as compared to $84 million at December 31, 2004. A one percentage point decrease in global interest rates wouldan increase the derivative instruments' fair value byof $80 million at December 31, 2005 as compared to $92 million at December 31, 2004.2005. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of our interest rate sensitive derivative instruments would be substantially offset by a corresponding decrease or increase in the fair value of the hedged underlying liability.

          interest payments related to the hedged term loan. At December 31, 2006, $5.886 billion, or 81 percent, of our approximately $7.234 billion in outstanding net debt is at fixed interest rates.

          See Note G - Financial Instruments to our 2006 consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for detailed information regarding our derivative financial instruments.

          ITEM 8.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
          (in (in millions, except per share data)
                  
          Year Ended December 31,
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
                  
          Net sales $7,821 $6,283 $5,624 
          Cost of products sold  2,207  1,386  1,292 
          Gross profit  5,614  4,897  4,332 
                     
          Selling, general and administrative expenses  2,675  1,814  1,742 
          Research and development expenses  1,008  680  569 
          Royalty expense  231  227  195 
          Amortization expense  530  152  112 
          Litigation-related charges     780  75 
          Purchased research and development  4,119  276  65 
          Total operating expenses  8,563  3,929  2,758 
          Operating (loss) income  (2,949) 968  1,574 
                     
          Other income (expense):          
          Interest expense  (435) (90) (64)
          Fair value adjustment for sharing of proceeds feature of Abbott stock purchase  (95)      
          Other, net  (56) 13  (16)
          (Loss) income before income taxes  (3,535) 891  1,494 
           
          Income taxes
            42  263  432 
           
          Net (loss) income
           
          $
          (3,577
          )
          $
          628
           
          $
          1,062
           
           
          Net (loss) income per common share — basic
           
          $
          (2.81
          )
          $
          0.76
           
          $
          1.27
           
           
          Net (loss) income per common share — assuming dilution
           
          $
          (2.81
          )
          $
          0.75
           
          $
          1.24
           

          Year Ended December 31,
           2005
           2004
           2003
           

           
          Net sales $6,283 $5,624 $3,476 
          Cost of products sold  1,386  1,292  961 
            
           
           
           
          Gross profit  4,897  4,332  2,515 

          Selling, general and administrative expenses

           

           

          1,814

           

           

          1,742

           

           

          1,171

           
          Research and development expenses  680  569  452 
          Royalty expense  227  195  54 
          Amortization expense  152  112  89 
          Litigation-related charges  780  75  15 
          Purchased research and development  276  65  37 
            
           
           
           
          Total operating expenses  3,929  2,758  1,818 
            
           
           
           
          Operating income  968  1,574  697 

          Other income (expense):

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

           
          Interest expense  (90) (64) (46)
          Other, net  13  (16) (8)
            
           
           
           
          Income before income taxes  891  1,494  643 
          Income taxes  263  432  171 
            
           
           
           
          Net income $628 $1,062 $472 
            
           
           
           
          Net income per common share—basic $0.76 $1.27 $0.57 
            
           
           
           
          Net income per common share—assuming dilution $0.75 $1.24 $0.56 
            
           
           
           

          (See notes to the consolidated financial statements)


          66


          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
          (in (in millions)
                
          As of December 31,
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
           
          Assets
               
          Current assets     
          Cash and cash equivalents $1,668 $689 
          Marketable securities     159 
          Trade accounts receivable, net  1,424  932 
          Inventories  749  418 
          Deferred income taxes  583  152 
          Prepaid expenses and other current assets  477  281 
          Total current assets
           
          $
          4,901
           
          $
          2,631
           
                  
          Property, plant and equipment, net  1,726  1,011 
          Investments  596  594 
          Other assets  237  225 
          Intangible assets       
          Goodwill  14,628  1,938 
          Technology — core, net  6,973  1,099 
          Technology — developed, net  897  209 
          Patents, net  339  338 
          Other intangible assets, net  799  151 
          Total intangible assets  23,636  3,735 
                  
            
          $
          31,096
           
          $
          8,196
           

          As of December 31,
           2005
           2004

          Assets      
          Current assets      
           Cash and cash equivalents $689 $1,296
           Marketable securities  159  344
           Trade accounts receivable, net  932  900
           Inventories  418  360
           Deferred income taxes  152  241
           Prepaid expenses and other current assets  281  148
            
           
          Total current assets  2,631  3,289

          Property, plant and equipment, net

           

           

          1,011

           

           

          870
          Investments  594  529
          Other assets  225  142
          Intangible assets      
           Goodwill  1,938  1,712
           Technology—core, net  1,099  942
           Technology—developed, net  209  200
           Patents, net  338  339
           Other intangible assets, net  151  147
            
           
          Total intangible assets  3,735  3,340
            
           
          Total Assets $8,196 $8,170
            
           

          (See notes to the consolidated financial statements)




          67

          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
          (in (in millions, except share data)

          As of December 31,
           2005
           2004
           

           
          Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity       
          Current liabilities       
           Commercial paper $149 $280 
           Current maturities of long-term debt  1  502 
           Bank obligations  6  446 
           Accounts payable  105  108 
           Accrued expenses  1,124  902 
           Income taxes payable  17  255 
           Other current liabilities  77  112 
            
           
           
          Total current liabilities  1,479  2,605 

          Long-term debt

           

           

          1,864

           

           

          1,139

           
          Deferred income taxes  262  259 
          Other long-term liabilities  309  142 

          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 1,200,000,000 shares, 844,565,292 shares issued at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004  8  8 
           Additional paid-in capital  1,658  1,633 
           Deferred compensation  (98) (2)
           Treasury stock, at cost — 24,215,559 shares at December 31, 2005 and 9,221,468 shares at December 31, 2004  (717) (320)
           Retained earnings  3,410  2,790 
           Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)       
            Foreign currency translation adjustment  (71) (34)
            Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net  26  2 
            Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments, net  67  (51)
            Minimum pension liability  (1) (1)
            
           
           
          Total stockholders' equity  4,282  4,025 
            
           
           
            $8,196 $8,170 
            
           
           

                
          As of December 31,
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
           
          Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
          Current liabilities     
          Commercial paper    $149 
          Current debt obligations $7  7 
          Accounts payable  222  105 
          Accrued expenses  1,845  1,124 
          Income taxes payable  413  17 
          Other current liabilities  143  77 
          Total current liabilities
           
          $
          2,630
           
          $
          1,479
           
                  
          Long-term debt  8,895  1,864 
          Deferred income taxes  2,784  262 
          Other long-term liabilities  1,489  309 
          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 1,486,403,445 shares at December 31, 2006; authorized 1,200,000,000 shares and issued 844,565,292 shares at December 31, 2005  15  8 
          Additional paid-in capital  15,792  1,658 
          Deferred cost, ESOP  (58)   
          Deferred compensation     (98)
          Treasury stock, at cost — 11,728,643 shares at December 31, 2006 and 24,215,559 shares at December 31, 2005  (334) (717)
          Retained (deficit) earnings  (174) 3,410 
          Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)       
          Foreign currency translation adjustment  16  (71)
          Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net  16  26 
          Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments, net  32  67 
          Unrealized costs associated with certain retirement plans  (7) (1)
           
          Total stockholders’ equity
            
          15,298
            
          4,282
           
           
           
           
          $
          31,096
           
          $
          8,196
           
          (See notes to the consolidated financial statements)




          68


          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS'STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
          (in (in millions, except share data)

           
           Common Stock
           Additional
          Paid-In
          Capital

            
            
            
           Accumulated Other
          Comprehensive
          Income (Loss)

            
           
           
           Deferred
          Compensation

           Treasury
          Stock

           Retained
          Earnings

           Comprehensive
          Income (Loss)

           
           
           Shares Issued
           Par Value
           

           
          Balance at December 31, 2002 414,882,413 $4 $1,250    $(54)$1,394 $(127)   
          Comprehensive income                        
           Net income                472    $472 
           Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax                        
            Foreign currency translation adjustment                   69  69 
            Net change in equity investments                   52  52 
            Net change in derivative financial instruments                   (44) (44)
            Net change in minimum pension liability                   1  1 
          Issuance of common stock       (179)    512  (73)      
          Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellations          (1) 1          
          Stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend 414,882,413  4           (4)      
          Repurchases of common stock             (570)         
          Tax benefit related to stock options       154                
          Amortization of deferred compensation          1             
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance at December 31, 2003 829,764,826  8  1,225     (111) 1,789  (49)$550 
                                
           
          Comprehensive income                        
           Net income                1,062    $1,062 
           Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax                        
            Foreign currency translation adjustment                   16  16 
            Net change in equity investments                   (48) (48)
            Net change in derivative financial instruments                   (3) (3)
          Issuance of common stock 14,800,466     132     149  (56)      
          Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellations       1  (3) 2          
          Repurchases of common stock             (360)         
          Tax benefit related to stock options       185                
          Step-up accounting adjustment for certain investments                (5)      
          Stock-compensation charge for certain modifications       90                
          Amortization of deferred compensation          1             
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance at December 31, 2004 844,565,292  8  1,633  (2) (320) 2,790  (84)$1,027 
                                
           
          Comprehensive income                        
           Net income                628    $628 
           Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax                        
            Foreign currency translation adjustment                   (37) (37)
            Net change in equity investments                   24  24 
            Net change in derivative financial instruments                   118  118 
          Issuance of common stock       (113)    207          
          Common stock issued for acquisitions       (5)    129          
          Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellations       114  (115) 1          
          Repurchases of common stock             (734)         
          Tax benefit related to stock options       28                
          Step-up accounting adjustment for certain investments                (8)      
          Amortization of deferred compensation       1  19             
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance at December 31, 2005 844,565,292 $8 $1,658 $(98)$(717)$3,410 $21 $733 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

                            
            Common Stock     Deferred Cost, ESOP         
            Shares Issued Par Value Additional Paid-In Capital Deferred Compensation Shares Amount Treasury Stock Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
          Balance at December 31, 2003
            
          829,764,826
           
          $
          8
           
          $
          1,225
                    
          $
          (111
          )
          $
          1,789
           
          $
          (49
          )
             
          Comprehensive income                               
          Net income                       1,062    $1,062 
          Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax                               
          Foreign currency translation adjustment                          16  16 
          Net change in equity investments                          (48) (48)
          Net change in derivative financial instruments                          (3) (3)
          Issuance of common stock  14,800,466     132           149  (56)      
          Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellations        1 $(3)       2          
          Repurchases of common stock                    (360)         
          Tax benefit related to stock options        185                      
          Step-up accounting adjustment for certain investments                       (5)      
          Stock-based compensation expense for certain modifications        90                      
          Amortization of deferred compensation           1                   
          Balance at December 31, 2004
            
          844,565,292
            
          8
            
          1,633
            
          (2
          )
                 
          (320
          )
           
          2,790
            
          (84
          )
          $
          1,027
           
          Comprehensive income                               
          Net income                       628    $628 
          Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax                               
          Foreign currency translation adjustment                          (37) (37)
          Net change in equity investments                          24  24 
          Net change in derivative financial instruments                          118  118 
          Issuance of common stock        (113)          207          
          Common stock issued for acquisitions        (5)          129          
          Issuance of restricted stock, net of cancellations        114  (115)       1          
          Repurchases of common stock                    (734)         
          Tax benefit related to stock options        28                      
          Step-up accounting adjustment for certain investments                       (8)      
          Amortization of deferred compensation        1  19                   
          Balance at December 31, 2005
            
          844,565,292
            
          8
            
          1,658
            
          (98
          )
                 
          (717
          )
           
          3,410
            
          21
           
          $
          733
           
          Comprehensive income                               
          Net loss                       (3,577)   $(3,577)
          Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax                               
          Foreign currency translation adjustment                          87  87 
          Net change in equity investments                          (10) (10)
          Net change in derivative financial instruments                          (35) (35)
          Net change in certain retirement amounts                          (6) (6)
          Issuance of shares of common stock for Guidant acquisition  577,206,996  6  12,508                      
          Conversion of outstanding Guidant stock options        450                      
          Issuance of shares of common stock to Abbott  64,631,157  1  1,399                      
          Issuance of common stock        (238)          383          
          Tax benefit related to stock options        7                      
          Reversal of deferred compensation in accordance with SFAS 123(R)        (98) 98                   
          Stock-based compensation expense, including amounts capitalized to inventory        115                      
          Step-up accounting adjustment for certain investments                       (7)      
          Acquired 401(k) ESOP for legacy Guidant employees              3,794,965 $(86)            
          401 (k) ESOP transactions        (9)    (1,237,662) 28             
          Balance at December 31, 2006
            
          1,486,403,445
           
          $
          15
           
          $
          15,792
               
          2,557,303
           
          $
          (58
          )
          $
          (334
          )
          $
          (174
          )
          $
          57
           
          $
          (3,541
          )
          (See notes to the consolidated financial statements)


          69


          CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
          (in millions)

          Year Ended December 31,
           2005
           2004
           2003
           

           
          Operating Activities          
          Net income $628 $1,062 $472 
          Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:          
           Gain on sale of equity investments  (4) (36)   
           Depreciation and amortization  314  275  196 
           Deferred income taxes  4  30  (31)
           Purchased research and development  276  65  37 
           Tax benefit relating to stock options  28  185  154 
           Stock-compensation expense, including expense for certain modifications  13  62  1 
          Increase (decrease) in cash flows from operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions:          
           Trade accounts receivable  (24) (317) (74)
           Inventories  (77) (57) (21)
           Prepaid expenses and other assets  (59) (15) 6 
           Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (162) 362  85 
           Income taxes payable and other liabilities  (45) 200  (19)
           Other, net  11  (12) (19)
            
           
           
           
          Cash provided by operating activities  903  1,804  787 
            
           
           
           
          Investing Activities          
          Property, plant and equipment          
           Purchases  (341) (274) (188)
           Proceeds on disposals  19     1 
          Marketable securities          
           Purchases  (56) (660) (130)
           Proceeds from maturities  241  397  66 
          Acquisitions          
           Payments for acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired  (178) (804) (13)
           Payments relating to prior year acquisitions  (33) (107) (283)
          Strategic alliances          
           Purchases of publicly traded equity securities  (52) (23) (105)
           Payments for investments in privately held companies and acquisitions of certain technologies  (156) (249) (220)
           Proceeds from sales of privately held and publicly traded equity securities  5  98  1 
            
           
           
           
          Cash used for investing activities  (551) (1,622) (871)
            
           
           
           
          Financing Activities          
          Debt          
           Net (payments on) proceeds from commercial paper  (131) (723) 915 
           Payments on notes payable, capital leases and long-term borrowings  (508) (17) (8)
           Proceeds from notes payable and long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs  739  1,092  2 
           Net (payments on) proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facilities  (413) 225  (116)
          Equity          
           Repurchases of common stock  (734) (360) (570)
           Proceeds from issuances of shares of common stock  94  225  260 
          Other, net  (1) (3) 4 
            
           
           
           
          Cash (used for) provided by financing activities  (954) 439  487 
          Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash  (5) 4  8 
            
           
           
           
          Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents  (607) 625  411 
          Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  1,296  671  260 
            
           
           
           
          Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $689 $1,296 $671 
            
           
           
           
          Supplemental cash flow information          
          Cash paid during the year for:          
           Income taxes $350 $72 $30 
           Interest  87  61  52 

              
          Year Ended December 31,
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
           
          Operating Activities
                 
          Net (loss) income $(3,577)$628 $1,062 
          Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash provided by operating activities:          
          Gain on sale of equity investments  (9) (4) (36)
          Write-downs of investments  121  41  58 
          Depreciation and amortization  781  314  275 
          Step-up value of acquired inventory sold  267       
          Deferred income taxes  (420) 4  30 
          Fair-value adjustment for sharing of proceeds feature of Abbott stock purchase  95       
          Purchased research and development  4,119  276  65 
          Tax benefit relating to stock options     28  185 
          Stock-based compensation expense  113  19  91 
          Increase (decrease) in cash flows from operating assets and liabilities, excluding the effect of acquisitions:          
          Trade accounts receivable  64  (24) (317)
          Inventories  (53) (77) (57)
          Prepaid expenses and other assets  79  (100) (73)
          Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (1) (162) 362 
          Income taxes payable and other liabilities  234  (51) 171 
          Other, net
            32  11  (12)
          Cash provided by operating activities  1,845  903  1,804 
          Investing Activities
                    
          Property, plant and equipment
                    
          Purchases  (341) (341) (274)
          Proceeds on disposals  18  19    
          Marketable securities
                    
          Purchases     (56) (660)
          Proceeds from maturities  159  241  397 
          Acquisitions
                    
          Payments for the acquisition of Guidant  (15,394)      
          Cash acquired in the acquisition of Guidant, including proceeds from Guidant’s sale of its vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses  6,708       
          Payments for acquisitions of other businesses, net of cash acquired     (178) (804)
          Payments relating to prior year acquisitions  (397) (33) (107)
          Strategic alliances
                    
          Purchases of publicly traded equity securities     (52) (23)
          Payments for investments in privately held companies and acquisitions of certain technologies  (98) (156) (249)
          Proceeds from sales of privately held and publicly traded equity securities  33  5  98 
          Cash used for investing activities  (9,312) (551) (1,622)
          Financing Activities
                    
          Debt
                    
          Net payments on commercial paper  (149) (131) (723)
          Payments on notes payable, capital leases and long-term borrowings  (1,510) (508) (17)
          Proceeds from notes payable and long-term borrowings, net of debt issuance costs  8,544  739  1,092 
          Net proceeds from (payments on) borrowings on revolving credit facilities  3  (413) 225 
          Equity
                    
          Repurchases of common stock     (734) (360)
          Proceeds from issuance of shares of common stock to Abbott  1,400       
          Proceeds from issuances of shares of common stock  145  94  225 
          Tax benefit relating to stock options  7       
          Other, net
            (1) (1) (3)
          Cash provided by (used for) financing activities  8,439  (954) 439 
          Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash  7  (5) 4 
          Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  979  (607) 625 
          Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  689  1,296  671 
          Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
           
          $
          1,668
           
          $
          689
           
          $
          1,296
           
                     
          SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - Cash paid during the year for:          
          Income taxes $40 $350 $72 
          Interest  383  87  61 
          (See notes to the consolidated financial statements)


          70


          Note A—Significant Accounting Policies


          Principles of Consolidation

                  TheOur consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Boston Scientific Corporation (the Company) and itsour subsidiaries, substantially all of which the Companywe wholly owns. The Company considersown. We consider the principles of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation (FIN) No. 46,Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities and Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51,Consolidation of Financial Statements, when determining whether an entity is subject to consolidation. The Company accountsWe account for investments in companies over which it haswe have the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method if the Company holdswe hold 50 percent or less of the voting stock.


          On April 21, 2006, we consummated our acquisition of Guidant Corporation. Prior to our acquisition of Guidant, Abbott Laboratories acquired Guidant’s vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses and agreed to share the drug-eluting technology it acquired from Guidant with us. We consolidated Guidant’s operating results with those of Boston Scientific beginning on the date of the acquisition, April 21, 2006. See Note D - Business Combinations for further details regarding the transaction.

          Accounting Estimates

                  The preparation of


          To prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformityaccordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) requiresU.S. GAAP, management to makemakes estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of our assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of theour financial statements and the reported amounts of our revenues and expenses during the reporting period. ActualOur actual results could differ from thosethese estimates.


          Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

                  Cash


          We record cash and cash equivalents are recorded in theour consolidated balance sheets at cost, which approximates fair value. The Company considersWe consider all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

                  The Company invests


          We invest excess cash in high-quality marketable securities consisting primarily of corporate notes and bank time deposits. As of December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004, the Company classified its cash investments as available-for-sale. The Company recordsWe record available-for-sale investments at fair value. UnrealizedWe exclude unrealized gains and temporary losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported,report such gains and losses, net of tax, as a separate component of stockholders'stockholders’ equity until realized. The Company bases the cost of available-for-sale securities on the specific identification method. RealizedWe compute realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are computed based upon initial cost adjusted for any other-than-temporary declines in fair value. The Company recordsWe record held-to-maturity securities at amortized cost and adjustsadjust for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. InvestmentsWe classify investments in debt securities or equity securities that have a readily determinable fair value that are boughtwe purchase and heldhold principally for selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities. NoneAll of the Company'sour cash investments are consideredat December 31, 2006 had maturity dates at date of purchase of less than three months and, accordingly, we have classified them as cash and cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2005, we classified our cash investments with maturities greater than 90 days but less than one year as available-for-sale. We do not consider any of our investments to be held-to-maturity or trading or held-to-maturity securities at December 31, 20052006 and December 31, 2004.

          2005.


          Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities at December 31 consist of the following:

          (in millions)
           2005
           2004

          Cash and cash equivalents $689 $1,296
          Marketable securities (maturing 91 days-1 year)      
           Available-for-sale  159  344
            
           
            $848 $1,640
            
           

          71


          (in millions)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          Cash and cash equivalents $1,668 $689 
          Marketable securities       
          Available-for-sale     159 
            
          $
          1,668
           
          $
          848
           
          The amortized cost of marketable securities approximated their fair value at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.

          2005.


          Concentrations of Credit Risk


          Financial instruments that potentially subject the Companyus to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, derivative financial instrument contracts and accounts receivable. The Company'sOur investment policy limits exposure to concentrations of credit risk and changes in market conditions. Counterparties to financial instruments expose the Companyus to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance. The Company transacts itsWe transact our financial instruments with a diversified group of major financial institutions and monitorsmonitor outstanding positions to limit itsour credit exposure.

                  The Company provides


          We provide credit, in the normal course of business, to hospitals, healthcare agencies, clinics, doctors'doctors’ offices and other private and governmental institutions. The Company performsWe perform ongoing credit evaluations of itsour customers and maintainsmaintain allowances for potential credit losses.


          Revenue Recognition

                  The Company's


          Our revenue consists primarily consists of the sale of single-use medical devices. Revenue is consideredWe consider revenue to be realized or realizable and earned when all of the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or services have been rendered; the price is fixed or determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. TheseWe generally meet these criteria are generally met at the time of shipment when the risk of loss and title passes to the customer or distributor, unless a consignment arrangement exists. The Company recognizesWe recognize revenue from consignment arrangements based on product usage, or implant, which indicates that the sale is complete.

                  The Company For all other transactions, we recognize revenue when title to the goods and risk of loss transfer to the customer, provided there are no substantive remaining performance obligations required of us or any matters requiring customer acceptance. For multiple-element arrangements, whereby the sale of devices is combined with future service obligations, we defer revenue on the undelivered elements based on verifiable objective evidence of fair value.


          We generally allows itsallow our customers to return defective, damaged and, in certain instances,cases, expired products for credit. TheIn addition, we may allow customers to return previously purchased products for next-generation product offerings. We establish a reserve for sales returns when the initial product is sold. We base our estimate for sales returns is based upon contractual commitments and historical trends and is recordedrecord such amount as a reduction to revenue.

                  The Company offers


          We offer sales rebates and discounts to certain customers. The Company treatsWe treat sales rebates and discounts as a reduction of revenue and classifiesclassify the corresponding liability as current. The Company estimatesWe estimate rebates for products where there is sufficient historical information available to predict the volume of expected future rebates. If the Company iswe are unable to estimate the expected rebates reasonably, it recordswe record a liability for the maximum rebate percentage offered.

                  The Company has


          72

          We have entered certain agreements with group purchasing organizations to sell itsour products to participating hospitals at pre-negotiated prices. RevenueWe recognize revenue generated from these agreements is recognized following the same revenue recognition criteria discussed above.


          Inventories

                  The Company states


          We state inventories at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. ProvisionsWe base our provisions for excess, obsolete or expired inventory are primarily based on management'sour estimates of forecasted net sales levels. A significant change in the timing or level of demand for the Company'sour products as compared to forecasted amounts may result in recording additional provisions for excess or expired inventory in the future. The Company recordsindustry in which we participate is characterized by rapid product development and frequent new product introductions. Uncertain timing of next-generation product approvals, variability in product launch strategies, product recalls and variation in product utilization all impact the estimates related to excess and obsolete inventory. We record provisions for inventory located in itsour manufacturing and distribution facilities as cost of sales. ConsignmentWe charge consignment inventory write-downs are charged to selling, general and administrative expense andexpense. These write-downs approximated $24 million in 2006, $15 million in 2005, and $10 million in 2004, and $8 million in 2003.

          2004.


          Property, Plant and Equipment

                  The Company states


          We state property, plant, equipment, and leasehold improvements at historical cost. Expenditurescost, except for property, plant and equipment acquired in a business combination, which we state at fair value. We charge expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense;expense and capitalize additions and improvements are capitalized. The Companyimprovements. We generally providesprovide for depreciation using the straight-line method at rates that approximate the estimated useful lives of the assets. BuildingsWe depreciate buildings and improvements are depreciated



          over a 20 to 40 year life; equipment, furniture and fixtures are depreciated over a 3three to 7seven year life; and leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease.


          Valuation of Business Combinations

                  The Company records


          We record intangible assets acquired in recent business combinations under the purchase method of accounting. The Company accounts for acquisitions completed before July 1, 2001 in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 16,Business Combinations and accounts for acquisitions completed after June 30, 2001 in accordance with FASB Statement No. 141,Business Combinations. Amounts paidWe allocate the amounts we pay for each acquisition are allocated to the assets acquiredwe acquire and liabilities assumedwe assume based on their fair values at the dates of acquisition. The CompanyWe then allocatesallocate the purchase price in excess of net tangible assets acquired to identifiable intangible assets, including purchased research and development. TheWe base the fair value of identifiable intangible assets is based on detailed valuations that use information and assumptions provided by management. The Company allocatesWe allocate any excess purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired to goodwill.

                  The valuation of purchased research


          Purchased Research and development represents the estimated fair value at the dates of acquisition related to in-process projects. The Company'sDevelopment

          Our purchased research and development represents the value of in-process projects that have not yet reached technological feasibility and have no alternative future uses as of the date of acquisition. The primary basis for determining the technological feasibility of these projects is obtaining regulatory approval to market the underlying products in an applicable geographic region. The Company expensesWe expense the value attributable to these in-process projects at the time of the acquisition. If the projects are not successful or completed in a timely manner, the Companywe may not realize the financial benefits expected for these projects or for the acquisitions as a whole. In addition, the Company recordswe record certain costs associated with itsour strategic alliances as purchased research and development.

                  The Company uses


          73

          We use the income approach to determine the fair values of itsour purchased research and development. This approach determinescalculates fair value by estimating the after-tax cash flows attributable to an in-process project over its useful life and then discounting these after-tax cash flows back to a present value. The Company bases itsWe base our revenue assumptions on estimates of relevant market sizes, expected market growth rates, expected trends in technology and expected product introductions by competitors. In arriving at the value of the in-process projects, the Company considers,we consider, among other factors,factors: the in-process projects'projects’ stage of completion,completion; the complexity of the work completed as of the acquisition date,date; the costs already incurred,incurred; the projected costs to complete,complete; the contribution of core technologies and other acquired assets,assets; the expected introduction date and the estimated useful life of the technology. The Company basesWe base the discount rate used to arrive at a present value as of the date of acquisition on the time value of money and medical technology investment risk factors. For the in-process projects the Companywe acquired in connection with itsour recent acquisitions, itwe used the following ranges of risk-adjusted discount rates to discount itsour projected cash flows: 13 percent to 17 percent in 2005,2006, 18 percent to 27 percent;percent in 2004,2005, and 18 percent to 27 percent; andpercent in 2003, 24 percent. The Company believes2004. We believe that the estimated purchased research and development amounts so determined represent the fair value at the date of acquisition and do not exceed the amount a third party would pay for the projects.


          Amortization and Impairment of Intangible Assets

                  The Company records


          We record intangible assets at historical cost. The Company amortizes itsWe amortize our intangible assets using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, as follows: patents and licenses, 2two to 20 years; definite-lived core and developed technology, 5five to 25 years; customer relationships, five to 25 years; other intangible assets, various. The Company reviewsWe review intangible assets subject to amortization quarterly to determine if any adverse conditions exist or a change in circumstances has occurred that would indicate impairment or a change



          in the remaining useful life. Conditions that would indicate impairment and trigger a more frequent impairment assessment include, but are not limited to, a significant adverse change in legal factors or business climate that could affect the value of an asset, or an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds its undiscounted cash flows, the Company writes-downwe write-down the carrying value of the intangible asset to its fair value in the period identified. The Company


          We generally calculatescalculate fair value as the present value of estimated future cash flows we expect to be generated bygenerate from the asset using a risk-adjusted discount rate. If the estimate of an intangible asset'sasset’s remaining useful life is changed, the Company amortizeswe amortize the remaining carrying value of the intangible asset prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. In addition, the Company reviews itswe review our indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment and reassessesreassess their classification as indefinite-lived assets. To test for impairment, the Company calculateswe calculate the fair value of itsour indefinite-lived intangible assets and comparescompare the calculated fair values to the respective carrying values. ImpairmentsWe record impairments of intangible assets are recorded as amortization expense in theour consolidated statements of operations.


                  The Company testsWe test our March 31 goodwill balances during the second quarter of each year for impairment, or more frequently if certain indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. When conducting its annual goodwill impairmentIn performing the test, the Company utilizeswe utilize the two-step approach prescribed under FASB Statement No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. The first step requires a comparison of the carrying value of the reporting units, as defined, to the fair value of these units. As of December 31, 2005, the Company2006, we identified its sevenour 10 domestic divisions, which in aggregate make up the U.S. operatingreportable segment, and itsour three international operating segments as itsour reporting units for purposes of the goodwill impairment test. To derive the carrying value of itsour reporting units
          74

          at the time of acquisition, the Company assignswe assign goodwill to the reporting units that it expectswe expect to benefit from the respective business combination. In addition, assets and liabilities, including corporate assets, which relate to a reporting unit'sunit’s operations and would be considered in determining fair value, are allocated to the individual reporting units. AssetsWe allocate assets and liabilities not directly related to a specific reporting unit, but from which the reporting unit benefits, arebased primarily allocated based on the respective revenue contribution of each reporting unit. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Companywe will perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of a reporting unit'sunit’s goodwill withto its carrying value. Since the adoption of Statement No. 142, the Company haswe have not performed the second step of the impairment test because the fair value of each reporting unit has exceeded its respective carrying value.


          Investments in Strategic Alliances


                  The Company accountsWe account for itsour publicly traded investments as available-for-sale securities based on the quoted market price at the end of the reporting period. The Company accountsWe compute realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities based on the average cost method, adjusted for itsany other-than-temporary declines in fair value. We account for our investments for which fair value is not readily determinable in accordance with APB Opinion No. 18,The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 02-14,Whether an Investor Should Apply the Equity Method of Accounting to Investments other than Common Stock and FASB Staff Position No.Nos. 115-1 and 124-1,The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.

                  The Company accounts


          We account for investments in companies over which it haswe have the ability to exercise significant influence over the investee's operating and financial policies under the equity method if the Company holdswe hold 50 percent or less of the voting stock. We account for investments in companies over which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence under the cost method. Our determination of whether we have the ability to exercise significant influence over an investment requires judgment. Factors that management considerswe consider in determining whether the Company haswe have the ability to exercise significant influence include, but are not limited to:


          The our level of representation on the boardBoard of directors of the investee;

          Directors;
          our participation in the investee's policy makinginvestee’s policy-making processes;

          transactions with the investee in the ordinary course of business;

          the investee'sinvestee’s financial or technological dependency on the Company;us; and

          the Company's our ownership in relation to the concentration of other shareholdings.

          shareholders.


          For investments accounted for under the equity method, the Companywe initially recordsrecord the investment at cost, and adjustsadjust the carrying amount to reflect the Company'sour share of the earnings or losses of the investee, including all adjustments similar to those made in preparing consolidated financial statements. Amounts recorded to adjust the carrying amounts of investments accounted for under the equity method were not material to the Company's consolidated statements of operations in 2005, 2004 or 2003. When the Company does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over an investee, the Company follows the cost method of accounting.


          Each reporting period, the Company evaluates itswe evaluate our investments for impairmentto determine if an eventthere are any events or circumstance occurscircumstances that isare likely to have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of the investment. Examples of such events or circumstancesimpairment indicators include, but are not limited to,to: a significant deterioration in earnings performance; a significant adverse change in the regulatory, economic or technological environment of an investee; or a significant doubt about an investee'sinvestee’s ability to continue as a going concern. If the Company identifieswe identify an impairment indicator, the Companywe will estimate the fair value of the investment and compare it to its carrying value. If the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value, the investment is impaired and the Company makeswe make a determination as to
          75

          whether the impairment is other-than-temporary. Impairment is deemedWe deem impairment to be other-than-temporary unless the Company haswe have the ability and intent to hold an investment for a period sufficient for a market recovery up to the carrying value of the investment. Further, evidence must indicate that the carrying value of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period. For an other-than-temporary impairment, the Company recognizesimpairments, we recognize an impairment loss equal to the difference between an investment'sinvestment’s carrying value and its fair value. Impairment losses on these investments are included in other, net in theour consolidated statements of operations.


          Income Taxes

                  The Company utilizes

          We utilize the asset and liability method for accounting for income taxes. Under this method, the Company determineswe determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of itsour assets and liabilities. The Company measuresWe measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when we expect the differences are expected to reverse.

          We recognized net deferred tax liabilities of $2.201 billion at December 31, 2006 and $110 million at December 31, 2005. The Company reduces itsliabilities relate primarily to deferred taxes associated with our acquisitions. The assets relate primarily to the establishment of inventory and product-related reserves, litigation and product liability reserves, purchased research and development, net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. In light of our historical financial performance, we believe we will substantially recover these assets. See Note I—Income Taxes for a detailed analysis of our deferred tax positions.
          We reduce our deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that we will not realize some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considersassets. We consider relevant evidence, both positive and negative, to determine the need for a valuation allowance. Information evaluated includes the Company'sour financial position and results of operations for the current and preceding years, as well as an evaluation of currently available information about future years.

                  The Company provides for income taxes payable related to earnings of its foreign subsidiaries that may be repatriated in the foreseeable future. Income taxes are not provided on the unremitted earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries where such earnings have been permanently reinvested in its foreign operations. It is not practical to estimate the amount of income taxes payable on the earnings that are permanently reinvested in foreign operations. Unremitted earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries that are permanently reinvested are $2,106 million at December 31, 2005 and $1,005 million at December 31, 2004.

                  The Company provides

          We provide for potential amounts due in various tax jurisdictions. In the ordinary course of conducting business in multiple countries and tax jurisdictions, there are many transactions



          and calculations where the ultimate tax outcome is uncertain. Judgment is required in determining the Company'sour worldwide income tax provision. In management'sour opinion, we have made adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for all years subject to audit.

          Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, we can make no assurance that the final tax outcome of these matters will not be different from that which we have reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. Such differences could have a material impact on our income tax provision and operating results in the period in which we make such determination.


          Legal, Product Liability Costs and Securities Claims


                  The Company isWe are involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings, including intellectual property, breach of contract, securities litigation and product liability suits. In some cases, the claimants seek damages, as well as other relief, which, if granted, could require significant expenditures.expenditures or impact our ability to sell our products. We are substantially self-insured with respect to general, product liability and securities claims and record losses for claims in excess of purchased insurance in earnings at the time and to the extent they are probable and estimable. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 5,Accounting for Contingencies, the Company accrueswe accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, loss for product liability claims and, under certain
          76

          conditions, costs of defense when a loss is deemedbased on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and such costs are estimable. Otherwise, we expense these expenses are expensedcosts as incurred. If the estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within the range is more likely, the Company accrueswe accrue the minimum amount of the range. The Company'sOur accrual for regulatory and litigation-related costslegal matters that wereare probable and estimable was $20$485 million at December 31, 20052006 and $99$35 million at December 31, 2004. As of2005. The amounts accrued at December 31, 2005,2006 represent primarily accrued legal defense costs related to assumed Guidant litigation and product liability claims recorded as part of the purchase price. In connection with the acquisition of Guidant, we are still assessing certain assumed litigation and product liability claims to determine the amounts that management believes will be paid as a rangeresult of loss associated withsuch claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued in the future. See Note J - Commitments and Contingencies for further discussion of our individual material legal proceedings discussed inNote J—Commitments and Contingencies cannot be estimated due to the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the proceedings.


          Product Liability Costs and Securities Liability Claims

                  The Company is substantially self-insured with respect to general, product liability and securities litigation claims. In the ordinary course of business, product liability and securities litigation claims are asserted against us. The Company accrues anticipated costs of litigation and loss for product liability and securities litigation claims based on historical experience, or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. The Company records losses for claims in excess of the limits of purchased insurance in earnings at the time and to the extent they are probable and estimable. The accrual for product liability and securities litigation claims was $15 million at December 31, 2005 and $13 million at December 31, 2004.

          Warranty Obligations

                  The Company estimates


          We estimate the costs that we may be incurredincur under its warrantiesour warranty programs based on historical experience and recordsrecord a liability at the time the product is sold. Factors that affect the Company'sour warranty liability include the number of units sold, the historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and the cost per claim. The CompanyWe regularly assessesassess the adequacy of itsour recorded warranty liabilities and adjustsadjust the amounts as necessary. We record a reserve equal to the costs to repair or otherwise satisfy the claim. Expense attributable to warranties was not material to theour consolidated statements of operations for 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003.

          2004.


          Costs Associated with Exit Activities


                  The Company recordsWe record employee termination costs in accordance with FASB Statement No. 112,Employer'sEmployer’s Accounting for Post EmploymentPostemployment Benefits, if we pay the benefits are paid as part of an ongoing benefit arrangement, which includes benefits provided as part of Boston Scientific'sour domestic severance policy or that are providedwe provide in accordance with international statutory requirements. The Company accruesWe accrue employee termination costs associated with an ongoing benefit arrangement if the obligation is attributedattributable to prior services rendered, the rights to the benefits have vested and the payment is probable and we can reasonably estimate the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company accountsliability. We account for employee termination benefits that represent a one-time benefit in accordance with FASB Statement No. 146,Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The CompanyWe generally recordsrecord such costs into expense over the future service period, if any. In addition, in conjunction with an exit activity, the Companywe may offer voluntary termination benefits to employees. These benefits are recorded when the employee accepts the termination benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Other costs associated



          with exit activities may include costs related to leased facilities to be abandoned or subleased and long-lived asset impairments.

                  During 2005, the Company recognized chargesIn addition, we account for costs to exit an activity of an acquired company  and involuntary employee termination benefits and relocation costs associated with acquired businesses in accordance with EITF No. 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination.   We include exit activitiescosts in the purchase price allocation of approximately $40 million. These charges includedthe acquired business if a plan to exit an activity of an acquired company exists and those costs primarily attributablehave no future economic benefit to employee terminationsus and outsourcing costs within the Company's human resources function and international divisions; and a $10 million write-off of intangible assets related to its Enteryx® Liquid Polymer Technology, a discontinued technology platform obtainedwill be incurred as a partdirect result of itsthe exit plan, or the exit costs represent amounts to be incurred by us under a contractual obligation of the acquired entity that existed prior to the acquisition date.  We recognize involuntary employee termination benefits and relocation costs as liabilities assumed as of Enteric Medical Technologies, Inc. (EMT). The write-off resulted from the Company's decision duringacquisition date when management approves and commits to a plan of termination, and communicates the third quarter of 2005termination arrangement to cease selling the Enteryx product.

          employees.


          Translation of Foreign Currency

                  The Company translates


          We translate all assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries at the year-end exchange rate and translatestranslate sales and expenses at the average exchange rates in effect during the year. TheWe show the net effect of these translation adjustments is shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements as a component of stockholders'stockholders’ equity. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other, net in theour consolidated statements of operations. These gains and losses were not material to theour consolidated statements of operations for 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

          2004.


          77

          Financial Instruments


                  The Company recognizesWe recognize all derivative financial instruments in theour consolidated financial statements at fair value, regardless of the purpose or intent for holding the instrument, in accordance with FASB Statement No. 133,Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. ChangesWe record changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded in earnings unless we meet hedge accounting criteria are met.criteria. For derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, the Company recordswe record the changes in fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged item in earnings. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow and net investment hedges, we record the effective portions of changes in fair value, are recordednet of tax, in other comprehensive income. The Company recognizesFor derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges, we record the effective portions of changes in fair value in other comprehensive income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. We recognize any ineffective portion of itsour hedges in earnings.


          The carrying amounts of commercial paper and credit facility borrowings approximate their fair values. Thevalues at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005. We base the fair value of the Company'sour fixed-rate long-term debt is based on market prices. Carrying amounts of floating-rate long-term debt approximate their fair value.


          Shipping and Handling Costs

                  The Company does


          We do not generally bill customers for shipping and handling of itsour products. Shipping and handling costs of $108 million in 2006, $92 million in 2005 and $72 million in 2004 and $55 million in 2003 are included in selling, general and administrative expenses.


          Research and Development

                  Research


          We expense research and development costs, including new product development programs, regulatory compliance and clinical research are expensed as incurred.


          PensionPost-Retirement Benefit Plans

                  The Company maintains pension


          We maintain retirement plans covering certainour executives, divisional presidents and international employees, which the Company accounts for in accordance with FASB Statement No. 87,Employers' Accounting for Pensions.employees. The assets, liabilities and costs associated with these plans were not material in 2006, 2005 2004 and 2003.

          2004.

          In connection with our acquisition of Guidant, we sponsor the Guidant Retirement Plan, a frozen noncontributory defined benefit plan, covering a select group of current and former employees. The funding policy for the plan is consistent with U.S. employee benefit and tax-funding regulations. Plan assets, which we maintain in a trust, consist primarily of equity and fixed-income instruments. We also sponsor the Guidant Excess Benefit Plan, a frozen nonqualified plan for certain former officers and employees of Guidant. The Guidant Excess Benefit Plan was funded through a Rabbi Trust that contains segregated company assets used to pay the benefit obligations related to the plan.

          In addition, certain former U.S. and Puerto Rico employees of Guidant were eligible to receive Company-paid healthcare retirement benefits.  As part of the Guidant integration and the effort to develop a more scalable, consistent benefit plan Company-wide, these benefits were frozen. Former Guidant employees that met certain criteria as of December 31, 2006 and retired within two years thereafter are eligible to receive the benefits under the plan. 

          78

          We use a December 31 measurement date for these plans. The outstanding obligation as of December 31, 2006 is as follows:

          (in millions) 
           
          Guidant
          Retirement
          Plan
           
          Guidant
          Excess
          Benefit Plan
           
          Healthcare
          Retirement
          Benefit Plan
           
          Projected benefit obligation $90 $30 $30 
          Fair value of plan assets  82       
          Net amount recognized in consolidated balance sheet 
          $
          8
           
          $
          30
           
          $
          30
           


          The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2006 are as follows:

            
          Guidant
          Retirement
          Plan
           
          Guidant
          Excess
          Benefit Plan
           
          Healthcare
          Retirement
          Benefit Plan
           
          Discount rate  5.75% 5.75% 5.50%
          Expected return on plan assets  7.75%      
          Healthcare cost trend rate        5.00%
          Rate of compensation increase   4.50  4.50   

          Net (Loss) Income Perper Common Share

                  Net


          We base net (loss) income per common share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding each year.

          Potential common stock equivalents are determined using the treasury method. We exclude stock options whose effect would be anti-dilutive from the calculation.


          New Accounting Standards


                  DuringIn December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123(R),Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of Statement No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Statement No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends Statement No. 95,Statement of Cash Flows. See Note L - Stock Ownership Plans for discussion of our adoption of the standard and its impact on our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006.

          In general,July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 123(R) contains similar109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to create a single model to address accounting conceptsfor uncertainty in tax positions. Interpretation No. 48 requires the use of a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and disclosures regarding uncertainties in income tax positions, including a roll forward of tax benefits taken that do not qualify for financial statement recognition. We will record the cumulative effect of initially adopting Interpretation No. 48 as those describedan adjustment to opening retained earnings in the year of adoption and will present such adjustment separately. Only tax positions that we are more likely than not to realize at the effective date may be recognized upon adoption of Interpretation No. 48. We are required to adopt Interpretation No. 48
          79

          effective for our first quarter of 2007. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact of the new standard.

          In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 123. However,157, Fair Value Measurements. Statement No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in the consolidated statement of operations based on theiraccordance with U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative. Alternative phase-in methods are allowed undervalue measurements. Statement No. 123(R). The Company adopted157 does not require any new fair value measurements; rather, it applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. We are required to apply the provisions of Statement No. 123(R) on its effective date157 prospectively as of January 1, 2006 using2008, and recognize any transition adjustment as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the "modified-prospective method." Under this method, compensation cost is recognized (a) based onopening balance of retained earnings. We are in the requirementsprocess of Statement No. 123(R) for all share-based payments granted on or after January 1, 2006 and (b) based on the requirements of Statement No. 123 for all unvested awards that were granted to employees prior to January 1, 2006. The Company expects to apply the Black-Scholes valuation model in determining the fair value of share-based payments to employees, which will then be amortized on a straight-line basis.

                  As permitted by Statement No. 123, for periods prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for share-based payments to employees using Opinion No. 25's intrinsic value method and, as such, generally recognized no compensation cost for the granting of employee stock options, except as disclosed inNote L—Stock Ownership Plans. Accordingly, the adoption of Statement No. 123(R)'s fair value method will negatively impact the Company's statements of operations. The impacteffect of adoption of Statement No. 123(R) cannot be quantified at this time because it157, but we do not believe such adoption will depend onmaterially impact our future results of operations or financial position.


          In September 2006, the levelSEC released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering the Effects of share-based payments grantedPrior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. Bulletin No. 108 expresses the future, expected volatilities and expected useful lives, among other factors, present atSEC staff’s views regarding the grant date. However, had Statementprocess of quantifying financial statement misstatements. Bulletin No. 123(R) been effective108 requires that, in prior periods, the impact of that standard would have approximated the impact of Statement No. 123 and net income and net income per share would have been reported as the following pro forma amounts:

          (in millions, except per share data)
           2005
           2004
           2003
           


           
          Net income, as reported $628 $1,062 $472 
          Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in net income, net of related tax effects  13  62  1 
          Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects  (74) (67) (62)
            
           
           
           
          Pro forma net income $567 $1,057 $411 
            
           
           
           
          Net income per common share          
          Basic          
           Reported $0.76 $1.27 $0.57 
           Pro forma $0.69 $1.26 $0.50 
            
           
           
           
          Assuming dilution          
           Reported $0.75 $1.24 $0.56 
           Pro forma $0.68 $1.24 $0.49 
            
           
           
           

                  Statement No. 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation costaddition to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as



          required under currently effective accounting literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption of Statement No. 123(R). While the Company cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options),considering the amount of operating cash flows recognizedthe error originating in prior periods for such excess tax deductions was $28 million in 2005, $185 million in 2004 and $154 million in 2003.

                  Further, mostthe current year statement of operations, the misstatement existing at each balance sheet date should also be considered, irrespective of the Company's stock option awards provide for immediate vesting upon retirement, death or disabilityperiod of origin of the participant.error (rollover approach versus iron curtain approach). The Company has traditionally accounted for the pro forma compensation expense related to stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals using the stated vesting period of the grant. Thisregistrant must then evaluate whether either approach results in compensation expense being recognized overquantifying a misstatement that, when all relevant quantitative and qualitative factors are considered, is material. We adopted Bulletin No. 108 for the vesting period exceptyear ended December 31, 2006. Our adoption of Bulletin No. 108 did not result in the instancerecording of a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings or any revisions to prior reporting periods since we had previously evaluated misstatements using both the participant's actual retirement. Statement No. 123(R) clarifiedrollover approach and the accounting for stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals, which explicitly provides that the vesting period for a grant made to a retirement eligible employee is considered non-substantiveiron curtain approach, and should be ignored when determining the period over which the award should be expensed. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company will be required to expense stock-based awards over the period between grant date and retirement eligibility or immediately if the employee is retirement eligible at the date of grant. If the Company had historically accounted for stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals under these requirements, the pro forma expense disclosed above woulddid not have been materially impacted for the periods presented.

          any material misstatements under either methodology.


          Reclassifications


                  The Company hasWe have reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current year's presentation. Seeyear’s presentation, including amounts for prior years included in Note N—Segment ReportingB - Other Balance Sheet Information for further details.accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities

          ,Note N - Segment Reporting for reportable segment results, and the operating section of our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.


          Note B—Other Balance Sheet Information


          Components of selected captions in theour consolidated balance sheets at December 31 are as follows:

          (in millions)
           2005
           2004

          Trade Accounts Receivable      
           Accounts receivable $1,015 $980
           Less: allowances  83  80
            
           
            $932 $900
            
           
          Inventories      
           Finished goods $286 $238
           Work-in-process  64  65
           Raw materials  68  57
            
           
            $418 $360
            
           
          Property, Plant and Equipment      
           Land $76 $79
           Buildings and improvements  625  588
           Equipment, furniture and fixtures  1,152  978
            
           
             1,853  1,645
           Less: accumulated depreciation  842  775
            
           
            $1,011 $870
            
           
          Accrued Expenses      
           Acquisition-related obligations $357 $24
           Payroll and related liabilities  294  255
           Other  473  623
            
           
            $1,124 $902
            
           

                  Included in other accrued expenses at December 31, 2004 is a $110 million ($71 million after-tax) enhancement to the Company's 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (401(k) Plan). On September 24, 2004, the Board

          80


          (in millions)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          Trade accounts receivable
               
          Accounts receivable $1,561 $1,015 
          Less: allowances  137  83 
            
          $
          1,424
           
          $
          932
           
                  
          Inventories
                 
          Finished goods $447 $286 
          Work-in-process  145  64 
          Raw materials  157  68 
            
          $
          749
           
          $
          418
           
                  
          Property, plant and equipment
                 
          Land $115 $76 
          Buildings and improvements  827  625 
          Equipment, furniture and fixtures  1,775  1,152 
             2,717  1,853 
          Less: accumulated depreciation  991  842 
            
          $
          1,726
           
          $
          1,011
           
                  
          Accrued expenses
                 
          Acquisition-related obligations $428 $369 
          Legal reserves  268  35 
          Payroll and related liabilities  466  294 
          Other  683  426 
            
          $
          1,845
           
          $
          1,124
           
                  
          Other long-term liabilities
                 
          Legal reserves $217    
          Other accrued income taxes  1,041 $267 
          Other  231  42 
            
          $
          1,489
           
          $
          309
           

          See Note E - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets for among other things, a one-time enhancement to the 401(k) Plan. The Company apportioned this special retirement enhancement to eligible employees baseddetails on pay and years of service. The Company paid the one-time enhancement in the second quarter of 2005.

                  Included in other accrued expenses as of December 31, 2004 is a $75 million provision for a civil settlement with the Department of Justice. The Company paid the settlement in the second quarter of 2005.

                  In the second quarter of 2004, the company recorded inventory write-downs of $43 million (pre-tax) in conjunction with its recalls of certain units of the Company's TAXUS® Express2TM paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent systems and Express2 coronary stent systems.our intangible assets.


          Note C—Investments in Strategic Alliances

                  The Company has


          We have entered a significant number of strategic alliances with privately held and publicly traded companies. Many of these alliances involve equity investments by the Company in privately held equity securities or investments where an observable quoted market value does not exist. The Company entersWe enter these strategic alliances to broaden itsour product technology portfolio and to strengthen and expand the Company'sour reach into existing and new markets. Many of these companies are in the developmental stage and have not yet commenced their principal operations. The Company'sOur exposure to loss related to itsour strategic alliances is generally limited to itsour equity investments and notes receivable and intangible assets associated with these alliances.


          Equity investments in strategic alliances at December 31 consist of the following:

           
           2005
           2004
          (in millions)
            
           Number of Strategic Investments
            
           Number of Strategic Investments

          Available-for-Sale Investments          
           Amortized cost $103   $76  
           Gross unrealized gains  44    5  
           Gross unrealized losses  (4)   (2) 
            
             
            
           Fair value $143 5 $79 3
            
           
           
           
          Equity Method Investments          
           Cost $94   $64  
           Equity in losses  (9)   (3) 
            
             
            
           Carrying value $85 3 $61 2
            
           
           
           
          Cost Method Investments          
           Carrying value $366 58 $389 53
            
           
           
           
          Total Investments $594 66 $529 58
            
           
           
           

          81


            
          2006
           
          2005
           
          (in millions)
             
          Number of Strategic Investments
             
          Number of Strategic Investments
           
          Available-for-sale investments
                   
          Amortized cost $120    $103    
          Gross unrealized gains  36     44    
          Gross unrealized losses  (10)    (4)   
          Fair value $146  9 $143  5 
                        
          Equity method investments
                       
          Cost $123    $94    
          Equity in losses  (28)    (9)   
          Carrying value $95  4 $85  3 
                        
          Cost method investments
                       
          Carrying value $355  68 $366  58 
                        
            
          $
          596
            
          81
           
          $
          594
            
          66
           
          As of December 31, 2005, the Company2006, we held investments totaling $85$95 million in threefour companies that itwe accounted for under the equity method. The aggregate value of the Company's equity method investments for which a quoted market price is available is approximately $207 million, for which the associated carrying value is approximately $63 million. The Company'sOur ownership percentages in these companies range from approximately 21 percent to 28 percent. The aggregate value of our equity method investments for which a quoted market price is available is approximately $125 million, for which the associated carrying value is approximately $77 million. The aggregate difference between the carrying value of these equity methodthe investments and the value of the Company'sour share in the net assets of these investees isthe investee at the time that we determined that the investments qualified for equity method accounting was approximately $70$117 million. This difference iswas attributable primarily attributable to goodwill, which is not being amortized; purchased research and development, which was written-off at the time of application of the equity method of accounting; and intangible assets, subject to amortization, for which theare being amortized over their estimated useful lives rangeranging from 10five to 20 years.


          As of December 31, 2004, the Company2005, we held investments totaling $61$85 million in twothree companies that itwe accounted for under the equity method. Our ownership percentages in these companies ranged from approximately 21 percent to 28 percent. The aggregate value of the Company'sour equity method investments for which a quoted market price was available was approximately $122$207 million, for which the associated carrying value was approximately $36$63 million. The Company's ownership percentagesaggregate difference between the carrying value of the investments and the value of our share in these companies rangedthe net assets of the investee at the time that we determined that the investments qualified for equity method accounting was approximately $70 million. This difference is attributable primarily to goodwill, and intangible assets, which are being amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from approximately 25 percentfive to 30 percent.

                  The Company20 years.


          We regularly reviews itsreview our strategic investments for impairment indicators. Based on this review, we recorded other-than-temporary impairments of approximately $78 million in 2006 related to cost method investments, the Companymost significant impairment related to the termination of a gene therapy trial being conducted by one of our portfolio companies. This trial was suspended in March 2006 and patient enrollment was terminated in April 2006. The remaining carrying value of these cost method investments at December 31, 2006 was $49 million. We determined there was no impairment on the remaining $306 million of our cost method investments. As of December 31, 2006, we recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $4 million associated with
          82

          certain of our available-for-sale investments. As of December 31, 2006, we had six available-for-sale investments in an unrealized loss position. The duration of the unrealized loss was less than 12 months for each investment. The aggregate carrying value of the investments was $87 million and the aggregate unrealized loss was $10 million. We do not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2006 due to the duration of the unrealized loss position and our ability and intent to hold the investments for a reasonable period sufficient for a recovery of the unrealized loss.

          We recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $10 million in 2005 associated with certain cost method investments. The remaining carrying value of these investments at December 31, 2005 was $16 million. The CompanyWe determined there were no impairment indicators present for the remaining $350 million of itsour cost method investments. The CompanyWe recorded other-than-temporary impairments of $3 million associated with certain of itsour available-for-sale investments. As of December 31, 2005, the Companywe had two available-for-sale investments with an aggregate



          carrying value of $10 million and unrealized loss position of $4 million. The duration of the unrealized loss position iswas less than 12 months. The Company doesWe did not consider these investmentsthis investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2005 due to the duration of the impairment and the Company'sour ability and intent to hold the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of the unrealized loss. In addition, during 2005, the Companywe wrote-off itsour $24 million investment in Medinol, Ltd. The Company'sWe canceled our equity investment was canceled in conjunction with the litigation settlement with Medinol. The write-down of the Medinol investment is included in Litigation-relatedlitigation-related charges in theour consolidated statements of operations.

                  The Company recorded other-than-temporary impairments


          We had notes receivable of $45approximately $113 million in 2004 associated with certain cost method investments. The remaining carrying value of these investments at December 31, 2004 was $27 million. The Company determined there were no impairment indicators present for $3622006 and $112 million of its cost method investments. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had one available-for-sale investment with a carrying value of $9 million in an unrealized loss position of $2 million. The duration of the unrealized loss position was less than 12 months. The Company did not consider this investment to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2004 due to the duration of the impairment and the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient for a forecasted recovery of the unrealized loss.

                  In 2005 the Company recorded realized gains of $4 million from sales of investments in privately held companies. In 2004, the Company recorded realized gains of $36 million from sales of investments in publicly traded and privately held companies.

                  The Company had approximately $112 million of notes receivable due from privately held and publicly traded companies at December 31, 2005, and $79 millioncompanies. We recorded write-downs of notes receivable at December 31, 2004. The Companyof $39 million in 2006, related primarily to technological delays and financial deterioration of certain of our vascular sealing and gene therapy portfolio companies. We recorded write-downs of notes receivable of $4 million in 20052005.


          Over time, we will continue to reprioritize our internal research and $13 milliondevelopment project portfolio and our external investment portfolio. This reprioritization may result in 2004.

          the decision to sell, discontinue, write-down, or otherwise reduce the funding of certain projects, operations, investments or assets. Any proceeds from sales, or any increases in operating cash flows, resulting from subsequent reviews may be used to reduce debt incurred to fund the Guidant acquisition, or may be reinvested in other research and development projects or other operational initiatives. 

          Note D—Business Combinations

          During 2006, we paid $28.4 billion to acquire Guidant through a combination of cash, common stock, and fully vested stock options. During 2005, the Companywe paid $178 million in cash to acquire TriVascular, Inc., CryoVascular Systems, Inc. and Rubicon Medical Corporation and paid $120 million in shares of the Company'sour common stock to acquire Advanced Stent Technologies, Inc. (AST). During 2004, the Companywe paid $804 million in cash to acquire Advanced Bionics Corporation and Precision Vascular Systems, Inc. (PVS). During 2003, the Company paid $13 million in cash to acquire InFlow Dynamics, Inc. These acquisitions were intended to strengthen the Company'sour leadership position in interventional medicine. TheOur consolidated financial statements include the operating results for each acquired entity from its respective date of acquisition.

          Given the materiality of the transaction, we have included supplemental pro forma financial information to give effect to the Guidant acquisition as though it had occurred at the beginning of 2006 and 2005 below. Pro forma information is not presented for our other acquisitions given the immateriality of their results to our consolidated financial statements.

          83

          2006 Business Combinations

          On April 21, 2006, we acquired 100 percent of the fully diluted equity of Guidant Corporation. Guidant is a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease. With this acquisition, we have become a major provider in the more than $9 billion global Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) business, enhancing our overall competitive position and long-term growth potential and further diversifying our product portfolio. This acquisition has established us as one of the world’s largest cardiovascular device companies and a global leader in microelectronic therapeutics.

          The aggregate purchase price of $28.4 billion included: $14.5 billion in cash; 577 million shares of our common stock at an estimated fair value of $12.5 billion; approximately 40 million of our fully vested stock options granted to Guidant employees at an estimated fair value of approximately $450 million; approximately $100 million associated with the buyout of options of certain former vascular intervention and endovascular solutions Guidant employees; and approximately $800 million of direct acquisition costs, including a $705 million payment made to Johnson & Johnson in connection with the termination of its merger agreement with Guidant. The purchase price net of cash acquired was approximately $21.7 billion. In conjunction with the acquisition, and partially offsetting the purchase price, we acquired approximately $6.7 billion of cash, including $4.1 billion in connection with Guidant’s prior sale of its vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses to Abbott. The remaining cash relates to cash on hand at the time of closing. There is no potential contingent consideration payable to the former Guidant shareholders.

          Upon the closing of the acquisition, each share of Guidant common stock (other than shares owned by Guidant and Boston Scientific) was converted into (i) $42.00 in cash, (ii) 1.6799 shares of Boston Scientific common stock, and (iii) $0.0132 in cash per share for each day beginning on April 1 through the closing date of April 21, representing an additional $0.28 per share. The number of Boston Scientific shares issued for each Guidant share was based on an exchange ratio determined by dividing $38.00 by the average closing price of Boston Scientific common stock during the 20 consecutive trading day period ending three days prior to the closing date, so long as the average closing price during that period was between $22.62 and $28.86. If the average closing price during that period was below $22.62, the merger agreement specified a fixed exchange ratio of 1.6799 shares of Boston Scientific common stock for each share of Guidant common stock. Because the average closing price of Boston Scientific common stock during that period was less than $22.62, Guidant shareholders received 1.6799 Boston Scientific shares for each share of Guidant common stock.

          We measured the fair value of the 577 million shares of our common stock issued as consideration in conjunction with our acquisition of Guidant under Statement No. 141 and EITF No. 99-12, Determination of the Measurement Date for the Market Price of Acquirer Securities Issued in a Purchase Business Combination. We determined the measurement date to be April 17, 2006, the first date on which the average 20-day closing price fell below $22.62 and the number of Boston Scientific shares to be issued according to the exchange ratio became fixed without subsequent revision. We valued the securities based on average market prices a few days before and after the measurement date (beginning on April 12 and ending on April 19), which did not include any dates after the April 21 closing date of the acquisition. The weighted average stock price so determined was $21.68.

          84

          To finance the cash portion of the Guidant acquisition, we borrowed $6.6 billion consisting of a $5.0 billion five-year term loan and a $700 million 364-day interim credit facility loan from a syndicate of commercial and investment banks, as well as a $900 million subordinated loan from Abbott. See Note F - Borrowings and Credit Arrangements for further details regarding the debt issued to finance the cash portion of the Guidant acquisition.

          We made our offer to acquire Guidant after the execution of a merger agreement between Guidant and Johnson & Johnson. On January 25, 2006, Guidant terminated the Johnson & Johnson merger agreement and, in connection with the termination, Guidant paid Johnson & Johnson a termination fee of $705 million. We then reimbursed Guidant for the full amount of the termination fee paid to Johnson & Johnson.

          We continue to incur integration and restructuring costs as we integrate certain operations of Guidant.

          Abbott Transaction
          On April 21, 2006, before the closing of the Boston Scientific-Guidant transaction, Abbott acquired Guidant’s vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses for:
          ·  an initial payment of $4.1 billion in cash at the Abbott transaction closing;
          ·  a milestone payment of $250 million upon receipt of an approval from the U.S. FDA within ten years after the Abbott transaction closing to market and sell an everolimus-eluting stent in the U.S.; and
          ·  a milestone payment of $250 million upon receipt of an approval from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare within ten years after the Abbott transaction closing to market and sell an everolimus-eluting stent in Japan.
          In addition, Abbott loaned us $900 million on a subordinated basis. See Note F - Borrowings and Credit Arrangements for further details regarding the Abbott loan.

          Further, Abbott purchased from us approximately 65 million shares of our common stock for $1.4 billion, or $21.66 per share. Abbott agreed not to sell any of these shares of common stock for six months following the transaction closing unless the average price per share of our common stock over any consecutive 20-day trading period during that six-month period exceeded $30.00. In addition, during the 18-month period following the transaction closing, Abbott will not, in any one-month period, sell more than 8.33 percent of these shares of our common stock. Abbott must sell all of these shares of our common stock no later than 30 months following April 21, 2006 and must apply a portion of the net proceeds from its sale of these shares of our common stock in excess of specified amounts, if any, to reduce the principal amount of the loan from Abbott to Boston Scientific (sharing of proceeds feature).

          We determined the fair value of the sharing of proceeds feature of the Abbott stock purchase as of April 21, 2006 to be $103 million and recorded this amount as an asset received in connection with the sale of the Guidant vascular intervention and endovascular solutions business to Abbott. We revalue this instrument each reporting period, and recorded net expense of approximately $95 million during 2006 to reflect the change in fair value. We will record fair value adjustments on this feature until all of the underlying shares are sold by Abbott. As of December 31, 2006, we
          85

          have an asset of approximately $8 million remaining, which reflects the estimated fair value of this feature as of December 31, 2006.

          We used a Monte Carlo simulation methodology in determining the value of the sharing of proceeds feature. We estimated the fair values on December 31, 2006 and April 21, 2006 using the following assumptions:

            
          December 31,
          2006
           
          April 21,
          2006
           
          BSX stock price $17.18 $22.49 
          Expected volatility  30.00% 30.00%
          Risk-free interest rate  4.79% 4.90%
          Credit spread  0.35% 0.35%
          Expected dividend yield  0.00% 0.00%
          Contractual term to expiration  1.8 years  2.5 years 
          Notional shares  64,635,272  64,635,272 

          Approximately 18 months following the Abbott transaction closing, we will issue to Abbott additional shares of our common stock having an aggregate value of up to $60 million (based on the average closing price of our common stock during the 20 consecutive trading day period ending five trading days prior to the date of issuance of those shares) to reimburse Abbott for the cost of borrowing $1.4 billion to purchase the shares of our common stock. We have recorded the $60 million of stock to be issued as a liability assumed in connection with the sale of Guidant’s vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses to Abbott.

          Prior to the Abbott transaction closing, Boston Scientific and Abbott entered into transition services agreements under which (i) we will provide or make available to the Guidant vascular and endovascular solutions businesses acquired by Abbott those services, rights, properties and assets of Guidant that were not included in the assets purchased by Abbott and that are reasonably required by Abbott to enable them to conduct the Guidant vascular and endovascular solutions businesses substantially as conducted at the time of the Abbott transaction closing; and (ii) Abbott will provide or make available to us those services, rights, properties and assets reasonably required by Boston Scientific to enable it to conduct the business conducted by Guidant, other than the Guidant vascular and endovascular solutions businesses, in substantially the same manner as conducted as of the Abbott transaction closing, to the extent those services, rights, properties and assets were included in the assets purchased by Abbott. These transition services are available at prices based on costs incurred in performing the services. Many of these transition services agreements expire during 2007.

          Purchase Price

          We have accounted for the acquisition of Guidant as a purchase under U.S. GAAP. Under the purchase method of accounting, we recorded the assets and liabilities of Guidant as of the acquisition date, at their respective fair values, and consolidated them with those of legacy Boston Scientific. The purchase price is based upon preliminary estimates of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We are in the process of gathering information to finalize our valuation of certain assets and liabilities, primarily the determination of amounts that may be paid as a result of assumed product liability claims. We will finalize the purchase price allocation once we have the necessary information to complete our estimate, but generally no later than one year from the acquisition date. The preparation of the valuation required the use of significant assumptions and estimates. Critical estimates included, but were not limited to, future expected
          86

          cash flows and the applicable discount rates as of the date of the acquisition. We based these estimates on assumptions that we believed to be reasonable as of the date of the acquisition. However, actual results may differ from these estimates. 

          The preliminary purchase price is as follows (in millions):

          Consideration to Guidant
             
          Cash portion of consideration $14,527 
          Fair value of Boston Scientific common stock  12,514 
          Fair value of Boston Scientific options exchanged for Guidant stock options  450 
          Buyout of options for certain former employees  97 
             27,588 
          Other acquisition-related costs
              
          Johnson & Johnson termination fee  705 
          Other direct acquisition costs  65 
            
          $
          28,358
           
          The fair value of the Boston Scientific stock options exchanged for Guidant options was included in the purchase price due to the fact that the options were fully vested. We estimated the fair value of these options using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We estimated the fair value of the stock options assuming no expected dividends and the following weighted-average assumptions:

          Expected term (in years)  2.4 
          Expected volatility  30%
          Risk-free interest rate  4.92%
          Stock price on date of grant $22.49 
          Weighted-average exercise price $13.11 

          Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation

          The following chart summarizes the Guidant preliminary purchase price allocation (in millions):

          Cash $6,708 
          Intangible assets subject to amortization  7,719 
          Goodwill  12,354 
          Other assets  2,255 
          Purchased research and development  4,169 
          Current liabilities  (1,803)
          Net deferred income taxes  (2,549)
          Other long-term liabilities  (495)
            
          $
          28,358
           

          The deferred tax liabilities relate primarily to the tax impact of future amortization associated with the identified intangible assets acquired, which are not deductible for tax purposes.

          87

          We allocated the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired to specific intangible asset categories as follows:
            
          Amount
          Assigned
          (in millions)
           
          Weighted Average Amortization Period
          (in years)
           
          Risk-Adjusted Discount Rates used in Purchase Price Allocation
           
          Amortizable intangible assets          
          Technology - core $6,142  25  
          10%-16%
           
          Technology - developed  885  6  10% 
          Customer relationships  688  15  10%-13% 
          Other  4  10  10% 
            
          $
          7,719
            22    
                     
          Goodwill $12,354       
          Purchased research and development  4,169     13%-17% 
          We believe that the estimated intangible assets and purchased research and development so determined represent the fair value at the date of acquisition and do not exceed the amount a third party would pay for the assets. We used the income approach to determine the fair value of the amortizable intangible assets and purchased research and development. We valued and accounted for the identified intangible assets and purchased research and development in accordance with our policy as described in Note A - Significant Accounting Policies.

          Various factors contributed to the establishment of goodwill, including: the strategic benefit of entering the CRM market and diversifying our product portfolio; the value of Guidant’s highly trained assembled workforce as of the acquisition date; the expected revenue growth over time that is attributable to expanded indications and increased market penetration from future products and customers; the incremental value to our existing interventional cardiology franchise from having two drug-eluting stent platforms; and the synergies expected to result from combining infrastructures, reducing combined operational spend and program reprioritization. The goodwill acquired in the Guidant acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes. We have allocated the goodwill to our reportable segments as follows: $7.642 billion to the U.S., $3.7 billion to Europe, $625 million to Inter-Continental and $387 million to Japan. We allocated goodwill by business segment based on the relative enterprise fair value of each segment at the date of acquisition.

          The core technology consists of technical processes, intellectual property, and institutional understanding with respect to products or processes that have been developed by Guidant and that will be leveraged in future products or processes. Core technology represents know-how, patented and unpatented technology, testing methodologies and hardware that will be carried forward from one product generation to the next. Over 90 percent of the value assigned to core technology is associated with Guidant’s CRM products and includes battery and capacitor technology, lead technology, software algorithms, and interfacing for shocking and pacing.

          88

          The developed technology acquired from Guidant represents the value associated with currently marketed products that have received FDA approval as of the acquisition date. Guidant’s currently marketed products include:
          ·  Implantable cardioverter defibrillator systems used to detect and treat abnormally fast heart rhythms (tachycardia) that could result in sudden cardiac death, including implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator systems used to treat heart failure;
          ·  Implantable pacemaker systems used to manage slow or irregular heart rhythms (bradycardia), including implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker systems used to treat heart failure; and
          ·  Cardiac surgery systems used to perform cardiac surgical ablation, endoscopic vein harvesting and clampless beating-heart bypass surgery.

          The currently marketed products include products primarily within the Insignia, Prizm, Vitality, Contak TR and Contak Renewal CRM product families, the VASOVIEW® Endoscopic Vein Harvesting System, FLEX Microwave Systems and the ACROBAT™ System.

          Customer relationships represent the estimated fair value of the non-contractual customer relationships Guidant had with physician customers as of the acquisition date. The primary physician users of Guidant’s largest selling products include electrophysiologists, implanting cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, and cardiac surgeons. These relationships were valued separately from goodwill as Guidant (i) has information about and has regular contact with its physician customers and (ii) the physician customers have the ability to make direct contact with Guidant. We used the income approach to estimate the fair value of customer relationships as of the acquisition date.

          Pro Forma Results of Operations
          Our consolidated financial statements include Guidant’s operating results from the date of acquisition, April 21, 2006. The following unaudited pro forma information presents a summary of consolidated results of our operations and Guidant, as if the acquisition, the Abbott transaction and the financing for the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each of the periods presented. We have adjusted the historical consolidated financial information to give effect to pro forma events that are (i) directly attributable to the acquisition and (ii) factually supportable. We present the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information for informational purposes only. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the acquisition, the sale of the Guidant vascular and endovascular solutions businesses to Abbott and the financing transactions with Abbott and other lenders been completed at the dates indicated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information does not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the combined Company after completion of the acquisition. Pro forma adjustments are tax-effected at our effective tax rate.

          89


              
            
          Year Ended December 31,
           
          (in millions, except per share data)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
            
          Unaudited
           
                
          Net sales $8,533 $8,739 
          Net loss  (3,916) (4,287)
                  
          Net loss per share - basic $(2.66)$(2.92)
          Net loss per share - assuming dilution $(2.66)$(2.92)
          The pro forma net loss includes amortization expense associated with intangible assets obtained in conjunction with the Guidant acquisition of $480 million for 2006 and 2005. The unaudited pro forma financial information for each period presented also includes the following non-recurring charges: purchased research and development of $4.169 billion obtained as part of the Guidant acquisition; $267 million in expense associated with the step-up value of acquired inventory sold; a tax charge for the drug-eluting stent license right obtained from Abbott; and $95 million for the fair value adjustment related to the sharing of proceeds feature of the Abbott stock purchase. In connection with the accounting for the acquisition of Guidant, we wrote-up inventory acquired from manufacturing cost to fair value. As of December 31, 2006, we had no inventory step-up value remaining in inventory.
          Costs Associated with Exit Activities
          As of December 31, 2006, we included in the Guidant purchase price allocation an accrual for $198 million in acquisition-related costs that included: approximately $173 million for involuntary terminations, change-in-control payments, relocation and related costs; and approximately $25 million of estimated costs to cancel contractual commitments.
          As of the acquisition date, management began to assess and formulate plans to exit certain Guidant activities. As a result of these exit plans, we will make severance, relocation and change-in-control payments. The majority of the exit cost accrual relates to our plan to reduce the acquired CRM workforce by approximately 500 to 600 employees during the first quarter of 2007. The affected workforce included primarily research and development employees, although employees within sales and marketing and certain other functions were also impacted. We also plan to make smaller workforce reductions internationally across multiple functions in order to eliminate duplicate facilities and rationalize our distribution network in certain countries. We are in the process of gathering information to finalize these integration activities.

          The components of our accrual for Guidant-related exit and other costs are as follows:
          (in millions)
           
          Purchase Price Adjustments
           
          Charges Utilized in 2006
           
          Balance at December 31, 2006
           
          Workforce reductions $190 $(27)$163 
          Relocation costs  15  (5) 10 
          Contractual commitments  30  (5) 25 
            
          $
          235
           
          $
          (37
          )
          $
          198
           

          90

          2005 Business Combinations
          In March 2005, the Companywe acquired 100 percent of the fully diluted equity of AST for approximately 3.6 million shares of its ownour common stock, which was valued at approximately $120 million on the date of acquisition. The CompanyWe may also be required to make earn-out payments in the future that are contingent upon AST achieving certain regulatory and performance-related milestones. AST is a developer of stent delivery systems that are designed to address coronary artery disease in bifurcated vessels. The acquisition was intended to provide the Companyus with an expanded stent technology and intellectual property portfolio.

          In April 2005, the Companywe acquired 100 percent of the fully diluted equity of TriVascular for approximately $65 million in addition to itsour previous investments and notes issued of approximately $45 million. The Company may also make earn-out payments in the future that are contingent upon TriVascular achieving certain regulatory and performance-related milestones. TriVascular is a developer



          of medical devices and procedures used for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The acquisition was intended to expand the Company'sour vascular surgery technology portfolio.

          During the second quarter of 2006, management cancelled the TriVascular AAA stent-graft program. The program cancellation was due principally to forecasted increases in time and costs to complete the development of the stent-graft and to receive regulatory approval. The cancellation of the TriVascular AAA program resulted in the shutdown of our facility in Santa Rosa, California and the displacement of approximately 300 employees. During the second quarter of 2006, we recorded a charge to research and development expenses of approximately $20 million associated primarily with write-downs of fixed assets and a charge to research and development expenses of approximately $10 million associated with severance and related costs incurred in connection with the cancellation of the TriVascular AAA program. In addition, we recorded an impairment charge related to the remaining TriVascular intangible assets and reversed our accrual for contingent payments recorded in the initial purchase accounting. The effect of the write-off of these assets and liabilities was a $23 million charge to amortization expense and a $67 million credit to purchased research and development during the second quarter of 2006. We substantially completed the shutdown activities during the third quarter of 2006.

          In April 2005, the Companywe acquired 100 percent of the fully diluted equity of CryoVascular for approximately $50 million in addition to itsour previous investments of approximately $10 million. The CompanyWe may also be required to make earn-out payments in the future that are contingent upon CryoVascular achieving certain performance related-milestones. CryoVascular is a developer and manufacturer of a proprietary angioplasty device to treat atherosclerotic disease of the legs and other peripheral arteries, which the Companywe previously distributed. The acquisition was intended to expand the Company'sour peripheral vascular technology portfolio.

          In June 2005, the Companywe completed itsour acquisition of 100 percent of the fully diluted equity of Rubicon for approximately $70 million in addition to itsour previous investments of approximately $20 million. The CompanyWe may also be required to make earn-out payments in the future that are contingent upon Rubicon achieving certain regulatory and performance related-milestones. Rubicon is a developer of embolic protection filters for use in interventional cardiovascular procedures. The acquisition was intended to strengthen the Company'sour leadership position in interventional cardiovascular procedures.

                  The Company allocated In 2006, we wrote off $21 million of the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangibleintangible assets acquired to specific intangible asset categories for its 2005 acquisitions as follows:

          (in millions)
           Amount
          Assigned

           Weighted Average
          Amortization Period

           Risk-Adjusted Discount Rate used in Purchase Price Allocation

          Amortizable Intangible Assets:       
           Technology—core $191 20 years 15%-24%
           Technology—developed  59 10 years 15%
            
              
            $250 18 years  
            
              
          Unamortizable Intangible Assets:       
           Goodwill $34    
           Purchased Research and Development $251   18%-27%

                  The Company recorded an aggregate deferred tax asset of $53 million and an aggregate deferred tax liability of $93 million in conjunction with the acquisitions completed during 2005. The deferred tax asset is primarily attributable to net operating loss carryforwards. The deferred tax liability mainly relates to the tax impact of future amortization expense associated with the identified intangible assets acquired indeveloped technology obtained as part of the acquisition.

          The write-off of the Rubicon developed technology resulted from a management decision to redesign the first generation of the technology and concentrate resources on the commercialization of the second-generation product.

          91

          2004 Business Combinations

          On June 1, 2004, the Companywe completed itsour acquisition of 100 percent of the fully diluted equity of Advanced Bionics for an initial payment of approximately $740 million in cash, plus possible future earn-out payments. The initial purchase price was primarily funded by the issuance of commercial paper. Advanced Bionics develops implantable microelectronic technologies for treating numerous neurological disorders. Its neuromodulation technology includes a range of neurostimulators (or implantable pulse generators), programmable drug pumps and cochlear implants. At the acquisition date, Advanced Bionics had received FDA approval for certain auditory and pain management technologies. The auditory technology consists of a multichannel cochlear implant and an external sound processor that is capable of restoring the human sense of sound. The pain management technology consists of a spinal cord stimulation system for the treatment of chronic peripheral pain of the lower back and legs. In addition, Advanced Bionics had two significant projects in-process at the time of acquisition, including the bion® microstimulator and the drug delivery pump. The bion microstimulator is an implantable neurostimulation device designed to treat a variety of neurological



          conditions, including migraine headaches and urge incontinence. The drug delivery pump is an implanted programmable device designed to treat chronic pain. See the Purchased Research and Development section of this note for details on these two in-process projects. The Advanced Bionics acquisition was intended to expand the Company'sour technology portfolio into the implantable microelectronic device market.

          The Advanced Bionics acquisition was structured to include earn-out payments that are contingent primarily contingent on the achievement of future performance milestones. The performance milestones are segmented by Advanced Bionics'Bionics’ four principal technology platforms (cochlear implants, implantable pulse generators, drug pumps and bion microstimulators) and each milestone has a specific earn-out period, which generally commences on the date of the related product launch. Base earn-out payments on these performance milestones approximate two-and-a-quarter times incremental sales for each annual period. There are also bonus earn-out payments available based on the attainment of certain aggregate sales performance targets and a certain gross margin level. The milestones associated with the contingent consideration must be reached in certain periods through 2013. The estimated maximum potential amount of future contingent consideration (undiscounted) that the Companywe could be required to make associated with itsour acquisition of Advanced Bionics is approximately $2.4$3 billion. The estimated cumulative revenue level (undiscounted) associated with these maximum future contingent paymentsto be generated by Advanced Bionics during the remaining earnout period is approximately $5.6 billion during the period from 2006 through 2013. The Company$7 billion. We will allocate these payments, if made, to goodwill.

                  Fair values of tangible assets and liabilities obtained in conjunction with the acquisition of Advanced Bionics were as follows:

          (in millions)
            

          Assets $64
          Liabilities  35
            
          Net Tangible Assets $29
            

                  The Company allocated the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired to specific intangible asset categories as follows:

          (in millions)
           Amount
          Assigned

           Weighted Average
          Amortization Period

           Risk-Adjusted Discount Rate used in Purchase Price Allocation

          Amortizable Intangible Assets:       
           Technology—core $325 20 years 17%-19%
           Technology—developed  26 5 years 14%
           Customer-related intangible assets  10 15 years *
            
              
            $361 19 years  
            
              
          Unamortizable Intangible Assets:       
           Goodwill $586    
           Purchased Research and Development $50   18%-27%

          *
          The Company used the replacement cost method to value the customer-related intangible assets obtained in conjunction with the acquisition of Advanced Bionics.

                  The Advanced Bionics developed technology consists of auditory and pain management technologies that had received FDA approval as of the acquisition date. The Company determined that the estimated useful life of the developed technology was 5 years given the nature of microelectronic devices and the relatively rapid iteration of future generations of such technology.



                  The core technology consists of patented and unpatented fundamental neuromodulation platforms for auditory and pain management technologies. This core technology represents the common platform or the common parts within each of the acquired implantable microelectronic device technologies that will be carried over in future iterations of the product. The Company determined that the estimated useful life of the core technology was 20 years.

                  A significant excess of cost remained after allocating the purchase price to the net tangible and intangible assets, which the Company allocated to goodwill. This significant amount of excess was attributable to the low level of net tangible assets acquired, the early stage of development of the acquired in-process technologies and the relatively short product life cycles of the developed technologies. The Company expected much of the value of the acquisition to be driven by future growth of the neuromodulation markets and technological developments impacting future product offerings. In addition, the goodwill encompasses the value associated with Advanced Bionics' highly technical and specialized assembled workforce; the value of synergies associated with the acquisition given Boston Scientifics' resources, including the Company's operational and global sales and marketing expertise; and the strategic benefit the Company expects to derive due to Advanced Bionics expanding its reach into the rapidly growing implantable microelectronic device market. The goodwill obtained in conjunction with the acquisition of Advanced Bionics is not deductible for tax purposes. The Company has allocated the goodwill to its reportable segments as follows: $468 million to the U.S., $71 million to Europe, $35 million to the Inter-Continental and $12 million to Japan. The Company allocated goodwill by business segment based on the respective revenue contribution during the year of acquisition.

                  The Company recorded a deferred tax asset of $85 million and a deferred tax liability of $134 million in conjunction with the acquisition of Advanced Bionics. The deferred tax asset is primarily attributable to net operating loss carryforwards. The deferred tax liability mainly relates to the tax impact of future amortization associated with the identified intangible assets acquired in the acquisition.

                  The following unaudited pro forma information presents the consolidated results of operations of the Company and Advanced Bionics as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of each of 2004 and 2003, with pro forma adjustments to give effect to amortization of intangible assets, an increase in interest expense on acquisition financing and certain other adjustments together with related tax effects:

          (in millions, except per share data)
           2004
           2003

          Net sales $5,657 $3,532
          Net income  1,079  425
          Net income per share—basic $1.29 $0.52
          Net income per share—assuming dilution $1.26 $0.50

                  The $50 million charge for purchased research and development that was a direct result of the transaction is excluded from the unaudited pro forma information above. The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that the Company would have attained had the acquisition of Advanced Bionics occurred at the beginning of the periods presented.

          On April 2, 2004, the Companywe completed itsour acquisition of the remaining outstanding shares of PVS for an initial payment of approximately $75 million in cash. The CompanyWe may also be required to make earn-out payments in the future that are contingent upon PVS achieving certain performance-related milestones. PVS develops and manufactures guidewires and microcatheter technology for use in accessing the brain, the heart and other areas of the anatomy. The acquisition of PVS was intended to provide the Companyus with additional vascular access technology.


          2003 Business Combinations

                  On February 12, 2003, the Company completed its acquisition of InFlow. InFlow is a stent technology development company that focuses on reducing the rate of restenosis, improving the visibility of stents during procedures and enhancing the overall vascular compatibility of the stent. The acquisition was intended to provide the Company with an expanded stent technology and intellectual property portfolio.

                  The consolidated financial statements include the operating results for each acquired entity from its respective date of acquisition. Pro forma information is not presented for acquisitions other than Advanced Bionics, as the other acquired companies' results of operations prior to their date of acquisition are not material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company.

          Contingent Consideration

          Certain of the Company'sour business combinations involve the payment of contingent consideration. For acquisitions completed before July 1, 2001, the Company allocates these payments, if made, to specific intangible asset categories, including purchased research and development, and assigns the remainder to goodwill as if it had paid the consideration at the date of acquisition. For acquisitions completed after June 30, 2001, the Company allocates these payments, if made, to related contingent consideration liabilities or goodwill. In accordance with Statement No. 142, the Company establisheswe establish a contingent consideration liability at the acquisition date if the sum of the fair value assigned to assets acquired (including purchased research and development) and liabilities assumed exceed the initial cost of the acquired entity. The liability established equals the lesser of the maximum amount of the potential contingent consideration or the excess fair value. Payment of the additional consideration is generally contingent upon the acquired companies'companies’ reaching certain performance milestones, including attaining specified revenue levels, achieving product development targets or obtaining regulatory approvals.

          During 2006, we paid $397 million for acquisition-related payments associated primarily with Advanced Bionics, CryoVascular and Smart Therapeutics, Inc. As of December 31, 2006, we had accrued approximately $220 million for acquisition-related payments, of which we paid approximately $200 million to the former shareholders of Advanced Bionics during the first quarter of 2007. During 2005, the Companywe paid $33 million for acquisition-related payments associated primarily associated with Catheter Innovations, Inc., Smart Therapeutics, Inc., and Embolic Protection, Inc. (EPI). As of December 31, 2005, the Company haswe had accrued $268 million for acquisition-related payments. In addition, as of December 31, 2005, we had recorded a liability of $89 million to account for the excess of
          92

          the fair value of the assets acquired over the initial purchase price for certain of the Company'sour acquisitions. This liability will be reduced in conjunction with the future settlement of contingent consideration arrangements. In addition, as of December 31, 2005, the Company had accrued $268 million for acquisition-related payments, of which the Company paid approximately $210 million to Advanced Bionics during the first quarter of 2006. During 2004, the Companywe paid $107 million for acquisition-related payments associated primarily associated with EPI, Smart and InFlow. In 2005 and 2004, the Company recorded amounts for acquisition-related obligations primarily as an adjustment to goodwill. During 2003, the Company paid $283 million for acquisition-related payments primarily associated with Interventional Technologies,InFlow Dynamics, Inc. (IVT), EMT and Smart. Of the amounts recorded for acquisition-related obligations in 2003, the Company recorded $24 million as an adjustment to purchased research and development, $9 million as an adjustment to other identifiable intangible asset categories, net of the related deferred tax liabilities, and the remainder as an adjustment to goodwill.

          Certain earn-out payments are based on multiples of the acquired company'scompany’s revenue during the earn-out period and, consequently, the Companywe cannot currently determine the total payments. However, the Company haswe have developed an estimate of the maximum potential contingent consideration for each of itsour acquisitions with an outstanding earn-out obligation. At December 31, 2005,2006, the estimated maximum potential amount of future contingent consideration (undiscounted) that the Companywe could be required to make associated with itsour business combinations is approximately $4 billion, some of which may be payable in common stock.stock, and which includes approximately $3 billion of estimated payments to Advanced Bionics. The milestones associated with the contingent consideration must be reached in certain future periods ranging from 20062007 through 2016.



          The estimated cumulative specified revenue level associated with these maximum future contingent payments is approximately $10 billion.

          billion, which includes approximately $7 billion for Advanced Bionics.

          During the first quarter of 2007, we acquired EndoTex Interventional Systems, Inc., a developer of stents used in the treatment of stenotic lesions in the carotid arteries. We issued approximately five million shares valued at approximately $90 million and approximately $10 million in cash to acquire the remaining interests of EndoTex and may be required to pay future consideration that is contingent upon EndoTex achieving certain performance-related milestones.
          Purchased Research and Development

          During 2006, we recorded $4.119 billion of purchased research and development. This amount included a charge of approximately $4.169 billion associated with the purchased research and development obtained in conjunction with the Guidant acquisition; a credit of approximately $67 million resulting primarily from the reversal of accrued contingent payments due to the cancellation of the TriVascular AAA program; and an expense of approximately $17 million resulting primarily from the application of equity method accounting for our investment in EndoTex.

          The $4.169 billion of purchased research and development associated with the Guidant acquisition consists primarily of approximately $3.26 billion for acquired CRM-related products and approximately $540 million for drug-eluting stent technology shared with Abbott. The purchased research and development value associated with the Guidant acquisition also includes approximately $369 million that represents the estimated fair value of the potential milestone payments of up to $500 million that we may receive from Abbott upon receipt of certain regulatory approvals by the vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses it acquired from Guidant. We recorded the amounts as purchased research and development at the acquisition date because the receipt of the payments is dependent on future research and development activity and regulatory approvals, and the asset has no alternative future use as of the acquisition date. We will recognize the milestone payments, if received, as a gain in our financial statements at the time of receipt.

          The most significant purchased research and development projects acquired from Guidant include the FrontierCRM technology and rights to the everolimus-eluting stent technology that we share with Abbott. The Frontier CRM technology represents Guidant’s next-generation pulse generator platform that will incorporate new components and software while leveraging
          93

          certain existing intellectual property, technology, manufacturing know-how and institutional knowledge of Guidant. We expect to leverage this platform across all CRM product lines to treat electrical dysfunction in the heart. We expect to launch various Frontier-based products commercially in the U.S. over the next 36 months, subject to regulatory approval. As of December 31, 2006, we estimate that the total cost to complete the Frontier CRM technology is between $150 million and $200 million. We expect material cash flows from Frontier-based products to commence in 2008.

          The $540 million attributable to the everolimus-eluting stent technology represents the estimated fair value of the rights to Guidant’s everolimus-based drug-eluting stent technology we share with Abbott. In December 2006, we launched PROMUS, our first-generation everolimus-based stent, supplied by Abbott, in limited quantities in Europe. We expect to launch a first-generation everolimus-based stent, supplied by Abbott, in the U.S. in 2008, subject to regulatory approval. We expect to launch an internally manufactured next-generation everolimus-based stent in Europe in 2010 and in the U.S. in 2011. We expect that material net cash inflows (net of operating costs, including research and development costs to complete) from our internally manufactured everolimus-based drug-eluting stent will commence in 2010 or 2011, following its approval in Europe and in the U.S. As of December 31, 2006, we estimate that the cost to complete our next-generation everolimus-eluting stent technology project is between $200 million and $250 million. The in-process projects acquired in conjunction with the Guidant acquisition are generally progressing in line with our estimates as of the acquisition date.

          In 2005, the Companywe recorded $276 million of purchased research and development. The Company'sOur 2005 purchased research and development consisted of: $130 million relating to theour acquisition of TriVascular; $73 million relating to theour acquisition of AST; $45 million relating to theour acquisition of Rubicon; and $3 million relating to theour acquisition of CryoVascular. In addition, the Companywe recorded $25 million of purchased research and development in conjunction with obtaining distribution rights for new brain monitoring technology that Aspect Medical Systems, one of the Company'sour strategic partners, is currently developing. This technology is designed to aid the diagnosis and treatment of depression, Alzheimer'sAlzheimer’s disease and other neurological conditions.


          The most significant 2005 purchased research and development projects included TriVascular'sTriVascular’s AAA stent-graft and AST'sAST’s Petal™ bifurcation stent, which collectively represented 73 percent of theour 2005 purchased research and development. TriVascular'sDuring the second quarter of 2006, management cancelled the TriVascular AAA stent-graft design reduces the size of the stent-graft by replacing much of the metal stent assembly with a polymer that is injected into channels within the stent-graft during the procedure. During the fourth quarter of 2005, management decided to re-design certain aspects of the stent graft to enhance patient safety and to improve product performance. The re-design will result in incremental costs and time to complete the project relative to those expected at the date of acquisition. The Company currently expects to launch the AAA stent- graft in the U.S. by 2011 and to incur approximately $200 million of research and development costs over the next five years to complete the project. The Company continues to assess the pace of development and its opportunities within this market, which may result in a delay in the timing of regulatory approval.

                  AST'sprogram. AST’s Petal bifurcation stent is designed to expand into the side vessel whenwhere a single vessel branches into two vessels, permitting blood to flow into both branches of the bifurcation and providing support at the junction. TheWe estimate the remaining cost to complete the Petal bifurcation stent is estimated to be between $100 million and $125 million. As of the date the Company acquired AST, it expectedWe expect material net cash inflows from the Petal bifurcation stent to begin in 2011, which is when we expect the stent to be commercially available on a worldwide basis within six yearsin the U.S. in a drug-eluting configuration.

          The AST Petal bifurcation stent in-process project is generally progressing in line with our estimates as of the acquisition date.

          In 2004, the Companywe recorded $65 million of purchased research and development. TheOur 2004 purchased research and development consisted primarily of $50 million relating to the acquisitionour acquisitions of Advanced Bionics and $14 million relating to theour acquisition of PVS. The most significant in-process projects acquired in connection with the Company'sour 2004 acquisitions included Advanced Bionics' bionBionics’ bion® microstimulator and drug delivery pump, which collectively represented 77 percent of the our
          94

          2004 acquired in-process projects'projects’ value. The bion microstimulator is an implantable neurostimulation device designed to treat a variety of neurological conditions, including migraine headaches and urge incontinence. Theconditions. We estimate the remaining cost to complete the bion microstimulator is estimatedfor migraine headaches to be betweenapproximately $35 million and $45 million. The Company expects thatWe expect material cash flows from the bion microstimulator will be commercially available within three years.to commence in 2011, following its approval in the U.S., which we expect to occur in 2010. The Advanced Bionics drug delivery pump is an implanted programmable device designed to treat chronic pain. TheWe estimate the remaining cost to complete the drug delivery pump is estimated to be between $30$50 million and $40$60 million. The Company continuesWe continue to assess the pace and risk of development and itsof the drug delivery pump, as well as general market opportunities for the drug delivery pump, which may result in a delay in the timing of regulatory approval.

                  In 2003,approval or lower potential market value. We currently expect material net cash inflows from the Company recorded $37 million of purchased researchdrug delivery pump to commence in 2012, following its approval in the U.S., which we expect to occur in 2011 or 2012. The estimated timing and development. The 2003 purchased research and development consisted of $9 million relating to the acquisition of InFlow and $28 million relating primarily to certain acquisitions that the Company consummated in prior years. The in-process projects acquired in connection with the acquisition of InFlow were not significant to the Company's consolidated results. The purchased research and development associated with the prior



          years' acquisitions related primarily to the 2001 acquisition of EPI and resulted from consideration that was contingent at the date of acquisition, but earned during 2003.

                  In connection with the Company's 2002 acquisitions, it acquired several in-process projects, including Smart's atherosclerosis stent. The atherosclerosis stent is a self-expanding nitinol stent designed to treat narrowing of the arteries around the brain. During 2005, the Company completed the atherosclerosis stent in-process project and received Humanitarian Device Exemption approval to begin selling this technology on a limited basis. The total cost for the Companycosts to complete the project was approximately $10 million.

                  In connection withbion microstimulator and the Company's 2001 acquisitions, it acquired several significant in-process projects, including IVT's next-generation Cutting Balloon® device. The Cutting Balloon device isdrug delivery pump have increased relative to what we estimated as of the acquisition date; however, we do not believe these increases will have a novel balloon angioplasty device with mounted scalpels that relieve stress in the artery, reducing the force necessary to expand the vessel. During 2005, the Company completed the Cutting Balloon in-process project and received FDA approval for this technology. The total cost for the Company to complete the project was approximately $7 million.

          material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

          Note E—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

          The gross carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization for intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31 are as follows:

           
           2005
           2004
          (in millions)
           Gross Carrying
          Amount

           Accumulated
          Amortization

           Gross Carrying
          Amount

           Accumulated
          Amortization


          Amortizable Intangible Assets            
           Technology—core $829 $86 $634 $48
           Technology—developed  453  244  398  198
           Patents  547  209  511  172
           Other intangible assets  281  130  260  113
            
           
           
           
            $2,110 $669 $1,803 $531
            
           
           
           
          Unamortizable Intangible Assets            
           Goodwill $1,938    $1,712   
           Technology—core  356     356   
            
              
             
            $2,294    $2,068   
            
              
             

                  The Company's


            
          2006
           
          2005
           
          (in millions)
           
          Gross Carrying Amount
           
          Accumulated Amortization
           
          Gross Carrying Amount
           
          Accumulated Amortization
           
          Amortizable intangible assets
                   
          Technology - core $6,909 $292 $829 $86 
          Technology - developed  1,338  441  453  244 
          Patents  583  244  547  209 
          Customer relationships  765  58  73  22 
          Other intangible assets  214  122  208  108 
            
          $
          9,809
           
          $
          1,157
           
          $
          2,110
           
          $
          669
           
                       
          Goodwill $14,628    $1,938    
          Technology - core  356     356    
            
          $
          14,984
              
          $
          2,294
              
          Our core technology that is not subject to amortization represents technical processes, intellectual property and/or institutional understanding acquired by the Companythrough business combinations that is fundamental to the ongoing operation of the Company'sour business and has no limit to its useful life. The Company'sOur core technology that is not subject to amortization is comprised primarily comprised of certain purchased stent and balloon technology, which is foundational to the Company'sour continuing operation within the interventional cardiology market and other markets within interventional medicine. The Company amortizesWe amortize all other core technology over its estimated useful life.



          Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years based upon the Company'sour intangible asset portfolio at December 31, 20052006 is as follows:

          (in millions)
           Estimated Amortization
          Expense


          2006 $135
          2007  129
          2008  111
          2009  104
          2010  90

          95


            
          Estimated
          Amortization
          Expense
           (in millions)
           
          2007 $608 
          2008  566 
          2009  545 
          2010  533 
          2011  439 
          Goodwill as of December 31 as allocated by our reportable segments of business is as follows:

          (in millions)
           United States
           Europe
           Japan
           Inter-Continental
           


           
          Balance as of December 31, 2003 $1,088 $115 $39 $33 
          Purchase price adjustments  (3) (4)      
          Goodwill acquired  320  48  8  24 
          Contingent consideration  35     8    
          Foreign currency translation     1       
            
           
           
           
           
          Balance as of December 31, 2004 $1,440 $160 $55 $57 
            
           
           
           
           
          Purchase price adjustments  (35) (4) (1) (2)
          Goodwill acquired  19  3  3  9 
          Contingent consideration  189  26  5  14 
            
           
           
           
           
          Balance as of December 31, 2005 $1,613 $185 $62 $78 
            
           
           
           
           

          (in millions)
           
          United States
           
          Europe
           
          Japan
           
          Inter-Continental
           
          Balance as of December 31, 2004
           $1,440 $160 $55 $57 
          Purchase price adjustments  (35) (4) (1) (2)
          Goodwill acquired  19  3  3  9 
          Contingent consideration  189  26  5  14 
          Balance as of December 31, 2005
           $1,613 $185 $62 $78 
          Purchase price adjustments  (4)         
          Goodwill acquired  7,642  3,700  387  625 
          Contingent consideration  278  40  5  17 
          Balance as of December 31, 2006
           
          $
          9,529
           
          $
          3,925
           
          $
          454
           
          $
          720
           
          The 20052006 and 20042005 purchase price adjustments relate primarily to adjustments to reflect properly the fair value of deferred tax assets and liabilities acquired in connection with current year and prior year acquisitions.

          acquisitions properly.


          Note F—Borrowings and Credit Arrangements

                  The Company


          We had outstanding borrowings of $2,020 million$8.902 billion at December 31, 2006 at a weighted average interest rate of 6.03 percent as compared to outstanding borrowings of $2.02 billion at December 31, 2005 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.80 percent as compared to outstanding borrowings of $2,367 million at4.8 percent. At December 31, 2004 at a weighted average interest rate2006 and 2005, our borrowings consisted of 3.38 percent.

                  Futurethe following:

          96


          (in millions)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          Commercial paper   $ 149 
          Other current debt obligations $7  7 
             7  156 
                  
          Term loan  5,000    
          Abbott loan  900    
          Senior notes  3,050  1,850 
          Fair value adjustment *  (12) 14 
          Discounts  (52) (7)
          Other  9  7 
             8,895  1,864 
                  
            
          $
          8,902
           
          $
          2,020
           

          *
          Represents unamortized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps used to hedge the fair value of certain of our senior notes. See Note G - Financial Instruments for further discussion regarding the treatment of our interest rate swaps.

          The debt obligationsmaturity schedule for our term loan, Abbott loan, and the related interest paymentssenior notes as of December 31, 2005 are2006 is as follows:

           
           Payments Due by Period
          (in millions)
           1 Year
          or less

           2-3
          Years

           4-5
          Years

           After 5 Years
           Total

          Debt principal* $156 $4 $2 $1,852 $2,014
          Interest payments  100  200  200  846  1,346
            
           
           
           
           
          Debt, including interest $256 $204 $202 $2,698 $3,360
            
           
           
           
           

          *
          Debt as reported in

            
          Payments Due by Period 
             
          (in millions)
           
          2008
           
          2009
           
          2010
           
          2011
           
          Thereafter
           
          Total
           
          Term loan $650 $650 $1,700 $2,000    $5,000 
          Abbott loan           900     900 
          Senior notes           850 $2,200  3,050 
            
          $
          650
           
          $
          650
           
          $
          1,700
           
          $
          3,750
           
          $
          2,200
           
          $
          8,950
           
          Guidant Financing

          In April 2006, to finance the Company's consolidated balance sheets includes the mark-to-market effect of its interest rate swaps and is netcash portion of the unamortized investor discount associated with the issuanceGuidant acquisition, we borrowed $6.6 billion, consisting of senior notes in conjunction with the Company's various public debt offerings.

          Revolving Credit Facilities

                  During 2005, the Company refinanced itsa $5.0 billion five-year term loan and a $700 million 364-day interim credit facility loan from a syndicate of commercial and investment banks, as well as a $900 million subordinated loan from Abbott. In addition, we terminated our existing revolving credit facilities and established a new $2.0 billion revolving credit facility. In May 2006, we repaid and terminated the $700 million 364-day interim credit facility loan. We are permitted to extendprepay the term loan and Abbott loan prior to maturity with no penalty or premium.


          The term loan and revolving credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin of one0.725 percent. The interest margin is based on the highest two out of three of our long-term, senior unsecured, corporate credit ratings from Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (S&P). As of December 31, 2006, our credit ratings were BBB from Fitch; Baa3 from Moody’s; and BBB from S&P. These credit ratings are investment grade. The Moody’s and S&P ratings outlook is currently negative.

          The $900 million loan from Abbott bears interest at a fixed 4.0 percent, payable semi-annually. We determined that an appropriate fair market interest rate on the loan from Abbott is 5.25
          97

          percent per annum. We recorded the loan at a discount of approximately $50 million and will record interest at an imputed rate of 5.25 percent over the term of the loan. 

          Additionally, in June 2006, under our shelf registration previously filed with the SEC, we issued $1.2 billion of publicly registered senior notes. See the Senior Notes section of this note for the terms of this issuance.

          Our revolving credit facility and term loan agreement requires that we maintain a ratio of debt to reduce borrowing capacitypro forma EBITDA, as defined by $165 million. the agreement, of less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.0 through December 31, 2007 and 3.5 to 1.0 thereafter. The agreement also requires that we maintain a ratio of pro forma EBITDA, as defined by the agreement, to interest expense of greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2006, we were in compliance with both of these debt covenants. Exiting 2006, our ratio of debt to pro forma EBITDA was 3.6 to 1.0 and the ratio of pro forma EBITDA to interest expense was 5.6 to 1.0. Any breach of these covenants would require that we obtain waivers from our lenders and there can be no assurance that our lenders would grant such waivers.

          Credit Facilities

          At December 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company'sour revolving credit facilities totaled approximately $2,020 million, as compared to $2,185 million at December 31, 2004. The Company's revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2005 consisted of a $1,500 million credit facility that terminates in May 2009; a $500 million credit facility that terminates in May 2010 and contains an option to increase the facility size by an additional $500 million in the future; and a $20 million uncommitted credit facility that terminates in May 2006.$2.0 billion. Use of the borrowings is unrestricted and the borrowings are unsecured.

                  The Company's Our credit facilities provide borrowing capacity and support itsour commercial paper program. The Company hadIn March 2006, we repaid $149 million ofin commercial paper borrowings that were outstanding at December 31, 2005 at a weighted average interest rate of 4.11 percent and $280 million outstanding at December 31, 2004 at a weighted average interest rate of 2.44 percent. In September 2005, the Companywe repaid 45 billion Japanese yen (approximately $400 million) in credit facility borrowings outstanding at a weighted average interest rate of 0.37 percent.

                  During 2005, the Company decreased its


          We maintain a credit and security facility that is secured by itsour U.S. trade receivables from $400 million to $100 million, effective April 30, 2005.that terminates in 2007. During the first quarter of 2006, the Company expects to increasewe increased this facility from $100 million to $350 million. The credit and security facility terminates in August 2006. Borrowing availability under this facility changes based upon the amount of eligible receivables, concentration of eligible receivables and other factors. Certain significant changes in the quality of the Company'sour receivables may require itus to repay borrowings immediately under the facility. The credit agreement required the Companyus to create a wholly-ownedwholly owned entity, which is consolidated.we consolidate. This entity purchases the Company'sour U.S. trade accounts receivable and then borrows from two third-party financial institutions using these receivables as collateral. The receivables and related borrowings remain on theour consolidated balance sheetsheets because the Company haswe have the right to prepay any borrowings outstanding and effectively retain control over the receivables. Accordingly, pledged receivables are included as trade accounts receivable, net, while the corresponding borrowings are included as debt on theour consolidated balance sheets.

          There were no amounts outstanding borrowings under the revolvingagainst our available credit and security facility aslines of $2.35 billion at December 31, 2005 or December 31, 2004.

          2006.


          In addition, the Company haswe have uncommitted credit facilities with two commercial Japanese banks that provide for borrowings and promissory notes discounting of up to 15 billion Japanese yen (translated to approximately $127 million at December 31, 20052006 and $145 million at December 31, 2004)2005). Approximately $109We discounted $103 million of notes receivable were discountedas of December 31, 2006 and $109 million as of December 31, 2005 at an average interest rate of 0.75 percent atpercent.

          At December 31, 20052006, we had outstanding letters of credit and $128bank guarantees of approximately $90 million, which consisted primarily of notes receivable were discounted at an average interest ratefinancial lines of 0.75 percent at December 31, 2004.

          credit provided by banks and

          98

          collateral for workers’ compensation programs. We enter these letters of credit and bank guarantees in the normal course of business. As of December 31, 20052006, we had not drawn any amounts on the letters of credit or guarantees. At this time, we do not believe we will be required to fund or draw any amounts from the guarantees or letters of credit and, accordingly, we have not recognized a related liability in our financial statements as of December 31, 2004, the Company intends to repay all2006. Our letters of its short-term debt obligations within the next twelve-month period.

          credit and bank guarantees were immaterial at December 31, 2005.

          Senior Notes

                  The Company


          We had senior notes of $1,850 million$3.05 billion outstanding at December 31, 20052006 and $1,600 million$1.85 billion outstanding at December 31, 2004.


            
          Amount
          (in millions)
           
          Issuance
          Date
           
          Maturity Date
           
          Semi-annual
          Coupon Rate
           
                    
          January 2011 Notes $250  November 2004  January 2011  4.25% 
          June 2011 Notes 
            600  June 2006  June 2011  6.0% 
          June 2014 Notes  600  June 2004  June 2014  5.45% 
          November 2015 Notes  400  November 2005  November 2015  5.5% 
          June 2016 Notes  600  June 2006  June 2016  6.4% 
          January 2017 Notes  250  November 2004  January 2017  5.125% 
          November 2035 Notes  350  November 2005  November 2035  6.25% 
                        
          In April 2006, we increased the interest rate payable on our November 2015 Notes and November 2035 Notes to provide for a potential interest rate adjustment accruing from November 17, 2005 on each seriesnotes by 0.75 percent in connection with the downgrading of these senior notes in the event that the Company'sour credit ratings are downgraded as a result of the closing of its proposed acquisition of Guidant Corporation. The interest rate on these senior notes will be subject to a one-time increase based on the Company's initial credit ratings. Based on preliminary indications from the rating agencies, the Company expects that the interest rate on each of its November 2015 Notes and its November 2035 Notes may increase by 0.75 percent. The Company will be unable to determine the actual increase, if any, of the interest rate on each of the November 2015 Notes and November 2035 Notes until after the closing of the Company's proposed acquisition of Guidant. Any subsequentacquisition. Subsequent rating improvements willmay result in a decrease in the adjusted interest rate. The interest rate on the date these senior notes were originally issued will be permanently reinstated if and when the lowest credit ratings assigned to these senior notes is either A-orA- or A3 or higher.

          In March 2005, the Company repaid $500 million of senior notes which were outstanding at December 31, 2004. The notes bore a semi-annual coupon of 6.625 percent, were not redeemable prior to maturity and were not subject to any sinking fund requirements.


          In November 2004, the Company issued $250 million of senior notes due January 2011 (January 2011 Notes) and $250 million of senior notes due January 2017 (January 2017 Notes) under a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC in November 2004. The January 2011 Notes bear a semi-annual coupon of 4.25 percent, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. The January 2017 Notes bear a semi-annual coupon of 5.125 percent, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. These senior notes are publicly registered securities. The Company entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps indexed to six-month LIBOR, which approximated 4.70 percent at December 31, 2005 and 2.78 percent at December 31, 2004, to hedge against changes in the fair value of these senior notes.

          In June 2004, the Company issued $600 million of senior notes due June 2014 (June 2014 Notes) under a shelf registration statement filed with the SEC. The June 2014 Notes bear a semi-annual coupon of 5.45 percent, are redeemable prior to maturity and are not subject to any sinking fund requirements. These senior notes are publicly registered securities. The Company entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps indexed to six-month LIBOR, which approximated 4.70 percent at December 31, 2005 and 2.78 percent at December 31, 2004, to hedge against changes in the fair value of these senior notes.

                  SeeNote G—Financial Instruments for further discussion regarding the treatment of the Company's interest rate swaps.

                  The remainder of the Company's outstanding borrowings, including capital lease arrangements, was immaterial at December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.


          Note G—Financial Instruments

          Carrying amounts and fair values of the Company'sour financial instruments at December 31 are as follows:

           
           2005
           2004
          (in millions)
           Carrying Amount
           Fair Value
           Carrying Amount
           Fair Value

          Assets            
          Foreign exchange contracts $176 $176 $70 $70
          Interest rate swap contracts  21  21  32  32
          Liabilities            
          Long-term debt—fixed-rate $1,862 $1,859 $1,135 $1,140
          Foreign exchange contracts  55  55  129  129
          Interest rate swap contracts  7  7  1  1

            
          2006
           
          2005
           
          (in millions)
           
          Carrying Amount
           
          Fair Value
           
          Carrying Amount
           
          Fair Value
           
          Assets
                   
          Foreign exchange contracts $71 $71 $176 $176 
          Interest rate swap contracts        21  21 
          Liabilities
                       
          Long-term debt $8,895 $8,862 $1,862 $1,859 
          Foreign exchange contracts  27  27  55  55 
          Interest rate swap contracts  11  11  7  7 

          99

          Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value. Estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Companywe could realize in a current market exchange due to changes in market rates since the reporting date.


          Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

                  The Company develops, manufactures


          We develop, manufacture and sellssell medical devices globally and itsour earnings and cash flows are exposed to market risk from changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company addressesWe address these risks through a risk management program that includes the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company operatesWe operate the program pursuant to documented corporate risk management policies. The Company doesWe do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes.

                  The Company estimates


          We estimate the fair value of derivative financial instruments based on the amount that itwe would receive or pay to terminate the agreements at the reporting date. The CompanyWe had currency derivative instruments outstanding in the contract amounts of $3,593 million$3.413 billion at December 31, 20052006 and $4,171 million$3.593 billion at December 31, 2004. The decrease in the outstanding amount of the Company's currency derivative instruments is primarily due to the maturity of hedge contracts.2005. In addition, the Companywe had interest rate swap contracts outstanding in the notional amounts of $1,100 million$2.0 billion at December 31, 20052006 and $1,600 million$1.1 billion at December 31, 2004.2005. The decreaseincrease in the notional amount of the Company'sour interest rate swaps is due to the maturingentering into $2.0 billion of hedge contracts related to the Company's $500 million 6.625 percentour $5.0 billion five-year term loan during 2006, offset by our termination of $1.1 billion in hedge contracts related to certain of our existing senior notes, which were repaid upon maturity during March 2005.

          notes.


          Currency Transaction Hedging

                  The Company manages its


          We manage our currency transaction exposures on a consolidated basis to take advantage of offsetting transactions. The Company usesWe use foreign currency denominated borrowings and currency forward contracts to manage the majority of the remaining transaction exposure. These currency forward contracts are not designated as cash flow, fair value or net investment hedges under Statement No. 133; are marked-to-market with changes in fair value recorded to earnings; and are entered into for periods consistent with currency transaction exposures, generally one to six months. These derivative instruments do not subject the Company'sour earnings or cash flows to material risk since gains and losses on these derivatives generally offset losses and gains on the assets and liabilities being



          hedged. Changes in currency exchange rates related to any unhedged transactions may impact the Company'sour earnings and cash flows.


          Currency Translation Hedging

                  The Company uses


          We use currency forward and option contracts to reduce the risk that the Company'sour earnings and cash flows, associated with forecasted foreign currency denominated intercompany and third-party transactions, will be affected by currency exchange rate changes. Changes in currency exchange rates related to any unhedged transactions may impact the Company'sour earnings and cash flows. The success of the hedging program depends, in part, on forecasts of transaction activity in various currencies (primarily Japanese yen, euro,Euro, British pound sterling, Australian dollar and Canadian dollar). The CompanyWe may experience unanticipated currency exchange gains or losses to the extent that there are timing or permanent differences between forecasted and actual activity during periods of currency volatility. TheWe record the effective portion of any change in the fair value of the derivative instruments, designated as cash flow hedges, is recorded in other comprehensive income until the related third-party transaction occurs. Once the related third-party transaction occurs, the Company reclassifieswe reclassify the effective portion of any related gain or loss on the cash flow hedge from other comprehensive income to earnings. In the event the hedged forecasted transaction does not occur, or it becomes probable that it will not occur, the Companywe would reclassify the effective portion of any gain or loss on the
          100

          related cash flow hedge from other comprehensive income to earnings at that time. The Company did not recognize material gains orGains and losses resulting from hedge ineffectiveness were immaterial in 2006, 2005 and 2004. We recognized a net gain of $38 million during 2005, 2004, or 2003. The Company recognized2006, a net loss of $12 million during 2005, and a net loss of $51 million during 2004 and $8 million during 2003 on hedge contracts that matured in accordance with the Company'sour currency translation risk management program. All cash flow hedges outstanding at December 31, 20052006 mature within the subsequent 36-month period. As of December 31, 2005, $672006, $28 million of net unrealized gains are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, to recognize the effective portion of anythe fair value of any derivative instruments that are, or previously were, designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges as compared to $51$67 million of net unrealized lossesgains at December 31, 2004.2005. At December 31, 2005, $412006, there are $22 million of net gains, net of tax, which we may be reclassifiedreclassify to earnings within the next twelve-monthstwelve months to mitigate foreign exchange risk.


          Interest Rate Hedging

                  The Company uses


          We use interest rate derivative instruments to manage itsour exposure to interest rate movements and to reduce borrowing costs by converting floating-rate debt into fixed-rate debt or fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt. TheseWe designate these derivative instruments are designated as either fair value or cash flow hedges under Statement No. 133. The Company recordsWe record changes in the fair value of fair value hedges in other income and expense, which is offset by changes in the fair value of the hedged debt obligation to the extent the hedge is effective. Interest expense reflectsincludes interest payments made or received under interest rate derivative instruments. The Company recordsWe record the effective portion of any change in the fair value of cash flow hedges as other comprehensive income, net of tax, and reclassifiesreclassify the fair valuegains or losses to interest expense during the hedged interest payment period.

                  To


          Prior to 2006, we entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps indexed to six-month LIBOR to hedge against potential changes in the fair value of certain of itsour senior notes, the Company entered into fixed-to-floatingnotes. We designated these interest rate swaps indexed to six-month LIBOR, which approximated 4.70 percent at December 31, 2005 and 2.78 percent at December 31, 2004. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges and as such, the Company hasunder Statement No. 133 with changes in fair value recorded to earnings offset by changes in the fair value of itsour hedged senior notes. We terminated these hedges during 2006 and realized a net loss of $14 million, which we recorded to the carrying amount of certain of our senior notes. As of December 31, 2006, the carrying amount of certain of our senior notes since entering the interest rate swaps.included $4 million of unamortized gains and $16 million of unamortized losses. As of December 31, 2005, the carrying amount of certain of the Company'sour senior notes included $21 million of unrealized gains that the Companywe recorded as other long-term assets and $7 million of unrealized losses recorded as other long-term liabilities to recognize the fair value of the interest rate swaps. As

          During 2006 and 2005, we entered into floating-to-fixed treasury locks to hedge against potential changes in future cash flows of certain senior note issuances. The objective of these hedges was to protect against variability of interest payments on the forecasted senior notes issuance. We designated these agreements as cash flow hedges under Statement No. 133. Upon termination of the treasury locks, we realized net gains of $21 million during 2006. We recorded approximately $11 million, net of tax, as other comprehensive income during 2006, which we will amortize into earnings over the life of the hedged debt. During 2006, gains to earnings for ineffectiveness were immaterial. At December 31, 2004, the carrying amount of certain of the Company's senior notes included $322006, we recorded $12 million of unamortized gain, net of tax, related to these treasury locks. Amounts recorded in 2005 associated with treasury locks were immaterial.

          During the year ended December 31, 2006, we entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps indexed to three-month LIBOR to hedge against variability in interest payments on $2.0 billion of our $5.0 billion five-year term loan. Three-month LIBOR approximated 5.36 percent at
          101

          December 31, 2006. We designated these interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges under Statement No. 133 and, as such, we recorded the unrealized gains that



          the Company recordedor losses as other long-term assets and $1comprehensive income, net of tax, until the hedged cash flow takes place. At December 31, 2006, we recorded a loss of $7 million, net of unrealized losses recorded astax, in other long-term liabilitiescomprehensive income to recognize the fair value of the interest ratethese swaps. The Company


          We recognized $9$2 million of net interest expense reductions related to interest rate derivative contracts in 20052006 as compared to $9 million in 2005 and $16 million in 2004 and $7 million in 2003.

          2004.

          Note H—Leases


          Rent expense amounted to $80 million in 2006, $63 million in 2005, and $50 million in 2004 and $48 million in 2003. 2004.

          Future minimum rental commitments at December 31, 20052006 under noncancelable operating lease agreements are as follows:

          (in millions)
           Operating Leases

          2006 $47
          2007  34
          2008  22
          2009  6
          2010  3
          Thereafter  2
            
          Total minimum lease payments $114
            

                  The Company's

          (in millions)
             
          2007 $61 
          2008  47 
          2009  24 
          2010  11 
          2011  5 
          Thereafter  36 
            
          $
          184
           
          In 2005, we entered a lease agreement with an entity affiliated with a co-chief executive officer of our Neuromodulation division to construct a new manufacturing facility for that business. We were reimbursed for the first $12 million in construction costs and are responsible for all additional costs to complete and prepare the facility for occupancy. We estimate costs to complete the project to be approximately $45 million. Future lease payments over the remaining 14-year lease term are approximately $35 million. In addition, we have the option to purchase the facility after the first lease year.

          Our obligations under noncancelable capital leases were immaterial as of December 31, 20052006 and December 31, 2004.

          2005.


          Note I—Income Taxes

          Income before income taxes consists of the following:

          (in millions)
           2005
           2004
           2003

          Domestic $(126)$353 $231
          Foreign  1,017  1,141  412
            
           
           
            $891 $1,494 $643
            
           
           

          (in millions)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
          Domestic $(4,535)$(126)$353 
          Foreign  1,000  1,017  1,141 
            
          $
          (3,535
          )
          $
          891
           
          $
          1,494
           
          The related provision for income taxes consists of the following:

          (in millions)
           2005
           2004
           2003
           

           
          Current          
           Federal $153 $245 $159 
           State  37  20  7 
           Foreign  69  137  36 
            
           
           
           
            $259 $402 $202 
            
           
           
           
          Deferred          
           Federal $(25)$73 $(27)
           State  (1) 4  (1)
           Foreign  30  (47) (3)
            
           
           
           
             4  30  (31)
            
           
           
           
            $263 $432 $171 
            
           
           
           
          102


          (in millions)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
          Current
                 
          Federal $251 $136 $233 
          State  53  37  20 
          Foreign  158  86  149 
            $462 $259 $402 
          Deferred
                    
          Federal $(421)$(25)$73 
          State  (24) (1) 4 
          Foreign  25  30  (47)
             (420) 4  30 
            
          $
          42
           
          $
          263
           
          $
          432
           

          The reconciliation of income taxes at the federal statutory rate to the actual provision for income taxes is as follows:

           
           2005
           2004
           2003
           


           
          U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 35.0%35.0%35.0%
          State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.0%1.1%0.6%
          Effect of foreign taxes (34.3%)(13.5%)(8.8%)
          Non-deductible merger expenses 9.9%1.5%2.0%
          Research credit (1.6%)(1.4%)(1.6%)
          Legal settlement 10.2%1.8%  
          Extraordinary dividend from subsidiaries (0.7%)4.1%  
          Sale of intangible assets 5.9%    
          Other, net 2.1%0.3%(0.6%)
            
           
           
           
            29.5%28.9%26.6%
            
           
           
           

           
          2006
          2005
          2004
          U.S. federal statutory income tax rate(35.0%)35.0%35.0%
          State income taxes, net of federal benefit0.5%3.0%1.1%
          Effect of foreign taxes(6.1%)(31.9%)(12.4%)
          Non-deductible acquisition expenses40.8%9.9%1.5%
          Research credit(0.6%)(1.6%)(1.4%)
          Valuation allowance2.2%(0.7%)(0.6%)
          Tax liability release on unremitted earnings(3.8%)  
          Legal settlement 10.2%1.8%
          Extraordinary dividend from subsidiaries (0.7%)4.1%
          Sale of intangible assets3.3%5.9% 
          Other, net(0.1%)0.4%(0.2%)
           
          1.2%
          29.5%
          28.9%
          Significant components of the Company'sour deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:

          (in millions)
           2005
           2004
           


           
          Deferred Tax Assets       
           Inventory costs, intercompany profit and related reserves $142 $175 
           Tax benefit of net operating loss, capital loss and tax credits  154  170 
           Reserves and accruals  125  145 
           Restructuring and merger-related charges, including purchased research and development  144  161 
           Unrealized losses on derivative financial instruments     30 
           Other  53  60 
            
           
           
             618  741 
          Less: valuation allowance on deferred tax assets  17  23 
            
           
           
            $601 $718 
          Deferred Tax Liabilities       
           Property, plant and equipment $10 $19 
           Intangible assets  453  432 
           Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries  133  233 
           Litigation settlement  24  23 
           Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities  14  1 
           Unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments  39    
           Other  38  28 
            
           
           
             711  736 
            
           
           
            $(110)$(18)
            
           
           

          103


          (in millions)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          Deferred tax assets     
          Inventory costs, intercompany profit and related reserves $241 $142 
          Tax benefit of net operating loss, capital loss and tax credits  188  154 
          Reserves and accruals  291  125 
          Restructuring and acquisition-related charges, including purchased research and development  108  144 
          Litigation and product liability reserves  114    
          Investment write-down  78    
          Stock-based compensation expense  57    
          Other  5  53 
             1,082  618 
          Less: valuation allowance on deferred tax assets  97  17 
            
          $
          985
           
          $
          601
           
          Deferred tax liabilities       
          Property, plant and equipment $76 $10 
          Intangible assets  3,053  453 
          Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries     133 
          Litigation settlement  24  24 
          Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities  10  14 
          Unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments  19  39 
          Other  4  38 
             
          3,186
            
          711
           
            
          $
          (2,201
          )
          $
          (110
          )
          At December 31, 2006, we had U.S. tax net operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards, the tax effect of which was $88 million. In addition, we had foreign tax net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards, the tax effect of which was $100 million. These carryforwards will expire periodically beginning in 2007. We established a valuation allowance of $97 million against these carryforwards due to our determination, after consideration of all evidence, both positive and negative, that it is more likely than not that the carryforwards will not be realized. The increase in the valuation allowance from 2005 to 2006 is attributable primarily to foreign net operating losses generated during the year.
          The income tax impact of the unrealized gain or loss component of other comprehensive income was a benefit of $27 million in 2006, a provision of $82 million in 2005 and a benefit of $30 million in 2004.
          We do not provide income taxes on unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries where we have indefinitely reinvested such earnings in our foreign operations. It is not practical to estimate the amount of income taxes payable on the earnings that are indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries that we have indefinitely reinvested offshore are $7.186 billion at December 31, 2006 and $2.106 billion at December 31, 2005.
          104

          As of December 31, 2005, we had recorded a $133 million deferred tax liability for unremitted earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that we had anticipated repatriating in the foreseeable future. During 2006, we made a significant acquisition that, when combined with certain changes in business conditions subsequent to the acquisition, resulted in a reevaluation of this liability. We have determined that we will not repatriate these earnings in the foreseeable future and, instead, will indefinitely reinvest these earnings in foreign operations in order to repay debt obligations associated with the acquisition. As a result, we reversed the deferred tax liability and reduced income tax expense by $133 million in 2006.

          During the first quarter of 2005, the Companywe repatriated approximately $1,046 million$1.046 billion in extraordinary dividends, as defined in the American Jobs Creation Act, from itsour non-U.S. operations. The American Jobs Creation Act, enacted in October 2004, created a temporary incentive for U.S. corporations to repatriate accumulated income earned abroad by providing an 85 percent dividends receiveddividends-received deduction for certain dividends from controlled foreign corporations. As of December 31, 2004, the Company recorded a tax liability of $61 million for the amounts it intended to repatriate in 2005 under the American Jobs Creation Act. In the first quarter of 2005, the Company adjusted the



          deferred tax liability that it had established at December 31, 2004 by $6 million for a technical correction made to the American Jobs Creation Act.

          operations. In 2005, the Companywe repatriated earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries for which itwe had previously accrued tax liabilities. The resulting tax liabilities associated with this repatriation were $127 million. In addition, during 2005, the Company made a decision to repatriate additional amounts from certain of its non-U.S. operations. In connection with this decision, the Company established a deferred tax liability of $27 million that it believes is adequate to cover the taxes related to this repatriation. The tax liability the Company accrued for earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries to be remitted in the future is $133 million at December 31, 2005.

                  At December 31, 2005, the Company had U.S. tax net operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards, the tax effect of which is $103 million. In addition, the Company had foreign tax net operating loss carryforwards, the tax effect of which is $51 million. These carryforwards will expire periodically beginning in 2006. The Company established a valuation allowance of $17 million against these carryforwards. The decrease in the valuation allowance from 2004 to 2005 is primarily attributable to utilization of foreign tax credits and foreign net operating losses reserved for in prior years.

                  The income tax provision of the unrealized gain or loss component of other comprehensive income was $82 million in 2005, $30 million in 2004 and $5 million in 2003.


          Note J—Commitments and Contingencies


          The interventional medicinemedical device market in which the Companywe primarily participatesparticipate is in large part technology driven. Physician customers, particularly in interventional cardiology, move quickly to new products and new technologies. As a result, intellectual property rights, particularly patents and trade secrets, play a significant role in product development and differentiation. However, intellectual property litigation to defend or create market advantage is inherently complex and unpredictable. Furthermore, appellate courts frequently overturn lower court patent decisions.


          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 of individual cases, but also of a series of pending and potentially related and unrelated cases. In addition, although monetary and injunctive relief is typically sought, remedies and restitution are generally not determined until the conclusion of the proceedings and are frequently 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.


          Several third parties have asserted that the Company'sour current and former stent systems infringe patents owned or licensed by them. The Company hasWe have similarly asserted that stent systems or other products sold by these companies infringe patents owned or licensed by the Company.us. Adverse outcomes in one or more of the proceedings against the Companyus could limit the Company'sour ability to sell certain stent products in certain jurisdictions, or reduce itsour operating margin on the sale of these products.

          We are substantially self-insured with respect to general, product liability and securities claims. In addition, damage awardsthe normal course of business, product liability and securities claims are asserted against us. In connection with the acquisition of Guidant, the number of product liability claims and other legal proceedings filed against us, including private securities litigation and shareholder derivative suits, significantly increased. Product liability and securities claims against us may be asserted in the future related to historical salesevents not known to management at the present time. The absence of significant third-party insurance coverage increases our potential exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. Product liability claims, product recalls,
          105

          securities litigation and other litigation in the future, regardless of their outcome, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

          Our accrual for legal matters that are probable and estimable was $485 million at December 31, 2006 and $35 million at December 31, 2005. The amounts accrued at December 31, 2006 represent primarily accrued legal defense costs related to assumed Guidant litigation and product liability claims recorded as part of the purchase price. In connection with the acquisition of Guidant, we are still assessing certain assumed litigation and product liability claims to determine the amounts that management believes will be material.

          paid as a result of such claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued in the future. See Note A - Significant Accounting Policies for further discussion on our policy for accounting for legal, product liability and security claims.


          In management'smanagement’s opinion, the Company iswe are not currently involved in any legal proceedingproceedings other than those specifically identified below, which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material effect on itsour financial condition, operations and/or cash flows. Unless included in our accrual as of December 31, 2006 or otherwise indicated below, a range of loss associated with any individual material legal proceeding can not be estimated.


          In connection with Abbott’s acquisition of Guidant’s vascular intervention and endovascular solutions businesses, it assumed all liabilities of Guidant and its affiliates to the extent relating to these businesses and agreed to indemnify Guidant and its affiliates from any losses arising out of or relating to the businesses and the assumed liabilities. As a result, certain legal proceedings related to the businesses to which Guidant and/or its affiliates are a party have been assumed by and are the responsibility of Abbott. These proceedings are not expected to have a material impact on us and are not described herein.

          Litigation with Johnson & Johnson


          On October 22, 1997, Cordis Corporation, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, filed a suit for patent infringement against the Companyus and SCIMED Life Systems, Inc., aour wholly owned subsidiary, of the Company, alleging that the importation and use of the NIR® stent infringes two patents owned by Cordis. On April 13, 1998, Cordis filed a suit for patent infringement against the Companyus and SCIMED alleging that the Company'sour NIR® stent infringes two additional patents owned by Cordis. The suits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief and that the patents be adjudged valid, enforceable and infringed. A trial on both actions was held in late 2000. A jury found that the NIR® stent does not infringe three Cordis patents, but does infringe one claim of one Cordis patent and awarded damages of approximately $324 million to Cordis. On March 28, 2002, the Court set aside the damage award, but upheld the remainder of the verdict, and held that two of the four patents had been obtained through inequitable conduct in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. On May 27, 2005, Cordis filed an appeal on those two patents and an appeal hearing was held on May 3, 2006.  The Court of Appeals remanded the case back to the trial court for further briefing and fact-finding by the Court.  On May 16, 2002, the Court also set aside the verdict of infringement, requiring a new trial. On March 24, 2005, in a second trial, a jury found that a single claim of the Cordis patent was valid and infringed. The jury determined liability only; any monetary damages will be determined at a later trial. The Company, however, has requestedOn March 27, 2006, the judge to enterentered judgment in its favor as a matter of law,Cordis, and intends toon April 26, 2006, we filed an appeal. A hearing on the appeal any adverse decision.has not yet been scheduled.  Even though it is reasonably possible that the Companywe may incur a liability associated with this case, the Company doeswe do not believe that a loss is probable or estimable. Therefore, the Company haswe have not accrued for any losses associated with this case.


          106


                  On March 21, 1997, the Company (through its subsidiaries) filed a suit against Johnson & Johnson (through its subsidiaries) in Italy seeking a declaration[Table of noninfringement for the NIR® stent relative to one of the European patents licensed to Ethicon, Inc. (Ethicon), a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, and a declaration of invalidity. A technical expert was appointed by the Court and a hearing was held on January 30, 2002. A decision was rendered on September 16, 2004, finding the NIR® stent does not infringe the European patent licensed to Ethicon. A decision with respect to invalidity has not yet been issued.

          Contents]

          On April 2, 1997, Ethicon and other Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries filed a cross-border proceeding in The Netherlands alleging that the NIR® stent infringes a European patent licensed to Ethicon. In this action, the Johnson & Johnson entities requested relief, including provisional relief (a preliminary injunction). In October 1997, Johnson & Johnson'sJohnson’s request for provisional cross-border relief on the patent was denied by the Dutch Court, on the ground that it is "very likely"“very likely” that the NIR® stent will be found not to infringe the patent. Johnson & Johnson'sJohnson’s appeal of this decision was denied. In January 1999, Johnson & Johnson amended the claims of the patent and changed the action from a cross-border case to a Dutch national action. On June 23, 1999, the Dutch Court affirmed that there were no remaining infringement claims with respect to the patent and also asked the Dutch Patent Office for technical advice about the validity of the amended patent. In late 1999, Johnson & Johnson appealed this decision. On March 11, 2004, the Court of Appeals nullified the Dutch Court'sCourt’s June 23, 1999 decision and the proceedings have been returned to the Dutch Court. In accordance with its 1999 decision, the Dutch Court asked the Dutch Patent Office for technical advice on the validity of the amended patent. On August 31, 2005, the Dutch Patent Office issued its technical advice that the amended patent was valid but left certain legal issues for the Dutch Court to resolve. At this time, no further proceedings have occurred in the Dutch Court.


          On August 22, 1997, Johnson & Johnson filed a suit for patent infringement against the CompanyBoston Scientific alleging that the sale of the NIR® stent infringes certain Canadian patents owned by Johnson & Johnson. Suit was filed in the federal court of Canada seeking a declaration of infringement, monetary damages and injunctive relief. On December 2, 2004, the Court dismissed the case, finding all patents to be invalid. On December 6, 2004, Johnson & Johnson appealed the Court's decision.Court’s decision, and in May 2006, the Court reinstated the patent. In August 2006, we appealed the Court’s decision to the Supreme Court. On January 18, 2007, the Supreme Court denied review. A hearing on the appealtrial has not yet been scheduled.

                  On March 30, 2000, the Company (through its subsidiary) filed suit for patent infringement against two subsidiaries of Cordis alleging that Cordis' Bx Velocity® stent delivery system infringes a published utility model owned by Medinol and exclusively licensed to the Company. The complaint was filed in the District Court of Dusseldorf, Germany seeking monetary and injunctive relief. A hearing was held on March 15, 2001, and on June 6, 2001, the Court issued a written decision that Cordis' Bx Velocity stent delivery system infringes the Medinol published utility model. Cordis appealed the decision of the German court. A hearing on the appeal originally scheduled for April 3, 2003 was suspended until decisions were rendered in two actions pending in the U.S. District Court of New York between Medinol and the Company. On October 19, 2004, Medinol filed an Intervention action requesting that the Court declare that the Company is not entitled to bring the infringement claim against Cordis and to declare that Cordis infringes the Medinol utility model. As a result of the Company's settlement with Medinol in September 2005, the Company assigned all of its rights to bring the suit and rights to damages to Medinol.


          On February 14, 2002, the Companywe, and certain of itsour subsidiaries, filed suit for patent infringement against Johnson & Johnson and Cordis alleging that certain balloon catheters and stent delivery systems sold by Johnson & Johnson and Cordis infringe five U.S. patents owned by the Company.Boston Scientific. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On October 15, 2002, Cordis filed a counterclaim alleging that certain balloon catheters and stent delivery systems sold by the CompanyBoston Scientific infringe three U.S. patents owned by Cordis and seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On December 6, 2002, the Companywe filed



          an amended complaint alleging that two additional patents owned by the Companyus are infringed by the Cordis products. A bench trial on interfering patent issues was held December 5, 2005 and on September 19, 2006, the filing of post trial briefsCourt found there to be no interference. Trial is in process. A trialscheduled to begin on infringement has not yet been scheduled.

          October 9, 2007.


          On March 26, 2002, the Companywe and Target Therapeutics, Inc., aour wholly owned subsidiary, of the Company, filed suit for patent infringement against Cordis alleging that certain detachable coil delivery systems and/orand /or pushable coil vascular occlusion systems (coil delivery systems) infringe three U.S. patents, owned by or exclusively licensed to Target. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking monetary and injunctive relief. A summary judgment hearing was held on April 19, 2004, and on June 25,In 2004, the Court granted summary judgmentjudgement in our favor of the Company finding infringement of one of the patents.  On February 3, 2005, the Court granted a stay in the proceedings pending reexamination of two of the patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Summary judgment motions on the validity of the remaining patent are pending with one hearing held on September 26, 2005, and another held on November 14, 2005. On November 14, 2005, the Court denied Cordis'Cordis’ summary judgment motions with respect to the validity of the
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          patent. Cordis filed a motion for reconsideration and a hearing was held on October 26, 2006. The Court ruled on Cordis’ motion for reconsideration by modifying its claim construction order. On February 9, 2007, Cordis filed a motion for summary judgment of non-infringement with respect to one of the patents and a hearing on Cordis’ motion is scheduled for March 22, 2007. A trial is expected to begin on September 12, 2006.

          has not yet been scheduled.


          On January 13, 2003, Cordis filed suit for patent infringement against the CompanyBoston Scientific and SCIMED alleging the Company'sthat our Express2™ coronary stent infringes a U.S. patent owned by Cordis. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking monetary and injunctive relief. We answered the complaint, denying the allegations and filed a counterclaim alleging that certain Cordis products infringe a patent owned by us. On August 4, 2004, the Court granted a Cordis motion to add the Company'sour Liberté™ coronary stent and two additional patents to the complaint. On June 21, 2005, a jury found that the Company'sour TAXUS® Express2™, Express2, Express™ Biliary, and Liberté stents infringe a Johnson & Johnson patent and that the Liberté stent infringes a second Johnson & Johnson patent. The juries only determined liability; monetary damages will be determined at a later trial. The Company has requestedWe filed a motion to set aside the judge toverdict and enter judgment in its favor as a matter of law. The Company intendsOn May 11, 2006, our motion was denied. With respect to appeal any adverseour counterclaim, a jury found on July 1, 2005, that Johnson & Johnson’s Cypher®, Bx Velocity®, Bx Sonic™ and Genesis™ stents infringe our patent. Johnson & Johnson filed a motion to set aside the verdict and enter judgment in its favor as a matter of law. On May 11, 2006, the Court denied Johnson & Johnson’s motion. Johnson & Johnson has moved for reconsideration of the Court’s decision. Even though it is reasonably possible that the Company maywe will incur a liability associated with this case, the Company doeswe do not believe that a loss is probable or estimable. Therefore, the Company haswe have not accrued for any losses associated with this case. On July 1, 2005, a jury found that Johnson & Johnson's Cypher®, Bx Velocity®, Bx Sonic™ and Genesis™ stents infringe the patent in the Company's counterclaim.


          On March 13, 2003, the Companywe, and Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., filed suit for patent infringement against Johnson & Johnson and Cordis, alleging that its Cypher drug-eluting stent infringes a patent owned by the Company.one of our patents. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking monetary and injunctive relief. Cordis answered the complaint, denying the allegations, and filed a counterclaim against the Companyus alleging that the patent is not valid and is unenforceable. The CompanyWe subsequently filed amended and new complaints in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that the Cypher drug-eluting stent infringes four of our additional patents owned by the Company.(“Additional Patents”). Following the announcement on February 23, 2004 by Guidant Corporation of an agreement with Johnson & Johnson and Cordis to sell the Cypher drug-eluting stent, the Companywe amended itsour complaint to include Guidant and certain of its subsidiaries as co-defendants as to certain patents in suit.  We may replace Abbott for Guidant as a party in the suit as a result of Abbott’s purchase of Guidant’s vascular interventions and endovascular solutions businesses.  In March 2005, the Companywe filed a stipulated dismissal as to three of the patents.four Additional Patents. On July 1, 2005, a jury found that Johnson & Johnson'sJohnson’s Cypher drug-eluting stent infringes one of the Company's patents. The juryour patents and upheld the validity of the patent. The jury determined liability only; any monetary damages will be determined at a later trial. Johnson & Johnson has requestedfiled a motion to set aside the judge toverdict and enter judgment in its favor as a matter of law. The trial onOn June 15, 2006, the second remaining patent againstCourt denied Johnson & Johnson’s motion. Johnson & Johnson Cordishas moved for reconsideration of the Court’s decision. A summary judgment hearing as to the remaining patent was held on June 14, 2006. A trial regarding infringement and Guidantvalidity of the remaining patent has not yet been postponed.

          scheduled.

          On December 24, 2003, the Companywe (through itsour subsidiary Schneider Europe GmbH) filed suit against the Belgian subsidiaries of Johnson & Johnson, Cordis and Janssen Pharmaceutica alleging that Cordis'Cordis’ Bx Velocity stent, Bx Sonic® stent, Cypher stent, Cypher Select stent, Aqua T3™ balloon and U-Pass balloon infringe one of the Company'sour European patents. The suit was filed in the
          108

          District



          Court of Brussels, Belgium seeking preliminary cross-border, injunctive and monetary relief and sought an expedited review of the claims by the Court. A separate suit was filed in the District Court of Brussels, Belgium against nine additional Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries. On February 9, 2004, theThe Belgium Court linked all Johnson & Johnson entities into a single action. A hearing was held on June 7, 2004, and on June 21, 2004, the Courtaction but dismissed the case for failure to satisfy the requirements for expedited review without commenting on the merits of the claims. On August 5, 2004, the Companywe refiled the suit on the merits against the same Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries in the District Court of Brussels, Belgium seeking cross-border, injunctive and monetary relief for infringement of the same European patent. A hearing date has not yet been set.scheduled. In December 2005, the Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries filed a nullity action in France and, in January 2006, the same Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries filed nullity actions in Italy and Germany.

          We have filed a counterclaim infringement action in Italy.


          On May 12, 2004, the Company (through its subsidiary Schneider Europe GmbH)we filed suit against two of Johnson & Johnson'sJohnson’s Dutch subsidiaries, alleging that Cordis'Cordis’ Bx Velocity stent, Bx Sonic stent, Cypher stent, Cypher Select stent, and Aqua T3 balloon delivery systems for those stents, and U-Pass angioplasty balloon catheters infringe one of the Company'sour European patents. The suit was filed in the District Court of The Hague in The Netherlands seeking injunctive and monetary relief. On June 8, 2005, the Court found the Johnson & Johnson products infringe the Company'sour patent and granted injunctive relief. On June 23, 2005, the District Court in Assen,Assen. The Netherlands stayed enforcement of the injunction. On October 12, 2005, a Dutch Court of Appeals overturned the Assen court'scourt’s ruling and reinstated the injunction against the manufacture, use and sale of the Cordis products in theThe Netherlands. Damages for Cordis'Cordis’ infringing acts in theThe Netherlands will be determined at a later date. Cordis'Cordis’ appeal of the validity and infringement ruling by The Hague courtCourt remains pending.

          A hearing on this appeal was held on November 2, 2006 and a decision is expected on March 15, 2007.

          On September 27, 2004, our wholly owned subsidiary, Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., filed suit against a German subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson alleging the Cypher drug-eluting stent infringes aone of our European patent owned by the Company.patents. The suit was filed in Mannheim, Germany seeking monetary and injunctive relief. A hearing was held on April 1, 2005 and on July 15, 2005, the Court indicated that it would appoint a technical expert. The expert’s opinion was submitted to the Court on September 19, 2006. A final hearing has not yet been scheduled.


          On October 15, 2004, our wholly owned subsidiary, Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., filed suit against a German subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson alleging the Cypher drug-eluting stent infringes aone of our German utility model owned by the Company.models. The suit was filed in Mannheim, Germany seeking monetary and injunctive relief. A hearing was held on April 1, 2005 and on July 15, 2005, the Court indicated that it would appoint a technical expert. The expert’s opinion was submitted to the Court on September 19, 2006. A final hearing has not yet been scheduled.


          On December 30, 2004, our wholly owned subsidiary, Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. (Scimed), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, filed suit against a German subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson alleging the Cypher drug-eluting stent infringes aone of our German utility model owned by the Company.models. The suit was filed in Dusseldorf, Germany seeking monetary and injunctive relief. A hearing was held on December 1, 2005. In January 2006, the judge rendered a decision of non-infringement. On January 29, 2006, Scimed appealed the judge'sjudge’s decision.

          On February 15, 2007, the Court decided to appoint a technical expert. A hearing date has not yet been scheduled.


          On September 25, 2006, Johnson & Johnson filed a lawsuit against us, Guidant and Abbott 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
          109

          dealing. The complaint further alleges that we and Abbott tortiously interfered with the Merger Agreement by inducing Guidant’s breach. The complaint seeks certain factual findings, damages in an amount no less than $5.5 billion and attorneys’ fees and costs. We and Guidant Corporation

          filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on November 15, 2006. Johnson & Johnson filed its opposition to the motion on January 9, 2007, and defendants filed their reply on January 31, 2007. A hearing on the motion to dismiss was held on February 28, 2007. The judge took the matter under advisement, and stayed discovery pending his decision on the motion.


          On December 18, 2004, the CompanyFebruary 1, 2005, we and SCIMEDAngiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. filed suit for patent infringement against GuidantConor Medsystems, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson and certain of its subsidiaries allegingJohnson, in The Hague, The Netherlands seeking a declaration that Guidant's ACCULINK™Conor’s drug-eluting stent and ACCUNET™ embolic protection system infringes three U.S.products infringe patents owned by Angiotech and licensed to us. A hearing was held on October 27, 2006, and a decision was rendered on January 17, 2007 in favor of Angiotech and us.

          On May 4, 2006, we filed suit against Conor Medsystems Ireland Ltd. alleging that its Costar® paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system infringes our balloon catheter patent. The suit was filed in Ireland seeking monetary and injunctive relief.  On May 24, 2006, Conor responded, denying the Company.allegations and filed a counterclaim against us alleging that the patent is not valid and is unenforceable.

          On November 8, 2005, we and Scimed filed suit against Conor alleging that certain of Conor’s stent and drug-coated stent products infringe a patent owned by us. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of MinnesotaDelaware seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On January 26,December 30, 2005, GuidantConor answered the complaint.complaint, denying the allegations. Trial is expected to begin in Januaryon October 15, 2007.



          Litigation with Medtronic, Inc.

          On August 13, 1998,March 1, 2006, Medtronic AVE, Inc., a subsidiary of Medtronic, Inc.,Vascular filed a suit for patent infringement against the Companyus and SCIMED alleging that the Company's NIR® stent infringes two patents owned by Medtronic AVE. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking injunctive and monetary relief. On May 25, 2000, Medtronic AVE amended the complaint to include a third patent. Cross-motions for summary judgment were filed and hearings were held on October 21 and 22, 2004. On January 5, 2005, the Court found the NIR® stent not to infringe the patents and on February 2, 2005, issued final judgment in favor of the Company. Medtronic appealed the judgment on March 16, 2005. A hearing on the appeal has been scheduled for April 5, 2006.

                  On January 15, 2004, Medtronic Vascular, Inc., a subsidiary of Medtronic, filed suit against the Company and SCIMED alleging the Company's Express® coronary stent and Express2™ coronary stentour balloon products infringe four U.S. patents owned by Medtronic Vascular. The suit was filed in the District Court of Delaware seeking monetary and injunctive relief. Cross-motions for summary judgment were filed and hearings were held on October 21 and 22, 2004. On January 5, 2005, the Court found the Express coronary stent and Express2 coronary stent not to infringe the patents and on February 2, 2005, issued final judgment in favor of the Company. Medtronic appealed the judgment on March 16, 2005. A hearing on the appeal has been scheduled for April 5, 2006.

          Litigation Relating to Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc.

                  On April 21, 2004, Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc. (ANSI) filed suit against Advanced Bionics, a subsidiary of the Company, alleging that its Precision® spinal cord stimulation system infringes a U.S. patent owned by ANSI. The suit also included allegations of misappropriation of trade secrets and tortious interference with a contract. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas seeking monetary and injunctive relief.

          110

          On August 6, 2004, Advanced Bionics moved to send the trade secret claims and tortious interference proceedings to arbitration. On August 12, 2004, ANSI amended its complaint to include two additional patents. On JanuaryApril 25, 2005, the Court granted, in part, the motion to move the misappropriation of trade secrets and tortious interference claims to arbitration. On March 11, 2005, Advanced Bionics2006, we answered the amended complaint, denying the allegations and filed a counterclaim against ANSI alleging that certain products sold by ANSI infringe two patents owned by Advanced Bionics. The counterclaim seeks monetaryseeking a declaratory judgment of invalidity and injunctive relief. A patent claim interpretation hearing was heldnon-infringement. Trial is scheduled to begin on April 15, 2005. On May 18, 2005, the Court granted ANSI's motion5, 2008.

          Litigation Relating to sever the patents alleged in Advanced Bionics' counterclaim. On January 31, 2006, the judge ruled that ANSI's patent claims against Advanced Bionics will not be heard until the completion of the arbitration proceedings relating to trade secret claims. A trial on the Advanced Bionics patent claims has been scheduled for November 2006. Arbitration in the trade secret claims has not yet been scheduled. During the fourth quarter of 2005, ANSI was acquired by St. Jude Medical, Inc.

          Litigation with Medinol Ltd.

          On September 21, 2005,February 2, 2004, Guidant, Guidant Sales Corp. (GSC), Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc. (CPI) and Mirowski Family Ventures LLC filed a declaratory judgment action in the CompanyDistrict Court for Delaware against St. Jude Medical and Medinol reachedPacesetter Inc., a settlement effectively resolving all outstanding stent litigationsubsidiary of St. Jude Medical, alleging that their Epic HF, Atlas HF and Frontier 3x2 devices infringe a patent exclusively licensed to Guidant. Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement dated July 29, 2006 between us and St. Jude Medical, the parties. Under have agreed to limit the termsscope and available remedies of this case. Trial is scheduled to begin on August 20, 2007.

          GSC, CPI and Mirowski are plaintiffs in a patent infringement suit originally filed against St. Jude Medical and its affiliates in November 1996 in the settlement,District Court in Indianapolis. In July 2001, a jury found that a patent licensed to CPI and expired in December 2003, was valid but not infringed by certain of St. Jude Medical’s defibrillator products. In February 2002, the Company paid Medinol $750 million,District Court reversed the jury’s finding of validity. In August 2004, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, among other things, reinstated the jury verdict of validity and remanded the matter for a new trial on infringement and damages. The case was sent back to the District Court for further proceedings. Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement dated July 29, 2006 between us and St. Jude Medical, the parties agreed to a mutual releaselimit the scope and available remedies of most existing claims against each other, including all disputes with respectthis case. Trial is scheduled to the Express and TAXUS Express stents, the termination of all agreements between each other, including the supply agreement, the cancellation of the Company's equity investment in Medinol, the establishment of an arbitration process to be the sole forum to hear any future disputes that may arise involving certain Medinol patents, in which Medinol has agreed to limit any relief it seeks to reasonable royalties, and a covenant by Medinol not to sue the Company under certain Medinol patents other than through the established arbitration process.



                  On September 10, 2002, the Company filed suit against Medinol alleging Medinol's NIRFlex™ stent and NIRFlex™ Royal stent products infringe two patents owned by the Company. The suit was filed in Dusseldorf, Germany seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On October 28, 2003, the German Court found that Medinol infringed one of the two patents owned by the Company. On December 8, 2003, the Company filed an appeal relative to the other patent. Subsequently, Medinol filed an appeal relative to the one patent found to be infringed. A hearing was held on both appealsbegin on April 14, 2005. The Court had requested an expert to provide more evidence. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

                  On September 25, 2002, the Company filed suit against30, 2007.

          Litigation with Medinol alleging Medinol's NIRFlex™ and NIRFlex™ Royal products infringe a patent owned by the Company. The suit was filed in the District Court of The Hague, The Netherlands seeking cross-border, monetary and injunctive relief. On September 10, 2003, the Dutch Court ruled that the patent was invalid. The Company appealed the Court's decision in December 2003. A hearing on the appeal has not yet been scheduled.

          Ltd.

          On February 20, 2006, Medinol submitted a request for arbitration against the Company,us, and our wholly owned subsidiaries Boston Scientific Ltd. and Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., under the Arbitration Rules of the World Intellectual Property Organization pursuant to thea settlement agreement between Medinol and the Companyus dated September 21, 2005. The request for arbitration alleges that the Company'sCompany’s Liberté coronary stent system infringes two U.S. patents and one European patent owned by Medinol. Medinol is seeking to have the patents declared valid and enforceable and a reasonable royalty. The September 2005 settlement agreement provides, among other things, that Medinol may only seek reasonable royalties and is specifically precluded from seeking injunctive relief. As a result, the Company doeswe do not expect the outcome of this proceeding to have a material impact on the continued sale of the Liberté™ stent system internationally or in the United States, the continued sale of the TAXUS® Liberté™ stent system internationally or the launch of the TAXUS® Liberté™ stent system in the United States. The Company plansWe plan to defend against Medinol'sMedinol’s claims vigorously.

          Other Patent Litigation

          The arbitration hearing is scheduled to begin on September 17, 2007.

          On July 28, 2000, Dr. Tassilo BonzelSeptember 25, 2002, we filed suit against Medinol alleging Medinol’s NIRFlex™ and NIRFlex™ Royal products infringe a complaint naming certain of the Company's Schneider Worldwide subsidiaries and Pfizer Inc. and certain of its affiliates as defendants, alleging that Pfizer failed to pay Dr. Bonzel amounts owed under a license agreement involving Dr. Bonzel's patented Monorail® balloon catheter technology.patent owned by us. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of MinnesotaThe Hague, The Netherlands seeking cross-border, monetary and injunctive relief. On September 26, 2001, Dr. Bonzel and the Company reached a contingent settlement involving all but one claim asserted in the complaint. The contingency has been satisfied and the settlement is now final. On December 17, 2001, the remaining claim was dismissed without prejudice with leave to refile the suit in Germany. Dr. Bonzel filed an appeal of the dismissal of the remaining claim. On July 29,10, 2003, the AppellateDutch Court affirmedruled that the lower court's dismissal, and on October 24, 2003, the Minnesota Supreme Court denied Dr. Bonzel's petition for further review. On March 26, 2004, Dr. Bonzel filed a similar complaint against the Company, certain of its subsidiaries and Pfizer in the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota. The Company and its subsidiaries answered, denying the allegations of the complaint. The Company filed a motion to dismiss the case and a hearing on the motionpatent was held on August 27, 2004. On November 2, 2004, the Court granted the Company's motion and the case was dismissed with prejudice. On February 7, 2005, Dr. Bonzelinvalid. We appealed the Court's decision.Court’s decision in December 2003. A hearing on the appeal was held on October 25, 2005.

          August 17, 2006. On December 14, 2006, a decision was rendered upholding the trial court ruling.

          On February 26, 2007, Medinol filed a Vindication Action against us in the German District Court of Munich, Germany. The complaint alleges, and seeks a ruling, that Medinol be deemed the owner of one of our patents covering coronary stent designs. We are in the process of evaluating this matter.
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          Other Patent Litigation
          On September 12, 2002, EV3ev3 Inc. filed suit against The Regents of the University of California and a subsidiary of the Companyours in the District Court of The Hague, The Netherlands, seeking a declaration that EV3'sev3’s EDC II and VDS embolic coil products do not infringe three patents licensed to the Companyus from The Regents. On October 22, 2003, the Court ruled that the EV3ev3 products infringe three patents licensed to the Company.us. On December 18, 2003, EV3ev3 appealed the Court'sCourt’s ruling. A hearing on the appeal has not yet been scheduled.

          A damages hearing is scheduled for June 15, 2007.


          On March 29, 2005, the Companywe and our wholly owned subsidiary, Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., filed suit against EV3ev3 for patent infringement, alleging that EV3'sev3’s SpideRX™ embolic protection device infringes four U.S. patents owned by the Company.us. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On May 9, 2005, EV3ev3 answered the complaint, denying the allegations, and filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment of invalidity and unenforceability, and noninfringement of our patents in the suit. On October 28, 2005, ev3 filed its first amended answer and counterclaim alleging that certain of the Company'sour embolic protection devices infringe a patent owned by EV3. Theev3. On June 20, 2006, we filed an amended complaint adding a claim of trade secret misappropriation and claiming infringement of two additional U.S. patents owned by us. On June 30, 2006, ev3 filed an amended answer and counterclaim also seeks a declaratory judgmentalleging infringement of invalidity, unenforceability and non-infringement. Trial is expected to begin on February 1, 2007.

          two additional U.S. patents owned by ev3. A trial has not yet been scheduled.


          On December 16, 2003, The Regents of the University of California filed suit against Micro Therapeutics, Inc., a subsidiary of ev3, and Dendron GmbH alleging that Micro Therapeutics'Therapeutics’ Sapphire™ detachable coil delivery systems infringe twelve patents licensed to the Companyus and owned by The Regents. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On January 8, 2004, Micro Therapeutics and Dendron filed a third-party complaint to include the Companyus and Target as third-party defendants seeking a declaratory judgment of invalidity and noninfringement with respect to the patents and antitrust violations. On February 17, 2004, the Company,we, as a third-party defendant, filed a motion to dismiss the Companyus from the case. On July 9, 2004, the Court granted the Company'sour motion in part and dismissed the Companyus and Target from the claims relating only to patent infringement, while denying dismissal of an antitrust claim. MotionsOn April 7, 2006, the Court denied Micro Therapeutics’ motion seeking unenforceability of The Regents’ patent and denied The Regents’ cross-motion for summary judgment are pending.

          of unenforceability. A trial has been scheduled for June 5, 2007.

          On September 27, 2004, the Companywe and a subsidiary filed suit for patent infringement against Micrus Corporation alleging that certain detachable embolic coil devices infringe two U.S. patents exclusively licensed to the subsidiary. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On November 16, 2004, Micrus answered and filed counterclaims seeking a declaration of invalidity, unenforceability and noninfringement and included allegations of infringement against the Companyus relating to three U.S. patents owned by Micrus, and antitrust violations. On January 10, 2005, the Companywe filed a motion to dismiss certain of Micrus'Micrus’ counterclaims, and on February 23, 2005, the Court granted a request to stay the proceedings pending a reexamination of the Company'sour patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

          On November 4, 2004, Applied Hydrogel Technology (AHT) and Dr. Lih-Bin Shih filed a complaint against Medluminal Systems, Inc., InterWest Partners, the Company and three individuals alleging that certain of Medluminal's products infringe a patent owned by AHT. The complaint also includes claims of misappropriation of trade secrets and conversion against the Company and certain of the other defendants. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On February 15, 2005, the case was stayed pending arbitration proceedings. In January 2006, the parties agreed to dismiss the case, and on February 23, 2006, the casestay was dismissedlifted. Subsequently, Micrus provided a covenant not to sue us with prejudice.

                  On February 1, 2005,respect to one of the Company and Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. filed suit against Conor Medical System, Inc. in The Hague, The Netherlands seeking a declaration that Conor's drug-eluting stent products infringe patents owned by Angiotech and licensed to the Company.Micrus patents. A hearingtrial date has not yet been scheduled.

                  On November 8, 2005, the Company and Scimed filed suit against Conor alleging that certain of Conor's stent and drug-coated stent products infringe a patent owned by the Company. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking monetary and injunctive relief. On December 30, 2005, Conor answered the complaint, denying the allegations.

          set.

          On November 26, 2005, the Companywe and Angiotech filed suit against Occam International, BV in The Hague, The Netherlands seeking a preliminary injunction against Occam'sOccam’s drug-eluting stent
          112

          products based on infringement of patents owned by Angiotech and licensed to the Company.us. A hearing was held January 13, 2006, and on January 27, 2006, the Court denied the Company'sour request for a



          preliminary injunction. The Company plansWe and Angiotech have appealed the Court’s decision, and the parties plan to pursue normal infringement proceedings against Occam in The Netherlands. 


          On April 4, 2005, we and Angiotech filed suit against Sahajanand Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in The Hague, The Netherlands

          seeking a declaration that Sahajanand’s drug-eluting stent products infringe patents owned by Angiotech and licensed to us. On May 3, 2006, the Court found that the asserted claims were infringed and valid, and provided for injunctive and monetary relief. On July 13, 2006, Sahajanand appealed the Court’s decision. A hearing on the appeal has not been scheduled.

          On May 19, 2005, G. David Jang, M.D. filed suit against us alleging breach of contract relating to certain patent rights assigned to our covering stent technology. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California seeking monetary damages and rescission of the contract. On June 24, 2005, we answered, denying the allegations, and filed a counterclaim. After a Markman ruling relating to the Jang patent rights, Dr. Jang stipulated to the dismissal of certain claims alleged in the complaint with a right to appeal. In February 2007, the parties agreed to settle the other claims of the case.

          On December 16, 2005, Bruce N. Saffran, M.D., Ph.D. filed suit against the Companyus alleging the Company'sthat our TAXUS® Express™Express coronary stent system infringes a patent owned by Dr. Saffran. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas and seeks monetary and injunctive relief. On February 8, 2006, the Companywe filed an answer, denying the allegations of the complaint.

                  On April 4, 2005, the Company and Angiotech filed suit against Sahajanand Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd. in The Hague, Netherlands seeking a declaration that Sahajanand's drug-eluting stent products infringe patents owned by Angiotech and licensed to the Company. A hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2006.

                  On May 19, 2005, G. David Jang, M.D. filed suit against the Company alleging breach of contract relating to certain patent rights assigned to the Company covering stent technology. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California seeking monetary damages and recision of the contract. On June 24, 2005, the Company answered, denying the allegations, and filed a counterclaim.

                  On September 7, 2005, Dr. Shaun L. W. Samuels filed suit against the Company alleging misappropriation of trade secrets, unfair competition and that one of the Company's development-stage products infringes a patent owned by Dr. Samuels. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas seeking monetary damages and injunctive relief. On November 2, 2005, the Company answered and filed counterclaims for declaratory judgment of non-infringement and invalidity. Trial is expected to begin in December 2006.

          on January 3, 2008.


          Department of Justice Investigation

                  In October 1998, the Company recalled its NIR ON® Ranger with Sox coronary stent delivery system following reports of balloon leaks. Since November 1998, the U.S. Department of Justice had been conducting an investigation primarily regarding: the shipment, sale and subsequent recall of the NIR ON® Ranger with Sox stent delivery system; aspects of its relationship with Medinol, the vendor of the stent; and related events. On June 24, 2005, the Company entered into a civil settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. As part of the agreement, the Company agreed to pay $74 million. Also pursuant to the agreement, the Department of Justice filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts together with a Notice of Dismissal with prejudice. No charges were brought against the Company or any employee. The settlement involves no admission of any wrongdoing by the Company or any of its employees. The Company believes it acted legally, responsibly and appropriately at all times.

          Other Proceedings

          On January 10, 2002 and January 15, 2002, Alan Schuster and Antoinette Loeffler, respectively, putatively initiated shareholder derivative lawsuits for and on our behalf of the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company'sCompany’s then current directors and the Companyus as nominal defendant. Both complaints allege, among other things, that with regard to the Company'sour relationship with Medinol, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Companyus and itsour shareholders in theour management and affairs, of the Company, and in the use and preservation of the Company'sour assets. The suits seek a declaration of the directors'directors’ alleged breach, damages sustained by the Companyus as a result of the alleged breach and monetary and injunctive relief. On October 18, 2002, the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint naming two senior officials as defendants and the Companyus as nominal defendant. The action was stayed in February 2003 pending resolution of a separate lawsuit brought by Medinol against the Company.us. After the resolution of the Medinol lawsuit, plaintiffs, filed a motion in Februaryon May 1, 2006, seeking permissionwere permitted to file an amended complaint to supplement the allegations in the prior consolidated amended complaint based



          mainly on events that occurred subsequent to the parties'parties’ agreement to stay the action. The plaintiffs'defendants filed a motion remains pending.

          to dismiss the amended complaint on or about June 30, 2006. The motion was denied without prejudice at a hearing on October 20, 2006, and the Court ordered that the amended complaint be deemed a demand for our Board of Directors to consider taking action in connection with the allegations of the amended complaint. The Court stayed the litigation until March 9, 2007.

          On September 8, 2005, the Laborers Local 100 and 397 Pension Fund initiated a putative shareholder derivative lawsuit for and on behalf of the CompanyBoston Scientific in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Superior Court Department for Middlesex County against the Company'sour directors, certain of itsour current and former officers and the CompanyBoston Scientific as nominal defendant. The complaint alleges,alleged, among other things, that with regard to certain matters of regulatory compliance, the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the CompanyBoston Scientific and its shareholders in the management and affairs of the Companyour business and in the use and preservation of the Company'sour assets. The complaint also allegesalleged that as a result of the alleged misconduct and the purported failure to publicly disclose material information, certain directors and officers sold Companyour stock at inflated prices in violation of their fiduciary duties and were unjustly enriched. The suits seeksought a declaration of the directors'directors’ and officers'officers’ alleged breaches, unspecified damages sustained by the Companyus as a result of the alleged breaches and other unspecified equitable and injunctive relief. On September 15, 2005, Benjamin Roussey also initiated a putative shareholder derivative lawsuit in the same Court alleging similar misconduct and seeking similar relief. The Company believesFollowing consolidation of the suits will be consolidated. In November 2005,cases, the Companydefendants filed a motion to transferdismiss the casesconsolidated derivative complaint. Our motion to the Superior Court Business Litigation Session in Suffolk County. The Company's motionsdismiss was granted without leave to transfer these cases to the Business Litigation Session were denied at a hearing heldamend on these motions on JanuarySeptember 11, 2006. On September 21, 2006, plaintiff Laborers Local 100 and 397 Pension Fund filed a motion to alter or amend judgment and for leave to file an amended complaint which was denied on October 19, 2006. On February 17, 2007, the Board of Directors received two letters from the Laborers Local 100 and 397 Pension Fund demanding that the Board of Directors investigate and commence action against the defendants named in the original complaint in connection with the matters alleged in the original complaint. The Company intends to appeal this decision tosecond letter made a single justicedemand for an inspection of Appeals Courtcertain books and records for the Commonwealthpurpose of, Massachusetts.among other things, the investigation of possible breaches of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of information, abuse of control, gross mismanagement, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment. The Board of Directors ofand the Company also received a letter dated January 17, 2006, on behalf of Benjamin Roussey regardingare considering what actions should be taken in response to the Company's proposal to acquire Guidant Corporation. Mr. Roussey cited the pending litigation against Guidant and the potential liability it could face in the event of adverse outcomes to these matters and asked that the Board to Directors direct the Company to retract its offer to acquire Guidant before Guidant formally accepted it. The Board of Directors considered Mr. Roussey's request and ultimately approved the execution of the merger agreement with Guidant.

          letters.

          On September 23, 2005, Srinivasan Shankar, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, filed a purported securities class action suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired the Company'sour securities during the period March 31, 2003 through August 23, 2005, alleging that the Companywe and certain of itsour officers
          113

          violated certain sections of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The complaint principally alleges that the Company did not adequately disclose its ability to satisfy FDA regulations governing medical device product quality, which resulted in the artificial inflation of the Company's stock price and enabled certain of the Company's officers to profit from the sale of Company stock at such inflated prices. The complaint seeks unspecified damages and equitable and injunctive relief. On September 28, 2005, October 27, 2005, November 2, 2005 and November 3, 2005, Jack Yopp, Robert L. Garber, Betty C. Meyer and John Ryan, respectively, on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, filed additional purported securities class action suits in the same Court on behalf of the same purported class, alleging similar misconduct and seeking similar relief. On November 21, 2005, six plaintiffs or plaintiff groups filed motions for consolidation, appointment of lead plaintiff and selection of lead counsel. The Court held a hearing on these motions on February 9, 2006.class. On February 15, 2006, the Court ordered that the five class actions be consolidated and appointed the Mississippi Public Employee Retirement System Group as lead plaintiff.

          A consolidated amended complaint was filed on April 17, 2006. The consolidated amended complaint alleges that we made material misstatements and omissions by failing to disclose the supposed merit of the Medinol litigation and DOJ investigation relating to the 1998 NIR ON® Ranger with Sox stent recall, problems with the TAXUS® drug-eluting coronary stent systems that led to product recalls, and our ability to satisfy FDA regulations concerning medical device quality. The consolidated amended complaint seeks unspecified damages, interest, and attorneys’ fees. The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the consolidated amended complaint on June 8, 2006. A hearing on the motion was held on January 30, 2007.


          On January 19, 2006, George Larson, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, filed a purported class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on behalf of participants and beneficiaries of the Company'sour 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (401(k) Plan) and GESOP together(together the "Plans", during the period March 31, 2003 through January 19, 2006,Plans) alleging that the Companywe and certain of itsour officers and employees violated certain provisions under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA) and Department of Labor Regulations. The complaint principally



          alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Plans' participants, failed to disclose adverse information about the Company to the Plans' participants and imprudently made contributions to the Company's 401(k) plan and GESOP in the form of Company stock. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, and equitable and injunctive relief. On January 26, 2006, February 8, 2006, February 14, 2006, and February 23, 2006 and March 3, 2006, Robert Hochstadt, Jeff Klunke, Kirk Harvey, and Michael Lowe and Douglas Fletcher, respectively, on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated, filed purported class action complaints in the same courtCourt on behalf of the participants and beneficiaries in the Company's Plans. These complaints allegeour Plans alleging similar misconduct under ERISA and seekseeking similar relief as in the Larson lawsuit. On April 3, 2006, the Court issued an order consolidating the actions and appointing Jeffrey Klunke and Michael Lowe as interim lead plaintiffs. On August 23, 2006, plaintiffs filed a consolidated complaint that purports to bring a class action on behalf of all participants and beneficiaries of our 401(k) Plan during the period May 7, 2004 through January 26, 2006 alleging that we, our 401(k) Administrative and Investment Committee (the Committee), members of the Committee, and certain directors violated certain provisions of ERISA. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the 401(k) Plan’s participants. The complaint seeks equitable and monetary relief.

          Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on October 10, 2006. Plaintiffs filed their opposition memorandum on December 15, 2006, and defendants filed their reply on January 16, 2007. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.


          On January 26, 2006, Donald Wright filed a purported class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota against the Companyus and Guidant on behalf of himself and all other senior citizens and handicapped persons similarly situated seeking a permanent injunction to prohibit the Companyus from completing its acquisition of Guidant, alleging violations of the Minnesota Fraudulent Transfers Act and Consumer Fraud Act. The complaint seeks restitution on behalf of those persons who suffered injury related to Guidant'sGuidant’s cardiac pacemakers and/or defibrillators. The complaint also seeks monetary damages and injunctive relief. Mr. Wright filed an amended complaint on February 21, 2006, dropping his claim for monetary damages.
          We are a defendant in two lawsuits involving the TAXUS Express2 paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system in which the plaintiffs are seeking class certification. On February 14,November 16, 2006, Donald WrightMichael Seaburn and Beatriz Seaburn filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of themselves and a motionpurported class of plaintiffs resident in the United States. On January 23, 2007, Ronald E. and Tammy Coterill filed suit in the U.S. District Court for preliminarythe District of Idaho on behalf of themselves and permanent injunction directinga purported class of plaintiffs resident in the Company to interplead $6.3 billionstate of Idaho or any contiguous state. Both complaints seek certification of class status and also seek compensatory damages for personal injury, restitution of the $27 billion purchase price, disgorgement of our profits associated with the sale of TAXUS stent systems, and, in the Idaho case, injunctive relief in the form of medical monitoring. We have answered both complaints and intend to be paidvigorously defend against each of their allegations.

          On June 12, 2003, Guidant announced that its subsidiary, EndoVascular Technologies, Inc. (EVT), had entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice relating to stockholdersa previously disclosed investigation regarding the ANCURE ENDOGRAFT System for the treatment of Guidant. The motion alleges violationsabdominal aortic aneurysms. At the time of the Minnesota Fraudulent Transfers ActEVT plea, Guidant had outstanding fourteen suits alleging product liability related causes of action relating to the ANCURE System.
          114

          Subsequent to the EVT plea, Guidant was notified of additional claims and Consumer Fraud Act.served with additional complaints. From time to time, Guidant has settled certain of the individual claims and suits for amounts that were not material to Guidant. Currently, Guidant has approximately 18 suits outstanding, and more suits may be filed. Additionally, Guidant has been notified of over 150 unfiled claims that are pending. The cases generally allege the plaintiffs suffered injuries, and in certain cases died, as a result of purported defects in the device or the accompanying warnings and labeling. The complaints seek damages, including punitive damages.

          While insurance may reduce Guidant’s exposure with respect to ANCURE claims, one of Guidant’s carriers, Allianz Insurance Company (Allianz), filed suit in the Circuit Court, State of Illinois, County of DuPage, seeking to rescind or otherwise deny coverage and alleging fraud. Additional carriers have intervened in the case and Guidant affiliates, including EVT, are also named as defendants. Guidant and its affiliates also have initiated suit against certain of its carriers, including Allianz, in the Superior Court, State of Indiana, County of Marion, in order to preserve Guidant’s rights to coverage. The lawsuits are virtually identical and proceeding in both state courts. A trial has not yet answeredbeen scheduled in the Illinois case. A trial is expected to begin in late 2007 or early 2008 in the Indiana case.

          Shareholder derivative suits relating to the ANCURE System are currently pending in the Southern District of Indiana and in the Superior Court of the State of Indiana, County of Marion. The suits, purportedly filed on behalf of Guidant, initially alleged that Guidant’s directors breached their fiduciary duties by taking improper steps or failing to take steps to prevent the ANCURE and EVT related matters described above. The complaints seek damages and other equitable relief. The state court derivative suits have been stayed in favor of the federal derivative action. Guidant moved to dismiss the federal derivative action. The plaintiff in the federal derivative case filed an amended complaint in December 2005, adding allegations regarding defibrillator and pacemaker products and Guidant’s proposed merger with Johnson & Johnson. On January 23, 2006, Guidant and its directors moved to dismiss the amended complaint. On March 1, 2006, a second amended complaint in the federal derivative case was filed. On May 1, 2006, the defendants moved to dismiss the second amended complaint. This motion remains pending.

          In July 2005, a purported class action complaint was filed on behalf of participants in Guidant’s employee pension benefit plans. This action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana against Guidant and its directors. The complaint alleges breaches of fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), 29 U.S.C. § 1132.  Specifically, the complaint or respondedalleges that Guidant fiduciaries concealed adverse information about Guidant’s defibrillators and imprudently made contributions to Guidant’s 401(k) plan and employee stock ownership plan in the form of Guidant stock. The complaint seeks class certification, declaratory and injunctive relief, monetary damages, the imposition of a constructive trust, and costs and attorneys’ fees. A second, similar complaint was filed and consolidated with the initial complaint. A consolidated, amended complaint was filed on February 8, 2006. The defendants moved to dismiss the consolidated complaint, and on September 15, 2006, the Court dismissed the complaint for lack of jurisdiction. In October 2006, the Plaintiffs appealed the Court’s decision to the February motion,United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. This appeal remains pending.
          Approximately 75 product liability class action lawsuits and more than 1,100 individual lawsuits are pending in various state and federal jurisdictions against Guidant alleging personal injuries associated with defibrillators or pacemakers involved in the 2005 and 2006 product communications. The majority of the cases in the United States are pending in federal court but intends to vigorously deny the allegations.

          115

          approximately 83 cases are currently pending in state courts. On March 3,November 7, 2005, the African Assistance ProgramJudicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation established MDL-1708 (MDL) in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota and appointed a single judge to preside over all the cases in the MDL. The MDL Court scheduled the first federal court trial for July 16, 2007. An additional nine lawsuits are pending in Canada. Of these nine suits in Canada, six are putative class actions and three are individual lawsuits. On June 13, 2006, the Minnesota Supreme Court appointed a single judge to preside over all Minnesota state court lawsuits involving cases arising from the recent product communications. The first state court trial has been scheduled in Minnesota for January 28, 2008.

          In April 2006, the personal injury plaintiffs and certain third-party payors served a Master Complaint in the MDL asserting claims for class action certification, alleging claims of strict liability, negligence, fraud, breach of warranty and other common law and/or statutory claims and seeking punitive damages. The majority of claimants allege no physical injury, but are suing for medical monitoring and anxiety. Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, the cases originally scheduled to be tried in Texas state court in September 2006 are no longer set for trial.  Earlier this year, the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations has issued a subpoena to the plaintiffs’ attorneys involved in this trial asking plaintiffs’ counsel to turn over documents they have received from Guidant as part of the civil litigation discovery process. To date, Guidant has also been informed of over 4,500 claims of individuals that may or may not mature into filed suits.

          Guidant has received requests for information in the form of Civil Investigative Demands (CID) from the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Oregon, Illinois, Vermont and Louisiana. These attorneys general advise that approximately thirty other states and the District of Columbia are cooperating in these CID demands. The CIDs pertain to whether Guidant violated any applicable state laws, primarily state consumer protection laws, in connection with the sale and promotion of certain of its implantable defibrillators. Guidant is cooperating with these investigations.

          On November 2, 2005, the Attorney General of the State of New York filed a chargecivil complaint against Guidant pursuant to the New York’s Consumer Protection Law (N.Y. Executive Law § 63(12)). In the complaint, the Attorney General alleges that Guidant concealed from physicians and patients a design flaw in its PRIZM 1861 defibrillator from approximately February of discrimination2002 until May 23, 2005. The complaint further alleges that due to Guidant’s concealment of this information, Guidant has engaged in repeated and persistent fraudulent conduct in violation of N.Y. Executive Law § 63(12). The Attorney General is seeking permanent injunctive relief, restitution for patients in whom a PRIZM 1861 defibrillator manufactured before April 2002 was implanted, disgorgement of profits, and all other proper relief. This case is currently pending in the MDL in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota.
          Approximately seventy former employees have filed charges against Guidant with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the Minnesota office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission purportedly(EEOC). Most of the charges were filed in the Minneapolis Area Office. The charges allege that Guidant discriminated against the former employees on the basis of their age when Guidant terminated their employment in August 2004 in conjunction with Guidant’s reduction in force. In September 2006, the EEOC found probable cause to support the allegations in the charges pending before it. Separately, in April 2006, approximately sixty of these former employees also sued Guidant in federal district court for the District of Minnesota, alleging that Guidant discriminated against the former employees on the basis of their age when Guidant terminated their employment in August 2004 in conjunction with a reduction in force. The parties each filed summary judgment motions. All but one of the
          116

          plaintiffs in the federal court action signed a full and complete release of claims that included any claim based on age discrimination, shortly after their employments ended in 2004. The parties conducted discovery in the fall of 2006 regarding the issue of the validity of those releases and have since filed cross motions for summary judgment on this issue. A hearing on the summary judgment motions was held on February 21, 2007, and a decision has not yet been rendered.
          Guidant is a defendant in two separate complaints in which plaintiffs allege a right of recovery under the Medicare secondary payer (or MSP) private right of action, as well as related claims. Plaintiffs claim as damages double the amount paid by Medicare in connection with devices that were the subject of recent voluntary field actions. Both of these cases are now pending in the MDL in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. We have moved to dismiss one of the suits and the plaintiff filed an opposition to this motion. A hearing on the motion is expected to be scheduled early in the second quarter of 2007. The Court has stayed the response time for the other action.
          Guidant or its affiliates are defendants in four separate actions brought by private third-party providers of health benefits or health insurance (TPPs). In these cases, plaintiffs allege various theories of recovery, including derivative tort claims, subrogation, violation of consumer protection statutes and unjust enrichment, for the cost of healthcare benefits they allegedly paid for in connection with the devices that have been the subject of Guidant’s voluntary field actions.

          Two of these actions are pending in the multi-district litigation in the federal district court in Minnesota (MDL) as part of a single ‘master complaint,’ filed on April 24, 2006, which also includes other types of claims by other plaintiffs. The two named TPP plaintiffs in the master complaint claim to represent a putative nationwide class of TPPs.  These two TPP plaintiffs had previously filed separate complaints against Guidant. Guidant has moved to dismiss the MDL TPP claims in the master complaint for failure to state a claim. A hearing on the motion is expected to be scheduled before the end of the second quarter of 2007.

          The other two TPP actions are pending in state court in Minnesota, and are part of the coordinated state court proceeding ordered by the Minnesota Supreme Court. The plaintiffs in one of these cases are a number of Blue Cross & Blue Shield plans, while the plaintiffs in the other case are a national health insurer and its affiliates. The complaints in these cases were served on Guidant on May 18 and June 25, 2006, respectively. Guidant has moved to dismiss both cases. Hearings on the motions have not yet been scheduled.
          In January 2006, Guidant was served with a civil False Claims Act qui tam lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in September 2003 by Robert Fry, a former employee alleged to have worked for Guidant from 1981 to 1997. The civil lawsuit claims that Guidant violated federal law and the laws of the States of Tennessee, Florida and California, by allegedly concealing limited warranties related to some upgraded or replaced medical devices, thereby allegedly causing hospitals to allegedly file reimbursement claims with federal and state healthcare programs for amounts that did not reflect available warranty credits. To date, none of these states have formally intervened in this case. On April 25, 2006, the Court denied Guidant’s motion to dismiss the complaint and ordered the plaintiff to file a second amended complaint. On May 4, 2006, the plaintiff filed a second amended complaint. On May 24, 2006, Guidant moved to dismiss that complaint, which was denied by the Court on September 13, 2006. On October 16, 2006, the United States filed a motion to intervene in this action, which was approved by the Court on November 2, 2006.

          117

          The Securities and Exchange Commission has begun a formal inquiry into issues related to certain of Guidant’s product disclosures and trading in Guidant stock. Guidant is cooperating with the inquiry.

          On November 3, 2005, a securities class action complaint was filed on behalf of certainGuidant shareholders in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of the Company's black employeesIndiana, against Guidant and several of African national origin, allegingits officers. The complaint alleges that the Company subjects black employees to a hostile work environmentdefendants concealed adverse information about Guidant’s defibrillators and discriminatory employment practicespacemakers and sold stock in violation of Title VIIfederal securities laws. The complaint seeks a declaration that the lawsuit can be maintained as a class action, monetary damages, and injunctive relief. Several additional, related securities class actions were filed in November 2005 and January 2006, and were consolidated with the initial complaint filed on November 3, 2005. The Court issued an order consolidating the complaints and appointed the Iron Workers of Western Pennsylvania Pension Plan and David Fannon as lead plaintiffs. Lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. In August 2006, the defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.

          In October 2005, Guidant received administrative subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s offices in Boston and Minneapolis, issued under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996. The subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston requests documents concerning marketing practices for pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, leads and related products. The subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Minneapolis requests documents relating to Guidant’s VENTAK PRIZM 2 and CONTAK RENEWAL and CONTAK RENEWAL 2 devices. Guidant is cooperating in these matters.
          On May 3, 2006, Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI) filed a complaint against Guidant in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania generally seeking a declaration that ECRI may publish confidential pricing information about Guidant’s medical devices. The complaint seeks, on constitutional and other grounds, a declaration that confidentiality clauses contained in contracts between Guidant and its customers are not binding and that ECRI does not tortiously interfere with Guidant’s contractual relations by obtaining and publishing Guidant pricing information. Guidant’s motion to transfer the matter to Minnesota was denied and discovery is proceeding in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. A trial is expected to be scheduled in late 2007 or early 2008.
          In February 2003, Boston Scientific completed its acquisition of Inflow Dynamics, Inc. pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 2, 2002, among Boston Scientific, Inflow Dynamics, the stockholders of Inflow Dynamics and Eckard Alt, Donald Green and Jerry Griffin, acting in each case solely as members of the Civil Rights ActStockholder Representative Committee (the “Merger Agreement”). On September 21, 2006, the Stockholder Representative Committee made a demand for arbitration pursuant to the terms of 1964,the Merger Agreement seeking contingent payments with respect to the sales of our Liberte stent system and TAXUS Liberte stent system. A hearing is scheduled before a panel of arbitrators on June 28 and 29, 2007.
          On July 17, 2006, Carla Woods and Jeffrey Goldberg, as amended. The Company has denied liabilityTrustees of the Bionics Trust and Stockholders’ Representative, filed a lawsuit against us in the action.

          U. S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The complaint alleges that we breached the Agreement and Plan of Merger among Boston Scientific Corporation, Advanced Bionics Corporation, the Bionics Trust, Alfred E. Mann, Jeffrey H. Greiner, and David MacCallum, collectively in their capacity as Stockholders’ Representative, and others dated May 28, 2004 (“the Merger Agreement”) or, alternatively, the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. The complaint seeks injunctive and other relief. On February 20, 2007, the Court entered a preliminary injunction prohibiting Boston Scientific from taking certain actions until it completes specific actions described in the Merger Agreement. On February 22, 2007, the plaintiffs filed a motion for leave to amend their complaint to add rescission of the Merger Agreement as an additional possible remedy. That motion has not yet been briefed. No scheduling order has been entered by the court, and no trial date has been set.

          On January 16, 2007, the French Conseil de la Concurrence (one of the bodies responsible for the enforcement of antitrust/competition law in France) issued a Statement of Objections alleging that Guidant had agreed with the four other main suppliers of ICDs in France to collectively refrain from responding to a 2001 tender for ICDs conducted by a group of 17 University Hospital Centers in France. This alleged collusion is said to be contrary to the French Commercial Code and Article 81 of the European Community Treaty. We are in the process of evaluating this matter.
          FDA Warning LetterLetters

          On December 23, 2005, Guidant received an FDA warning letter citing certain deficiencies with respect to its manufacturing quality systems and record-keeping procedures in its CRM facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. This FDA warning letter followed an inspection completed by the FDA on September 1, 2005 and cited a number of observations. Guidant received a follow-up letter from the FDA dated January 5, 2006. As stated in this follow-up letter, until we have corrected the identified deficiencies, the FDA may not grant requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve PMA applications for class III devices to which the deficiencies described are reasonably related. The FDA conducted a further inspection of the CRM facility between December 15, 2005 and February 9, 2006 and made one additional inspectional observation. The FDA has concluded its reinspection of our CRM facilities.

          On January 26, 2006, the Companylegacy Boston Scientific received a corporate warning letter from the FDA, notifying the Companyus of serious regulatory problems at three facilities and advising the Companyus that its corporate wideour corrective action plan relating to three site-specific warning letters issued to the Companyus in 2005 was inadequate. As
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          also stated in this FDA warning letter, the FDA willmay not grant the Company'sour requests for exportation certificates to foreign governments or approve pre-market approvalPMA applications for its class III devices to which the quality control or current good manufacturing practices deficiencies described in the letter are reasonably related until the deficiencies described in the letter have been corrected. While
          Litigation-Related Charges
          In 2005, we recorded a $780 million pre-tax charge associated with the Company believes it can remediate these issuesMedinol litigation settlement. On September 21, 2005, we reached a settlement with Medinol resolving certain contract and patent infringement litigation. In conjunction with the settlement agreement, we paid $750 million in an expeditious manner, there can be no assurances regardingcash and cancelled our equity investment in Medinol.
          In 2004, we recorded a $75 million provision for certain legal and regulatory matters, which included a civil settlement with the lengthU.S. Department of time it will take to resolve these issues, and any such resolution may require the dedication of significant incremental internal and external resources. In addition, if the Company's remedial actions are not satisfactory to the FDA, the FDA may take further regulatory actions against the Company, including but not limited to seizing its product inventory, obtaining a court injunction against further marketing of its products or assessing civil monetary penalties.

          Justice, which we paid in 2005.

          Note K—Stockholders'Stockholders’ Equity


          Preferred Stock

                  The Company is


          We are authorized to issue 50 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative participating, option or other rights thereof,



          including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption terms, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series, without any further vote or action by the Company'sour stockholders. At December 31, 20052006 and December 31, 2004, the Company2005, we had no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding.


          Common Stock

                  The Company is

          We are authorized to issue 1,200 million2.0 billion shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share. During the first quarter of 2006, we increased our authorized common stock from 1.2 billion shares to 2.0 billion shares in anticipation of the Guidant acquisition. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if and when declared by the Board of Directors, and to share ratably in theour assets of the Company legally available for distribution to itsour stockholders in the event of liquidation. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption, or conversion rights. The holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. The holders of a majority of the shares of common stock can elect all of the directors and can control theour management and affairsaffairs.

          During 2004, we modified certain of our stock option plans, principally for options granted prior to May 2001, to change the Company.

          definition of retirement to conform to the definition generally used in our stock option plans subsequent to May 2001. As a result of these modifications, we recorded a $90 million charge ($60 million after-tax) in 2004. The Company paid a two-for-onekey assumptions in estimating the charge were the anticipated retirement age and the expected exercise patterns for the individuals whose options we modified.


          We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock split that was effected in the form of a 100 percent stock dividend on November 5, 2003. All historical share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the stock split except for share amounts presented in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity, which reflect the actual share amounts outstanding for each period presented.

                  The Companyduring 2006. We repurchased approximately 25 million shares of itsour common stock at an aggregate cost of $734 million in 2005, and 10 million shares of itsour common stock at an aggregate cost of $360 million in 2004, and 22 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $570 million in 2003.2004. Since 1992, the Company haswe have repurchased approximately 132 million shares of itsour common stock and hashave approximately 2412 million shares of common stock held in treasury at year end. year-end.

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          Approximately 37 million shares remain under previous share repurchase authorizations. Repurchased shares are available for reissuance under the Company'sour equity incentive plans and for general corporate purposes, including strategic alliances and acquisitions.


          Note L—Stock Ownership Plans


          Employee and Director Stock Incentive Plans

                  The Company's 1995,


          Our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans (Plans) provide for the issuance of up to 15090 million shares of common stock. Together, the Plans cover officers, directors, and employees of and consultants to the Company and provide for the grant of various incentives, including qualified and nonqualified options, deferred stock units, stock grants, share appreciation rights, performance-based awards and performancemarket-based awards. Nonqualified options granted to purchase shares of common stock are either immediately exercisable or exercisable in installments as determined by theThe Executive Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors, (Committee), consisting of independent, non-employee directors, may authorize the issuance of common stock and expire within ten years from dateauthorized cash awards under the plans in recognition of grant. the achievement of long-term performance objectives established by the Committee.
          Nonqualified options issued to employees generally are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our stock on the grant date, generally vest over a four-year service period, and have a vesting term over a period of three to five years.10-year contractual life. In the case of qualified options, if the recipient owns more than 10 percent of the voting power of all classes of stock, the option granted will be at an exercise price of 110 percent of the fair market value of the Company'sour common stock on the date of grant and will expire over a period not to exceed five years. Non-vested stock awards (awards other than options) issued to employees generally are granted with an exercise price of zero and typically vest in four to five equal annual installments beginning with the second anniversary of the date of grant. These awards represent our commitment to issue shares to recipients after a vesting period. The Committee mayslightly longer vesting period for non-vested stock awards reflects the fact that they have immediate value compared to options, which only have value if our stock price increases. Upon each vesting date, such awards are no longer subject to risk of forfeiture and we issue shares of our common stock to the recipient. We generally issue shares for option exercises and authorize cashnon-vested stock from our treasury, if available.

          During 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. Statement No. 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends Statement No. 95, Statement of Cash Flows. In general, Statement No. 123(R) contains similar accounting concepts as those described in Statement No. 123. However, Statement No. 123(R) requires that we recognize all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in our consolidated statements of operations based on their fair values. Pro forma disclosure is no longer an alternative.

          We adopted Statement No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006 using the “modified-prospective method,” which is a method in which compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date (i) based on the requirements of Statement No. 123(R) for all share-based payments granted after the effective date and (ii) based on the requirements of Statement No. 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of Statement No. 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date. In accordance with this method of adoption, we have not restated prior period results of operations and financial position to reflect the impact of stock-based compensation expense. Prior to the adoption of Statement No. 123(R), we accounted for options using the intrinsic value method under the Plans in recognitionguidance of APB Opinion No. 25, and provided pro forma disclosure as allowed by Statement No. 123.

          120

          The following presents the achievementimpact on our consolidated statement of long-term performance objectives established byoperations of stock-based compensation expense recognized for the Committee. The 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan expired in March 2005, after which time grants were issuedyear ended December 31, 2006 for options and restricted stock awards:

          (in millions)
             
          Cost of products sold $15 
          Selling, general and administrative expenses  74 
          Research and development expenses  24 
          Loss before income taxes  113 
          Income tax benefit  32 
          Net loss $81 
               
          Net loss per common share - basic $0.06 
          Net loss per common share - assuming dilution $0.06 

          For the year ended December 31, 2006, as a result of adopting Statement No. 123(R), our loss before income taxes was $68 million lower and our net loss was $48 million lower than if we had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25. Basic and diluted loss per share was $0.04 lower than if we had continued to account for share-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25.

          If we had elected to recognize compensation expense for the 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Following the expirationgranting of the 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan, 90 million shares of common stock remain available for issuanceoptions under the Company's Plans.

                  During the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company modified certain of its stock option plans principallybased on the fair values at the grant date consistent with the methodology prescribed by Statement No. 123, we would have reported net income and net income per share as the following pro forma amounts:


          121


            
          Year Ended December 31, 
           
          (in millions, except per share data) 
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
                
          Net income, as reported 628 1,062 
          Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in net income, net of related tax effects  13  62 
          Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax benefits  (74) (67)
                  
          Pro forma net income
           
          $
          567
           
          $
          1,057
           
                  
          Net income per common share       
          Basic       
          Reported $0.76 $1.27 
          Pro forma 0.69 1.26 
          Assuming dilution       
          Reported 0.75 1.24 
          Pro forma 0.68 1.24 

          Stock Options

          Option Valuation
          We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of our stock options. In conjunction with the Guidant acquisition, we converted certain outstanding Guidant options into approximately 40 million fully vested Boston Scientific options. See Note D - Business Combinations for further details regarding the fair value and valuation assumptions related to those awards. The fair value for all other options granted during 2006, 2005 and 2004 was calculated using the following estimated weighted average assumptions:

            
          Year Ended December 31,
           
            
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
          Options granted (in thousands)  5,438  7,983  2,101 
          Weighted-average exercise price $21.48 $30.12 $39.72 
          Weighted-average grant-date fair value $7.61 $12.18 $14.36 
                     
          Black-Scholes Assumptions
                    
          Expected volatility  30% 37% 47%
          Expected term (in years)  5  5  5 
          Risk-free interest rate  4.26% - 5.18% 3.37% - 4.47% 2.24% - 4.05%
          Expected Volatility

          We have considered a number of factors in estimating volatility. For options granted prior to May 2001,2006, we used our historical volatility as a basis to changeestimate expected volatility in our valuation of
          122

          stock options. We changed our method of estimating volatility upon the definitionadoption of retirementStatement No. 123(R). We now consider historical volatility, trends in volatility within our industry/peer group, and implied volatility.

          Expected Term

          We estimate the expected term of our options using historical exercise and forfeiture data. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of our new option grants.

          Risk-Free Interest Rate

          We use yield rates on U.S. Treasury securities for a period approximating the expected term of the award to conformestimate the risk-free interest rate in our grant-date fair value assessment.

          Expected Dividend Yield

          We have not historically paid cash dividends to the definition generally usedour shareholders. We currently do not intend to pay dividends, and intend to retain all of our earnings to repay indebtedness and invest in the Company's stock option plans subsequent to May 2001. As a resultcontinued growth of these modifications, the Company recorded a $90 million charge ($60 million after-tax)our business. Therefore, we have assumed an expected dividend yield of zero in 2004. The key assumptions in estimating the charge were the anticipated retirement age and the expected exercise patterns for the individuals whose options were modified.

          our grant-date fair value assessment.


          Option Activity
          Information related to stock options at December 31, 2006 under stock incentive plans is as follows:

           
           2005
           2004
           2003
          (option amounts in thousands)
           Options
           Weighted
          Average
          Exercise
          Price

           Options
           Weighted
          Average
          Exercise
          Price

           Options
           Weighted
          Average
          Exercise
          Price


          Outstanding at January 1 49,028 $17.84 66,103 $15.16 84,218 $12.23
          Granted 7,983  30.12 2,101  39.72 6,857  33.33
          Exercised (5,105) 11.93 (18,296) 10.64 (24,023) 10.10
          Canceled (1,621) 28.24 (880) 18.41 (949) 13.86
            
           
           
           
           
           
          Outstanding at December 31 50,285  20.06 49,028  17.84 66,103  15.16
            
           
           
           
           
           
          Exercisable at December 31 36,072 $15.96 34,776 $14.32 42,126 $12.01
            
           
           
           
           
           
            
          Options
          (in thousands)
           
          Weighted
          Average
          Exercise
          Price
           
          Weighted
          Average
          Remaining
          Contractual
          Life (in years)
           
          Aggregate
          Intrinsic Value
          (in millions)
           
          Outstanding at January 1, 2004
            
          66,103
           
          $
          15
                 
          Granted  2,101  40       
          Exercised  (18,296) 11       
          Cancelled/forfeited  (880) 18       
          Outstanding at December 31, 2004
            
          49,028
           
          $
          18
                 
          Granted  7,983  30       
          Exercised  (5,105) 12       
          Cancelled/forfeited  (1,621) 28       
          Outstanding at December 31, 2005
            
          50,285
           
          $
          20
                 
          Guidant converted options  39,649  13       
          Granted  5,438  21       
          Exercised  (10,548) 11       
          Cancelled/forfeited  (1,793) 25       
          Outstanding at December 31, 2006
            
          83,031
           
          $
          18
            
          5
           
          $
          233
           
          Exercisable at December 31, 2006
            
          68,718
           
          $
          16
            
          4
           
          $
          231
           
          Expected to vest as of December 31, 2006
            
          80,802
           
          $
          18
            
          5
           
          $
          232
           
          The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2006 was $102 million as compared to $88 million in 2005.
          123

          Non-Vested Stock

          Award Valuation
          We value restricted stock awards and deferred stock units based on the closing trading value of our shares on the date of grant.

          Award Activity
          Information related to non-vested stock options outstandingawards during 2006 is as follows:
            
          Non-Vested
          Stock Award Units
          (in thousands)
           
          Weighted Average
          Grant-Date
          Fair Value
           
          Balance at January 1, 2006  3,834 $30 
          Granted  6,580  23 
          Vested  (52) 32 
          Forfeited  (487) 28 
          Balance at December 31, 2006  9,875 $26 

          CEO Award

          During the first quarter of 2006, we granted a special market-based award of 2 million deferred stock units to our chief executive officer. The attainment of this award is based on the individual’s continued employment and exercisable atour stock reaching certain specified prices as of December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2009. We determined the fair value of the award to be approximately $15 million based on a Monte Carlo simulation, using the following assumptions:

          Stock price on date of grant $24.42 
          Expected volatility  30%
          Expected term (in years)  3.84 
          Risk-free rate  4.64%
          We will recognize the expense in our consolidated statement of operations using an accelerated attribution method through 2009.

          Expense Attribution
          We generally recognize compensation expense for our stock awards issued subsequent to the adoption of Statement No. 123(R) using a straight-line method over the substantive vesting period. Prior to the adoption of Statement No. 123(R), we allocated the pro forma compensation expense for stock option awards over the vesting period using an accelerated attribution method. We will continue to amortize compensation expense related to stock option awards granted prior to the adoption of Statement No. 123(R) using an accelerated attribution method. Prior to the adoption of Statement No. 123(R), we recognized compensation expense for non-vested stock awards over the vesting period using a straight-line method. We will continue to amortize
          124

          compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards granted prior to the adoption of Statement No. 123(R) using a straight-line method.

          We recognize stock-based compensation for the value of the portion of awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Statement No. 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered option. We have applied, based on an analysis of our historical forfeitures, an annual forfeiture rate of eight percent to all unvested stock awards as of December 31, 2006, which represents the portion that we expect will be forfeited each year over the vesting period. We will re-evaluate this analysis periodically and adjust the forfeiture rate as necessary. Ultimately, we will only recognize expense for those shares that vest.
          Most of our stock awards provide for immediate vesting upon retirement, death or disability of the participant. We have traditionally accounted for the pro forma compensation expense related to stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals using the stated vesting period of the award. This approach results in the recognition of compensation expense over the vesting period except in the instance of the participant’s actual retirement. Statement No. 123(R) clarified the accounting for stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals, which explicitly provides that the vesting period for a grant made to a retirement eligible employee is considered non-substantive and should be ignored when determining the period over which the award should be expensed. Upon adoption of Statement No. 123(R), we are required to expense stock-based awards over the period between grant date and retirement eligibility or immediately if the employee is retirement eligible at the date of grant. If we had historically accounted for stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals under these requirements, the pro forma expense disclosed in the table above for 2005 isand 2004 would not have been materially impacted.

          Unrecognized Compensation Cost

          Under the provisions of Statement No. 123(R), we expect to recognize the following future expense for awards granted as follows:

           
           Stock Options Outstanding
           Stock Options Exercisable
          Range of Exercise Prices
           Options
          (in thousands)

           Weighted
          Average
          Remaining
          Contractual
          Life (in years)

           Weighted
          Average
          Exercise Price

           Options
          (in thousands)

           Weighted
          Average
          Exercise Price


          $0.00–8.00 3,612 4.96 $6.21 3,612 $6.21
          8.01–16.00 17,179 4.10  11.92 17,081  11.91
          16.01–24.00 14,339 5.15  19.78 12,068  19.49
          24.01–32.00 4,725 9.38  27.21 178  31.04
          32.01–40.00 9,284 8.37  34.59 3,098  34.77
          40.01–48.00 1,146 8.43  41.95 35  41.67
            
           
           
           
           
            50,285 5.85 $20.06 36,072 $15.96
            
           
           
           
           

          of December 31, 2006:

            
          Unrecognized
          Compensation
          Cost
          (in millions)*
           
          Weighted
          Average
          Remaining
          Vesting Period
          (in years)
           
          Stock options $63    
          Non-vested stock awards  131    
            $194  3.3 

           *Amounts presented represent compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures.

          Tax Impact of Stock-Based Compensation

          Prior to the adoption of Statement No. 123(R), we reported the benefit of tax deductions in excess of recognized share-based compensation expense on our consolidated statement of cash flows as
          125

          operating cash flows. Under Statement No. 123(R), such excess tax benefits must be reported as financing cash flows. Although total cash flows under Statement No. 123(R) remain unchanged from what we would have reported under prior accounting standards, our net operating cash flows are reduced and our net financing cash flows are increased due to the adoption of Statement No. 123(R). There were excess tax benefits of $7 million for 2006, which we have classified as financing cash flows. There were excess tax benefits of $28 million for 2005 and $185 million for 2004, which we have classified as operating cash flows.

          Shares reserved for future issuance under all of the Company'sour stock incentive plans totaled approximately 9088 million at December 31, 2005.

          2006.

                  A table illustrating the effect on net income and net income per share as if the fair value method prescribed by Statement No. 123 had been applied is presented inNote A—Significant Accounting Policies. The Company recognizes any compensation cost on fixed awards with pro rata vesting on a straight-line basis over the award's vesting period. The fair value of the stock options used to calculate the pro forma net income and net income per share was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

           
           2005
           2004
           2003
           


           
          Dividend yield 0%0%0%
          Expected volatility 36.64%46.85%49.28%
          Risk-free interest rate 3.76%3.50%3.13%
          Forfeitures 687,000 615,000 632,000 
          Expected life 5 5 5 

                  The weighted average grant-date fair value per share of options granted, calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, was $12.18 in 2005, $14.36 in 2004 and $14.96 in 2003.

                  In 2005, the Company granted approximately 3.9 million deferred stock units to its employees under its stock incentive plans at a weighted average fair value of $30.77. The market value of the shares underlying the deferred stock units was approximately $119 million on the date of issuance. The deferred stock units vest over a period of five to six years. The amount was recorded as deferred compensation and shown as a separate component of stockholders' equity. The deferred compensation is being amortized to expense over the vesting period, and the related expense amounted to $17 million for 2005. During 2005, the Company reversed approximately $5 million of deferred compensation associated with forfeitures of these deferred stock units.

          Global Employee Stock Ownership PlanPurchase Plans

                  The Company's GESOP


          In 2006, our stockholders approved and adopted a new global employee stock purchase plan that provides for the granting of options to purchase up to 1520 million shares of the Company'sour common stock to all eligible employees. The terms and conditions of the 2006 employee stock purchase plan are substantially similar to the previous employee stock purchase plan, which expires by its terms in 2007. Under the GESOP,employee stock purchase plan, we grant each eligible employee, is granted, at the beginning of each period designated by the Committee as ansix-month offering period, an option to purchase shares of the Company'sour common stock equal to not more than 10 percent of the employee'semployee’s eligible compensation or the statutory limit under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Such



          options may be exercised generally only to the extent of accumulated payroll deductions at the end of the offering period, at a purchase price equal to 85 percent of the fair market value of the Company'sour common stock at the beginning or end of each offering period, whichever is less.

          For the offering period beginning July 1, 2007, the employee stock purchase plan was amended to reduce the employee discount for purchasing stock through the program from 15 percent to 10 percent. At December 31, 2006, there were approximately 21 million shares available for future issuance under the employee stock purchase plan.


          Information related to the shares issued under the GESOPemployee stock purchase plan and the range of purchase prices is as follows:

           
           2005
           2004
           2003

          Shares issued 1,445,000 1,004,000 1,228,000
          Range of purchase prices $20.82 - $22.95 $30.22 - $30.81 $12.21 - $18.27

                  At December 31, 2005, there were approximately two million

            
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
          Shares issued  2,765,000  1,445,000  1,004,000 
          Range of purchase prices  $14.20 - $14.31  $20.82 - $22.95 $30.22 - $30.81 

          We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of shares available for future issuanceissued under the GESOPemployee stock purchase plan. On February 28, 2006,We recognize expense related to shares purchased through the Board of Directors adopted, and recommended that the stockholders of the Company approve and adopt at the Company's 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company's 2006 GESOP, a new employee stock purchase plan that provides forratably over the grantingoffering period. During 2006, we recognized $12 million in expense associated with our employee stock purchase plan.

          In connection with our acquisition of optionsGuidant, we assumed Guidant’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) which matches employee 401(k) contributions in the form of stock. Common shares held by the ESOP are allocated among participants’ accounts on a periodic basis until these shares are exhausted. At December 31, 2006, the ESOP held approximately 6.4 million shares allocated to purchase upemployee accounts and approximately 2.6 million unallocated shares. We report the cost of shares held by the ESOP and not yet allocated to 20 millionemployees as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. Allocated shares of the Company's common stockESOP are charged to all eligible employees. The terms and conditionsexpense based on the fair value of the 2006 GESOPshares transferred and are substantially similartreated as outstanding in the computation of earnings per share. As part of the Guidant purchase accounting, we recognized deferred costs of $86 million for the fair value of the shares that were unallocated on the date of acquisition. Since the acquisition date,
          126

          we have recognized compensation expense of $19 million related to the existing GESOP which expires by its terms in 2007.

          plan. The fair value of the unallocated shares at December 31, 2006 was $44 million.


          Note M—Earnings per Share


          The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

          (in millions, except per share data)
           2005
           2004
           2003

          Basic         
          Net income $628 $1,062 $472
            
           
           
          Weighted average shares outstanding  825.8  838.2  821.0
            
           
           
          Net income per common share $0.76 $1.27 $0.57
            
           
           
          Assuming Dilution         
          Net income $628 $1,062 $472
            
           
           
          Weighted average shares outstanding  825.8  838.2  821.0
          Net effect of common stock equivalents  11.8  19.5  24.4
            
           
           
          Total  837.6  857.7  845.4
            
           
           
          Net income per common share $0.75 $1.24 $0.56
            
           
           

                  Potential

          (in millions, except per share data)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
          Basic
                 
          Net (loss) income $(3,577)$628 $1,062 
          Weighted average shares outstanding  1,273.7  825.8  838.2 
          Net (loss) income per common share
           $(2.81)$0.76 $1.27 
                     
          Assuming dilution
                    
          Net (loss) income $(3,577)$628 $1,062 
          Weighted average shares outstanding  1,273.7  825.8  838.2 
          Net effect of common stock equivalents     11.8  19.5 
          Total  1,273.7  837.6  857.7 
          Net (loss) income per common share
           $(2.81)$0.75 $1.24 

          The calculation of net (loss) income per common share, assuming dilution, above excludes the net effect of common stock equivalents of 15.6 million for 2006 due to our net loss position for the year ended December 31, 2006.

          The net effect of common stock equivalents excludes the impact of 30 million stock options for 2006, 12 million infor 2005, oneand 1 million infor 2004 and one million in 2003 were excluded fromdue to the computation of earnings per share, assuming dilution, because exercise prices wereof these stock options being greater than the average fair market pricevalue of our common stock during the common shares.

          year. 


          Note N—Segment Reporting

                  The Company has


          We have four reportable operating segments based on geographic regions: the United States, Europe, Japan and Inter-Continental. Each of the Company'sour reportable segments generates revenues from the sale of less-invasive medical devices. The reportable segments represent an aggregate of all operating divisions within each segment.

          We measure and evaluate our reportable segments based on segment income. This segment income excludes certain corporate and manufacturing expenses associated with divisions that do not meet the definition of a segment, as defined by FASB Statement No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. In addition, certain transactions or adjustments that our chief operating decision maker considers to be non-recurring and/or non-operational, as well as stock-based compensation and amortization expense are excluded from segment income. Although we exclude these amounts from segment income, they are included in reported consolidated net (loss) income and are included in the reconciliation below.


          Sales and operating results of reportable segments are based on internally derived standard foreign exchange rates, which may differ from year to year and do not include intersegment profits. TheWe have restated the segment information for 2005 and 2004 and 2003net sales and operating results have been restated based on the Company'sour standard foreign exchange rates used for 2005.2006. Because of the interdependence of the reportable segments, the operating profit as presented may not be representative of the geographic



          distribution that would occur if the segments were not

          127

          interdependent. Enterprise-wideWe base enterprise-wide information is based on actual foreign exchange rates used in the Company'sour consolidated financial statements.

          (in millions)
           United States
           Europe
           Japan
           Inter-Continental
           Total

          2005               
           Net sales $3,852 $1,145 $579 $643 $6,219
           Depreciation  18  4  3  4  29
           Operating income allocated to reportable segments  1,803  598  308  295  3,004
          2004               
           Net sales $3,502 $980 $602 $501 $5,585
           Depreciation  9  5  3  2  19
           Operating income allocated to reportable segments  1,753  507  343  227  2,830
          2003               
           Net sales $1,924 $729 $568 $348 $3,569
           Depreciation  8  3  3  2  16
           Operating income allocated to reportable segments  682  356  323  148  1,509

          (in millions)
           
          United
          States
           
          Europe
           
          Japan
           
          Inter-
          Continental
           
          Total
           
          2006
                     
          Net sales $4,840 $1,529 $630 $783 
          $
          7,782
           
          Depreciation  70  12  4  6  
          92
           
          Segment income  2,273  767  337  382  
          3,759
           
          2005
                          
          Net sales $3,852 $1,152 $579 $675 
          $
          6,258
           
          Depreciation  18  5  3  4  
          30
           
          Segment income  1,815  644  308  332  
          3,099
           
          2004
                          
          Net sales $3,502 $982 $602 $497 
          $
          5,583
           
          Depreciation  10  5  3  3  
          21
           
          Segment income  1,753  557  343  232  
          2,885
           

          A reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in theour consolidated financial statements is as follows:

          (in millions)
           2005
           2004
           2003
           


           
          Net Sales          
           Total net sales allocated to reportable segments $6,219 $5,585 $3,569 
           Foreign exchange  64  39  (93)
            
           
           
           
            $6,283 $5,624 $3,476 
            
           
           
           
          Depreciation          
           Total depreciation allocated to reportable segments $29 $19 $16 
           Manufacturing operations  89  113  69 
           Corporate expenses and foreign exchange  44  31  22 
            
           
           
           
            $162 $163 $107 
            
           
           
           
          Income before Income Taxes          
           Total operating income allocated to reportable segments $3,004 $2,830 $1,509 
           Manufacturing operations  (448) (394) (305)
           Corporate expenses and foreign exchange  (476) (522) (455)
           Litigation-related charges  (780) (75) (15)
           Purchased research and development  (276) (65) (37)
           Costs of certain retirement benefits  (17) (110)   
           Stock-compensation charge for certain modifications     (90)   
           Costs of certain business optimization initiatives  (39)      
            
           
           
           
             968  1,574  697 
           Other income (expense)  (77) (80) (54)
            
           
           
           
            $891 $1,494 $643 
            
           
           
           
          (in millions)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
          Net sales
                 
          Total net sales allocated to reportable segments $7,782 $6,258 $5,583 
          Foreign exchange  39  25  41 
            
          $
          7,821
           
          $
          6,283
           
          $
          5,624
           
                     
          Depreciation
                    
          Total depreciation allocated to reportable segments $92 $30 $21 
          Manufacturing operations  76  89  113 
          Depreciation included in special charges  17       
          Corporate expenses and foreign exchange  66  43  29 
            
          $
          251
           
          $
          162
           
          $
          163
           
                     
          (Loss) income before income taxes
                    
          Total operating income allocated to reportable segments $3,759 $3,099 $2,885 
          Manufacturing operations  (617) (449) (396)
          Corporate expenses and foreign exchange  (920) (409) (462)
          Purchase accounting adjustments  (4,453) (276) (65)
          Acquisition-related and other costs
                    
          Integration costs  (61)      
          CRM technology offering charge  (31)      
          Certain retirement benefits     (17) (110)
          Business optimization charges  (19) (39)   
          TriVascular AAA program cancellation costs, including amortization expense  13       
          Litigation-related charges     (780) (75)
          Amortization and stock-based compensation expense  (620) (161) (203)
             (2,949) 968  1,574 
          Other income (expense)  (586) (77) (80)
            
          $
          (3,535
          )
          $
          891
           
          $
          1,494
           

          128

          Enterprise-Wide Information

          (in millions)
           2005
           2004
           2003

          Net Sales         
           Cardiovascular $4,907 $4,490 $2,504
           Endosurgery  1,228  1,088  972
           Neuromodulation  148  46  N/A
            
           
           
            $6,283 $5,624 $3,476
            
           
           
          Long-Lived Assets         
           United States $795 $660 $536
           Ireland  140  149  169
           Other foreign countries  76  61  39
            
           
           
            $1,011 $870 $744
            
           
           



          (in millions)
           
          2006
           
          2005
           
          2004
           
                  
          Net sales
                 
                  
          Interventional Cardiology $3,612 $3,783 $3,451 
          Cardiac Rhythm Management  1,371  N/A  N/A 
          Other  1,258  1,124  1,039 
          Cardiovascular
            
          6,241
            
          4,907
            
          4,490
           
                     
          Endosurgery
            
          1,346
            
          1,228
            
          1,088
           
                     
          Neuromodulation
            
          234
            
          148
            
          46
           
                     
          Worldwide
           
          $
          7,821
           
          $
          6,283
           
          $
          5,624
           
                     
                     
          Long-lived assets
                    
          United States $1,343 $795 $660 
          Ireland  199  140  149 
          Other foreign countries  184  76  61 
            
          $
          1,726
           
          $
          1,011
           
          $
          870
           


          129

          Note O—Subsequent Events

          Guidant Transaction

                  On January 25, 2006, Boston Scientific entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Guidant Corporation for an aggregate purchase price[Table of $27 billion (net of proceeds from option exercises), which represents a combination of cash and stock worth $80 per share of Guidant common stock. Guidant is a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease. At the effective time of the acquisition, each share of Guidant common stock (other than shares owned by Guidant, Galaxy Merger Sub and Boston Scientific) will be converted into the right to receive (i) $42.00 in cash and (ii) a number of shares of Boston Scientific common stock equal to the actual exchange ratio. The actual exchange ratio will be determined by dividing $38.00 by the average closing price of Boston Scientific common stock during the 20 consecutive trading day period ending three trading days prior to the closing date, so long as the average closing price during that period is between $22.62 and $28.86. If the average closing price of Boston Scientific common stock during that period is less than $22.62, Guidant shareholders will receive 1.6799 Boston Scientific shares for each share of Guidant common stock, and if the average closing price of Boston Scientific common stock during that period is greater than $28.86, Guidant shareholders will receive 1.3167 Boston Scientific shares for each share of Guidant common stock. In addition, if the acquisition is not closed by March 31, 2006, Guidant shareholders will receive an additional $0.0132 in cash per share of Guidant common stock for each day beginning on April 1, 2006 through the closing date of the acquisition.

                  Outstanding Guidant stock options at the closing date of the merger will be converted into options to purchase Boston Scientific common stock, with appropriate adjustments made to the number of shares and the exercise price under those options based on the value of the merger consideration.

                  In addition, the combined company will incur integration and restructuring costs following the completion of the acquisition as Boston Scientific integrates certain operations of Guidant. Although Boston Scientific and Guidant expect that the realization of efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses may offset incremental transaction, merger-related and restructuring costs over time, no assurances can be made that this net benefit will be achieved in the near term, or at all.

                  In connection with the financing of the cash portion of the purchase price, various banks have committed to providing up to $14 billion in financing, which includes a $7 billion 364-day interim credit facility, a $5 billion five-year term loan facility and a $2 billion five-year revolving credit facility. The interim credit facility, term loan and revolving credit facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus an interest margin between 0.30 percent (high A rating) and 0.85 percent (low BBB rating). The interest margin will be based on the hightest two out of three of the Company's long-term, senior unsecured,

          Contents]


          corporate credit ratings from Moody's Investor Service Inc., Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Fitch Ratings. Of the $14 billion available pursuant to the commitment letter, the Company expects to borrow approximately $7.1 billion to finance the cash portion of the Guidant acquisition purchase price, which includes the $5 billion five-year term loan facility and $2.1 billion in borrowings under the 364-day interim credit facility. The Company also expects to use the $900 million loan from Abbott, for a total of $8 billion in borrowings to finance the cash portion of the purchase price. In 2006, the Company anticipates filing a new public registration statement with the SEC under which it intends to issue senior notes in order to refinance any borrowings outstanding under the interim credit facility and to register shares that it will issue to Abbott. The new five-year revolving credit facility will replace the Company's existing $2 billion credit facilities. The Company also plans to use cash on hand and cash from the Abbott transaction to fund the cash portion of the Guidant purchase price.

                  Boston Scientific's offer to acquire Guidant was made after the execution of a merger agreement among Guidant, Johnson & Johnson and Shelby Merger Sub, Inc. On January 25, 2006, Guidant terminated the Johnson & Johnson merger agreement and, in connection with the termination, Guidant paid Johnson & Johnson a termination fee of $705 million. Boston Scientific then reimbursed Guidant for the full amount of the termination fee paid to Johnson & Johnson.

                  In conjunction with the proposed acquisition, Boston Scientific's authorized common stock will be increased from 1,200,000,000 shares to 2,000,000,000 shares. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including clearances under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the European Union merger control regulation, as well as approval of Boston Scientific and Guidant shareholders. The transaction is not subject to any financing condition. Subject to these conditions, it is currently expected that the acquisition will occur during the week of April 3, 2006.

          Abbott Transaction

                  In January 2006, Boston Scientific and Abbott entered into the Abbott transaction agreement pursuant to which, among other things, Abbott agreed to purchase the Guidant vascular and endovascular businesses for:

                  The Abbott transaction closing is subject to, among other things, the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to close the Guidant transaction and is expected to occur prior to the closing date of the acquisition.

                  In addition to receiving the initial payment of $4.1 billion at the Abbott transaction closing, Abbott has agreed to lend Boston Scientific $900 million on a subordinated basis. The loan will be payable on the fifth anniversary of the Abbott transaction closing and interest will accrue on the outstanding principal amount at a rate of 4.00 percent per annum.

                  At the Abbott transaction closing, Abbott will also purchase $1.4 billion in shares of Boston Scientific common stock based on a per share purchase price of the lower of (i) $25.00 and (ii) the average closing price of Boston Scientific common stock during the five consecutive trading day period ending three trading days prior to the Abbott transaction closing. In addition, 18 months after the Abbott transaction closing, Boston Scientific will issue to Abbott additional shares of Boston Scientific



          common stock having an aggregate value of up to $60 million (based on the average closing price of Boston Scientific common stock during the 20 consecutive trading day period ending five trading days prior to the date of issuance of those shares) to reimburse Abbott for the cost of borrowing $1.4 billion to purchase the shares of Boston Scientific common stock.

                  Abbott has agreed not to sell any of these shares of Boston Scientific common stock for six months following the Abbott transaction closing unless the average price per share of Boston Scientific common stock over any consecutive 20 day trading period exceeds $30.00. In addition, during the 18-month period following the Abbott transaction closing, Abbott will not, in any one-month period, sell more than 8.33 percent of these shares of Boston Scientific common stock. Abbott must apply a portion of the net proceeds from its sale of these shares of Boston Scientific common stock in excess of specified amounts, if any, to reduce the principal amount of the loan from Abbott to Boston Scientific.

                  As a part of the Abbott transaction, Boston Scientific and Abbott will also enter into supply and license and technology transfer arrangements with respect to the everolimus-based drug-eluting stent system currently in development by Guidant. This supply and license agreement will serve as collateral for the $900 million loan.

                  Outstanding options held by Guidant employees transferred to Abbott will, at Boston Scientific's election, either be converted into a number of shares of Boston Scientific common stock with a fair market value as of the Abbott transaction closing date equal to the excess of the aggregate fair market value of the Guidant common stock subject to the option over the exercise price of the option, net of applicable withholding taxes or exchanged for a cash payment equal to the excess of the aggregate fair market value of the Guidant common stock subject to the option over the aggregate exercise price of the option, net of any applicable withholding taxes.

                  As a result of the proposed Guidant Transaction and Abbott Transaction, current Boston Scientific stockholders will own a smaller percentage of Boston Scientific following the acquisition. The Company expects its weighted average shares outstanding, assuming dilution, to increase from approximately 840 million for 2005 to approximately 1.4 billion following the acquisition.


          Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements

          The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Boston Scientific Corporation

                  We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Boston Scientific Corporation as of December 31, 20052006 and December 31, 2004,2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005.2006. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a). These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company'sCompany’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

                  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

                  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Boston Scientific Corporation at December 31, 20052006 and December 31, 2004,2005, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2005,2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

          As discussed in Notes A and L to the consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment.
                  We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Boston Scientific Corporation'sCorporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005,2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 24, 2006,26, 2007, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

          Boston, Massachusetts
          February 24, 2006

          26, 2007

          130

          QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
          (in millions, except per share data)
          (unaudited)

          Three Months Ended
           March 31,
           June 30,
           September 30,
           December 31,

          2005        
           Net sales $1,615 $1,617 $1,511 $1,540
           Gross profit 1,271 1,260 1,168 1,198
           Operating income (loss) 513 326 (336)465
           Net income (loss) 358 205 (269)334
           Net income (loss) per common share—basic $0.43 $0.25 $(0.33)$0.41
           Net income (loss) per common share—assuming dilution $0.42 $0.24 $(0.33)$0.40
          2004        
           Net sales $1,082 $1,460 $1,482 $1,600
           Gross profit 790 1,097 1,173 1,272
           Operating income 264 448 358 504
           Net income 194 313 258 297
           Net income per common share—basic $0.23 $0.37 $0.31 $0.35
           Net income per common share—assuming dilution $0.23 $0.36 $0.30 $0.35

          Three Months Ended
           
          March 31,
           
          June 30,
           
          Sept 30,
           
          Dec 31,
           
                    
          2006
                   
          Net sales $1,620 $2,110 $2,026 $2,065 
          Gross profit  1,246  1,433  1,396  1,539 
          Operating income (loss)  497  (3,925) 195  284 
          Net income (loss)  332  (4,262) 76  277 
          Net income (loss) per common share - basic $0.40 $(3.21)$0.05 $0.19 
          Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution $0.40 $(3.21)$0.05 $0.19 
                        
          2005
                       
          Net sales 1,615 1,617 1,511 1,540 
          Gross profit  1,271  1,260  1,168  1,198 
          Operating income (loss)  513  326  (336) 465 
          Net income (loss)  358  205  (269) 334 
          Net income (loss) per common share - basic $0.43 $0.25 $(0.33)$0.41 
          Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution $0.42 $0.24 $(0.33)$0.40 
          During 2006, we recorded net after-tax charges of $29 million in the first quarter, $4.541 billion in the second quarter, $77 million in the third quarter and net credits of $127 million in the fourth quarter. The net charges for the year consisted of: a non-cash charge for purchased in-process research and development costs related to the Guidant acquisition; a charge resulting from a purchase accounting associated with the step-up value of acquired Guidant inventory sold; other charges related primarily to the Guidant acquisition, including the fair value adjustment related to the sharing of proceeds feature of the Abbott stock purchase; and a credit associated with the reversal of tax accruals previously established for offshore unremitted earnings. In 2006, amortization expense, net of tax, was $398 million and stock-based compensation expense, net of tax, was $89 million.
          During 2005, the Companywe recorded after-tax charges of $73 million in the first quarter, $199 million in the second quarter, $616 million in the third quarter and $6 million in the fourth quarter. The net charges for the year consisted of: a litigation settlement with Medinol;Medinol, Ltd.; purchased research and development; expenses related to certain retirement benefits; asset write-downs and employee-related costs that resulted from certain business optimization initiatives; and a benefit for a tax adjustment associated with a technical correction made to the American Jobs Creation Act.

                  During 2004, the Company recorded after-tax charges In 2005, amortization expense, net of $64tax, was $108 million in the second quarter, $146 million in the third quarter and $122 million in the fourth quarter. Thestock-based compensation expense, net charges for the year consisted of: a provision for a civil settlement; an enhancement to the Company's 401(k) Plan; purchased research and development; a charge relating to taxes on the approximately $1 billion of cash that the Company repatriated in 2005 under the American Jobs Creation Acttax, was $14 million.

          131


          ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

          None.



          ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

          Disclosure Controls and Procedures


          Our management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President—Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 20052006 pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act. Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and ensure that such material information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on their



          evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2005,2006, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.


          Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


          Management's report on our internal control over financial reporting is contained in Item 7 above.


          Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


          The report of Ernst & Young LLP on our internal control over financial reporting is contained in Item 7 above.


          Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


          During the quarter ended December 31, 2005,2006, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



          ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
          INFORMATION.

                  None.


          None.


          PART III

          ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
          AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

          Our directors and executive officers as of December 31, 2005,2006, were as follows:

          DIRECTORS:DIRECTORS
            
          John E. Abele6869Director, Founder
          Ursula M. Burns4748Director, President, Business Group Operations and Corporate Senior Vice President, Xerox Corporation
          Nancy-Ann DeParle50Director, Managing Director, CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC
          Joel L. Fleishman7172Director, Professor of Law and Public Policy, Duke University
          Marye Anne Fox, Ph.D.5859Director, Chancellor of the University of California, San Diego
          Ray J. Groves7071Director, Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ernst & Young
          Kristina M. Johnson49Director, Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University
          Ernest Mario, Ph.D.6768Director, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Reliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
          N.J. Nicholas, Jr.6667Director, Private Investor
          PeterPete M. Nicholas6465Director, Founder, Chairman of the Board
          John E. Pepper6768Director, Chief Executive Officer, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
          Uwe E. Reinhardt, Ph.D.6869Director, Professor of Political Economy and Economics and Public Affairs, Princeton University
          Senator Warren B. Rudman7576Director, Former U.S. Senator, Of Counsel, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, & Garrison LLP
          James R. Tobin6261Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer and Director
          EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:   
          EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
          Donald Baim, M.D.57Senior Vice President, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer
          Mark Bartell46Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing for CRM
          Lawrence C. Best5557Executive Vice President-Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer
          132

          Brian R. Burns4142Senior Vice President, Quality
          Fredericus A. Colen5354Executive Vice President, Operations and Technology, CRM and Chief Technology Officer
          Paul Donovan5051Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
          JamesJim Gilbert4948Senior ViceGroup President, Cardiovascular
          Jeffrey H. Goodman5958Executive Vice President, International
          William H. (Hank) Kucheman57Senior Vice President Internationaland Group President of Interventional Cardiology
          Paul A. LaViolette4849Chief Operating Officer
          William McConnell57Senior Vice President, Administration, CRM
          Stephen F. Moreci5455Senior Vice President and Group President, Endosurgery
          Kenneth J. Pucel4039SeniorExecutive Vice President, Operations
          Lucia L. Quinn5253Executive Vice President, Human Resources
          Mary E. Russell, M.D.51Senior Vice President—Clinical and Regulatory and Chief Medical Officer
          Paul W. Sandman5859Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
          James H. Taylor, Jr.*66Executive Vice President, Corporate Operations
          James R. Tobin61President and Chief Executive Officer and Director

          *
          Mr. Taylor retired from Boston Scientific as of December 31, 2005.

          Committees of the Board of Directors

                  Our Board of Directors has standing Audit, Executive Compensation and Human Resources, Nominating and Governance, and Finance and Strategic Investment Committees. Joel L. Fleishman, Marye Anne Fox, Ernest Mario, John E. Pepper and Uwe E. Reinhardt currently serve on the Audit Committee. Warren B. Rudman, Ursula M. Burns and Ray J. Groves currently serve on the Executive Compensation and Human Resources Committee. Ursula M. Burns, Marye Anne Fox, Ernest Mario, N.J. Nicholas, Jr., John E. Pepper and James R. Tobin currently serve on the Finance and Strategic Investment Committee. Joel L. Fleishman, Ray J. Groves, Uwe E. Reinhardt and Warren B. Rudman currently serve on the Nominating and Governance Committee. Our committee charters are available free of charge on our website (www.bostonscientific.com). Information on our website or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

          Executive Committee

                  We also have an Executive Committee, comprised of all of our executive officers, which provides guidance to management on our operational strategy. In January 2005, Lucia L. Quinn joined Boston Scientific and in March 2005, she was appointed to the Executive Committee as our Executive Vice President of Human Resources. On March 31, 2005, Robert G. MacLean, our Executive Vice President—Human Resources, retired from Boston Scientific. On December 31, 2005, James H. Taylor, Jr., our Executive Vice President, Corporate Operations, retired from Boston Scientific. There can be no assurance that these or any future changes to our Executive Committee will not have a material impact on our results of operations.

          Biographical Summaries

          John E. Abele, our co-founder, has been a director of Boston Scientific since 1979. Mr. Abele was our Treasurer from 1979 to 1992, our Co-Chairman from 1979 to 1995 and our Vice Chairman and Founder, Office of the Chairman from February 1995 to March 1996. Mr. Abele is also the owner of The Kingbridge Centre and Institute, a 120-room conference center in Ontario that provides special services and research to businesses, academia and government. He was President of Medi-tech, Inc. from 1970 to 1983, and prior to that served in sales, technical and general management positions for Advanced Instruments, Inc. Mr. Abele serves on the board of directors of Color Kinetics, is the Chairman of the Board of the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Foundation and is also a member of numerous not-for-profit boards. Mr. Abele received a B.A. degree from Amherst College.

          Donald S. Baim, M.D. joined Boston Scientific in July 2006 and is our Senior Vice President, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Dr. Baim was a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Senior Physician at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He has served as a member of the Interventional Cardiology Test Committee of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). In 1981, Dr. Baim was recruited to establish an Interventional Cardiology program at Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital to establish an interventional cardiology program. In 2000, he joined the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where in addition to his clinical responsibilities, he directed the hospital’s participation in the Center for the Integration of Medicine and Innovative Technology (CIMIT). Since 2005, Dr. Baim has also served as Chief Academic Officer of the Harvard Clinical Research Institute (HCRI), a not-for-profit organization that designs, conducts, and analyzes pilot and pivotal trials of new medical devices to support their approval by the FDA. Dr. Baim completed his undergraduate training in Physics at the University of Chicago, and then received a M.D. from Yale University School of Medicine.
          133

          Mark C. Bartell joined Boston Scientific in April 2006 following our acquisition of Guidant and is our Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Marketing for CRM. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Mr. Bartell served as President of the United States Sales Operations at Guidant Corporation. Prior to that role, he served as Vice President, Marketing for Guidant’s Cardiac Rhythm Management group and Vice President and General Manager of the guide wire business unit at Guidant’s Vascular Intervention group. Mr. Bartell joined Cardiac Pacemakers Inc., which became part of Guidant’s CRM group, in 1985 as a Financial Analyst. He held positions in new product planning, product management and as a Sales Representative. Mr. Bartell earned his B.S. degree from the University of Florida, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.
          Lawrence C. Best joined Boston Scientific in 1992 and is our Executive Vice President-Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Mr. Best was a partner in the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, where he specialized in serving multinational companies in the high technology and life sciences fields. He served a two-year fellowship at the SEC from 1979 to 1981 and a one-year term as a White House-appointed Presidential Exchange Executive in Washington, D.C. He serves on the boards of directors of Biogen-Idec, Inc. and Haemonetics Corp. and is a founding director of the President'sPresident’s Council at Massachusetts General Hospital. Mr. Best received a B.B.A. degree from Kent State University.

          Brian R. Burns has been our Senior Vice President of Quality since December 2004. Previously, Mr. Burns was our Vice President of Global Quality Assurance from January 2003 to December 2004, our Vice President of Cardiology Quality Assurance from January 2002 to January 2003 and our Director of Quality Assurance from April 2000 to January 2002. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Mr. Burns held various positions with Cardinal Healthcare, Allegiance Healthcare and Baxter Healthcare. Mr. Burns received his B.S. degree in chemical engineering from the University of Arkansas.



          Ursula M. Burns has been a Director of Boston Scientific since 2002. Ms. Burns is President of Business Group Operations and Corporate Senior Vice President of Xerox Corporation. Ms. Burns joined Xerox in 1980, subsequently advancing through several engineering and management positions. Ms. Burns served as Vice President and General Manager, Departmental Business Unit from 1997 to 1999, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Manufacturing and Supply Chain Services from 1999 to 2000, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategic Services from 2000 to October 2001 and President of Document Systems and Solutions Group until her most recent appointment in January 2003. She serves on the boards of directors of American Express Corporation, the National Association of Manufacturers, the F.I.R.S.T. Foundation and the Rochester Business Alliance and is a Trustee of the University of Rochester. Ms. Burns earned a B.S. degree from Polytechnic Institute of New York and an M.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University.

          Fredericus A. Colen is our Executive Vice President, Operations and Technology, CRM and Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Colen joined Boston Scientific in 1999 as Vice President of Research and Development of Scimed and, in February 2001, he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Cardiovascular Technology of Scimed. Before joining Boston Scientific, he worked for several medical device companies, including Guidant Corporation, where he launched the Delta TDDD Pacemaker platform, and St. Jude Medical, where he served as Managing Director for the European subsidiary of
          134

          the Cardiac Rhythm Management Division and as Executive Vice President, responsible for worldwide R&D for implantable pacemaker systems. Mr. Colen was educated in The Netherlands and Germany and holds the U.S. equivalent of a Master'sMaster’s Degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on medical technology from the Technical University in Aachen, Germany. He was the Vice President of the International Association of Prosthesis Manufacturers (IAPM) in Brussels from 1995 to 1997.

          Nancy-Ann DeParle has been a Director of Boston Scientific since our acquisition of Guidant in April 2006. Since August 2006, Ms. DeParle has been a Managing Director of CCMP Capital Advisors, LLC.  She was a Senior Advisor for JP Morgan Partners from 2000 to 2006, and prior to that she served as the Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) (now the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) from 1997 to 2000.  Prior to her role at HCFA, she was the Associate Director for Health and Personnel at the White House Office of Management and Budget and served as commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.  Ms. DeParle is a director of Cerner Corporation, DaVita Inc. and Triad Hospitals, Inc.  She is also a trustee of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and serves on the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission.  Ms. DeParle received a B.A. degree from the University of Tennessee, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and B.A. and M.A. degrees in Politics and Economics from Balliol College of Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar.
          Paul Donovan joined Boston Scientific in March 2000 and is our Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Mr. Donovan was the Executive Director of External Affairs at Georgetown University Medical Center, where he directed media, government and community relations as well as employee communications from 1998 to 2000. From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Donovan was Chief of Staff at the United States Department of Commerce. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Donovan served as Chief of Staff to Senator Edward M. Kennedy and from 1989 to 1993 as Press Secretary to Senator Kennedy. Mr. Donovan is a director of the Massachusetts High Technology Council and Secretary of the Massachusetts Medical Device Industry Council. Mr. Donovan received a B.A. degree from Dartmouth College.

          Joel L. Fleishman has been a Director of Boston Scientific since October 1992. He is also Professor of Law and Public Policy at Duke University where he has served in various administrative positions, including First Senior Vice President, since 1971. Mr. Fleishman is a founding member of the governing board of the Duke Center for Health Policy Research and Education and was the founding director from 1971 to 1983 of Duke University'sUniversity’s Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy. He is the director of the Samuel and Ronnie Heyman Center for Ethics, Public Policy and the Professions and the director of the Duke University Philanthropic Research Program. From 1993 to 2001, Mr. Fleishman took a part-time leave from Duke University to serve as President of the Atlantic Philanthropic Service Company, the U.S. program staff of Atlantic Philanthropies. Mr. Fleishman also serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of The John and Mary Markle Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Urban Institute, Chairman of The Visiting Committee of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and as a director of Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation and the James River Insurance Group. Mr. Fleishman received A.B., M.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an LL.M. degree from Yale University.

          135

          Marye Anne Fox has been a Director of Boston Scientific since October 2001. Dr. Fox has also been Chancellor of the University of California, San Diego and Distinguished Professor of Chemistry since August 2004. Prior to that, she served as Chancellor of North Carolina State University and Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry from 1998 to 2004. From 1976 to 1998, she was a member of the faculty at the University of Texas, where she taught chemistry and held the Waggoner Regents Chair in Chemistry from 1991 to 1998. She served as the University'sUniversity’s Vice President for



          Research from 1994 to 1998. Dr. Fox is the Co-Chair of the National Academy of Sciences'Sciences’ Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable and serves on President Bush'sBush’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. She has served as the Vice Chair of the National Science Board. She also serves on the boards of a number of other scientific, technological and civic organizations, and is a member of the boards of directors of Red Hat Corp., Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc., Burroughs-Wellcome Trust and the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation. Dr. Fox also serves on the board of directors of W.R. Grace Co., a specialty chemical company that filed a petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code in April 2001. She has been honored by a wide range of educational and professional organizations, and she has authored more than 350 publications, including five books. Dr. Fox holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Notre Dame College, an M.S. in Organic Chemistry from Cleveland State University, and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Dartmouth College.

          James Gilbert has beenjoined Boston Scientific in 2004 and is our Group President, Cardiovascular and oversees our Cardiovascular Group, which includes our Peripheral Interventions, Vascular Surgery, Neurovascular, Electrophysiology and Cardiac Surgery businesses. Mr. Gilbert also oversees our Marketing Science, E-Marketing, and Health Economics and Reimbursement functions. Previously, he was a Senior Vice President since December 2004. Mr. Gilbert is responsible for providing strategic support on key projects and growth initiatives and manages corporate e-marketing, corporate marketing science, corporate sales and national accounts and reimbursement and outcomes planning. Previously, Mr. Gilbertprior to that worked on a contractor basis as our Assistant to the President from January 2004 to December 2004. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Mr. Gilbert spent 23 years with Bain & Company, where he served as a partner and director and was the managing partner of Bain'sBain’s Global Healthcare Practice. Mr. Gilbert received his B.S. degree in industrial engineering and operations research from Cornell University and his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.

          Jeffrey H. Goodman has beenis our Executive Vice President, International. Previously, he was our Senior Vice President, International since December 2004. Priorand prior to that, Mr. Goodman was our President, Intercontinental from 1999 to December 2004. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Mr. Goodman held a variety of positions over 25 years with Baxter International, including General Manager of Sales, Area Manager Director and President of Biotech North America. Mr. Goodman is on the board of directors of Lionbridge Technologies, Inc. Mr. Goodman received his B.S. in Accounting from Gymea College, Sydney, Australia.

          Ray J. Groves has been a Director of Boston Scientific since 1999. From 2001 to 2005 he served in various roles at Marsh Inc., including President, Chairman and Senior Advisor, and is a former member of the board of directors of its parent company, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. He served as Chairman of Legg Mason Merchant Banking, Inc. from 1995 to 2001. Mr. Groves served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ernst & Young for 17 years until his retirement in 1994. Mr. Groves currently serves as a member of the boards of directors of Electronic Data Systems Corporation, Overstock.com and Overstock.com. the Colorado Physicians Insurance Company.
          136

          Mr. Groves is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is a former member of the Board of Governors of the American Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers. Mr. Groves is former Chairman of the board of directors of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He is a member and former Chair of the board of directors of The Ohio State University Foundation and a member of the Dean'sDean’s Advisory Council of the Fisher College of Business. He is a former member of the Board of Overseers of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and served as the Chairman of its Center for the Study of the Service Sector. Mr. Groves is a managing director of the Metropolitan Opera Association.Association and a division of the Collegiate Chorale. Mr. Groves received a B.S. degree from The Ohio State University.

          Kristina M. Johnson has been a Director of Boston Scientific since our acquisition of Guidant in April 2006. Dr. Johnson is the Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University, a position she has held since 1999. Previously, she served as a professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Colorado and director of the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center for Optoelectronics Computing Systems at the University of Colorado, Boulder.  Dr. Johnson is a co-founder of the Colorado Advanced Technology Institute Center of Excellence in Optoelectronics and serves as a director of Minerals Technologies, Inc., AES Corporation and Nortel Corporation. Dr. Johnson also serves on the board of directors of The International Society for Optical Engineering and Duke Children’s Classic to benefit Duke Children’s Hospital.  Dr. Johnson was a Fulbright Faculty Scholar in the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and a NATO Post-Doctoral Fellow at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.  Dr. Johnson received B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from Stanford University. 
          William H. Kucheman joined Boston Scientific in 1995 as a result of the merger between Boston Scientific and SCIMED Life Systems, Inc. and is our Senior Vice President and Group President of the Interventional Cardiology Group. Previously, Mr. Kucheman served as our Senior Vice President of Marketing. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, he held a variety of management positions in sales and marketing for SCIMED Life Systems, Inc., Charter Medical Corporation, and Control Data Corporation. He began his career at the United States Air Force Academy Hospital and later was Healthcare Planner, Office of the Surgeon General, for the United States Air Force Medical Service. Mr. Kucheman has served on several industry boards including the board of directors of the Global Health Exchange, the Committee on Payment and Policy, and AdvaMed. He has also served on the Board of Advisors to MillenniumDoctor.com and the Board of Advisors to the College of Business, Center for Services Marketing and Management, Arizona State University. Mr. Kucheman earned a B.S. and a M.B.A. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. 
          Paul A. LaViolette joined Boston Scientific in January 1994 and is our Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Mr. LaViolette was President, Boston Scientific International, and Vice President-International from January 1994 to February 1995. In February 1995, Mr. LaViolette was elected to the position of Senior Vice President and Group President-Nonvascular Businesses. In October 1998, Mr. LaViolette was appointed President, Boston Scientific International, and in February 2000 assumed responsibility for the Boston Scientific'sScientific’s Scimed, EPT and Target businesses as Senior Vice President and Group President, Cardiovascular. In March 2001, he also assumed the position of President, Scimed. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, he was employed by C.R.
          137

          Bard, Inc. in various capacities,



          including President, U.S.C.I. Division, from July 1993 to November 1993, President, U.S.C.I. Angioplasty Division, from January 1993 to July 1993, Vice President and General Manager, U.S.C.I. Angioplasty Division, from August 1991 to January 1993, and Vice President U.S.C.I. Division, from January 1990 to August 1991. Mr. LaViolette received his B.A. degree from Fairfield University and an M.B.A. degree from Boston College.

          Ernest Mario has been a Director of Boston Scientific since October 2001 and2001. He is currently the Chairman of Reliant Pharmaceuticals and also served as its Chief Executive Officer of Reliant Pharmaceuticals.until January 2007. Prior to joining Reliant Pharmaceuticals in April 2003, he was the Chairman of IntraBiotics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from April 2002 to April 2003. Dr. Mario also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Apothogen, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, from January 2002 to April 2002 when Apothogen was acquired by IntraBiotics. Dr. Mario served as the Chief Executive of Glaxo Holdings plc from 1989 until March 1993 and as Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive from January 1992 until March 1993. From 1993 to 1997, Dr. Mario served as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ALZA Corporation, a research-based pharmaceutical company with leading drug-delivery technologies, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2001. Dr. Mario presently serves on the boards of directors of Maxygen, Inc., Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc. He is also a Trustee of Duke University and Chairman of the Board of the Duke University Health System. He is a past Chairman of the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education and serves as an advisor to the pharmacy schools at the University of Maryland, the University of Rhode Island and The Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University. Dr. Mario holds a B.S. in Pharmacy from Rutgers, and an M.S. and a Ph.D. in Physical Sciences from the University of Rhode Island.

          William F. McConnell, Jr. joined Boston Scientific in April 2006 following our acquisition of Guidant and is our Senior Vice President, Administration, CRM. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Mr. McConnell was Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Guidant Corporation, which he joined in 1998. Previously, he was Managing Partner — Business Consulting in the Indianapolis office of Arthur Andersen LLP. Mr. McConnell serves as a board member of the Global Healthcare Exchange, Vesalius Ventures, and Board of Governors of the National American Red Cross. He is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Trustee Leadership Development and Honorary Trustee of the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. He is also a board member of the Information Technology Committee of Community Hospitals of Indianapolis, Inc., the Indiana University Information Technology Advancement Council, and ex officio member of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis. Mr. McConnell received a B.S. degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and is a Certified Public Accountant.
          Stephen F. Moreci has been our Senior Vice President and Group President, Endosurgery since December 2000. Mr. Moreci joined Boston Scientific in 1989 as Vice President and General Manager for our Cardiac Assist business. In 1991, he was appointed Vice President and General Manager for our Endoscopy business. In 1994, Mr. Moreci was promoted to Group Vice President for our Urology and Gynecology businesses. In 1997, he assumed the role of President of our Endoscopy business. In 1999, he was named President of our Vascular business, which included peripheral interventions, vascular surgery and oncology. In 2001, he assumed the role of Group President, Endosurgery, responsible for our Urology/Gynecology, Oncology,
          138

          Endoscopy and Endovations businesses. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Mr. Moreci had a 13-year career in medical devices, including nine years with Johnson & Johnson and four years with DermaCare. Mr. Moreci received a B.S. degree from Pennsylvania State University.

          N.J. Nicholas, Jr. has been a Director of Boston Scientific since October 1994 and is a private investor. Previously, he served as President of Time, Inc. from September 1986 to May 1990 and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Time Warner, Inc. from May 1990 until February 1992. Mr. Nicholas is a director of Xerox Corporation and Time Warner Cable, Inc. He has served as a director of Turner Broadcasting and a member of the President'sPresident’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations and the President'sPresident’s Commission on Environmental Quality. Mr. Nicholas is a TrusteeChairman of the Board of Trustees of Environmental Defense and a member of the Council of Foreign Relations. Mr. Nicholas received an A.B. degree from Princeton University and an M.B.A. degree from Harvard Business School. He is also the brother of PeterPete M. Nicholas, Chairman of the Board.

          Peter M. Nicholas, a co-founder of Boston Scientific, has been Chairman of the Board since 1995. He has been a Director since 1979 and served as our Chief Executive Officer from 1979 to March 1999 and Co-Chairman of the Board from 1979 to 1995. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, he was corporate director of marketing and general manager of the Medical Products Division at Millipore Corporation, a medical device company, and served in various sales, marketing and general management positions at Eli Lilly and Company. He is currently Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of Duke University. Mr. Nicholas is also a Fellow of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Trust for that organization. He has also served on several for profit and not-for-profit boards.



          Mr. Nicholas is also a member of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Massachusetts Business High Technology Council, CEOs for Fundamental Change in Education and the Boys and Girls Club of Boston. After college, Mr. Nicholas served as an officer in the U.S. Navy, resigning his commission as lieutenant in 1966. Mr. Nicholas received a B.A. degree from Duke University, and an M.B.A. degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the brother of N.J. Nicholas, Jr., one of our directors.

          John E. Pepper has been a Director of Boston Scientific since 2003 and he previously served as a director of Boston Scientific from November 1999 to May 2001. Mr. Pepper is the Chief Executive Officer and director of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Previously he served as Vice President for Finance and Administration of Yale University from January 2004 to December 2005. Prior to that, he served as Chairman of the executive committee of the board of directors of The Procter & Gamble Company until December 2003. Since 1963, he has served in various positions at Procter & Gamble, including Chairman of the Board from 2000 to 2002, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman from 1995 to 1999, President from 1986 to 1995 and director since 1984. Mr. Pepper is a memberchairman of the board of directors of The Walt Disney Company, and is a member of the executive committee of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. Mr. Pepper graduated from Yale University in 1960 and holds honorary doctoral degrees from Yale University, The Ohio State University, Xavier University, Mount St. Joseph College and St. Petersburg University (Russia).

          Kenneth J. Pucel has beenis our Executive Vice President of Operations. Previously, he was our Senior Vice President, Operations since December 2004. Priorand prior to becoming our Senior Vice President, Operations,that, Mr. Pucel was our Vice President and General Manager, Operations from September 2002 to December 2004
          139

          and our Vice President of Operations from June 2001 to September 2002 and before that he held various positions in our Cardiovascular Group, including Manufacturing Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Operations Manager, Production Manager and Production Manager.Director of Operations. Mr. Pucel received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

          Lucia L. Quinn joined Boston Scientific in January 2005 and is our Executive Vice-President—Human Resources. Prior to that, she was our Senior Vice President and Assistant to the President. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Ms. Quinn was the Senior Vice President, Advanced Diagnostics and Business Development for Quest Diagnostics from 2001 to 2004. In this role, Ms. Quinn was responsible for developing multiple multi-million dollar businesses, including evaluating and developing strategic and operational direction. Prior to this, Ms. Quinn was Vice President, Corporate Strategic Marketing for Honeywell International from 1999 to 2001 and before that she held various positions with Digital Equipment Corporation from 1989 to 1998, including Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Brand Strategy & Management. She is also on the board of directors of QMed, Inc. Ms. Quinn received her B.A. in Management from Simmons College.

          Uwe E. Reinhardt has been a Director of Boston Scientific since 2002. Dr. Reinhardt is the James Madison Professor of Political Economy and Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University, where he has taught since 1968. Dr. Reinhardt is a senior associate of the University of Cambridge, England and serves as a Trustee of Duke University and the Duke University Health System, H&Q Healthcare Investors, and H&Q Life Sciences Investors.Investors and Hambrecht & Quist Capital Management LLC. He is also the Commissioner of the Kaiser Family Foundation Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured and a member of the boards of directors of Amerigroup Corporation and Triad Hospital, Inc. Dr. Reinhardt is also a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Sciences. Dr. Reinhardt received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada and a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University.

          Senator Warren B. Rudman has been a Director of Boston Scientific since October 1999. Senator Rudman has been Of Counsel to the international law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, and Garrison LLP since January 2003. Previously, he was a partner of the firm since 1992. Prior to joining



          the firm, he served two terms as a U.S. Senator from New Hampshire from 1980 to 1992. He serves on the boards of directors of Collins & Aikman Corporation, Raytheon Corporation and several funds managed by the Dreyfus Corporation. He is the founding co-chairman of the Concord Coalition. Senator Rudman received a B.S. from Syracuse University and an LL.B. from Boston College Law School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

                  Mary E. Russell has been our Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President, Clinical and Regulatory since December 2004. Previously, Dr. Russell was our Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Cardiovascular Clinical Sciences from April 2004 to December 2004. From July 2001 until April 2004, Dr. Russell was our Vice President, Clinical Affairs, International and from August 2000 to July 2001, she was our Vice President, Cardiovascular Clinical Affairs. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Dr. Russell was Medical Director and CV consultant at Parexel International and before that she held faculty positions at Harvard School of Public Health, the Harvard Medical School and hospital appointments at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Russell received her M.D. from Chicago Medical School.

          Paul W. Sandman joined Boston Scientific in May 1993 and since December 2004, has been our Executive Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel. Previously, Mr. Sandman served as our Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel. From March 1992 through April 1993, he was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Wang Laboratories, Inc., where he was responsible for legal affairs. From 1984 to 1992, Mr. Sandman was Vice President and Corporate Counsel of Wang Laboratories, Inc., where he was responsible for corporate and international legal affairs. Mr. Sandman received his A.B. from Boston College and his J.D. from Harvard Law School.

                  James H. Taylor, Jr. joined Boston Scientific in August 1999 and was our Executive Vice President

          140

          James R. Tobin is our President and Chief Executive Officer and also serves as a Director. Prior to joining Boston Scientific in March 1999, Mr. Tobin served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Biogen, Inc. from 1997 to 1998 and Chief Operating Officer of Biogen from 1994 to 1997. From 1972 to 1994, Mr. Tobin served in a variety of executive positions with Baxter International, including President and Chief Operating Officer from 1992 to 1994. Previously, he served at Baxter as Managing Director in Japan, Managing Director in Spain, President of Baxter'sBaxter’s I.V. Systems Group and Executive Vice President. Mr. Tobin currently serves on the boards of directors of Curis, Inc. and Applera Corporation and is a trustee of the BioMedical Science Careers Program.Corporation. Mr. Tobin holds an A.B. from Harvard College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. Mr. Tobin also served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1972.

          1972 where he achieved the rank of lieutenant.

          Audit Committee Financial ExpertITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

          The following directors serve on our Audit Committee: Joel L. Fleishman, Marye Anne Fox, Ernest Mario, John E. Pepperinformation required by this Item and Uwe E. Reinhardt. The Board has determined that each of Ernest Mario, John E. Pepper and Uwe E. Reinhardt are "audit committee financial experts" as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC for purposes of Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Mr. Reinhardt is an "audit committee financial expert" by virtue of having taught financial accounting for over 30 years at Princeton University. All members of our Audit Committee meet the independence requirements of the NYSE and the SEC.



          Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

                  Under the securities laws of the United States, our directors, executive officers and persons holding more than 10% of our common stock are required to report their ownership of our common stock and any changes in that ownership to the SEC. Specific due dates for these reports have been established and we are required to report any failure to file by these dates during 2005. To the best of our knowledge, all of these filing requirements were timely satisfied by our directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders with the exception of the following Form 4s filed late due to our administrative oversight: (i) one late Form 4 on behalf of Mr. Pucel and Dr. Russell reporting the withholding of restricted stock on January 3, 2005 to satisfy tax obligations upon vesting of a previously granted award, (ii) one late Form 4 on behalf of Mr. Ocwieja reporting a stock option grant on January 3, 2005, and (iii) one late Form 4 for each of Ms. Burns, Dr. Fox, Mr. Groves, Dr. Mario, Mr. N.J. Nicholas, Jr. and Sen. Rudman reporting the acquisition of stock equivalent units earned in connection with their directors' fees and participationset forth in our Deferred Compensation Program. In making these statements, we have relied upon the written representations of our directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders and copies of their reports that have beenProxy Statement to be filed with the SEC.

          Code of Conduct

                  We have a Code of Conduct applicable to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller, and other employees performing similar functions. A copy of our Code of ConductSEC on or about March 21, 2007, is available at www.bostonscientific.com. We will provide a copy of our Code of Conduct to any person free of charge upon written request to Investor Relations at Boston Scientific Corporation, One Boston Scientific Place, Natick, MA 01760-1537. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Conduct by posting that information on our website. Information on our website or connected to it is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.



          ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

          SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
          As of December 31, 2005

                  The following tables show salaries, bonuses, options and other compensation earned or paid during the last three years, options granted in 2005 and options exercised in 2005 for our Chief Executive Officer and our next four most highly compensated executive officers in 2005 (the Named Officers).






          Long-Term
          Compensation
          Award



          Annual Compensation



          Shares
          Underlying
          Stock Options(3)


          Name and Principal Position

          Year
          Salary
          Bonus
          Other Annual Compensation(1)
          Deferred Stock Units(2)
          All Other
          Compensation(4)


          James R. Tobin
          President and Chief
          Executive Officer
          2005
          2004
          2003
          $900,073
          $875,046
          $824,395
          $607,549
          $875,000
          $1,098,666
          $341,327
          $281,287
          $104,461
          0
          0
          0
          0
          225,000
          200,000
          $1,180,974
          $16,120
          $13,920

          Paul A. LaViolette
          Chief Operating Officer


          2005
          2004
          2003


          $600,000
          $500,176
          $458,037


          $481,950
          $501,093
          $548,255


          $26,872
          $29,711
          $25,000


          100,000
          0
          0


          250,000
          100,000
          75,000


          $90,478
          $41,205
          $33,945

          Lawrence C. Best
          Executive Vice President—
          Finance & Administration
          and Chief Financial Officer


          2005
          2004
          2003


          $625,050
          $600,317
          $575,016


          $400,770
          $501,114
          $527,196


          $38,020
          $40,465
          $25,000


          50,000
          0
          0


          125,000
          60,000
          60,000


          $1,751,605
          $13,360
          $11,160

          Paul W. Sandman
          Executive Vice President,
          Secretary and General Counsel


          2005
          2004
          2003


          $435,027
          $420,316
          $395,034


          $308,325
          $350,799
          $346,435


          $25,000
          $27,205
          $25,000


          40,000
          0
          0


          100,000
          60,000
          60,000


          $1,314,799
          $84,573
          $75,027

          Fredericus A. Colen
          Executive Vice President
          and Chief Technology Officer


          2005
          2004
          2003


          $435,000
          $400,128
          $375,003


          $308,306
          $334,226
          $373,714


          $25,343
          $27,883
          $25,000


          40,000
          0
          0


          100,000
          60,000
          60,000


          $98,295
          $60,367
          $59,040

          (1)
          The amount reflected in the Other Annual Compensation column includes amounts for personal use of our corporate aircraft: for Mr. Tobin, $316,327 and for Mr. Best, $13,020. We also annually provide executive officers an executive benefit package that includes, in addition to regular employee benefits, an allowance in the amount of $25,000 in lieu of other perquisites to each of the Named Officers under our Executive Allowance Plan. This column also includes incidental amounts that fall below the required disclosure thresholds.

          (2)
          On July 1, 2005, Messrs. LaViolette, Best, Sandman and Colen were each awarded the number of deferred stock units presented in this column. The value of each of these awards (calculatedReport on Form 10-K by multiplying the number of deferred stock units awarded by $26.89, the market price on July 1, 2005) is as follows:
          reference.

          (3)
          On July 1, 2005, Messrs. LaViolette, Best, Sandman and Colen were each granted the number of options to purchase our common stock presented in this column. Each of these options was granted at the fair market value on the date of grant and vests in equal annual installments over five years, beginning on July 1, 2007, the second anniversary of the date of grant. In addition, the options will vest upon the recipient's death or disability. Upon the recipient's retirement, one-third of the options will vest if he retires between January 1, 2006 through July 1, 2006, an additional one-third of the options will vest if he retires between July 2, 2006 through July 1, 2007 and the remaining unvested options will vest if he retires on or after July 2, 2007.

          (4)
          The following amounts paid to or on behalf of the Named Officers in 2005 are included in the table under the caption "All Other Compensation."

           
           Executive
          Retirement
          Plan(a)

           Company Match
          (401(k) Plan)

           Special
          Contribution
          (401(k) Plan)(b)

           Excess
          Benefit
          Plan(c)

           Term Life
          Insurance
          Premium(d)

           Other Life
          Insurance
          Premium(e)


          James R. Tobin $1,125,091 $12,600 $19,800 $15,563 $7,920 
          Paul A. LaViolette $0 $12,600 $19,800 $21,200  $36,878
          Lawrence C. Best $1,692,845 $12,600 $19,800 $21,200 $5,160 
          Paul W. Sandman $1,178,198 $12,600 $19,800 $21,200  $83,001
          Fredericus A. Colen $0 $12,600 $19,800 $13,000  $52,895

          (a)
          Amounts in this column represent the amount that would have been payable to each Named Officer if he had retired on December 31, 2005 under our Executive Retirement Plan which was adopted in May 2005. Messrs. LaViolette and Colen would not have been eligible to participate under the Executive Retirement Plan on December 31, 2005.

          (b)
          Amounts reflected in this column represent amounts each Named Officer received in connection with a one-time special 401(k) contribution made by Boston Scientific to eligible employees, including executive officers, in 2005.

          (c)
          Amounts in this column represent the amount each Named Officer received under our Excess Benefit Plan as a result of the one-time special 401(k) contribution.

          (d)
          Amounts in this column represent amounts paid by Boston Scientific on behalf of Messrs. Tobin and Best for term life insurance.

          (e)
          Amounts in this column represent amounts paid to each of Messrs. LaViolette, Sandman and Colen to fund premiums for universal life insurance as well as imputed income related to our termination of a previously established split dollar life insurance program. The amounts reflected include a gross-up amount to cover related tax obligations.

          2005 OPTION/SAR GRANTS

                  The following table provides information on option grants made in 2005 to our Named Officers.

           
            
           Percent of
          Total
          Options
          Granted to
          Employees in
          2005(2)

            
            
            
            
           
           Number of
          Shares
          Underlying
          Options
          Granted(1)

            
            
           Potential Realizable Value
          at Assumed Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation for Option Term(3)

           
           Exercise or
          Base Price
          per Share

            
           
           Expiration
          Date

          Name

           5%
           10%

          James R. Tobin 0     
          Paul A. LaViolette 250,000 3.13%$26.89 7/1/15 $4,227,744 $10,713,934
          Lawrence C. Best 125,000 1.57%$26.89 7/1/15 $2,113,872 $5,356,967
          Paul W. Sandman 100,000 1.25%$26.89 7/1/15 $1,691,098 $4,285,573
          Fredericus A. Colen 100,000 1.25%$26.89 7/1/15 $1,691,098 $4,285,573

          (1)
          On July 1, 2005, we granted options to purchase shares of common stock to certain of our key employees, including the Named Officers listed above. These options were granted at the fair market value on the date of grant and vest over five years in equal annual installments beginning on July 1, 2007, the second anniversary of the date of grant. In addition, the options will vest upon the recipient's death or disability. Upon the recipient's retirement, one-third of the unvested options will vest if he retires between January 1, 2006 through July 1, 2006, an additional one-third will vest if he retires between July 2, 2006 through July 1, 2007, and the remaining unvested options will vest if he retires on or after July 2, 2007.

          (2)
          During 2005, we granted options to purchase 7,982,760 shares of our common stock.

          (3)
          These columns represent hypothetical future values of our stock obtainable upon exercise of stock options, net of the option's exercise price, assuming that the market price of our stock appreciates at a five and ten percent compound annual rate over the ten-year term of the options. The five and ten percent rates of stock price appreciation are presented as examples pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and do not necessarily reflect management's assessment of our future stock price performance.

          TOTAL 2005 OPTION/SAR EXERCISES AND YEAR-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
          As of December 31, 2005

                  The following table provides information on option exercises in 2005 by our Named Officers and the value of each Named Officer's unexercised options at December 31, 2005.

          Name

           Shares
          Acquired on
          Exercise

           Value
          Realized

           Number
          Exercisable

           Number
          Unexercisable

           Value
          Exercisable(1)

           Value
          Unexercisable(2)


          James R. Tobin(1) 0 $0 3,050,000 425,000 $28,533,116 $271,000
          Paul A. LaViolette 400,000 $9,048,500 1,183,500 417,500 $14,549,438 $97,050
          Lawrence C. Best 0 $0 2,146,000 245,000 $18,559,650 $97,050
          Paul W. Sandman 0 $0 685,000 220,000 $6,816,729 $97,050
          Fredericus A. Colen 0 $0 148,174 250,000 $1,182,306 $194,100

          (1)
          The number of exercisable options listed for Mr. Tobin includes 435,942 options held by a grantor retained annuity trust.

          (2)
          These values reflect the difference between the exercise price per share of in-the-money options and the last reported sales price ($24.49) of our stock on the NYSE on December 30, 2005, the last trading day of 2005, multiplied by the applicable number of shares underlying the options.

          EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

                  The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2005, relating to our equity compensation plans pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock grants or other rights to acquire shares may be granted from time to time.

          Plan Category
           Number of
          securities to be
          issued upon exercise
          of outstanding
          options,
          warrants and rights
          (a)

           Weighted average
          exercise price of
          outstanding options,
          warrants and rights
          (b)

           Number of
          securities remaining
          available for future
          issuance under equity
          compensation plans
          (excluding securities
          reflected in column (a))
          (c)


          Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1) 54,001,147 $19.63 35,406,342
          Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders(2) 0 $0 0
            
           
           
          Total 54,001,147 $19.63 35,406,342

          (1)
          Amounts include outstanding options under our 1992, 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and our 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan. Amount in column (c) includes 1,859,997 shares available for purchase by employees under our Global Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which are not available for grant in any other form. Our 1992 Long-Term Incentive and 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plans expired on March 31, 2002 and our 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan expired on May 9, 2005, after which time grants were only issued under our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Amounts also include 3,850,510 shares available for future issuance under our 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan in the form of deferred stock units and restricted stock awards.


          (2)
          We have acquired a number of companies over the past several years. From time to time, we have assumed the acquired company's incentive plan(s), including the outstanding options and warrants, if any, granted under the plan(s). No further options are granted under these plans beyond those assumed in connection with the acquisitions. Assumed options that terminate prior to expiration are not available for re-grant. As of December 31, 2005, the aggregate number of shares to be issued under these assumed plans totaled 159,415. The weighted average exercise price of these options is $5.16.

          Executive Benefit Programs and Change of Control Arrangements

                  In May 2005, we adopted an Executive Retirement Plan which covers executive officers and division presidents. The Executive Retirement Plan provides retiring executive officers with a lump sum benefit of 2.5 months of salary for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of 36 months pay. The Executive Retirement Plan provides retiring division presidents with a lump sum benefit of 1.5 months of salary for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of 24 months pay. Receipt of payments under the Executive Retirement Plan will be conditioned upon the retiring employee's entering into a separation agreement with Boston Scientific, which would include a non-competition provision. To be considered retired under the Executive Retirement Plan, an employee's age plus his or her years of service with Boston Scientific must be at least 65 years (provided that the employee is at least 55 years old and has been with Boston Scientific for at least 5 years). In addition, the Executive Retirement Plan allows our Chief Executive Officer the discretion to cause Boston Scientific to enter into consulting arrangements with retiring executives. The consulting arrangement could provide for up to a $100,000 retainer for up to 50 days of specified consulting services and a $3,000 per diem fee



          thereafter for services actually rendered for the first year and, for future years, a $2,000 per diem fee for all services actually rendered.

                  We make annual payments to certain executive vice presidents following their retirement or termination (other than for cause) equal to the premium for executive life insurance (plus a gross-up amount for tax purposes) for a period ending on the tenth anniversary of the policy initiation date or, in some circumstances, such other date as would allow the policy to become self-funding.

                  In addition to these agreements, our key executives, including our Named Officers, have retention and indemnification agreements with Boston Scientific. In general, the retention agreements entitle key executives to a lump sum payment of three times the executive's base salary and assumed on-plan incentive bonus (or prior year's bonus, if higher), if either the executive's employment is terminated (other than for cause) or his or her duties are diminished, in each event, following a change in control. The executive would also be entitled to continuation of health and other welfare benefits for three years. In addition, we would compensate the executive for any excise tax liability he or she may incur by reason of payments made under the agreement.

                  All stock options granted to our executive officers, including our Named Officers, under our 1992, 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans will become immediately exercisable in the event of a "change in control" or "Covered Transaction" as defined in each Long-Term Incentive Plan. Additionally, under certain circumstances in the event of a change in control or Covered Transaction, options granted under (i) our 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan prior to October 31, 2001 will become immediately exercisable and the value of all outstanding stock options will be cashed out, (ii) our 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan prior to October 31, 2001 will, unless otherwise determined by our Compensation Committee, become immediately exercisable and automatically converted into an option or other award of the surviving entity, and (iii) our 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan prior to December 2000 will become immediately exercisable and/or converted into an option or other award of the surviving entity.

                  The Internal Revenue Service limits the amount of eligible earnings that can be subject to an employer match in qualified 401(k) retirement savings plans. As a result, certain of our employees are unable to take full advantage of our 6% matching contribution for their retirement savings. In June 2005, the Board authorized a non-qualified 401(k) Restoration Plan to supplement our existing 401(k) plan. The 401(k) Restoration Plan would enable our domestic employees, including our executive officers, whose base salary and commissions exceed $210,000 per year to make additional contributions for their retirement savings and to participate more fully in the 6% matching contribution, subject to an eligible earnings cap of three times the IRS statutory limit. Implementation of the 401(k) Restoration Plan was deferred as a result of recent regulations affecting deferred compensation plans.

                  In connection with the one-time special contribution we made to our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan for the benefit of our employees announced in September 2004, we adopted in June of 2005 an Excess Benefit Plan. The Excess Benefit Plan is a non-qualified deferred compensation plan designed to provide specific supplemental benefits to those employees who would have exceeded the 2004 IRS contribution limits if the special contribution had been made to their 401(k) plan accounts. The Excess Benefit Plan was established to accept the "overflow" contributions on behalf of those employees, including our executive officers.

                  Pursuant to our Executive Allowance Plan, we provide a cash allowance to eligible employees in lieu of perquisites typically provided by other companies, such as company cars, health care costs not otherwise covered or tax planning services. Under this plan, our executive officers receive $25,000 per year and our division presidents receive $15,000 per year.



                  We also have an Executive Relocation Policy for our executive officers who are requested by us to move in connection with their current job and for newly hired employees who will become executive officers of Boston Scientific and who are required to move in connection with accepting a job with us. The policy covers reasonable expenses associated with the move and certain relocation services to minimize the inconvenience of moving.

          Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment Arrangements

                  James R. Tobin served as our President and Chief Executive Officer under a letter agreement until March 17, 2004. Since that time, no new employment agreement has been executed, but in January 2006, Mr. Tobin agreed to extend his tenure as our President and Chief Executive Officer and on February 28, 2006, the Board of Directors approved a Long-Term Incentive Plan for Mr. Tobin. Under this Plan, Mr. Tobin will receive an award of 250,000 deferred stock units, 50% of which will be issued on December 31, 2008 and 50% of which will be issued on December 31, 2009.

                  In addition, Mr. Tobin would be eligible to receive up to 2,000,000 performance-based deferred stock units, 50% of which would be issued on December 31, 2008 in the event that shares of Boston Scientific common stock reach specified prices per share as set forth below and 50% of which would be issued on December 31, 2009 in the event that shares of Boston Scientific common stock reach specified prices per share as set forth below (units that do not vest on December 31, 2008 may vest on December 31, 2009 if the specified prices per share have been reached):

          Share Performance Price
           % of Restrictions
          that Lapse

           12/31/08 Measurement
          Date

           12/31/09 Measurement
          Date

           Total Shares
          Earned


          $75 and above 100%1,000,000 1,000,000 2,000,000
          $60 80%800,000 800,000 1,600,000
          $50 60%600,000 600,000 1,200,000
          $40 40%400,000 400,000 800,000
          $35 20%200,000 200,000 400,000
          Below $35 0%0 0 0

                  During 2000, we provided a home improvement loan in the amount of $400,000 to Paul A. LaViolette, who is now our Chief Operating Officer. In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we did not modify or renew this loan and Mr. LaViolette repaid this loan in full in May 2005. We do not provide new loans to our executive officers.

                  In May 2005, Peter M. Nicholas, our co-founder and Chairman of the Board, and John E. Abele, our co-founder, retired as employees of Boston Scientific. In connection with their retirement:


                  Both Mr. Nicholas and Mr. Abele continue to serve on our Board of Directors and will receive non-employee director compensation as described below.

                  On January 31, 2005, Dennis A. Ocwieja, our Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality, retired from Boston Scientific. In connection with his retirement, we entered into a separation agreement, which provides for a lump-sum payment (based on years of service) representing one-year's salary ($310,248.38 less applicable payroll withholding), annual payments equal to the premium for executive life insurance (plus a gross-up amount for tax purposes) until February 2010 and the transfer of certain office equipment. In addition, we paid Mr. Ocwieja an additional $100,000 for up to 50 days of transitional and consulting services from January 31, 2005 to January 31, 2006. If we request additional services during the one-year period beginning February 1, 2006, we have agreed to pay Mr. Ocwieja $2,000 per day for those services. The agreement also provided for a general release of claims by Mr. Ocwieja, a non-competition provision and other terms and conditions customary for agreements of this nature.

                  In March 2005, we entered into a separation agreement with Robert G. MacLean, our Executive Vice President—Human Resources, in connection with his retirement from Boston Scientific on March 31, 2005. The terms of this agreement provided for a lump-sum payment (based on years of service) representing two-years' salary ($760,073.08 less applicable payroll withholding), annual payments equal to the premium for executive life insurance (plus a gross-up amount for tax purposes) until 2008 and the transfer of certain office equipment. In addition, we paid Mr. MacLean an additional $100,000 for up to 50 days of transitional and consulting services for the period from March 31, 2005 to March 31, 2006. If we request additional services during the one-year period beginning April 1, 2006, we have agreed to pay Mr. MacLean $2,000 per day for these services. The agreement also provided for a general release of claims by Mr. MacLean, a non-competition provision and other terms and conditions customary for agreements of this nature.

                  On January 6, 2006, we entered into a separation agreement with James Taylor, Jr., our Executive Vice President, Corporate Operations, in connection with his retirement on December 31, 2005. The terms of this agreement provided for a lump sum payment of approximately $550,000, approximately $136,000 in relocation services, and annual payments equal to the premium for executive life insurance (plus a gross-up amount for tax purposes) of approximately $72,500 per year for the first seven years after his retirement and approximately $22,500 per year for the next two years thereafter, a total of approximately $552,500. In addition, Mr. Taylor received a special bonus of $550,000. In addition, we paid Mr. Taylor an additional $100,000 for up to 50 days of transitional and consulting services for the period from January 1, 2006 to January 1, 2007. If we request additional services during the one-year period beginning January 2, 2007, we have agreed to pay Mr. Taylor $2,000 per day for these services. The agreement also provided for a general release of claims by Mr. Taylor, a non-competition provision and other terms and conditions customary for agreements of this nature. In tribute to Mr. Taylor, the Board of Directors authorized Boston Scientific to make a donation of $100,000 to an independent charitable foundation to be formed by Mr. Taylor to grant scholarships to African-American high school students to attend college.

                  In May 2005, we issued Lucia Quinn, our Executive Vice President-Human Resources, 30,000 deferred stock units which vest in equal annual installments over three years beginning on May 31, 2006, the first anniversary of the award. If Ms. Quinn leaves Boston Scientific for any reason (other than her termination for cause), the restrictions on those deferred stock units would automatically lapse and we would be obligated to issue Ms. Quinn all of the shares issuable to her under this grant.



          Directors Compensation

          Employee Directors

                  Our directors who are also employees receive no additional compensation for serving on the Board or its Committees.

          Non-employee Directors

                  We compensate our non-employee directors as follows:

                  In addition, we pay or reimburse our directors for transportation, hotel, food and other incidental expenses incurred in connection with attending Board and Committee meetings and participating in director education programs.

                  We grant options to purchase our common stock to our non-employee directors at fair market value on the date of the grant. The options become exercisable in three approximately equal installments, commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant, and have a ten-year term. We also grant restricted stock awards to our non-employee directors at no charge, but they are subject to forfeiture restrictions. The shares become free from restriction upon the expiration of each director's current term of office. The annual option grant and restricted stock awards are generally made on the date of each Annual Meeting, but if a director is elected to the Board on a date other than the Annual Meeting, an option grant and restricted stock award is made on the date the director is first elected to the Board.

                  Non-employee directors may, by written election, defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual cash retainer, Committee chair fees and the restricted stock award under our Deferred Compensation Program until he or she retires from our Board. Cash amounts deferred can be invested in common stock equivalents or another investment option in which we credit the amount deferred, plus accrued interest (compounded annually based upon the Moody's Composite Yield on Seasoned Corporate Bonds as reported for the month of September of each calendar year). Amounts are only payable after a director's termination of Board service, and may be either paid as a lump sum or in installments previously specified by the director at the time of election.

          Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

                  The members of our Executive Compensation and Human Resources Committee are Warren B. Rudman, Ursula M. Burns and Ray J. Groves. None of these Committee members has ever been an officer or employee of Boston Scientific. To our knowledge, there were no other relationships involving members of the Compensation Committee or our other directors which require disclosure in this Annual Report as a Compensation Committee interlock.



          ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

          Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

                  Set

          The information required by this Item and set forth below are stockholders knownin our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC on or about March 21, 2007, is incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock. In general, "beneficial ownership" includes those shares a person or entity has the power to vote or transfer, and stock options that are exercisable currently or within 60 days. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons and entities named below have sole voting and investment power over the shares listed. The table below outlines, as of January 31, 2006, the beneficial ownership of these individuals and entities. As of January 31, 2006, there were 820,738,616 shares of our common stock outstanding.

          reference.

          STOCK OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
          As of January 31, 2006

          Name and Address

           Number of Shares
          Beneficially Owned

           Percent of
          Shares Outstanding


          John E. Abele
          c/o Boston Scientific Corporation
          One Boston Scientific Place
          Natick, MA 01760
           58,801,038(1)7.2%

          Robert M. Dombroff
          as Trustee of The Abele Children's Irrevocable
          Trust Dated October 29, 1979
          c/o Bingham McCutchen LLP
          1 State Street
          Hartford, CT 06103

           

          65,450,657

           

          7.8%

          Peter M. Nicholas
          c/o Boston Scientific Corporation
          One Boston Scientific Place
          Natick, MA 01760

           

          107,058,477

          (2)

          13.0%

          Promerica, L.P
          Peter M. Nicholas, General Partner
          c/o The Bollard Group
          One Joy Street
          Boston, MA 02108

           

          98,475,630

          (3)

          12.0%

          Barclays Global Investor N.A.(4)
          45 Fremont Street
          San Francisco, CA 94105

           

          67,573,461

           

          8.2%

          (1)
          Includes 3,593,100 shares of stock held by a charitable trust of which Mr. Abele shares voting and investment control, 2,000 shares of restricted stock subject to certain forfeiture provisions granted pursuant to our 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as to which Mr. Abele has sole voting but not investment power, 361,438 shares of common stock held by a trust of which Mr. Abele shares voting and investment control and 181,000 shares subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Also includes 400,000 shares held by Mary S. Abele, Mr. Abele's spouse, with respect to which Mr. Abele disclaims beneficial ownership.
          (2)
          Includes 98,475,630 shares of common stock held by Promerica, L.P., separately presented, a family limited partnership of which Mr. Peter M. Nicholas is general partner and as to which he is deemed to have beneficial ownership, 3,350,086 shares held jointly by Mr. Peter M. Nicholas and his spouse, with whom he shares voting and investment power, 3,000 shares of restricted stock subject to certain forfeiture provisions granted pursuant to our 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as to which Mr. Nicholas has sole voting but not investment power, and 2,260,500 shares subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995 and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Also includes 152,000 shares held by Peter M. Nicholas, Llewellyn Nicholas and Anastasios Parafestas, as trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. N. J. Nicholas, Jr.'s children as to which Mr. Peter M. Nicholas disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes 566,622 shares of stock held by Ruth V. Lilly Nicholas and N. J. Nicholas, Jr., as Trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Peter M. Nicholas' children and spouse, as to which Mr. Peter M. Nicholas disclaims beneficial ownership.
          (3)
          These shares are also included in the shares held by Mr. Peter M. Nicholas, separately presented, because as general partner of Promerica, L.P., Mr. Nicholas is deemed to have beneficial ownership of these shares.
          (4)
          As reported in a Schedule 13G dated January 31, 2006.

          Security Ownership of Executive Officers and Directors

                  The following table shows, as of January 31, 2006, the amount of our common stock beneficially owned by:

          STOCK OWNERSHIP OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
          As of January 31, 2006

          Name
           Number of Shares
          Beneficially Owned

           Percent of
          Shares Outstanding


          John E. Abele(1) 58,801,038 7.2%
          Ursula M. Burns(2) 14,834 *
          Joel L. Fleishman(3) 139,901 *
          Marye Anne Fox(4) 18,648 *
          Ray J. Groves(5) 36,334 *
          Ernest Mario(6) 148,534 *
          N.J. Nicholas, Jr.(7) 649,756 *
          Peter M. Nicholas(8) 107,058,477 13.01%
          John E. Pepper(9) 35,734 *
          Uwe E. Reinhardt(10) 39,334 *
          Warren B. Rudman(11) 26,334 *
          James R. Tobin(12) 3,215,977 *
          Lawrence C. Best(13) 2,199,842 *
          Fredericus A. Colen(14) 198,174 *
          Paul A. LaViolette(15) 1,254,227 *
          Paul W. Sandman(16) 736,350 *
          All directors and executive officers as a group (24 persons)(17) 175,390,490 21.10%

          *
          Reflects beneficial ownership of less than one percent (1%) of our outstanding common stock.

          (1)
          Includes 3,593,100 shares of stock held by a charitable trust of which Mr. Abele shares voting and investment control, 2,000 shares of restricted stock subject to certain forfeiture provisions granted pursuant to our 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as to which Mr. Abele has sole voting but not investment power, 361,438 shares of common stock held by a trust of which Mr. Abele shares voting and investment control and 181,000 shares subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Also includes 400,000 shares held by Mary S. Abele, Mr. Abele's spouse, with respect to which Mr. Abele disclaims beneficial ownership.

          (2)
          Includes 7,334 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Excludes 8,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 4,896 common stock equivalents which Ms. Burns has deferred pursuant to our Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.

          (3)
          Includes 43,334 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans, and 4,000 shares of restricted stock, subject to certain tax withholding and forfeiture provisions, granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans, as to which Mr. Fleishman has sole voting but not investment power. Excludes 4,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and deferred pursuant to our Deferred Compensation Program

            offered to non-employee directors. Also excludes 12,750 shares held by a charitable foundation of which Mr. Fleishman is the president and as to which Mr. Fleishman disclaims beneficial ownership.

          (4)
          Includes 11,334 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Also includes 704 shares owned by Dr. Fox's spouse as to which she disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes 12,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 7,009 common stock equivalents which Dr. Fox has deferred under our Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.


          (5)
          Includes 27,334 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Excludes 16,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 18,668 common stock equivalents which Mr. Groves has deferred under our Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.

          (6)
          Includes 667 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, 20,000 shares held by a self-directed IRA and 16,700 shares held by Dr. Mario's spouse as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes 16,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 8,964 common stock equivalents which Dr. Mario has deferred under our Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.

          (7)
          Includes 20,668 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans, 62,466 shares of stock held by Mr. N.J. Nicholas, Jr., as sole trustee of a revocable trust and 566,622 shares of stock held by Ruth V. Lilly Nicholas and N.J. Nicholas, Jr., as trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Peter M. Nicholas' children and spouse as to which Mr. N.J. Nicholas, Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes 152,000 shares held by Peter M. Nicholas, Llewellyn Nicholas and Anastasios Parafestas, as Trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. N.J. Nicholas, Jr.'s children as to which Mr. N.J. Nicholas, Jr. disclaims beneficial ownership. Also excludes 16,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 23,250 common stock equivalents which Mr. N.J. Nicholas, Jr. has deferred pursuant to our Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.

          (8)
          Includes 98,475,630 shares of common stock held by Promerica, L.P., separately presented, a family limited partnership of which Mr. Peter M. Nicholas is general partner and as to which he is deemed to have beneficial ownership, 3,350,086 shares held jointly by Mr. Peter M. Nicholas and his spouse, with whom he shares voting and investment power, 3,000 shares of restricted stock subject to certain forfeiture provisions granted pursuant to our 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as to which Mr. Nicholas has sole voting but not investment power, and 2,260,500 shares subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995 and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Also includes 152,000 shares held by Peter M. Nicholas, Llewellyn Nicholas and Anastasios Parafestas, as trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. N. J. Nicholas, Jr.'s children as to which Mr. Peter M. Nicholas disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes 566,622 shares of stock held by Ruth V. Lilly Nicholas and N. J. Nicholas, Jr., as Trustees of an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Peter M. Nicholas' children and spouse, as to which Mr. Peter M. Nicholas disclaims beneficial ownership.

          (9)
          Includes 3,334 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 4,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans subject to certain forfeiture provisions, as to which Mr. Pepper has

            sole voting but not investment power. Also includes 2,400 shares owned by Mr. Pepper's spouse as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.

          (10)
          Includes 7,334 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 8,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan subject to certain forfeiture provisions, as to which Dr. Reinhardt has sole voting but not investment power. Also includes 14,000 shares of stock held jointly by Dr. Reinhardt and his spouse, with whom he shares voting and investment control.

          (11)
          Includes 19,334 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option and 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plans. Also includes 1,000 shares of stock owned by Senator Rudman's spouse as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Excludes 16,000 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to our 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 17,550 common stock equivalents which Senator Rudman has deferred under our Deferred Compensation Program offered to non-employee directors.

          (12)
          Includes 3,106,250 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans, of which 435,942 of these stock options are held by a grantor retained annuity trust. Also includes 9,727 shares held in Mr. Tobin's 401(k) account.

          (13)
          Includes 2,161,000 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 7,675 shares held in Mr. Best's 401(k) account.

          (14)
          Includes 198,174 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long- Term Incentive Plans.

          (15)
          Includes 1,208,500 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 10,455 shares held in Mr. LaViolette's 401(k) account.

          (16)
          Includes 700,000 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans and 2,900 shares of stock held by Mr. Sandman as custodian for his child as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership. The balance (except four shares) is held jointly by Mr. Sandman and his spouse, with whom he shares voting and investment control.

          (17)
          Please refer to footnotes 1 through 16 above. Includes 11,518,427 shares of common stock subject to exercisable options granted pursuant to our Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option and 1992, 1995, 2000 and 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plans.


          ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS,
          AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

                  During 2005, we made payments of approximately $550,000

          The information required by this Item and set forth in our Proxy Statement to Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. for insurance brokerage services. Our director, Ray J. Groves, was affiliated with Marsh & McLennan in 2005 until his retirement as a senior advisor to that company on July 31, 2005.

                  During 2005, we made payments of approximately $118,000 to Arnold & Porter LLP, a law firm of which the brother of Paul W. Sandman, our General Counsel, was the managing partner.

                  Several of our directors are affiliated with Duke University. Joel L. Fleishman has been employed by Duke University since 1971 and is currently a Professor of Law and Public Policy there. Ernest Mario is a Trustee of Duke University and Chairman of the Board of the Duke University Health System. Peter M. Nicholas received his B.A. degree from Duke University and is Chairman and a member of the executive committee of the Board of Trustees of Duke University. Uwe E. Reinhardt is



          a Trustee of Duke University and the Duke University Health System. In addition, we do business in the ordinary coursebe filed with the medical center and other healthcare facilities at Duke University.

                  From time to time, our directorsSEC on or executive officers may invest in venture funds in which we are also an investor. These venture funds are generally managedabout March 21, 2007, is incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K by unaffiliated third parties. Our decisions, and the decisions of our directors and officers, to invest in these ventures are made independently of each other.

                  Entities affiliated with our co-founders, Pete Nicholas and John Abele, have entered into voting agreements with Guidant Corporation pursuant to which each entity has agreed to vote the shares of Boston Scientific common stock beneficially owned by it (approximately 31% in the aggregate) in favor of (i) the proposed amendment of our certificate of incorporation to increase the number of shares we are authorized to issue from 1.2 billion shares to 2 billion shares and (ii) the issuance of shares of Boston Scientific common stock to Guidant shareholders in connection with the proposed acquisition of Guidant.

          reference.


          ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

          Accountant Fees

          The aggregate fees billed during 2004information required by this Item and 2005 by Ernst & Young LLP for services provided to Boston Scientific were as follows:

          Type of Fees
           2004
           2005

          Audit Fees (1) $3,354,000 $3,989,000
          Audit-Related Fees (2) $358,000 $314,000
          Tax Fees (3) $1,097,000 $902,000
          All Other Fees (4) $38,000 $38,000
            
           
          Total $4,847,000 $5,243,000
            
           

          (1)
          Audit fees are fees for professional services renderedset forth in connection with our annual audit, internal control reporting, statutory filings and registration statements.

          (2)
          Audit-related fees are fees for services related to assistance with internal control reporting, acquisition due diligence, employee benefit plan audits, accounting consultation and compliance with regulatory requirements.

          (3)
          Tax fees are fees for tax services related to tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice.

          (4)
          All other fees are fees for office rent in a foreign jurisdiction.

          Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy

                  It is the Audit Committee's policy to approve in advance the types and amounts of audit, audit-related, tax and any other servicesProxy Statement to be provided by our independent auditors. In situations where it is not possible to obtain full Audit Committee approval, the Committee has delegated authority to the Chairman of the Audit Committee to grant pre-approval of audit, audit-related, tax and all other services. Any pre-approval decisions by the Chairman are required to be reviewedfiled with the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee has approved all of Ernst & Young's services for 2004 and 2005 and, in doing so, has considered whether the provision of such servicesSEC on or about March 21, 2007, is compatible with maintaining auditor independence.

          incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K by reference.


          PART IV


          ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

          (a)(1)    Financial Statements.

          The response to this portion of Item 15 is set forth under Item 8 above.

          (a)(2)    Financial Schedules.

          The response to this portion of Item 15 (Schedule II) follows the signature page to this report. All other financial statement schedules are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted.

          141

          (a)(3)    Exhibits (* documents filed with this report)

          EXHIBIT
          NO.

          TITLE


          1.1

           

          Underwriting Agreement — Basic Provisions, dated June 22, 2004 (Exhibit 1.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 22, 2004, File No. 1-11083).
          TITLE

          1.2


          Terms Agreement dated June 22, 2004, among the Company and J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., Bank of America Securities Inc. and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as representatives of the several underwriters named therein (Exhibit 1.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          1.3

           

          Underwriting Agreement, dated November 15, 2004, as supplemented by the Terms Agreement, dated November 15, 2004, among the Company, Merrill, Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, UBS Securities LLC and Wachovia Capital Markets LLC (Exhibit 1.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          1.4


          Underwriting Agreement, dated November 14, 2005, as supplemented by the Terms Agreement, dated November 14, 2005, among Boston Scientific Corporation, JP Morgan Securities Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and UBS Securities LLC (Exhibit 1.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 17, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          2.1

           

          Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 25, 2006, among Boston Scientific Corporation, Galaxy Merger Sub, Inc. and Guidant Corporation (Exhibit 2.1, Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 25,2006, File No. 1-11083).

          3.1

          Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended (Exhibit 3.1, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, Exhibit 3.2, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, Exhibit 3.3, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, and Exhibit 3.4, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 1-11083).

          3.2
           

          Restated By-laws of the Company (Exhibit 3.2, Registration No. 33-46980).

          3.3

           

          Form of
          3.4Certificate of Fourth Amendment of the Second Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Boston Scientific Corporation (Exhibit 3.2, Registration3.1, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 333-131608)1-11083).

          4.1
           

          Specimen Certificate for shares of the Company'sCompanys Common Stock (Exhibit 4.1, Registration No. 33-46980).

          4.2
           

          Description of Capital Stock contained in Exhibits 3.1, 3.2 and 3.2. Form of Debt Securities Indenture (Exhibit 4.4, Registration3.3.
             


          4.3


          Statement on Form S-3 of the Company, BSC Capital Trust, BSC Capital Trust II and BSC Capital Trust III, Registration No. 333-64887).

          4.44.3

           

          Form of First Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 6, 2001 (Exhibit 4.4, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 1-110830).

          4.5


          Indenture dated as of June 25, 2004 between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank) (Exhibit 4.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 25, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          4.6

           

          4.4Indenture dated as of November 15,18, 2004 between the Company and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 15,18, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          4.7

           

          6.625% Promissory Notes due March 15, 2005 issued by the Company in the aggregate principal amount
          4.5Form of $500 million, eachFirst Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 10, 1998April 21, 2006 (Exhibit Nos. 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 to the Company's99.4, Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 30, 1998,April 21, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          142


          4.84.6

           

          Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 21, 2006 (Exhibit 99.6, Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 21, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          4.75.45% Note due June 15, 2014 in the aggregate principal amount of $500,000,000 (Exhibit 4.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 25, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          4.9

           

          4.85.45% Note due June 15, 2014 in the aggregate principal amount of $100,000,000 (Exhibit 4.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 25, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          4.10

           

          4.9Form of Global Security for the 5.125% Notes due 2017 (Exhibit 4.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 15,18, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          4.11

           

          4.10Form of Global Security for the 4.250% Notes due 2011 (Exhibit 4.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 14,18, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          4.12

           

          4.11Form of Global Security for the 5.50% Notes due 2015, and form of Notice to the holders thereof (Exhibit 4.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 17, 2005 and Exhibit 99.5, Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 21, 2006, File No. 1-11083).

          4.13

           

          4.12Form of Global Security for the 6.25% Notes due 2035, and form of Notice to holders thereof (Exhibit 4.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 17, 2005 File No. 1-11083).

          10.1


          Form of $1,500,000,000 Multi-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of May 14, 2004, as amended (Exhibit 10.2, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 and Exhibit 10.1,99.7, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 11, 2004,April 21, 2006, File No. 1- 11083)1-11083).

          10.2

           

          Form of $500,000,000 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement
          4.13Indenture dated as of May 14, 2004June 1, 2006 between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Trustee (Exhibit 10.3, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 and Exhibit 10.2,4.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 11, 2004,June 9, 2006, File No. 1-11083).

          10.3

           

          4.14Form of Global Security for the 6.00% Notes due 2011 (Exhibit 4.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          4.15Form of Global Security for the 6.40% Notes due 2016 (Exhibit 4.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 9, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          143

          10.1
          Form of Credit and Security Agreement dated as of August 16, 2002 among Boston Scientific Funding Corporation, the Company, Blue Ridge Asset Funding Corporation, Victory Receivables Corporation The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Ltd., New York Branch and Wachovia Bank, N.A., as amended (Exhibit 10.1, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, Exhibit 10.1, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2003, Exhibit 10.01, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended September 30, 2003, Exhibit 10.1, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004, Exhibit 10.1, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, and Exhibit 10.1, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 12, 2005, Exhibit 10.7, Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 20, 2006, Exhibit 10.1, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
             



          10.4*10.2

           

          Form of Omnibus Amendment dated as of December 21, 2006 among the Company, Boston Scientific Funding Corporation, Variable Funding Capital Company LLC, Victory Receivables Corporation and The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch  (Amendment No. 1 to Receivable Sale Agreement and Amendment No. 9 to Credit and Security Agreement).
          10.3Form of Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of August 16, 2002 between the Company and each of its Direct or Indirect Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries that Hereafter Becomes a Seller Hereunder, as the Sellers, and Boston Scientific Funding Corporation, as the Buyer (Exhibit 10.2, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002, File No. 1-11083).

          10.4
          Form of Credit Agreement dated as of April 21, 2006 among the Company, BSC International Holding Limited, Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Wachovia Bank, National Association, Bank of America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch & Co. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (Exhibit 99.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 21, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          10.5
           

          License Agreement among Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cook Incorporated and the Company dated July 9, 1997, and related Agreement dated December 13, 1999 (Exhibit 10.6, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, File No. 1-11083).

          10.6
           

          Amendment between Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Company dated November 23, 2004 modifying July 9, 1997 License Agreement among Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cook Incorporated and the Company (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 23, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          10.7
           

          Form of Offer Letter Agreement, dated June 22, 1992, between the CompanyBoston Scientific and Lawrence C. BestDonald S. Baim, M.D. (Exhibit 10.11, Annual10.1, Current Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993,8-K dated July 27, 2006, File No. 1-11083).

          10.8
           

          LetterForm of Stock Option Agreement dated March 17, 1999, between the Company and James R. Tobin (Exhibit 10.34, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, File No. 1-11083).

          10.9


          Agreement and General Releaseas of All ClaimsJuly 25, 2006 between Boston Scientific Corporation and Dennis A. Ocwieja effective December 22, 2004Donald S. Baim, M.D. (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004,July 27, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          144


          10.9
          Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement dated as of July 25, 2006 between Boston Scientific and Donald S. Baim, M.D. (Exhibit 10.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 27, 200, File No. 1-11083).
          10.10
           

          Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and certain Directors and Officers (Exhibit 10.16, Registration No. 33-46980).

          10.11
           

          Form of Retention Agreement between the Company and certain Executive Officers, as amended (Exhibit 10.23, Annual10.1, Current Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996,8-K dated February 20, 2007, File No. 1-11083).1-11083 ).

          10.12
           

          Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (vesting over three years) (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          10.13
           

          Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (vesting over four years) (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          10.14
           

          Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Exhibit 10.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2004, File 1-11083).

          10.15
           

          Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement (Exhibit 10.4, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2004, File 1-11083).

          *10.16
           

          Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement (vesting over four years).
          10.17Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Non-employee Directors) (Exhibit 10.5, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2004, File 1-11083).

          10.17

           

          10.18Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Non-Employee Directors) (Exhibit 10.6, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2004,File 1-11083).

          10.18

           

          10.19Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement (Non-Employee Directors) (Exhibit 10.7, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 10, 2004, File No. 1-11083).
             

          145


          10.19

           

          10.20
          Boston Scientific Corporation 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, as Amended and Restated, Effective January 1, 2001, and amended (Exhibit 10, 12, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2002,31, 2002, Exhibit 10.12, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to an event dated September 24, 2004 and Exhibit 10.52, Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.20

           

          *10.21Form of Fifth Amendment to Boston Scientific Corporation 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, effective as of January 1, 2006.
          10.22
          Boston Scientific Corporation Global Employee Stock Ownership Plan, as Amended and Restated (Exhibit 10.18, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.21, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, Exhibit 10.22, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and Exhibit 10.14, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 1-11083).

          10.21

           

          *10.23Boston Scientific Corporation 2006 Global Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
          *10.24First Amendment of the Boston Scientific Corporation 2006 Global Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
          10.25Boston Scientific Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan, Effective January 1, 1996 (Exhibit 10.17, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, File No. 11083)1-11083).

          10.22

           

          10.26
          Boston Scientific Corporation 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.2, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.3, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004, File No.1-11083).

          10.23

           

          10.27
          Boston Scientific Corporation 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.17, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 and Exhibit 10.1,10.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004,May 9, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.24

           

          10.28
          Boston Scientific Corporation 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.20, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, Exhibit 10.18, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31,22, 2004 and Exhibit 10.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.25

           

          10.29Boston Scientific Corporation 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.1, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
          146

          ended December 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.5, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31,22, 2004 and Exhibit 10.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.26

           

          10.30Boston Scientific Corporation 1992 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.1, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.2, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31,22, 2004 and Exhibit 10.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.27

           

          10.31Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement between Lucia L. Quinn and Boston Scientific Corporation dated May 31, 2005 (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          10.32Form of Boston Scientific Corporation Excess Benefit Plan (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          10.33Form of Trust Under the Boston Scientific Corporation Excess Benefit Plan (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          10.34Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated July 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          10.35Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement dated July 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          10.36Form of 2006 Performance Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 30, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          10.37Form of 2007 Performance Incentive Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 20, 2007, File No. 1-11083).
          10.38Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Executive) (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 12, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          10.39Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement (Executive) (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 12, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          10.40Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement (Special) (Exhibit 10.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 12, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          10.41Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement (Special) (Exhibit 10.4, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 12, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          147

          10.42Target Therapeutics, Inc. 1988 Stock Option Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.2, Quarterly Report of Target Therapeutics, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, File No. 0-19801 and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          10.28


          Target Therapeutics, Inc. 1988 Stock Option Plan, as amended(Exhibit 10.3 Quarterly Report of Target Therapeutics, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, File No.0-19801 and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004, File No. 1-11083).
             



          10.2910.43

           

          Embolic Protection Incorporated 1999 Stock Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.1, Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-61060 and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          10.30


          Quanam Medical Corporation 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.2, Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-61060 and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          10.31

           

          10.44Quanam Medical Corporation 1996 Stock Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.3, Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-61060 and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          10.32

           

          10.45RadioTherapeutics Corporation 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (Exhibit 10.1, Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-76380 and Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2004, File No. 1-11083).

          10.33


          Agreement and General Release of All Claims between Boston Scientific Corporation and Robert G. MacLean (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 30, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.34

           

          *10.46Guidant Corporation 1994 Stock Plan, as amended.
          *10.47Guidant Corporation 1996 Nonemployee Director Stock Plan, as amended.
          *10.48Guidant Corporation 1998 Stock Plan, as amended.
          *10.49Form of 364-Day Revolving Credit Agreement dated May 13, 2005 (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2005, File No. 1-11083).Guidant Corporation Option Grant.

          10.35

           

          *10.50Form of Multi-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated May 13, 2005 (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2005, File No. 1-11083).Guidant Corporation Restricted Stock Grant.

          10.36

           

          Form of Stock Option Plan Amendment (Exhibit 10.3, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 9, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.37*10.51

           

          Form of DeferredThe Guidant Corporation Employee Savings and Stock Unit Agreement between Lucia L. Quinn and Boston Scientific Corporation dated May 31, 2005 (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2005, File No. 1-11083).Ownership Plan.

          10.38

           

          Form of Settlement Agreement dated June 24, 2005 between Boston Scientific Corporation and the U.S. Department of Justice (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 24, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.39*10.52

           

          FormFirst Amendment of Boston Scientificthe Guidant Corporation Excess Benefit Plan (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2005, File No. 1-11083).Employee Savings and Stock Ownership Plan.

          10.40

           

          Form of Trust Under the Boston Scientific Corporation Excess Benefit Plan (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.41*10.53

           

          FormSecond Amendment of Non-Qualifiedthe Guidant Corporation Employee Savings and Stock Option Agreement dated July 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2005, File No. 1-11083).Ownership Plan.

          10.42

           

          Form of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement dated July 1, 2005 (Exhibit 10.2, Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2005, File No. 1-11083).

          10.43*10.54

           

          FormThird Amendment of Amendment #6 to Creditthe Guidant Corporation Employee Savings and Security Agreement and Amendment #2 to Fee Letters (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 12, 2005, File No. 1-11083).Stock Ownership Plan.

          10.44

           

          148

          *10.55Fourth Amendment of the Guidant Corporation Employee Savings and Stock Ownership Plan.
          *10.56Fifth Amendment of the Guidant Corporation Employee Savings and Stock Ownership Plan.
          10.57Settlement Agreement effective September 21, 2005 among Medinol Ltd., Jacob Richter and Judith Richter and Boston Scientific Corporation, Boston Scientific Limited and Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 21, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
             


          10.45


          Form of 2005 Performance Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 12, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          10.46Form of Voting Agreement between Guidant Corporation and certain Boston Scientific stockholders (Exhibit 2.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 25, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          *10.4710.58 Transaction Agreement, dated as of January 8, 2006, as amended, between Boston Scientific Corporation and Abbott Laboratories.Laboratories (Exhibit 10.47, Exhibit 10.48, Exhibit 10.49 and Exhibit 10.50, Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2005, Exhibit 10.1, Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 7, 2006, File No. 1-11083).
          *10.48 Amendment
          10.59Purchase Agreement between Guidant Corporation and Abbott Laboratories dated April 21, 2006, as amended (Exhibit 10.2 and Exhibit 10.3, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 1 to Transaction1-11083)
          10.60Promissory Note between BSC International Holding Limited (“Borrower”) and Abbott Laboratories (“Lender”) dated April 21, 2006 (Exhibit 10.4, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 1-11083)
          10.61
          Subscription and Stockholder Agreement dated as of January 16, 2006 between Boston Scientific Corporation and Abbott Laboratories.Laboratories dated April 21, 2006, as amended (Exhibit 10.5 and Exhibit 10.6, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, File No. 1-11083)
          *10.49 Amendment No. 2 to Transaction Agreement, dated as
          10.62
          Decision and Order of January 16, 2006, betweenthe Federal Trade Commission in the matter of Boston Scientific Corporation and Abbott Laboratories.Guidant Corporation finalized August 3, 2006 (Exhibit 10.5, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, File No. 1-11083)
          *10.50 Amendment No. 3 to Transaction Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2006, between Boston Scientific Corporation and Abbott Laboratories.
          *10.51 Agreement and General Release of All Claims between Boston Scientific Corporation and James H. Taylor, Jr., dated as of January 6, 2006.
          149

          *10.52Form of Fourth Amendment to Boston Scientific Corporation 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, effective as of January 1, 2006.
          *10.5310.63 Boston Scientific Executive Allowance Plan (Exhibit 10.53, Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          *10.54
          10.64 Boston Scientific Executive Retirement Plan (Exhibit 10.54, Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          *10.55 Amended and Restated Commitment Letter, dated January 16, 2006, among Merrill Lynch Capital Corporation, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Bank of America, N.A., Banc of America Securities LLC and Boston Scientific Corporation.
          *10.5610.65 Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement between James R. Tobin and the Company dated February 28, 2006 (2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (Exhibit 10.56, Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          *10.57
          10.66 Form of Deferred Stock Unit Agreement between James R. Tobin and the Company dated February 28, 2006 (2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (Exhibit 10.57, Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          11 Statement regarding computation of per share earnings (included in Note NM to the Company's 20052006 consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20052006 included in Item 8).
          *12 Statement regarding computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges.
          14 Code of Conduct (Exhibit 14, Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, File No. 1-11083).
          *21 
          List of the Company'sCompanys subsidiaries as of February 15, 2006.28, 2007.
          *23 Consent of Independent Auditors, Ernst & Young, LLP.
          *31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
          *31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
          *32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
          *32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
          150

          SIGNATURES


          SIGNATURES

          Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Boston Scientific Corporation duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

          Dated: March 1, 2006
           BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION

           

           

          By:

           

          Dated: March 1, 2007
          By:  /s/  LAWRENCE C. BEST

          Lawrence C. Best
          Chief Financial Officer

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of Boston Scientific Corporation and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/
          JOHN E. ABELE
          John E. Abele
          Director, Founder


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ LAWRENCE C. BEST

          Lawrence C. Best
          Executive Vice President, Finance and
          Administration and Chief
          Financial Officer (Principal Financial
          And Accounting Officer)


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ URSULA M. BURNS

          Ursula M. Burns
          Director


          151




          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ JOEL L. FLEISHMAN      NANCY-ANN DePARLE

          Joel L. Fleishman
          Nancy-Ann DeParle
          Director



          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ JOEL L. FLEISHMAN

          Joel L. Fleishman
          Director

          Dated: March 1, 2007
          /s/ MARYE ANNE FOX PH.D.      

          Marye Anne Fox, Ph.D.
          Director


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ RAY J. GROVES

          Ray J. Groves
          Director


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ KRISTINA M. JOHNSON

          Kristina M. Johnson
          Director


          Dated: March 1, 2007
          /s/ ERNEST MARIO PH.D.      

          Ernest Mario, Ph.D.
          Director
             


          152






          /s/ N.J. NICHOLAS, JR.

          N.J. Nicholas, Jr.
          Director


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ PETERPETE M. NICHOLAS

          Peter
          Pete M. Nicholas
          Director, Founder, Chairman of the Board


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ JOHN E. PEPPER

          John E. Pepper
          Director


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ UWE E. REINHARDT PH.D.      

          Uwe E. Reinhardt, Ph.D.
          Director


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ WARREN B. RUDMAN

          Warren B. Rudman
          Director


          Dated: March 1, 20062007


          /s/ JAMES R. TOBIN

          James R. Tobin
          Director, President and
          Chief Executive Officer
          (Principal Executive Officer)


          153



          SCHEDULE II

          VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
          (in millions)

          Year ended December 31,

           Balance
          at
          Beginning
          of Year

           Charges
          to
          Costs and
          Expenses

           Deductions to
          Allowance for
          Uncollectible
          Amounts (a)

           Charges to
          Other
          Accounts (b)

           Balance at
          End of
          Year


          Allowances for uncollectible amounts and for sales returns            
           2005 $80 9 (8)2 $83
           2004 $61 14 (4)9 $80
           2003 $58 6 (5)2 $61

          Year Ended December 31,
           
          Balance at
          Beginning
          of Year
           
          Balance Assumed from Guidant
           
          Charges to Costs and Expenses
           
          Deductions to Allowances for Uncollectible Amounts (a)
           
          Charges to Other Accounts (b)
           
          Balance at
          End of Year
           
                        
          Allowances for uncollectible             
          amounts and sales returns:             
          2006 $83  15  12  (7 19 $122 
          2005 $80     9  (8 2 $83 
          2004 $61     14  (4 9 $80 
          (a)
          Uncollectible accounts written off.


          (b)
          Primarily charges for sales returns and allowances, net of actual sales returns.




          154