Edwards Lifesciences (EW) 10-Q 29 Apr 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 22, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Edwards Lifesciences Corp
Entity Central Index Key	1,099,800
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		211,762,740

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 501.4	$ 718.4
Short-term investments (Note 3)	450.4	506.3
Accounts and other receivables, net of allowances of $7.2 and $6.8, respectively	388.5	344.1
Inventories (Note 2)	356.6	339.9
Prepaid expenses	48.8	45.1
Other current assets	73.6	94.1
Total current assets	1,819.3	2,047.9
Long-term accounts receivable, net of allowances of $6.5 and $6.3, respectively	5.8	3.6
Long-term investments (Note 3)	369.2	379.9
Property, plant, and equipment, net	497.3	482.5
Goodwill	630.9	628.3
Other intangible assets, net	203.7	205.4
Deferred income taxes	196.5	180.5
Other assets	131.1	131.2
Total assets	3,853.8	4,059.3
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 2)	458.3	476.2
Long-term debt	602.2	599.9
Other long-term liabilities	$ 494	$ 480.1
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 50.0 shares, no shares outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 350.0 shares authorized, 239.8 and 239.1 shares issued, and 211.9 and 215.4 shares outstanding, respectively	239.8	239.1
Additional paid-in capital	933.4	946.8
Retained earnings	3,479.8	3,336.8
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(172.6)	(182.6)
Treasury stock, at cost, 27.9 and 23.7 shares, respectively	(2,181.1)	(1,837)
Total stockholders' equity	2,299.3	2,503.1
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,853.8	$ 4,059.3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts and other receivables, allowances	$ 7.2	$ 6.8
Long-term accounts receivable, allowances	$ 6.5	$ 6.3
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, authorized shares	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized	350,000,000	350,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	239,800,000	239,100,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	211,900,000	215,400,000
Treasury stock, shares	27,900,000	23,700,000

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMEN

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 697.3	$ 590.3
Cost of sales	180.3	136
Gross profit	517	454.3
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	212.7	202.5
Research and development expenses	102.4	86.4
Intellectual property litigation expenses	12.2	0.3
Interest expense, net	2.4	2.4
Other expense, net	4	0.2
Income before provision for income taxes	183.3	162.5
Provision for income taxes	40.3	39.1
Net income	$ 143	$ 123.4
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 0.57
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.66	$ 0.56
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	213.1	215.5
Diluted (in shares)	217.8	220.6

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEME5

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 143	$ 123.4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 9):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	27.6	(64.7)
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges	(19.6)	17.2
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments	1.7	0.3
Reclassification of net realized investment loss to earnings	0.3	0.2
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10	(47)
Comprehensive income	$ 153	$ 76.4

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEME6

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$ 143	$ 123.4
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	15.9	16
Stock-based compensation (Note 6)	14.3	13.6
Excess tax benefit from stock plans	(11.1)	(9.8)
Gain on investments	(0.3)	(1.1)
Deferred income taxes	0.2	4.1
Other	0.7	(0.2)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and other receivables, net	(32.2)	(36.5)
Inventories	(4.6)	(18.9)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(47.6)	(59.1)
Income taxes	24.8	26.6
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(3.6)	8.5
Other	7.6	6.7
Net cash provided by operating activities	107.1	73.3
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures	(27.7)	(20.8)
Purchases of held-to-maturity investments (Note 3)	(152.5)	(422)
Proceeds from held-to-maturity investments (Note 3)	255	330.9
Purchases of available-for sale investments (Note 3)	(73.4)	(84.6)
Proceeds from available-for-sale investments (Note 3)	47.7	18.3
Investments in trading securities, net	(4)	(2)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, net (Note 3)	(2)	(0.4)
Other	4.2	0.3
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	47.3	(180.3)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of debt	9.7	7.4
Payments on debt and capital lease obligations	(9.5)	(8.2)
Purchases of treasury stock (Note 7)	(344.1)	(101)
Excess tax benefit from stock plans	11.1	9.8
Proceeds from stock plans	19.5	23.5
Equity forward contract related to accelerated share repurchase agreement (Note 7)	(57.5)	0
Other	1.7	(3.4)
Net cash used in financing activities	(369.1)	(71.9)
Effect of currency exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2.3)	(17.9)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(217)	(196.8)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	718.4	653.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	501.4	457
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Capital expenditures accruals	$ 16.4	$ 6.6

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying interim consolidated condensed financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in Edwards Lifesciences Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted. In the opinion of management of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation ("Edwards Lifesciences" or the "Company"), the interim consolidated condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the interim periods. All such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update to the guidance on business combinations. The new guidance requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB clarified that for a line-of-credit arrangement, a company can continue to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the debt issuance costs over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, whether or not there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2015 and interim periods within those periods, and must be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance on stock compensation. The amendment simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but anticipates that adoption of this guidance will reduce its effective tax rate. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the guidance on revenue recognition. The update clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, including how an entity should identify the unit of accounting for the principal versus agent evaluation and how it should apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements. In April 2016, the FASB issued another update to the guidance on revenue recognition. This update clarifies the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations and licensing, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The amendments in these updates are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the revenue recognition guidance, including these updates, will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance on leases. The amendment improves transparency and comparability among companies by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and by disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIA

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS	COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS Components of selected captions in the consolidated condensed balance sheets consisted of the following (in millions): March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Inventories Raw materials $ 61.3 $ 63.8 Work in process 80.7 64.1 Finished products 214.6 212.0 $ 356.6 $ 339.9 At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , approximately $71.3 million and $58.8 million , respectively, of the Company's finished products inventories were held on consignment. March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable $ 78.6 $ 63.9 Employee compensation and withholdings 131.8 209.4 Research and development accruals 35.5 38.6 Property, payroll, and other taxes 34.8 34.5 Fair value of derivatives 33.3 4.2 Accrued rebates 24.5 23.9 Litigation reserves 14.2 5.6 Severance and realignment reserves 12.4 19.1 Taxes payable 7.5 14.5 Other accrued liabilities 85.7 62.5 $ 458.3 $ 476.2

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	INVESTMENTS Debt Securities Investments in debt securities at the end of each period were as follows (in millions): March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Held-to-maturity Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Bank time deposits $ 348.3 $ — $ — $ 348.3 $ 440.1 $ — $ — $ 440.1 U.S. government and agency securities 29.4 0.1 (0.1 ) 29.4 32.5 — (0.2 ) 32.3 Asset-backed securities 1.1 — — 1.1 1.2 — — 1.2 Corporate debt securities 15.2 — — 15.2 16.4 — — 16.4 Municipal securities 4.4 — — 4.4 5.2 — — 5.2 Total $ 398.4 $ 0.1 $ (0.1 ) $ 398.4 $ 495.4 $ — $ (0.2 ) $ 495.2 Available-for-sale Commercial paper $ 31.0 $ — $ — $ 31.0 $ 28.1 $ — $ — $ 28.1 U.S. government and agency securities 52.9 0.3 — 53.2 38.7 — (0.2 ) 38.5 Asset-backed securities 54.2 0.1 — 54.3 62.8 — (0.2 ) 62.6 Corporate debt securities 247.0 0.8 (0.7 ) 247.1 230.0 — (1.3 ) 228.7 Municipal securities 4.7 — — 4.7 4.7 — — 4.7 Total $ 389.8 $ 1.2 $ (0.7 ) $ 390.3 $ 364.3 $ — $ (1.7 ) $ 362.6 The cost and fair value of investments in debt securities, by contractual maturity, as of March 31, 2016 were as follows: Held-to-Maturity Available-for-Sale Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value (in millions) Due in 1 year or less $ 384.1 $ 384.1 $ 66.3 $ 66.3 Due after 1 year through 5 years 2.9 2.9 270.0 270.4 Instruments not due at a single maturity date 11.4 11.4 53.5 53.6 $ 398.4 $ 398.4 $ 389.8 $ 390.3 Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities due to call or prepayment rights. Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates The Company has a number of equity investments in privately and publicly held companies. Investments in these unconsolidated affiliates are recorded in " Long-term Investments " on the consolidated condensed balance sheets, and are as follows: March 31, December 31, (in millions) Available-for-sale investments Cost $ — $ — Unrealized gains 0.2 0.2 Fair value of available-for-sale investments 0.2 0.2 Equity method investments Cost 10.9 10.9 Equity in losses (4.0 ) (4.2 ) Carrying value of equity method investments 6.9 6.7 Cost method investments Carrying value of cost method investments 23.8 21.3 Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 30.9 $ 28.2 During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the gross realized gains or losses from sales of available-for-sale investments were not material.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The consolidated condensed financial statements include financial instruments for which the fair market value of such instruments may differ from amounts reflected on a historical cost basis. Financial instruments of the Company consist of cash deposits, accounts and other receivables, investments, accounts payable, certain accrued liabilities, and borrowings under a revolving credit agreement. The carrying value of these financial instruments generally approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. Financial instruments also include long-term notes payable. As of March 31, 2016 , the fair value of the notes payable, based on Level 2 inputs, was $616.1 million , versus a carrying value of $602.2 million . Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company prioritizes the inputs used to determine fair values in one of the following three categories: Level 1—Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2—Inputs, other than quoted prices in active markets, that are observable, either directly or indirectly. Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table summarizes the Company's financial instruments which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions): March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents $ 14.8 $ 12.9 $ — $ 27.7 Available-for-sale investments: Corporate debt securities — 247.1 — 247.1 Asset-backed securities — 54.3 — 54.3 U.S. government and agency securities 28.0 25.2 — 53.2 Commercial paper — 31.0 — 31.0 Municipal securities — 4.7 — 4.7 Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates 0.2 — — 0.2 Investments held for deferred compensation plans 39.1 — — 39.1 Derivatives — 14.9 — 14.9 $ 82.1 $ 390.1 $ — $ 472.2 Liabilities Derivatives $ — $ 33.3 $ — $ 33.3 Deferred compensation plans 39.3 — — 39.3 Contingent consideration obligation — — 31.1 31.1 $ 39.3 $ 33.3 $ 31.1 $ 103.7 December 31, 2015 Assets Cash equivalents $ 3.5 $ 8.5 $ — $ 12.0 Available-for-sale investments: Corporate debt securities — 228.7 — 228.7 Asset-backed securities — 62.6 — 62.6 U.S. government and agency securities 9.6 28.9 — 38.5 Commercial paper — 28.1 — 28.1 Municipal securities — 4.7 — 4.7 Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates 0.1 — — 0.1 Investments held for deferred compensation plans 35.3 — — 35.3 Derivatives — 23.3 — 23.3 $ 48.5 $ 384.8 $ — $ 433.3 Liabilities Derivatives $ — $ 4.2 $ — $ 4.2 Deferred compensation plans 35.5 — — 35.5 Contingent consideration obligation — — 30.5 30.5 $ 35.5 $ 4.2 $ 30.5 $ 70.2 The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the contingent consideration obligation for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in millions): Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 30.5 Changes in fair value (recorded in " Research and Development Expenses ") 0.6 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 31.1 Cash Equivalents and Available-for-sale Investments The Company estimates the fair values of its money market funds based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. The Company estimates the fair values of its commercial paper, U.S. government and agency securities, asset-backed securities, and corporate debt securities by taking into consideration valuations obtained from third-party pricing services. The pricing services use industry standard valuation models, including both income and market-based approaches, for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, to estimate fair value. These inputs include reported trades and broker-dealer quotes on the same or similar securities, benchmark yields, credit spreads, prepayment and default projections based on historical data, and other observable inputs. The Company independently reviews and validates the pricing received from the third-party pricing service by comparing the prices to prices reported by a secondary pricing source. The Company’s validation procedures have not resulted in an adjustment to the pricing received from the pricing service. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates are long-term equity investments in companies that are in various stages of development. Certain of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated affiliates are designated as available-for-sale. These investments are carried at fair market value based on quoted market prices. Deferred Compensation Plans The Company holds investments in trading securities related to its deferred compensation plans. The investments are in a variety of stock and bond mutual funds. The fair values of these investments and the corresponding liabilities are based on quoted market prices. Derivative Instruments The Company uses derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts to manage foreign currency exposures, and interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest rate exposures. All derivatives contracts are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair value. The fair value of foreign currency derivative financial instruments was estimated based on quoted market foreign exchange rates and market discount rates. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements was determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis reflecting the contractual terms of the agreements and the 6-month LIBOR forward interest rate curve. Judgment was employed in interpreting market data to develop estimates of fair value; accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or valuation methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. Contingent Consideration Obligation The Company recorded a contingent consideration obligation related to its acquisition of CardiAQ. The contingent consideration obligation was recorded at its estimated fair value, which was determined using a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis that considered significant unobservable inputs. These inputs included a 2.0% discount rate used to present value the projected cash flows, a 65.0% probability of milestone achievement, and a projected payment date in 2018. The use of different assumptions could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amount.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDG

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its currency exchange rate risk and its interest rate risk, as summarized below. Notional amounts are stated in United States dollar equivalents at spot exchange rates at the respective dates. Notional Amount March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in millions) Foreign currency forward exchange contracts $ 1,350.6 $ 1,061.6 Interest rate swap agreements 300.0 300.0 The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate and foreign currency risks. It is the Company's policy not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert a portion of its fixed-rate debt into variable-rate debt. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges and meet the shortcut method requirements under the accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. Accordingly, changes in the fair values of the interest rate swaps are considered to exactly offset changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt. The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the changes due to currency rate movements in the amount of future cash flows associated with intercompany transactions and certain local currency expenses expected to occur within the next 13 months . These foreign currency forward exchange contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. Certain of the Company's locations have assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than their functional currencies resulting principally from intercompany and local currency transactions. The Company uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments to offset the transaction gains and losses associated with certain of these assets and liabilities. The Company also uses foreign currency forward exchange contracts to protect its net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These foreign currency forward exchange contracts are designated as net investment hedges. All foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts are denominated in currencies of major industrial countries, principally the Euro and the Japanese yen. All derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value in the consolidated condensed balance sheets. For each derivative instrument that is designated and effective as a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is recognized immediately to earnings, and offsets the loss or gain on the underlying hedged item. The gain or loss on the interest rate swaps (designated as fair value hedges) is classified in net interest expense, as they hedge the interest rate risk associated with the Company's fixed-rate debt. The Company reports in " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " the effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative financial instruments that are designated, and that qualify, as cash flow hedges. The Company reclassifies these gains and losses into earnings in the same period in which the underlying hedged transactions affect earnings. The effective portions of net investment hedges are reported in " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " as a part of the cumulative translation adjustment, and would be reclassified into earnings if the underlying net investment is sold or substantially liquidated. The ineffective portions of cash flow hedges and net investment hedges are recorded in current period earnings. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , the Company did not record any gains or losses due to hedge ineffectiveness. The gains and losses on derivative financial instruments for which the Company does not elect hedge accounting treatment are recognized in the consolidated condensed statements of operations in each period based upon the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instrument. Cash flows from net investment hedges are reported as investing activities in the consolidated condensed statements of cash flows, and cash flows from all other derivative financial instruments are reported as operating activities. Derivative financial instruments involve credit risk in the event the counterparty should default. It is the Company's policy to execute such instruments with global financial institutions that the Company believes to be creditworthy. The Company diversifies its derivative financial instruments among counterparties to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. The Company also uses International Swap Dealers Association master-netting agreements. The master-netting agreements provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in a single currency in the event of default, as defined by the agreements. The following table presents the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 3.9 $ 15.0 Interest rate swap agreements Other assets $ 6.5 $ 1.6 Liabilities Foreign currency contracts Accrued and other liabilities $ 33.3 $ 4.2 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Assets Foreign currency contracts Other assets $ 4.5 $ 6.7 The following table presents the effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet March 31, 2016 Gross Amounts Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 8.4 $ — $ 8.4 $ (4.9 ) $ — $ 3.5 Interest rate swap agreements $ 6.5 $ — $ 6.5 $ — $ — $ 6.5 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 33.3 $ — $ 33.3 $ (4.9 ) $ — $ 28.4 December 31, 2015 Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 21.7 $ — $ 21.7 $ (4.0 ) $ — $ 17.7 Interest rate swap agreements $ 1.6 $ — $ 1.6 $ — $ — $ 1.6 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 4.2 $ — $ 4.2 $ (4.0 ) $ — $ 0.2 The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated condensed statements of operations and consolidated condensed statements of comprehensive income (in millions): Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash flow hedges Foreign currency contracts $ (21.0 ) $ 36.3 Cost of sales $ 11.4 $ 10.5 Net investment hedges Foreign currency contracts $ (12.3 ) $ — Other expense, net $ — $ — Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Fair value hedges 2016 2015 Interest rate swap agreements Interest expense, net $ 4.9 $ 4.5 The gains on the interest rate swap agreements are fully offset by the changes in the fair value of the fixed-rate debt being hedged. Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 2016 2015 Foreign currency contracts Other expense, net $ (6.4 ) $ 4.9 The Company expects that during the next twelve months it will reclassify to earnings a $3.7 million gain currently recorded in " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss ."

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Stock-based compensation expense related to awards issued under the Company's incentive compensation plans for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Cost of sales $ 2.0 $ 1.8 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 9.7 9.6 Research and development expenses 2.6 2.2 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 14.3 $ 13.6 At March 31, 2016 , the total remaining compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") subscription awards amounted to $82.3 million , which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the weighted-average remaining requisite service period of 29 months . Fair Value Disclosures The following table includes the weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options granted during the periods indicated and the related weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model: Option Awards Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Average risk-free interest rate 1.1 % 1.5 % Expected dividend yield None None Expected volatility 29.7 % 30.5 % Expected term (years) 4.7 4.7 Fair value, per option $ 24.28 $ 19.20 The following table includes the weighted-average grant-date fair values for ESPP subscriptions granted during the periods indicated and the related weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model: ESPP Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Average risk-free interest rate 0.3 % 0.2 % Expected dividend yield None None Expected volatility 26.5 % 28.1 % Expected term (years) 0.6 0.6 Fair value, per share $ 18.17 $ 14.97

ACCELERATION SHARE REPURCHASE

ACCELERATION SHARE REPURCHASE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
ACCELERATION SHARE REPURCHASE	ACCELERATED SHARE REPURCHASE In February 2016, Edwards entered into ASR agreements to repurchase $325.0 million of the Company's common stock based on the volume-weighted average price ("VWAP") of the Company's common stock during the term of the agreements, less a discount. Upon entering into the agreements, Edwards received an initial delivery of 3.2 million shares. The initial shares were valued at $83.60 per share based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of the agreements, and represented approximately 82% of the total contract value. At the conclusion of each of the ASR agreements, the Company may receive additional shares or may be required to pay additional cash or shares (at the Company's election). The final settlements are based on the VWAP over the term of the agreements, less a discount, and will occur at varying termination dates extending to December 2016, subject to certain adjustments pursuant to the agreements. In April 2016, one of the ASR agreements concluded at a VWAP less discount per share price of $84.39 , and the Company received an additional 0.3 million shares under that agreement. If all agreements had been settled on March 31, 2016, Edwards would have received 0.7 million additional shares. The ASR agreements were accounted for as two separate transactions: (a) the value of the initial delivery of shares was recorded as shares of common stock acquired in a treasury stock transaction on the acquisition date, and (b) the remaining amount of the purchase price paid was recorded as a forward contract indexed to the Company's own common stock and was recorded in " Additional Paid-in Capital " on the consolidated balance sheets. The initial delivery of shares resulted in an immediate reduction of the outstanding shares used to calculate the weighted-average common shares outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share. The Company determined that the forward contract indexed to the Company's common stock met all the applicable criteria for equity classification and, therefore, was not accounted for as a derivative instrument.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES On October 30, 2015, Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., a subsidiary of Boston Scientific Corporation (“Boston Scientific”), filed a lawsuit in the district court in Düsseldorf, Germany against Edwards Lifesciences and its German subsidiary, Edwards Lifesciences Services GmbH, alleging that Edwards Lifesciences’ SAPIEN 3 heart valve infringes certain claims of a Boston Scientific German national patent arising from EP 2 749 254 B1 (the “‘254 patent”) related to paravalvular sealing technology. On February 26, 2016, Boston Scientific added the German national patent arising from EP 2 926 766 (the “‘766 Patent”) to the infringement allegations. On April 8, 2016, Boston Scientific filed a similar patent infringement action in district court in Paris, France relating to these patents. The complaints seek unspecified money damages and injunctive relief. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously in these matters. On November 2, 2015, Edwards Lifesciences LLC, a U.S. subsidiary of Edwards Lifesciences, filed a lawsuit against Sadra Medical, Inc. and Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., two subsidiaries of Boston Scientific, in the United Kingdom in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, Patents Court to declare invalid and revoke the U.K. national patent corresponding to the ‘254 patent. Edwards later added Boston Scientific’s UK national patent corresponding to the ‘766 patent to this invalidity lawsuit. The Boston Scientific subsidiaries filed counterclaims against Edwards Lifesciences and three of its European subsidiaries alleging that the SAPIEN 3 heart valve infringes certain claims of the same patents and seeking unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. On November 23, 2015, Edwards Lifesciences PVT, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of Edwards Lifesciences, filed a lawsuit in the district court in Düsseldorf, Germany for patent infringement against Boston Scientific and a German subsidiary, Boston Scientific Medizintechnik GmbH, alleging that the Lotus heart valve infringes certain claims of Edwards Lifesciences’ German national patents EP 1 441 672 B1 and 2 255 753 B1 related to prosthetic valve and delivery system technology. The complaint seeks unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. On April 19, 2016, Boston Scientific filed a lawsuit against Edwards Lifesciences in the Federal District Court in the District of Delaware alleging that the SAPIEN 3 heart valve infringes certain claims of Boston Scientific’s U.S. Patent 8,992,608 related to paravalvular sealing technology. Also on April 19, 2016, Boston Scientific filed a lawsuit against Edwards Lifesciences in the Federal District Court in the Central District of California alleging that five of its transcatheter heart valve delivery systems and a valve crimper infringe certain claims of eight Boston Scientific U.S. patents. The complaints seek unspecified monetary damages and injunctive relief. The Company intends to defend itself vigorously in these matters. In addition, Edwards Lifesciences is or may be a party to, or may otherwise be responsible for, pending or threatened lawsuits related primarily to products and services currently or formerly manufactured or performed, as applicable, by Edwards Lifesciences. Such cases and claims raise difficult and complex factual and legal issues and are subject to many uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the facts and circumstances of each particular case or claim, the jurisdiction in which each suit is brought, and differences in applicable law. Upon resolution of any such legal matter or other claim, Edwards Lifesciences may incur charges in excess of established reserves. The Company is not able to estimate the amount or range of any loss for legal contingencies for which there is no reserve or additional loss for matters already reserved. While any such charge related to matters could have a material adverse impact on Edwards Lifesciences' net income or cash flows in the period in which it is recorded or paid, management does not believe that any such charge relating to any currently pending lawsuit would have a material adverse effect on Edwards Lifesciences' financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. Edwards Lifesciences is subject to various environmental laws and regulations both within and outside of the United States. The operations of Edwards Lifesciences, like those of other medical device companies, involve the use of substances regulated under environmental laws, primarily in manufacturing and sterilization processes. While it is difficult to quantify the potential impact of continuing compliance with environmental protection laws, management believes that such compliance will not have a material impact on Edwards Lifesciences' financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS The following table is a summary of activity for each component of " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in millions): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Available-for-sale Investments Unrealized Pension Costs Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss December 31, 2015 $ (181.5 ) $ 11.8 $ (1.5 ) $ (11.4 ) $ (182.6 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications 21.6 (21.0 ) 1.7 — 2.3 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (11.4 ) 0.3 — (11.1 ) Deferred income tax benefit 6.0 12.8 — — 18.8 March 31, 2016 $ (153.9 ) $ (7.8 ) $ 0.5 $ (11.4 ) $ (172.6 ) The following table provides information about amounts reclassified from " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " (in millions): Three Months Ended Affected Line on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components 2016 2015 Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges $ 11.4 $ 10.5 Cost of sales (4.4 ) (3.8 ) Provision for income taxes $ 7.0 $ 6.7 Net of tax (Loss) gain on available-for-sale investments $ (0.3 ) $ (0.2 ) Other expense, net — — Provision for income taxes $ (0.3 ) $ (0.2 ) Net of tax

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during a period. Employee equity share options, nonvested shares, and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common shares in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted shares outstanding include the dilutive effect of restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and in-the-money options. The dilutive impact of the restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and in-the-money options is calculated based on the average share price for each fiscal period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount that the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of stock-based compensation expense for future service that the Company has not yet recognized, and the amount of tax benefits that would be recorded in " Additional Paid-in Capital " when the award becomes deductible are assumed to be used to repurchase shares. Potential common share equivalents have been excluded where their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The table below presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except for per share information): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Basic: Net income $ 143.0 $ 123.4 Weighted-average shares outstanding 213.1 215.5 Basic earnings per share $ 0.67 $ 0.57 Diluted: Net income $ 143.0 $ 123.4 Weighted-average shares outstanding 213.1 215.5 Dilutive effect of stock plans 4.7 5.1 Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding 217.8 220.6 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.66 $ 0.56 Stock options, restricted stock units, and market-based restricted stock units to purchase 0.3 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, were outstanding, but were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. Additionally, 0.7 million shares that would have been received if the ASR agreements discussed in Note 7 were settled as of March 31, 2016 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The Company's effective income tax rates were 22.0% and 24.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The change in the effective rates is primarily a result of the reinstatement of the federal research credit and fluctuations in the relative contribution of our foreign operations and United States operations to worldwide pre-tax income. The federal research credit expired on December 31, 2014 and was not reinstated until December 18, 2015 when the research credit was permanently extended, retroactive to January 1, 2015. Therefore, the effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was calculated without an assumed benefit from the federal research credit. The Company strives to resolve open matters with each tax authority at the examination level and could reach agreement with a tax authority at any time. While the Company has accrued for matters it believes are more likely than not to require settlement, the final outcome with a tax authority may result in a tax liability that is more or less than that reflected in the consolidated condensed financial statements. Furthermore, the Company may later decide to challenge any assessments, if made, and may exercise its right to appeal. The uncertain tax positions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as events occur that affect potential liabilities for additional taxes, such as lapsing of applicable statutes of limitations, proposed assessments by tax authorities, negotiations between tax authorities, identification of new issues, and issuance of new legislation, regulations, or case law. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions was $222.0 million and $216.1 million , respectively. The Company estimates that these liabilities would be reduced by $40.8 million and $40.6 million , respectively, from offsetting tax benefits associated with the correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state income taxes, and timing adjustments. The net amounts of $181.2 million and $175.5 million , respectively, if not required, would favorably affect the Company's effective tax rate. At March 31, 2016 , all material state, local, and foreign income tax matters have been concluded for years through 2008. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has substantially completed its fieldwork for the 2009 through 2012 tax years. However, the audit is currently in suspense pending finalization of an Advance Pricing Agreement ("APA") and Joint Committee of Taxation approval. As noted above, the Company has entered into an APA process between the Switzerland and United States governments for the years 2009 through 2015 covering transfer pricing matters. The transfer pricing matters are significant to the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements, and the final outcome and timing of the negotiations between the two governments is uncertain. During 2014, the Company filed with the IRS a request for a pre-filing agreement associated with a tax return filing position on a portion of the litigation settlement payment received from Medtronic, Inc. in May 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, the IRS accepted the pre-filing agreement into the pre-filing agreement program. The finalization of the pre-filing agreement is still pending. However, the Company made an advance payment of tax in December 2015 solely to prevent the further accrual of interest on any potential deficiency, not to signify any potential agreement to a contrary position that may be taken by the IRS.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION Edwards Lifesciences conducts operations worldwide and is managed in the following geographical regions: United States, Europe, Japan, and Rest of World. All regions sell products that are used to treat structure heart disease and critically ill patients. The Company's geographic segments are reported based on the financial information provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker (the Chief Executive Officer). The Company evaluates the performance of its geographic segments based on net sales and income before provision for income taxes ("pre-tax income"). The accounting policies of the segments are substantially the same as those described in Note 2 of the Company's consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Segment net sales and segment pre-tax income are based on internally derived standard foreign exchange rates, which may differ from year to year, and do not include inter-segment profits. Because of the interdependence of the reportable segments, the pre-tax income as presented may not be representative of the geographical distribution that would occur if the segments were not interdependent. Net sales by geographic area are based on the location of the customer. Certain items are maintained at the corporate level and are not allocated to the segments. The non-allocated items include net interest expense, global marketing expenses, corporate research and development expenses, manufacturing variances, corporate headquarters costs, special gains and charges, stock-based compensation, foreign currency hedging activities, certain litigation costs, and most of the Company's amortization expense. Although most of the Company's depreciation expense is included in segment pre-tax income, due to the Company's methodology for cost build-up, it is impractical to determine the amount of depreciation expense included in each segment, and, therefore, a portion is maintained at the corporate level. The Company neither discretely allocates assets to its operating segments, nor evaluates the operating segments using discrete asset information. The table below presents information about Edwards Lifesciences' reportable segments (in millions): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Segment Net Sales United States $ 375.6 $ 283.5 Europe 187.1 216.5 Japan 63.8 68.7 Rest of World 71.5 71.3 Total segment net sales $ 698.0 $ 640.0 Segment Pre-tax Income United States $ 241.6 $ 167.4 Europe 94.7 107.9 Japan 29.5 31.4 Rest of World 17.9 16.8 Total segment pre-tax income $ 383.7 $ 323.5 The table below presents reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income (in millions): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Net Sales Reconciliation Segment net sales $ 698.0 $ 640.0 Foreign currency (0.7 ) (49.7 ) Consolidated net sales $ 697.3 $ 590.3 Pre-tax Income Reconciliation Segment pre-tax income $ 383.7 $ 323.5 Unallocated amounts: Corporate items (195.2 ) (156.8 ) Intellectual property litigation expenses (12.2 ) (0.3 ) Interest expense, net (2.4 ) (2.4 ) Foreign currency 9.4 (1.5 ) Consolidated pre-tax income $ 183.3 $ 162.5 Enterprise-wide Information Enterprise-wide information is based on actual foreign exchange rates used in the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Net Sales by Geographic Area United States $ 375.6 $ 283.5 Europe 188.5 185.3 Japan 66.6 58.1 Rest of World 66.6 63.4 $ 697.3 $ 590.3 Net Sales by Major Product and Service Area Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy $ 367.8 $ 268.5 Surgical Heart Valve Therapy 195.9 196.9 Critical Care 133.6 124.9 $ 697.3 $ 590.3 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in millions) Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area United States $ 489.9 $ 473.6 Europe 34.3 36.0 Japan 8.7 8.1 Rest of World 95.5 96.0 $ 628.4 $ 613.7

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued an update to the guidance on business combinations. The new guidance requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of this guidance did not impact the Company's consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting guidance on the presentation of debt issuance costs. The guidance requires an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt, consistent with debt discounts. In August 2015, the FASB clarified that for a line-of-credit arrangement, a company can continue to defer and present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the debt issuance costs over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, whether or not there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The guidance was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2015 and interim periods within those periods, and must be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In March 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance on stock compensation. The amendment simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements, but anticipates that adoption of this guidance will reduce its effective tax rate. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the guidance on revenue recognition. The update clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, including how an entity should identify the unit of accounting for the principal versus agent evaluation and how it should apply the control principle to certain types of arrangements. In April 2016, the FASB issued another update to the guidance on revenue recognition. This update clarifies the implementation guidance on identifying performance obligations and licensing, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The amendments in these updates are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the revenue recognition guidance, including these updates, will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued an amendment to the guidance on leases. The amendment improves transparency and comparability among companies by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and by disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANC20

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of inventories	March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Inventories Raw materials $ 61.3 $ 63.8 Work in process 80.7 64.1 Finished products 214.6 212.0 $ 356.6 $ 339.9
Schedule of accounts payable and accrued liabilities	March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable $ 78.6 $ 63.9 Employee compensation and withholdings 131.8 209.4 Research and development accruals 35.5 38.6 Property, payroll, and other taxes 34.8 34.5 Fair value of derivatives 33.3 4.2 Accrued rebates 24.5 23.9 Litigation reserves 14.2 5.6 Severance and realignment reserves 12.4 19.1 Taxes payable 7.5 14.5 Other accrued liabilities 85.7 62.5 $ 458.3 $ 476.2

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Schedule of investments in debt securities	Investments in debt securities at the end of each period were as follows (in millions): March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Held-to-maturity Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Bank time deposits $ 348.3 $ — $ — $ 348.3 $ 440.1 $ — $ — $ 440.1 U.S. government and agency securities 29.4 0.1 (0.1 ) 29.4 32.5 — (0.2 ) 32.3 Asset-backed securities 1.1 — — 1.1 1.2 — — 1.2 Corporate debt securities 15.2 — — 15.2 16.4 — — 16.4 Municipal securities 4.4 — — 4.4 5.2 — — 5.2 Total $ 398.4 $ 0.1 $ (0.1 ) $ 398.4 $ 495.4 $ — $ (0.2 ) $ 495.2 Available-for-sale Commercial paper $ 31.0 $ — $ — $ 31.0 $ 28.1 $ — $ — $ 28.1 U.S. government and agency securities 52.9 0.3 — 53.2 38.7 — (0.2 ) 38.5 Asset-backed securities 54.2 0.1 — 54.3 62.8 — (0.2 ) 62.6 Corporate debt securities 247.0 0.8 (0.7 ) 247.1 230.0 — (1.3 ) 228.7 Municipal securities 4.7 — — 4.7 4.7 — — 4.7 Total $ 389.8 $ 1.2 $ (0.7 ) $ 390.3 $ 364.3 $ — $ (1.7 ) $ 362.6
Schedule of cost and fair value of investments in debt securities, by contractual maturity	The cost and fair value of investments in debt securities, by contractual maturity, as of March 31, 2016 were as follows: Held-to-Maturity Available-for-Sale Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value (in millions) Due in 1 year or less $ 384.1 $ 384.1 $ 66.3 $ 66.3 Due after 1 year through 5 years 2.9 2.9 270.0 270.4 Instruments not due at a single maturity date 11.4 11.4 53.5 53.6 $ 398.4 $ 398.4 $ 389.8 $ 390.3
Schedule of investments in unconsolidated affiliates	Investments in these unconsolidated affiliates are recorded in " Long-term Investments " on the consolidated condensed balance sheets, and are as follows: March 31, December 31, (in millions) Available-for-sale investments Cost $ — $ — Unrealized gains 0.2 0.2 Fair value of available-for-sale investments 0.2 0.2 Equity method investments Cost 10.9 10.9 Equity in losses (4.0 ) (4.2 ) Carrying value of equity method investments 6.9 6.7 Cost method investments Carrying value of cost method investments 23.8 21.3 Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates $ 30.9 $ 28.2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table summarizes the Company's financial instruments which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in millions): March 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets Cash equivalents $ 14.8 $ 12.9 $ — $ 27.7 Available-for-sale investments: Corporate debt securities — 247.1 — 247.1 Asset-backed securities — 54.3 — 54.3 U.S. government and agency securities 28.0 25.2 — 53.2 Commercial paper — 31.0 — 31.0 Municipal securities — 4.7 — 4.7 Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates 0.2 — — 0.2 Investments held for deferred compensation plans 39.1 — — 39.1 Derivatives — 14.9 — 14.9 $ 82.1 $ 390.1 $ — $ 472.2 Liabilities Derivatives $ — $ 33.3 $ — $ 33.3 Deferred compensation plans 39.3 — — 39.3 Contingent consideration obligation — — 31.1 31.1 $ 39.3 $ 33.3 $ 31.1 $ 103.7 December 31, 2015 Assets Cash equivalents $ 3.5 $ 8.5 $ — $ 12.0 Available-for-sale investments: Corporate debt securities — 228.7 — 228.7 Asset-backed securities — 62.6 — 62.6 U.S. government and agency securities 9.6 28.9 — 38.5 Commercial paper — 28.1 — 28.1 Municipal securities — 4.7 — 4.7 Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates 0.1 — — 0.1 Investments held for deferred compensation plans 35.3 — — 35.3 Derivatives — 23.3 — 23.3 $ 48.5 $ 384.8 $ — $ 433.3 Liabilities Derivatives $ — $ 4.2 $ — $ 4.2 Deferred compensation plans 35.5 — — 35.5 Contingent consideration obligation — — 30.5 30.5 $ 35.5 $ 4.2 $ 30.5 $ 70.2
Summary of changes in fair value of the contingent consideration obligation	The following table summarizes the changes in fair value of the contingent consideration obligation for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in millions): Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 30.5 Changes in fair value (recorded in " Research and Development Expenses ") 0.6 Balance at March 31, 2016 $ 31.1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE23

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of derivative financial instruments used to manage currency exchange rate risk and interest rate risk	The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage its currency exchange rate risk and its interest rate risk, as summarized below. Notional amounts are stated in United States dollar equivalents at spot exchange rates at the respective dates. Notional Amount March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in millions) Foreign currency forward exchange contracts $ 1,350.6 $ 1,061.6 Interest rate swap agreements 300.0 300.0
Schedule of location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets	The following table presents the location and fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported in the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Fair Value Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Balance Sheet Location March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Assets Foreign currency contracts Other current assets $ 3.9 $ 15.0 Interest rate swap agreements Other assets $ 6.5 $ 1.6 Liabilities Foreign currency contracts Accrued and other liabilities $ 33.3 $ 4.2 Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments Assets Foreign currency contracts Other assets $ 4.5 $ 6.7
Schedule of effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on the consolidated condensed balance sheets	The following table presents the effect of master-netting agreements and rights of offset on the consolidated condensed balance sheets (in millions): Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet March 31, 2016 Gross Amounts Financial Instruments Cash Collateral Received Net Amount Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 8.4 $ — $ 8.4 $ (4.9 ) $ — $ 3.5 Interest rate swap agreements $ 6.5 $ — $ 6.5 $ — $ — $ 6.5 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 33.3 $ — $ 33.3 $ (4.9 ) $ — $ 28.4 December 31, 2015 Derivative assets Foreign currency contracts $ 21.7 $ — $ 21.7 $ (4.0 ) $ — $ 17.7 Interest rate swap agreements $ 1.6 $ — $ 1.6 $ — $ — $ 1.6 Derivative liabilities Foreign currency contracts $ 4.2 $ — $ 4.2 $ (4.0 ) $ — $ 0.2
Schedule of effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated condensed statements of operations and consolidated condensed statements of comprehensive income	The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated condensed statements of operations and consolidated condensed statements of comprehensive income (in millions): Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income 2016 2015 2016 2015 Cash flow hedges Foreign currency contracts $ (21.0 ) $ 36.3 Cost of sales $ 11.4 $ 10.5 Net investment hedges Foreign currency contracts $ (12.3 ) $ — Other expense, net $ — $ — Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Fair value hedges 2016 2015 Interest rate swap agreements Interest expense, net $ 4.9 $ 4.5 The gains on the interest rate swap agreements are fully offset by the changes in the fair value of the fixed-rate debt being hedged. Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Three Months Ended Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments 2016 2015 Foreign currency contracts Other expense, net $ (6.4 ) $ 4.9

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of stock-based compensation expense	Stock-based compensation expense related to awards issued under the Company's incentive compensation plans for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Cost of sales $ 2.0 $ 1.8 Selling, general, and administrative expenses 9.7 9.6 Research and development expenses 2.6 2.2 Total stock-based compensation expense $ 14.3 $ 13.6
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions for options granted	The following table includes the weighted-average grant-date fair values of stock options granted during the periods indicated and the related weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model: Option Awards Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Average risk-free interest rate 1.1 % 1.5 % Expected dividend yield None None Expected volatility 29.7 % 30.5 % Expected term (years) 4.7 4.7 Fair value, per option $ 24.28 $ 19.20
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions for ESPP subscriptions granted	The following table includes the weighted-average grant-date fair values for ESPP subscriptions granted during the periods indicated and the related weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model: ESPP Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Average risk-free interest rate 0.3 % 0.2 % Expected dividend yield None None Expected volatility 26.5 % 28.1 % Expected term (years) 0.6 0.6 Fair value, per share $ 18.17 $ 14.97

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI25

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Summary of activity for each component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table is a summary of activity for each component of " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " for the three months ended March 31, 2016 (in millions): Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Available-for-sale Investments Unrealized Pension Costs Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss December 31, 2015 $ (181.5 ) $ 11.8 $ (1.5 ) $ (11.4 ) $ (182.6 ) Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications 21.6 (21.0 ) 1.7 — 2.3 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — (11.4 ) 0.3 — (11.1 ) Deferred income tax benefit 6.0 12.8 — — 18.8 March 31, 2016 $ (153.9 ) $ (7.8 ) $ 0.5 $ (11.4 ) $ (172.6 )
Schedule of amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The following table provides information about amounts reclassified from " Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss " (in millions): Three Months Ended Affected Line on Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Components 2016 2015 Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges $ 11.4 $ 10.5 Cost of sales (4.4 ) (3.8 ) Provision for income taxes $ 7.0 $ 6.7 Net of tax (Loss) gain on available-for-sale investments $ (0.3 ) $ (0.2 ) Other expense, net — — Provision for income taxes $ (0.3 ) $ (0.2 ) Net of tax

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	The table below presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except for per share information): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Basic: Net income $ 143.0 $ 123.4 Weighted-average shares outstanding 213.1 215.5 Basic earnings per share $ 0.67 $ 0.57 Diluted: Net income $ 143.0 $ 123.4 Weighted-average shares outstanding 213.1 215.5 Dilutive effect of stock plans 4.7 5.1 Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding 217.8 220.6 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.66 $ 0.56

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information about reportable segments	The table below presents information about Edwards Lifesciences' reportable segments (in millions): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Segment Net Sales United States $ 375.6 $ 283.5 Europe 187.1 216.5 Japan 63.8 68.7 Rest of World 71.5 71.3 Total segment net sales $ 698.0 $ 640.0 Segment Pre-tax Income United States $ 241.6 $ 167.4 Europe 94.7 107.9 Japan 29.5 31.4 Rest of World 17.9 16.8 Total segment pre-tax income $ 383.7 $ 323.5
Reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income	The table below presents reconciliations of segment net sales to consolidated net sales and segment pre-tax income to consolidated pre-tax income (in millions): Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Net Sales Reconciliation Segment net sales $ 698.0 $ 640.0 Foreign currency (0.7 ) (49.7 ) Consolidated net sales $ 697.3 $ 590.3 Pre-tax Income Reconciliation Segment pre-tax income $ 383.7 $ 323.5 Unallocated amounts: Corporate items (195.2 ) (156.8 ) Intellectual property litigation expenses (12.2 ) (0.3 ) Interest expense, net (2.4 ) (2.4 ) Foreign currency 9.4 (1.5 ) Consolidated pre-tax income $ 183.3 $ 162.5
Enterprise-wide information	Enterprise-wide information is based on actual foreign exchange rates used in the Company's consolidated condensed financial statements. Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Net Sales by Geographic Area United States $ 375.6 $ 283.5 Europe 188.5 185.3 Japan 66.6 58.1 Rest of World 66.6 63.4 $ 697.3 $ 590.3 Net Sales by Major Product and Service Area Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy $ 367.8 $ 268.5 Surgical Heart Valve Therapy 195.9 196.9 Critical Care 133.6 124.9 $ 697.3 $ 590.3 March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 (in millions) Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area United States $ 489.9 $ 473.6 Europe 34.3 36.0 Japan 8.7 8.1 Rest of World 95.5 96.0 $ 628.4 $ 613.7

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANC28

COMPOSITION OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL STATEMENT CAPTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Inventories
Raw materials	$ 61.3	$ 63.8
Work in process	80.7	64.1
Finished products	214.6	212
Total inventories	356.6	339.9
Finished products inventories held on consignment	71.3	58.8
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accounts payable	78.6	63.9
Employee compensation and withholdings	131.8	209.4
Research and development accruals	35.5	38.6
Property, payroll, and other taxes	34.8	34.5
Fair value of derivatives	33.3	4.2
Accrued rebates	24.5	23.9
Litigation reserves	14.2	5.6
Severance and realignment reserves	12.4	19.1
Taxes payable	7.5	14.5
Other accrued liabilities	85.7	62.5
Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ 458.3	$ 476.2

INVESTMENTS - Investments in He

INVESTMENTS - Investments in Held-to-maturity Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Held-to-maturity
Cost	$ 398.4	$ 495.4
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.1)	(0.2)
Fair Value	398.4	495.2
Bank time deposits
Held-to-maturity
Cost	348.3	440.1
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	348.3	440.1
U.S. government and agency securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	29.4	32.5
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.1)	(0.2)
Fair Value	29.4	32.3
Asset-backed securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	1.1	1.2
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	1.1	1.2
Corporate debt securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	15.2	16.4
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	15.2	16.4
Municipal securities
Held-to-maturity
Cost	4.4	5.2
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$ 4.4	$ 5.2

INVESTMENTS - Investments in Av

INVESTMENTS - Investments in Available-for-sale Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale
Cost	$ 389.8	$ 364.3
Gross Unrealized Gains	1.2	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.7)	(1.7)
Fair Value	390.3	362.6
Commercial paper
Available-for-sale
Cost	31	28.1
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	31	28.1
U.S. government and agency securities
Available-for-sale
Cost	52.9	38.7
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.3	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(0.2)
Fair Value	53.2	38.5
Asset-backed securities
Available-for-sale
Cost	54.2	62.8
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.1	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	(0.2)
Fair Value	54.3	62.6
Corporate debt securities
Available-for-sale
Cost	247	230
Gross Unrealized Gains	0.8	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	(0.7)	(1.3)
Fair Value	247.1	228.7
Municipal securities
Available-for-sale
Cost	4.7	4.7
Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$ 4.7	$ 4.7

INVESTMENTS - Cost and Fair Val

INVESTMENTS - Cost and Fair Value of Investments in Debt Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cost
Due in 1 year or less	$ 384.1
Due after 1 year through 5 years	2.9
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	11.4
Cost	398.4	$ 495.4
Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	384.1
Due after 1 year through 5 years	2.9
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	11.4
Fair Value	398.4	495.2
Cost
Due in 1 year or less	66.3
Due after 1 year through 5 years	270
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	53.5
Cost	389.8	364.3
Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less	66.3
Due after 1 year through 5 years	270.4
Instruments not due at a single maturity date	53.6
Fair Value	$ 390.3	$ 362.6

INVESTMENTS - Investments in Un

INVESTMENTS - Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale investments
Cost	$ 0	$ 0
Unrealized gains	0.2	0.2
Fair value of available-for-sale investments	0.2	0.2
Equity method investments
Cost	10.9	10.9
Equity in losses	(4)	(4.2)
Carrying value of equity method investments	6.9	6.7
Cost method investments
Carrying value of cost method investments	23.8	21.3
Total investments in unconsolidated affiliates	$ 30.9	$ 28.2

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narra

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Financial instruments
Carrying value of notes payable	$ 602.2	$ 599.9
Level 3 | Obligations
Financial instruments
Discount rate	2.00%
Probability of milestone achievement (in percent)	65.00%
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Level 2
Financial instruments
Fair value of notes payable	$ 616.1

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Asset

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - Estimate of Fair Value Measurement - Fair Value on a Recurring Basis - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash equivalents	$ 27.7	$ 12
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	39.1	35.3
Derivatives	14.9	23.3
Total assets	472.2	433.3
Liabilities
Derivatives	33.3	4.2
Deferred compensation plans	39.3	35.5
Contingent consideration obligation	31.1	30.5
Total liabilities	103.7	70.2
Corporate debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	247.1	228.7
Asset-backed securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	54.3	62.6
U.S. government and agency securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	53.2	38.5
Commercial paper
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	31	28.1
Municipal securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	4.7	4.7
Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0.2	0.1
Level 1
Assets
Cash equivalents	14.8	3.5
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	39.1	35.3
Derivatives	0	0
Total assets	82.1	48.5
Liabilities
Derivatives	0	0
Deferred compensation plans	39.3	35.5
Contingent consideration obligation	0	0
Total liabilities	39.3	35.5
Level 1 | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 1 | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 1 | U.S. government and agency securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	28	9.6
Level 1 | Commercial paper
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 1 | Municipal securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 1 | Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0.2	0.1
Level 2
Assets
Cash equivalents	12.9	8.5
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	0	0
Derivatives	14.9	23.3
Total assets	390.1	384.8
Liabilities
Derivatives	33.3	4.2
Deferred compensation plans	0	0
Contingent consideration obligation	0	0
Total liabilities	33.3	4.2
Level 2 | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	247.1	228.7
Level 2 | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	54.3	62.6
Level 2 | U.S. government and agency securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	25.2	28.9
Level 2 | Commercial paper
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	31	28.1
Level 2 | Municipal securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	4.7	4.7
Level 2 | Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3
Assets
Cash equivalents	0	0
Investments held for deferred compensation plans	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities
Derivatives	0	0
Deferred compensation plans	0	0
Contingent consideration obligation	31.1	30.5
Total liabilities	31.1	30.5
Level 3 | Corporate debt securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | Asset-backed securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | U.S. government and agency securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | Commercial paper
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | Municipal securities
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	0	0
Level 3 | Equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates
Assets
Available-for-sale investments	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Recon

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Reconciliation of Unobservable Inputs (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 30.5
Changes in fair value (recorded in Research and Development Expenses)	0.6
Ending balance	$ 31.1

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE36

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Notional Amounts of Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Financial Instruments
Maximum period of time currency rate movements in future cash flows associated with intercompany transactions and certain third-party expenses are hedged	13 months
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Derivative Financial Instruments
Notional Amount	$ 1,350.6	$ 1,061.6
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative Financial Instruments
Notional Amount	$ 300	$ 300

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE37

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments, Balance Sheet Location (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Foreign currency contracts
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	$ 8.4	$ 21.7
Liabilities
Fair value of derivative liabilities	33.3	4.2
Interest rate swap agreements
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	6.5	1.6
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Other current assets
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	3.9	15
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Accrued and other liabilities
Liabilities
Fair value of derivative liabilities	33.3	4.2
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate swap agreements | Other assets
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	6.5	1.6
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Other assets
Assets
Fair value of derivative assets	$ 4.5	$ 6.7

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE38

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Effect of Master-netting Agreements and Rights of Offset (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Foreign currency contracts
Derivative assets
Gross Amounts	$ 8.4	$ 21.7
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	8.4	21.7
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments	(4.9)	(4)
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	3.5	17.7
Derivative liabilities
Gross Amounts	33.3	4.2
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	33.3	4.2
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments	(4.9)	(4)
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	28.4	0.2
Interest rate swap agreements
Derivative assets
Gross Amounts	6.5	1.6
Gross Amounts Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0	0
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheet	6.5	1.6
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments	0	0
Cash Collateral Received	0	0
Net Amount	$ 6.5	$ 1.6

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HE39

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES - Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Expected reclassification of gain recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during next twelve months	$ 3.7
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign currency contracts | Other expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	(6.4)	$ 4.9
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships | Foreign currency contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(21)	36.3
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships | Foreign currency contracts | Cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	11.4	10.5
Net investment hedges | Foreign currency contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	(12.3)	0
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income	0	0
Fair value hedges | Interest rate swap agreements | Interest expense, net
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss)
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	$ 4.9	$ 4.5

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stoc

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock-based Compensation Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 14.3	$ 13.6
Cost of sales
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense	2	1.8
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense	9.7	9.6
Research and development expenses
Allocation of stock-based compensation expense
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 2.6	$ 2.2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Narr

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, restricted stock units, market-based restricted stock units and employee stock purchase subscriptions	$ 82.3
Period over which unrecognized compensation expense is expected to be recognized	29 months

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Weig

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Weighted-average Assumptions (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Option Awards
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Average risk-free interest rate	1.10%	1.50%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	29.70%	30.50%
Expected term, period	4 years 8 months 12 days	4 years 8 months 12 days
Fair value, per option or share (in dollars per share)	$ 24.28	$ 19.20
ESPP
Employee and Director Stock Plans
Average risk-free interest rate	0.30%	0.20%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	26.50%	28.10%
Expected term, period	7 months 6 days	7 months 6 days
Fair value, per option or share (in dollars per share)	$ 18.17	$ 14.97

ACCELERATION SHARE REPURCHASE (

ACCELERATION SHARE REPURCHASE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Feb. 29, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement, February 2016
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Share repurchase program, authorized amount		$ 325,000,000
Shares received		3.2
Initial price paid per share (in dollars per share)		$ 83.60
Value of shares repurchased as percentage of contract amount		82.00%
Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement, February 2016 | Subsequent Event
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Shares received	0.3
Average price paid per share (in dollars per share)	$ 84.39
Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement, February 2016, If Settled on March 30, 2016
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Additional shares that would be received if all agreements were settled			0.7

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - Edwards Lifesciences vs Boston Scientific Patent Lawsuits	Apr. 19, 2016patentproduct	Nov. 02, 2015subsidiary
Subsequent Event
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of products involved in patent infringement | product	5
Europe
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries in litigation		3
Boston Scientific
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries in litigation		2
Boston Scientific | Subsequent Event
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of patents allegedly infringed | patent	8

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI45

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (172.6)	$ (182.6)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss components
Balance at the end of the period	2,299.3
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(153.9)	(181.5)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss components
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	21.6
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Deferred income tax benefit	6
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(7.8)	11.8
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss components
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	(21)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11.4)
Deferred income tax benefit	12.8
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Available-for-sale Investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	0.5	(1.5)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss components
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	1.7
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0.3
Deferred income tax benefit	0
Unrealized Pension Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11.4)	(11.4)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss components
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0
Deferred income tax benefit	0
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(172.6)	$ (182.6)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss components
Other comprehensive gain (loss) before reclassifications	2.3
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	(11.1)
Deferred income tax benefit	$ 18.8

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI46

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS - Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to affected line on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Cost of sales	$ (180.3)	$ (136)
Provision for income taxes	(40.3)	(39.1)
Net income	143	123.4
Other expense, net	(4)	(0.2)
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to affected line on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Cost of sales	11.4	10.5
Provision for income taxes	(4.4)	(3.8)
Net income	7	6.7
(Loss) gain on available-for-sale investments | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to affected line on Consolidated Statements of Operations
Provision for income taxes	0
Net income	(0.3)	(0.2)
Other expense, net	$ (0.3)	$ (0.2)

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Computatio

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Basic:
Net income	$ 143	$ 123.4
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	213.1	215.5
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.67	$ 0.57
Diluted:
Net income	$ 143	$ 123.4
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	213.1	215.5
Dilutive effect of stock plans (in shares)	4.7	5.1
Dilutive weighted-average shares outstanding (in shares)	217.8	220.6
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.66	$ 0.56

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Narrative

EARNINGS PER SHARE - Narrative (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Anti-dilutive securities
Anti-dilutive common shares from ASR agreements excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	0.7
Stock compensation plan
Anti-dilutive securities
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the computation of earnings per share (in shares)	0.3	0.3

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	22.00%	24.10%
Liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions	$ 222		$ 216.1
Offsetting tax benefits associated with correlative effects of potential transfer pricing adjustments, state income taxes and timing adjustments	40.8		40.6
Net liability for income taxes associated with uncertain tax positions	$ 181.2		$ 175.5

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Informati

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Information about Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	$ 697.3	$ 590.3
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	183.3	162.5
Unallocated amounts:
Intellectual property litigation expenses	12.2	0.3
Interest expense, net	(2.4)	(2.4)
Consolidated pre-tax income	183.3	162.5
Operating segments
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	698	640
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	383.7	323.5
Unallocated amounts:
Consolidated pre-tax income	383.7	323.5
Reconciling items
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	(0.7)	(49.7)
Unallocated amounts:
Intellectual property litigation expenses	(12.2)	(0.3)
Interest expense, net	(2.4)	(2.4)
Foreign currency	9.4	(1.5)
Corporate items
Unallocated amounts:
Corporate items	(195.2)	(156.8)
United States | Operating segments
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	375.6	283.5
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	241.6	167.4
Unallocated amounts:
Consolidated pre-tax income	241.6	167.4
Europe | Operating segments
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	187.1	216.5
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	94.7	107.9
Unallocated amounts:
Consolidated pre-tax income	94.7	107.9
Japan | Operating segments
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	63.8	68.7
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	29.5	31.4
Unallocated amounts:
Consolidated pre-tax income	29.5	31.4
Rest of World | Operating segments
Segment Net Sales
Net sales	71.5	71.3
Segment Pre-tax Income
Pre-tax income	17.9	16.8
Unallocated amounts:
Consolidated pre-tax income	$ 17.9	$ 16.8

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Enterpris

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Enterprise-wide Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Net Sales by Geographic Area
Net sales	$ 697.3	$ 590.3
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	628.4		$ 613.7
Transcatheter Heart Valve Therapy
Net Sales by Geographic Area
Net sales	367.8	268.5
Surgical Heart Valve Therapy
Net Sales by Geographic Area
Net sales	195.9	196.9
Critical Care
Net Sales by Geographic Area
Net sales	133.6	124.9
United States
Net Sales by Geographic Area
Net sales	375.6	283.5
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	489.9		473.6
Europe
Net Sales by Geographic Area
Net sales	188.5	185.3
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	34.3		36
Japan
Net Sales by Geographic Area
Net sales	66.6	58.1
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	8.7		8.1
Rest of World
Net Sales by Geographic Area
Net sales	66.6	$ 63.4
Long-lived Tangible Assets by Geographic Area
Long-lived tangible assets	$ 95.5		$ 96