1 EXHIBIT 13.1 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 1997 CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FINANCIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS Financial Highlights F-2 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations F-2 Consolidated Statements of Operations F-7 Consolidated Balance Sheets F-8 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity F-10 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-11 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-12 Five-Year Selected Financial Data F-26 Report of Independent Auditors F-27 Quarterly Results of Operations F-28 Market for the Company's Common Stock and Related Matters F-28 2 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per share data) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restated Net sales $1,830,778 $1,551,238 $1,190,821 Gross profit 1,285,237 1,123,400 848,074 Operating income 225,455 313,171 52,111 Net income (loss) 110,400 167,094 (18,419) Net income (loss) per common share - basic $0.28 $0.43 $(0.05) Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution 0.28 0.42 (0.05) The above amounts include merger-related and special charges of $259 million ($192 million, net-of-tax), $142 million ($128 million, net-of-tax) and $272 million ($231 million, net-of-tax) recorded in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. See notes to consolidated financial statements. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS On November 3, 1998, the Company announced it had detected the occurrence of business irregularities in the operations of its Japanese subsidiary. As a result, the Company has restated its 1997 results which allows for more accurate period to period comparisons. The restatement resulted in a decrease in revenues from $1,872 million, previously reported, to $1,831 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Net income decreased from $139 million, previously reported, to $110 million for the same period. During the past three years, Boston Scientific Corporation (Boston Scientific or the Company) has consummated numerous mergers and acquisitions that are expected to improve the strategic position of the Company to take advantage of additional significant growth opportunities in less invasive medicine. In 1995, the Company merged with or acquired SCIMED Life Systems, Inc. (SCIMED), Cardiovascular Imaging Systems, Inc. (CVIS), Vesica Medical, Inc. (Vesica), Meadox Medicals, Inc. (Meadox) and Heart Technology, Inc. (Heart). In 1996, the Company merged with or acquired EP Technologies, Inc. (EPT), Symbiosis Corporation (Symbiosis) and Endotech Ltd. and MinTec Inc., and certain related companies (Endotech/MinTec). On April 8, 1997, the Company completed its merger with Target Therapeutics, Inc. (Target) in a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. Target designs, develops, manufactures and markets catheter-based disposable and implantable medical devices used in minimally invasive procedures to treat neurovascular diseases and disorders. In conjunction with this merger, Target's stockholders received 1.07 shares of Boston Scientific common stock in exchange for each share of Target common stock. Approximately 33 million shares of the Company's common stock were issued in connection with the Target acquisition. The Company has substantially completed the integration of all mergers and acquisitions consummated in 1995 and 1996. The Company expects to complete the integration of Target by the end of 1998. Management believes it has developed a sound plan for continuing and concluding the integration process, and that it will achieve that plan. However, in view of the number of major transactions undertaken by the Company, the dramatic changes in the size of the Company and the complexity of its organization resulting from these transactions, management also believes that the successful implementation of its plan presents a significant degree of difficulty. The failure to integrate these businesses effectively could adversely affect the Company's operating results in the near term, and could impair the Company's ability to realize the strategic and financial objectives of these transactions. The restated historical results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the mergers and acquisitions had been consummated during the periods presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial position. YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996 Net sales increased 18% in 1997 to $1,831 million from $1,551 million in 1996. International net sales for the year were adversely impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Without the impact of changes in exchange rates, net sales for the year increased approximately 23%. Net income for the year ended December 31, 1997, excluding merger-related and special charges, increased approximately 2% to $302 million from $295 million during the year ended December 31, 1996. In 1997, the Company recorded merger-related expenses ($146 million) and purchased research and development ($29 million), and the Company recorded special charges related to inventory write-downs ($19 million), litigation-related reserves ($34 million), and the impact of implementing a recently issued accounting standard related to business process reengineering ($31 million). During 1996, the Company recorded merger-related expenses ($32 million) and purchased research and development ($110 million). Reported net income for the year was $110 million, or $0.28 per share (diluted), as compared to $167 million, or $0.42 per share, for the prior year. F-2 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 3 United States (U.S.) revenues increased approximately 16% from 1996 to $1,076 million in 1997, while international revenues, including export sales, increased approximately 20% from 1996 to $755 million in 1997. International sales as a percentage of worldwide sales increased from 40% in 1996 to 41% in 1997. International sales during 1997 were negatively impacted compared to 1996 by approximately $77 million of unfavorable exchange rate movements caused primarily by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus major European currencies and the Japanese yen. Worldwide vascular and nonvascular sales increased 16% and 26%, respectively, from 1996 to 1997. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was approximately 70.2% and 72.4% during 1997 and 1996, respectively. The decline in gross margins during 1997 is primarily attributable to write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory. Future gross margins may be impacted by the Company's ability to effectively manage its inventory level and mix. The Company is in the process of implementing a new global information system that is expected to improve supply chain management. The decrease in gross margin percentage is also partially due to a decline in average selling prices as a result of continuing pressure on healthcare costs and increased competition. In addition, gross margins were negatively impacted by the unfavorable foreign exchange rate movements discussed above. The negative impact of the above conditions was partially offset by the Company's U.S. cost containment programs and the positive gross margin impact of selected new product offerings. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 35% from $516 million in 1996 to $695 million in 1997, and increased as a percentage of sales from 33% to 38% of net sales. The increase includes $34 million in litigation-related reserves recorded in 1997. In addition, the Company continued to expand its domestic and international sales and distribution organizations. The Company believes the additional investments will enhance its competitive position in the future. Royalty expenses remained at approximately 1% of net sales while increasing 30% from $17 million in 1996 to $22 million in 1997. The increase in overall royalty expense dollars is due to increased sales and royalties due under several strategic alliances that the Company initiated in 1997 and prior years. Research and development expenses remained at approximately 9% of net sales while increasing 24% from $135 million in 1996 to $167 million in 1997. The increase in research and development dollars reflects increased spending in regulatory, clinical research and various other product development programs, and reflects the Company's continued commitment to refine existing products and procedures and to develop new technologies that provide simpler, less traumatic, less costly and more efficient diagnosis and treatment. The trend in countries around the world toward more stringent regulatory requirements for product clearance and more vigorous enforcement activities has generally caused or may cause medical device manufacturers to experience more uncertainty, greater risk and higher expenses. During 1996 and 1997, the Company expanded its direct sales presence in Asia Pacific and Latin America so as to be in a position to take advantage of expanded market opportunities. The costs of expansion have negatively impacted the Company's operating margins. The Company's ability to benefit from its expansion may be limited by risks and uncertainties related to economic conditions in these regions, in addition to competitive offerings, infrastructure development, rights to intellectual property, and the ability of the Company to implement its overall business strategy. Further, any significant changes in the political, regulatory or economic environment where the Company conducts international operations may have a material impact on revenues and profits. The Company believes that it will be able to realize improved long-term returns on its investments with a direct selling presence in these regions. The Company's 1997 operating expenses increased at a faster percentage than net sales and the Company expects this relationship to continue during the first half of 1998. However, the Company also expects that the additional investments in infrastructure will enhance its competitive position in the second half of 1998 and beyond. Uncertainty remains with regard to future changes within the healthcare industry. The trend towards managed care and economically motivated buyers in the U.S. may result in continued pressure on selling prices of certain products and resulting compression on gross margins. The U.S. marketplace is increasingly characterized by consolidation among healthcare providers and purchasers of medical devices who prefer to limit the number of suppliers from whom they purchase medical products. There can be no assurance that these entities will continue to purchase products from the Company. In addition, international markets are also being affected by economic pressure to contain reimbursement levels and healthcare costs. Although these factors will continue to impact the rate at which Boston Scientific can grow, the Company believes that it is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities for growth that exist in the markets it serves. Interest and dividend income was $4 million as compared to $6 million in 1996. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in the Company's average cash and marketable securities balance resulting from the use of cash to fund the Company's working capital, finance several of the Company's recent acquisitions and alliances and to repurchase the Company's common stock. Interest expense increased from $12 million in 1996 to $14 million in 1997. The overall increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to a higher outstanding balance related to the Company's commercial paper borrowings. Other income (expense), net, changed from expense of $5 million in 1996 to less than $1 million of income in 1997. The change is primarily attributable to net gains on sales of equity investments of approximately $11 million compared to net gains of $1 million in 1996. The Company's effective tax rate was approximately 45% in 1996 and 39% in 1997. The effective tax rates for 1996 and 1997 include the impact of special charges. Excluding these items, the pro forma effective tax rate improved from approximately 34% during 1996 to approximately 32% during 1997. The reduction F-3 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 4 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) in the Company's effective tax rate, excluding the impact of special charges, is primarily due to increased business in lower tax geographies and certain tax planning initiatives. In 1997, the Company recorded a $31 million ($21 million, net-of-tax) cumulative effect of change in accounting from implementing Emerging Issues Task Force No. 97-13, "Accounting for Costs Incurred in Connection with a Consulting Contract or an Internal Project That Combines Business Process Reengineering and Information Technology Transformation." The Company does not expect future costs for the business process reengineering component of its global information systems project to be material. YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 Net sales increased 30% in 1996 to $1,551 million from $1,191 million in 1995. Net income for the year increased to $167 million, or $0.42 per share (diluted), as compared to a loss of $18 million, or $0.05 per share, in the prior year. Net income for the year ended December 31, 1996, excluding special charges related to 1996 and 1995 acquisitions, increased 39% to $295 million from $212 million during the year ended December 31, 1995. U.S. revenues increased approximately 20% from 1995 to $924 million in 1996, while international revenues, including export sales, increased approximately 50% from 1995 to $627 million in 1996, or 57% excluding the negative impact of exchange rate movements. International sales as a percentage of worldwide sales increased from 35% in 1995 to 40% in 1996. Worldwide vascular sales increased 29% from 1995 to 1996 and worldwide nonvascular sales during the same periods increased 26%. During 1996, the Company accelerated its forward build and spend programs so as to be in a position to take advantage of the expanded market opportunities. The programs impacted the Company's manufacturing and selling, general and administrative costs. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was approximately 72.4% and 71.2% during 1996 and 1995, respectively. During 1996, the Company's gross margins improved as a result of the Company's U.S. cost containment programs, an increase in the percentage of international sales compared to U.S. sales, and certain benefits of converting from selling through international distributors to direct sales operations. However, the positive impact of these initiatives was offset by the forward spend programs discussed previously, a slight decline in average selling prices due to continuing pressure on healthcare costs and increased competition, and a shift in the Company's product sales mix. In addition, gross margins were negatively impacted by the unfavorable foreign exchange rate movements discussed above. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 32% from $392 million in 1995 to $516 million in 1996, and remained approximately 33% of net sales. The increase reflects continued expansion of the Company's domestic and international sales organizations and related marketing support. Royalty expenses decreased 35% from $26 million in 1995 to $17 million in 1996 and decreased from approximately 2% of net sales to 1% of net sales. The decrease is primarily attributable to a reduction in sales of certain of the Company's PTCA products that are subject to royalties. However, the reduction was partially offset by royalties due under several strategic alliances that the Company initiated in 1996 and prior years. Research and development expenses increased 28% from $106 million in 1995 to $135 million in 1996 and remained approximately 9% of net sales. The increase in dollars reflects increased spending in regulatory, clinical research and various other product development programs, and reflects the Company's continued commitment to refine existing products and procedures and to develop new technologies that provide simpler, less traumatic, less costly and more efficient diagnosis and treatment. Interest and dividend income was $6 million in 1996 as compared to $16 million in 1995. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in the Company's average cash and marketable securities balance resulting from the use of cash to finance several of the Company's strategic alliances and infrastructure build during the second half of 1995 and throughout 1996. Interest expense increased from $10 million in 1995 to $12 million in 1996. The increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to interest on borrowings used principally to finance the acquisitions of Symbiosis and Endotech/MinTec and the Company's stock repurchase program. Other income (expense), net, changed from income of $4 million in 1995 to expense of $5 million in 1996. The change is primarily attributable to net foreign exchange losses recorded in 1996 of $2 million compared to net gains of $8 million recorded in 1995. The Company's effective tax rate was approximately 129% in 1995 and 45% in 1996. The effective tax rates for 1995 and 1996 include the impact of special charges (see discussion following). Excluding these items, the pro forma effective tax rate improved from approximately 37% during 1995 to 34% during 1996. During 1995, the Company reorganized its international legal structure, which has contributed to a reduction in the effective tax rate. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES During 1997, the Company continued to invest in several strategic initiatives and infrastructure in order to take advantage of certain growth opportunities that exist in less invasive medicine. Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments totaled approximately $80 million as of December 31, 1997 compared to $118 million as of December 31, 1996. Working capital was reduced from $335 million at December 31, 1996 to $227 million at December 31, 1997, and cash provided by operating activities decreased from $142 million during 1996 to $80 million during 1997. The decrease in cash and marketable securities is primarily attributable to cash used to repurchase the Company's common stock, capital expenditures incurred to expand the Company's manufacturing and distribution facilities, additional strategic initiatives and payment of merger-related costs. The cash expenditures were par- F-4 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 5 tially offset by proceeds from operating activities and additional borrowings under the Company's financing arrangements. During 1997, accounts receivable increased $44 million as a result of the Company's sales growth and the transition to selling directly to international customers. The Company's bad debt provision may be impacted by its ability to effectively collect receivables due from its international distributors. Inventory increased $155 million during 1997 primarily as a result of stocking the NIR(TM) stent in preparation of the Company's planned 1998 launch in the U.S. and Japan. The remaining increase is a result of inefficiencies in the global supply chain. The Company is committed to purchase approximately $75 million of NIR stents during 1998. The Company expects inventory levels to peak in mid-1998 and then begin to decline as the NIR stent is launched in the U.S. and Japan, and as the Company's new global supply chain becomes fully operational. Successful implementation of the Company's supply chain initiatives is necessary to reduce the Company's inventory to an acceptable level. Although no significant issues have arisen in the past, there can be no assurance that current or future suppliers of the Company's raw materials will be able to continue to meet the quality and quantity demands of the Company at current suppliers' prices. Cash used for investing activities for 1997 was $251 million and was primarily related to property, plant and equipment costs associated with the Company's expansion of manufacturing and distribution capacity. During 1997, net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $162 million and consisted primarily of proceeds from issuance of commercial paper and long-term borrowings and the exercise of stock options partially offset by the acquisition of treasury stock. In connection with its 1995 and 1996 mergers and acquisitions and the Company's initial investment in Medinol, Ltd. (Medinol), the Company recorded merger-related charges of approximately $272 million ($231 million, net-of-tax) and $142 million ($128 million, net-of-tax), respectively. In addition, during 1997, the Company recorded special charges in connection with its acquisitions of approximately $175 million ($135 million, net-of-tax). Estimated costs include purchased research and development ($29 million) and those costs typical in a merging of operations and relate to, among other things, rationalization of facilities, workforce reductions, unwinding of various contractual commitments, asset write-downs and other integration costs. The Company does not expect costs incurred to complete purchased research and development projects to be material. During 1997, cash payments related to these charges were approximately $105 million and estimated cash payments for 1998 are $51 million. The Company is authorized to purchase on the open market up to approximately 40 million shares of the Company's common stock. Purchases will be made at prevailing prices as market conditions and cash availability warrant. Stock repurchased under the Company's systematic plan will be used to satisfy the Company's obligations pursuant to its employee benefit and incentive plans. During 1997, the Company repurchased 7 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $188 million. Prior to 1997, 13 million shares of the Company's common stock were repurchased under the program. Since early 1995, the Company has entered into several transactions involving acquisitions and alliances, certain of which have involved equity investments. As the healthcare environment continues to undergo rapid change, management expects that it will continue focusing on strategic initiatives and/or make additional investments in existing relationships. In addition, the Company expects to incur capital expenditures of approximately $230 million in 1998, including completion of construction of additional manufacturing space and completion of its global information system. The Company's new global information system is Year 2000 compliant. The Company is assessing other programs and products to determine if they are Year 2000 compliant and the Company does not anticipate that additional compliance costs will have a material impact on its business, operations or its financial condition. In October 1997, the Company filed a Public Debt Registration Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Under the Registration Statement, the Company may issue up to $500 million in debt securities in the public market. In February 1998, the Company made an additional filing necessary to issue $500 million of debt securities under the Registration Statement. The Company expects the issuance to move forward and to receive the proceeds of the issuance during March 1998. A significant portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the securities will be used for repayment of indebtedness under the Company's commercial paper program, and the remainder of the net proceeds of this offering will be used principally to fund general corporate purposes. The Company may borrow additional amounts under its revolving credit agreement in the future, and the Company plans to increase its Japanese borrowing facilities used primarily to discount its accounts receivable. The Company expects that its cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, cash flows from operating activities, proceeds from the issuance of the debt securities noted above and borrowing capacity will be sufficient to meet its projected operating cash needs, including integration costs at least through the end of 1998. The Company may need to increase its bank facilities during 1998 if it continues to execute strategic initiatives, although there are no assurances that additional financing can be or will be obtained. MARKET RISK DISCLOSURES The Company's floating and fixed rate debt obligations are subject to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase 100 basis points in 1998, the increase would not result in a material change in the Company's interest expense or the fair value of the Company's debt obligations. A 100 basis point increase would not result in a material increase in interest income or the fair value of the Company's short-term investments. The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge foreign currency transactions on a continuing basis for periods consistent with commitments, generally one to six months. The Company does not engage in speculation. The F-5 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 6 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED) Company's foreign exchange contracts, which amounted to approximately $177 million at December 31, 1997, should not subject the Company to material risk due to exchange rate movements because gains and losses on these contracts should offset losses and gains on the assets and liabilities being hedged. Although the Company engages in hedging transactions that may offset the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, financial exposure may nonetheless result, primarily from the timing of transactions and the movement of exchange rates. The short-term nature of these contracts has resulted in these instruments having insignificant fair market values at December 31, 1997. In addition, unhedged foreign currency balance sheet exposures as of December 31, 1997 are not expected to result in a significant loss of earnings or cash flows. As the Company has expanded its international operations, its sales and expenses denominated in foreign currencies have expanded and that trend is expected to continue. Thus, certain sales and expenses have been, and are expected to be, subject to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations and these fluctuations may have an impact on margins. The Company's sensitivity analysis of the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates does not factor in a potential change in sales levels or local currency selling prices. LITIGATION The Company is involved in various lawsuits, including product liability suits, from time to time in the normal course of business. In management's opinion, the Company is not currently involved in any legal proceeding other than those specifically identified in the notes to the consolidated financial statements which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material effect on the financial condition, operations and cash flows of the Company. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses against claims that it has infringed patents of others. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in any particular case. An adverse outcome in one or more cases in which the Company's products are accused of patent infringement could have a material adverse effect on the Company. During 1997, the Company recorded approximately $34 million of litigation-related reserves to cover costs of defense and settlement, and unfavorable outcomes. The reserves are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Further product liability claims may be asserted in the future relative to events not known to management at the present time. The Company has insurance coverage which management believes is adequate to protect against such product liability losses as could otherwise materially affect the Company's financial position. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 This report contains forward-looking statements. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this statement for the express purpose of availing itself of the protections of the safe harbor with respect to all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this report include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: (a) the Company's forward build and spend programs and its ability to benefit from investments in expansion; (b) the Company's plans to continue to invest in its global systems and worldwide manufacturing and distribution capacity; (c) the potential impacts of continued consolidation among healthcare providers, trends towards managed care, healthcare cost containment, more stringent regulatory requirements and more vigorous enforcement activities; (d) the Company's belief that it is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities for growth that exist in the markets it serves; (e) the Company's continued commitment to refine existing products and procedures and to develop new technologies that provide simpler, less traumatic, less costly and more efficient diagnosis and treatment; (f) the research and development expenditures that will be incurred to complete purchased research and development projects; (g) risks associated with international operations; (h) the process and plan for the integration of businesses acquired by the Company and the successful implementation of the plan; (i) the potential effect of foreign currency fluctuations on revenues, expenses and resulting margins and the trend toward increasing sales and expenses denominated in foreign currencies; (j) the ability of the Company to successfully manage accounts receivable and inventory levels and mix; (k) the ability of the Company to meet its projected cash needs through the end of 1998; (l) the Company's plans for launch of the NIR(TM) stent in the U.S. and Japan; (m) the ability of global information systems to improve supply chain management; (n) costs associated with implementing Year 2000 compliance and business process reengineering; (o) the Company's belief that operating expenses will increase at a faster percentage than net sales during the first half of 1998 and the expectation that the additional investments in infrastructure will enhance the Company's competitive position in the second half of 1998 and beyond; and (p) the ability of additional investments in sales and distribution organizations to enhance the Company's future competitive position. Several important factors, in addition to the specific factors discussed in connection with such forward-looking statements individually, could affect the future results of the Company and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained herein. Such additional factors include, among other things, future economic, competitive and regulatory conditions, demographic trends, financial market conditions and future business decisions of Boston Scientific and its competitors, all of which are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of which are beyond the control of Boston Scientific. Therefore, the Company wishes to caution each reader of this report to consider carefully these factors as well as the specific factors discussed with each forward-looking statement in this report and as disclosed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as such factors, in some cases, have affected, and in the future (together with other factors) could affect, the ability of the Company to implement its business strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements expressed herein. F-6 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 7 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share data) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 1995 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restated Net sales $ 1,830,778 $ 1,551,238 $ 1,190,821 Cost of products sold 545,541 427,838 342,747 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross profit 1,285,237 1,123,400 848,074 Selling, general and administrative expenses 695,045 515,908 391,548 Royalties 22,177 17,061 26,233 Research and development expenses 167,194 134,919 105,788 Purchased research and development 29,475 110,000 67,946 Merger-related charges 145,891 32,341 204,448 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,059,782 810,229 795,963 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating income 225,455 313,171 52,111 Other income (expense): Interest and dividend income 3,706 6,297 16,311 Interest expense (14,285) (11,518) (9,591) Other, net 255 (4,620) 3,847 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting 215,131 303,330 62,678 Income taxes 83,651 136,236 81,097 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting 131,480 167,094 (18,419) Cumulative effect of change in accounting (net-of-tax) (21,080) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) $ 110,400 $ 167,094 $ (18,419) ========================================================================================================== Earnings (loss) per common share - basic: Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting $ 0.34 $ 0.43 $ (0.05) Cumulative effect of change in accounting (0.06) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) per common share - basic $ 0.28 $ 0.43 $ (0.05) ========================================================================================================== Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution: Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting $ 0.33 $ 0.42 $ (0.05) Cumulative effect of change in accounting (0.05) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.28 $ 0.42 $ (0.05) ========================================================================================================== See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-7 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 8 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share and per share data) December 31, 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Restated ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 57,993 $ 72,175 Short-term investments 22,316 45,606 Trade accounts receivable, net 365,463 321,025 Inventories 391,580 236,670 Deferred income taxes 146,956 97,364 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 36,176 43,977 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total current assets 1,020,484 816,817 Property, plant, equipment and leaseholds, net 498,967 362,302 Other assets: Intangibles, net 313,346 319,762 Investments 66,239 55,735 Other assets 25,234 30,429 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ $1,924,270 $1,585,045 ======================================================================== See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-8 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 9 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED) (In thousands, except share and per share data) December 31, 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restated LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Commercial paper $ 423,250 $ 212,500 Bank obligations 23,958 28,056 Accounts payable 98,878 66,877 Accrued expenses 161,236 96,907 Accrual for merger-related charges 68,358 48,144 Income taxes payable 11,436 27,403 Other current liabilities 6,292 1,929 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 793,408 481,816 Long-term debt 46,325 Accrual for merger-related charges 8,283 Deferred income taxes 58,034 59,975 Other long-term liabilities 60,922 48,139 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $ .01 par value - authorized 25,000,000 shares, none issued and outstanding Common stock, $ .01 par value - authorized 300,000,000 shares, 195,611,491 shares issued at December 31, 1997 and at December 31, 1996 1,956 1,956 Additional paid-in capital 432,556 437,074 Contingent stock repurchase obligation 18,295 24,855 Retained earnings 677,608 574,051 Foreign currency translation adjustment (94,279) (37,964) Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net 17,422 18,886 Treasury stock, at cost - 1,800,627 shares at December 31, 1997 and 643,991 shares at December 31, 1996 (96,260) (23,743) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total stockholders' equity 957,298 995,115 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 1,924,270 $ 1,585,045 ============================================================================================= See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-9 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 10 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (In thousands) Unrealized Contingent Foreign Gain On Common Stock Additional Stock Currency Available- Shares Par Paid-In Repurchase Retained Translation For-Sale Restated Issued Value Capital Obligation Earnings Adjustment Securities, Net - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994 194,574 $ 1,945 $ 413,434 $ 437,296 $ (227) $ 13 Net loss (18,419) Foreign currency translation adjustment (14,352) Issuance of common stock 461 5 3,362 (600) Tax benefit relating to incentive stock option and employee stock purchase plans 14,180 Change in fiscal year of a pooled entity (11,456) Net change in equity investments 8,820 Other 76 136 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 195,035 1,950 431,052 406,957 (14,579) 8,833 Net income 167,094 Foreign currency translation adjustment (23,385) Issuance of common stock 576 6 (5,500) Purchase of common stock for treasury Sale of stock repurchase obligation (24,855) $ 24,855 Tax benefit relating to incentive stock option and employee stock purchase plans 36,377 Net change in equity investments 10,053 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 195,611 1,956 437,074 24,855 574,051 (37,964) 18,886 Net income 110,400 Foreign currency translation adjustment (56,315) Issuance of common stock (47,713) (11,758) Purchase of common stock for treasury Sale of stock repurchase obligation (18,295) 18,295 Expiration of stock repurchase obligation 24,855 (24,855) Tax benefit relating to incentive stock option and employee stock purchase plans 36,635 4,915 Net change in equity investments (1,464) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 195,611 $ 1,956 $ 432,556 $ 18,295 $ 677,608 $ (94,279) $ 17,422 ==================================================================================================================================== Treasury Restated Stock Total - --------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1994 $ (58,271) $ 794,190 Net loss (18,419) Foreign currency translation adjustment (14,352) Issuance of common stock 31,975 34,742 Tax benefit relating to incentive stock option and employee stock purchase plans 14,180 Change in fiscal year of a pooled entity (11,456) Net change in equity investments 8,820 Other 212 - --------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995 (26,296) 807,917 Net income 167,094 Foreign currency translation adjustment (23,385) Issuance of common stock 66,385 60,891 Purchase of common stock for treasury (66,355) (66,355) Sale of stock repurchase obligation 2,523 2,523 Tax benefit relating to incentive stock option and employee stock purchase plans 36,377 Net change in equity investments 10,053 - --------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996 (23,743) 995,115 Net income 110,400 Foreign currency translation adjustment (56,315) Issuance of common stock 114,134 54,663 Purchase of common stock for treasury (188,159) (188,159) Sale of stock repurchase obligation 1,508 1,508 Expiration of stock repurchase obligation Tax benefit relating to incentive stock option and employee stock purchase plans 41,550 Net change in equity investments (1,464) - --------------------------------------------------------------- BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 $ (96,260) $ 957,298 =============================================================== See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-10 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 11 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) Year ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Restated OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 110,400 $ 167,094 $ (18,419) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities: Net cash adjustment to conform year end of pooled entity (11,472) Gain on sale of equity investments (10,526) (827) Depreciation and amortization 86,692 66,317 43,396 Deferred income taxes (52,214) (11,749) (8,510) Noncash special charges write-offs 37,104 14,378 15,237 Purchased research and development 29,475 110,000 67,946 Exchange (gain) loss 4,212 2,115 (7,617) Increase (decrease) in cash flows from operating assets and liabilities: Trade account receivables (59,462) (105,370) (71,065) Inventories (179,951) (90,980) (48,493) Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,751 (19,399) 8,844 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 101,378 31,342 12,111 Accrual for merger-related charges 28,489 (60,420) 67,312 Other liabilities (17,075) 32,175 (25,137) Other, net (7,779) 7,303 8,403 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash provided by operating activities 80,494 141,979 32,536 INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of property, plant, and equipment, net (220,097) (145,332) (74,800) Net maturities of held-to-maturity short-term investments 28,555 28,152 5,033 Purchases of available-for-sale securities (7,834) (74,947) (57,737) Sales of available-for-sale securities 5,351 70,260 111,516 Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (18,076) (264,493) (96,792) Payments for investments in certain technologies (39,066) (8,564) (67,351) Other, net 205 (6,379) (2,304) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash used in investing activities (250,962) (401,303) (182,435) FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net increase in commercial paper 210,750 212,500 Proceeds from notes payable and long-term borrowings 52,005 28,191 Net payments on notes payable, capital leases and long-term borrowings (10,929) (27,816) (67,097) Proceeds from issuances of shares of common stock, net-of-tax benefits 96,213 77,642 48,922 Acquisitions of treasury stock, net of proceeds from put options (186,651) (63,832) Other, net 484 762 (107) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash provided by financing activities 161,872 199,256 9,909 Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash (5,586) (2,588) (4,939) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (14,182) (62,656) (144,929) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 72,175 134,831 279,760 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 57,993 $ 72,175 $ 134,831 ========================================================================================== See notes to consolidated financial statements. F-11 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 12 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Note A to Note B) NOTE A -- MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS On February 24, 1995, Boston Scientific Corporation (Boston Scientific or the Company) completed its merger with SCIMED Life Systems, Inc. (SCIMED) in a stock-for-stock transaction. The transaction, which is accounted for as a pooling-of-interests, was effected through the exchange of 3.4152 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange for each SCIMED share held. Approximately 105.4 million shares of common stock were issued in connection with the SCIMED merger. On March 9, 1995, the Company completed its merger with Cardiovascular Imaging Systems, Inc. (CVIS), which is accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. CVIS shareholders received $10.50 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $94 million (or approximately $82 million, net of cash acquired, cash received and to be received from a third party under an agreement, signed in conjunction with the acquisition, to license certain intravascular ultrasound technology). On March 23, 1995, the Company completed the acquisition of Vesica Medical, Inc. (Vesica) which is accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The purchase price is not material to the Company's financial position or results of operations and the acquisition did not have a material pro forma impact on the Company's operations. On November 16, 1995, the Company completed its merger with Meadox Medicals, Inc. (Meadox). To effect the merger, Boston Scientific exchanged approximately 20.4 million shares of the Company's common stock for all the issued and outstanding capital stock of Meadox on a fully-diluted basis in a stock-for-stock, pooling-of-interests transaction. On December 29, 1995, the Company completed its merger with Heart Technology, Inc. (Heart) in a stock-for-stock transaction. The transaction, which is accounted for as a pooling-of-interests, was effected through the exchange of 0.675 shares of the Company's common stock for each Heart share held. Approximately 23.8 million shares of the Company's common stock were issued in connection with the Heart merger. On January 22, 1996, the Company completed its merger with EP Technologies, Inc. (EPT) in a stock-for-stock transaction. The transaction, which is accounted for as a pooling-of-interests, was effected through the exchange of 0.297 shares of the Company's common stock for each EPT share held. Approximately 6.8 million shares of the Company's common stock were issued in conjunction with the EPT merger. On March 14, 1996, the Company acquired Symbiosis Corporation (Symbiosis), formerly a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Home Products Corporation. Boston Scientific purchased Symbiosis for approximately $153 million in a cash transaction. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. On May 3, 1996, Boston Scientific acquired assets from Endotech, Ltd. and MinTec Inc., and certain related companies (Endotech/MinTec). The Company purchased Endotech/MinTec's assets for approximately $72 million in a cash transaction accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. On April 8, 1997, the Company completed its merger with Target Therapeutics, Inc. (Target) in a tax-free, stock-for-stock transaction accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. In conjunction with this merger, Target's stockholders received 1.07 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange for each share of Target common stock. Approximately 33 million shares of the Company's common stock were issued in connection with the Target merger. NOTE B -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF PRESENTATION: On November 3, 1998, the Company announced it had detected the occurrence of business irregularities in the operations of its Japanese subsidiary. As a result, the Company has restated its 1997 results which allows for more accurate period to period comparisons. The restatement resulted in a decrease in revenues from $1,872 million, previously reported, to $1,831 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Net income decreased from $139 million, previously reported, to $110 million for the same period. In addition, all historical share and per share amounts have been restated to reflect the Company's 1998 two-for-one stock split except for share amounts presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity which reflect the actual share amounts outstanding for each period presented. Financial statement information and related disclosures reflect, where appropriate, changes as a result of the restatement. Unless otherwise stated, information is presented as of the original filing date, and has not been updated. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, substantially all of which are wholly-owned, and include the results of SCIMED, Meadox, Heart, EPT and Target accounted for as poolings-of-interests, for all periods presented. The statements also include the results of CVIS, beginning in March 1995, the results of Symbiosis, beginning in March 1996 and the results of Endotech/MinTec, beginning in May 1996. Investments in affiliates, representing 20% to 50% of the ownership of such companies, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments in affiliates, representing less than 20% of the ownership of such companies, are accounted for under the cost method. ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. FISCAL YEAR: The Company has a fiscal year ending on December 31. In connection with the SCIMED merger, effective January 1, 1995, SCIMED changed its fiscal year end from the last day of February to December 31. As a result of the change in SCIMED's fiscal year, the operations for the period January 1, 1995 through February 28, 1995 have been included in the results of operations of Boston Scientific both for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994. Summarized results of SCIMED's operations for this two-month period are: Net sales: $55 million; Gross margin: $42 million; Operating income: $18 million; Net income: $11 million. TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCY: All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated at the rate of exchange at year end while sales and expenses are translated at the average rates in effect during the year. The net effect of these translation adjustments is shown in the accompanying financial statements as a component of stockholders' equity. F-12 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 13 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS: Short-term investments are recorded at fair value, which approximates cost. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK: Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of temporary cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company invests its excess cash primarily in high quality securities and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution. The Company's investment policy limits exposure to concentration of credit risk and changes in market conditions. The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, primarily to hospitals, private and governmental institutions and healthcare agencies and doctors' offices. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for potential credit losses which, when realized, have been within the range of management's expectations. INVENTORIES: Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market. PROPERTY, PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLDS: Property, plant, equipment and leaseholds are stated at historical cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense; betterments are capitalized. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization by the straight-line method at rates which are intended to depreciate and amortize the cost of these assets over their estimated useful lives. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over a 15- to 40-year life; equipment, furniture and fixtures are depreciated over a 2- to 7-year life. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the lease. The Company capitalizes interest incurred on funds used to construct property, plant and equipment. Interest capitalized during 1997 was $5 million. The Company receives grant money equal to a percentage of expenditures on eligible capital equipment which is recorded as deferred income and recognized ratably over the life of the underlying assets. The grant money would be repayable, in whole or in part, should the Company fail to meet certain employment goals. INTANGIBLE ASSETS: Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the following lives: Patents and trademarks (3-20 years); Licenses (2-20 years); Purchased technologies (3-20 years); Excess of cost over net assets acquired (15-40 years); Other intangibles (Various). The Company examines the carrying value of its goodwill and other long-lived intangible assets to determine whether there are any impairment losses. If indicators of impairment were present in long-lived intangible assets used in operations, and future cash flows were not sufficient to recover the assets' carrying amount, an impairment loss would be charged to expense in the period identified. No event has been identified that would impair the value of material long-lived intangible assets recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. INCOME TAXES: The Company utilizes the liability method for accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Taxes are not provided on unremitted earnings of subsidiaries outside the United States (U.S.) where such earnings are permanently reinvested. At December 31, 1997, unremitted earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries were $311 million. When these earnings are distributed in the form of dividends or otherwise, the Company will be subject to both U.S. income taxes and foreign withholding taxes less an adjustment for applicable foreign tax credits. It is not practical to estimate the amount of taxes payable on these foreign earnings. Research and development tax credits are recorded as a reduction in income tax expense in the year realized. FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS: The Company enters into forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge foreign currency transactions on a continuing basis for periods consistent with commitments. The Company does not engage in speculation. The Company's foreign exchange contracts, which amounted to $177 million at December 31, 1997 and which were immaterial at December 31, 1996, do not subject the Company to material balance sheet risk due to exchange rate movements because gains and losses on these contracts offset losses and gains on the assets and liabilities being hedged. During 1997 and 1996, net foreign currency transaction and translation net gains (losses) that are reflected as Other Income (Expense) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations totaled approximately $4 million and $2 million, respectively, of net foreign exchange losses compared to $8 million of net foreign exchange gains in 1995. Although the Company engages in hedging transactions that may offset the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities, financial exposure may nonetheless result, primarily from the timing of transactions and the movement of exchange rates. Further, any significant changes in the political, regulatory or economic environment where the Company conducts international operations may have a material impact on revenues and profits. REVENUE RECOGNITION: The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of its products when the products are shipped to its customers. The Company allows its customers to return certain products for credit. The Company also allows customers to return defective or damaged products for credit or replacement. Returned merchandise will be accepted only with written authorization from the Company. Accruals are made and evaluated for adequacy on a monthly basis for all returns. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. F-13 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 14 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Note B continued to Note E) STOCK COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS: The Company accounts for its stock compensation arrangements under the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and intends to continue to do so. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting and Disclosure of Stock-Based Compensation". ACCOUNTING CHANGE: The Company has implemented Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 97-13 "Accounting for Costs Incurred in Connection with a Consulting Contract or an Internal Project that Combines Business Process Reengineering and Information Technology Transformation," the effect of which ($31 million or $21 million, net-of-tax) is reflected as a cumulative change in accounting. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS: The Company has not yet adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" both of which will require adoption in 1998. The Company is in the process of determining the effect of adoption of these statements on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE: In 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share". Statement 128 replaced the calculation of primary and fully diluted earnings per share with basic and diluted earnings per share. Unlike primary earnings per share, basic earnings per share excludes any dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share is very similar to the Company's previously reported primary earnings per share. All earnings per share amounts for all periods presented have been restated to conform to the Statement 128 requirements. RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain prior years' amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current years' presentation. NOTE C -- CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS Cash, cash equivalents, and investments, stated at fair market value, consisted of the following: Fair Gross Gross Market Unrealized Unrealized Amortized (In thousands) Value Gains Losses Cost - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DECEMBER 31, 1997 AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE: Cash and money market accounts $ 57,993 $57,993 Equity securities (with a readily determinable fair value) 47,828 $31,079 $ 2,090 18,839 Corporate obligations: Within one year 828 828 U.S. debt securities: Within one year 15,779 15,779 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $122,428 $31,079 $ 2,090 $93,439 ===================================================================================================================== DECEMBER 31, 1996 AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE: Cash and money market accounts $ 60,426 $60,426 Equity securities (with a readily determinable fair value) 45,966 $31,580 $ 1,808 16,194 Corporate obligations: Within one year 3,997 3,997 U.S. debt securities: Within one year 9,765 9,765 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $120,154 $31,580 $ 1,808 $90,382 ===================================================================================================================== HELD-TO-MATURITY: Corporate obligations: Within one year $ 11,843 $11,843 U.S. debt securities: Within one year 28,461 28,461 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 40,304 $40,304 ===================================================================================================================== The Company has no trading securities. Unrealized gains and temporary losses for available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported, net-of-tax, as a separate component of stockholders' equity until realized. The cost of available-for-sale securities is based on the specific identification method. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company had investments totaling $24 million and $13 million, respectively, in which the fair market value was not readily determinable. F-14 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 15 NOTE D -- OTHER BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION Components of other selected captions in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31 consisted of: (In thousands) 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Accounts receivable $395,942 $335,875 Less allowances 30,479 14,850 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $365,463 $321,025 ================================================================================ INVENTORIES Finished goods $209,506 $130,696 Work-in-process 45,683 45,293 Raw materials 136,391 60,681 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $391,580 $236,670 ================================================================================ DEPRECIABLE ASSETS AND LEASEHOLDS Land $ 45,213 $ 32,573 Buildings and improvements 247,873 175,473 Equipment, furniture and fixtures 354,344 280,780 Leasehold improvements 59,085 40,901 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 706,515 529,727 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 207,548 167,425 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $498,967 $362,302 ================================================================================ INTANGIBLE ASSETS Patents and trademarks $129,610 $121,149 Licenses 58,040 47,924 Purchased technologies 89,004 82,850 Excess of cost over net assets acquired 115,638 120,673 Other intangibles 13,768 13,547 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 406,060 386,143 Less accumulated amortization 92,714 66,381 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $313,346 $319,762 ================================================================================ ACCRUED EXPENSES Payroll and related liabilities $ 40,547 $ 41,920 Other 120,689 54,987 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $161,236 $ 96,907 ================================================================================ NOTE E -- CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company's borrowings at December 31 consisted of: (In thousands) 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------- Commercial paper $423,250 $212,500 Bank obligations - short-term 23,958 28,056 Long-term debt 46,325 At December 31, 1997, the Company had a $500 million revolving line of credit with a syndicate of U.S. and international banks (the Credit Agreement). Under the Credit Agreement, the Company has the option to borrow amounts at various interest rates, payable quarterly in arrears. The terms of the Credit Agreement extend to 2002. Use of the borrowings is unrestricted and the borrowings are unsecured. The Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain a specific ratio of consolidated funded debt (as defined) to consolidated tangible net worth (as defined) plus consolidated funded debt. At December 31, 1997, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. The Company maintains a commercial paper program that is supported by the Company's Credit Agreement. Outstanding commercial paper reduces available borrowings under the Credit Agreement. At December 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $423 million in commercial paper outstanding with interest rates ranging from 5.84% to 7.35%, compared to $213 million outstanding with interest rates ranging from 5.55% to 6.03% at December 31, 1996. In October 1997, the Company filed a Public Debt Registration Statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. During the first quarter of 1998, the Company plans to issue up to $500 million in debt securities under this Registration Statement. A significant portion of the proceeds from the public offering will be used to repay the Company's borrowings under its commercial paper program. The Company has uncommitted credit facilities with several Japanese banks that provide for borrowings and promissory notes discounting of up to 10.5 billion yen, or approximately $81 million. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, borrowings F-15 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 16 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Note E continued to Note H) outstanding under these credit facilities were 2.7 billion yen (approximately $21 million at December 31, 1997) and were borrowed at rates of approximately 1%. During 1997, approximately $194 million of receivables were discounted through promissory notes compared to $130 million during 1996. At December 31, 1997, approximately $50 million of receivables were discounted at average interest rates of approximately 1.6%; thus, the net availability under these credit lines was $10 million. During July 1997, the Company borrowed 6 billion yen (approximately $46 million at December 31, 1997) under a fixed interest rate (2.22%) financing arrangement with a syndicate of Japanese banks. The borrowings are payable in 2002. Interest paid, including interest paid under capital leases and mortgage loans, but excluding interest paid on a patent litigation judgment (in 1995), amounted to $19 million in 1997, $13 million in 1996, and $6 million in 1995. NOTE F -- LEASES Rent expense amounted to $37 million in 1997, $22 million in 1996 and $15 million in 1995. These amounts include rent expense paid to related parties of $1 million during each of 1997, 1996 and 1995. Future minimum rental commitments as of December 31, 1997 under noncancelable capital and operating lease agreements are as follows: Year Ending December 31, - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capital Operating (In thousands) Leases Leases - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 $ 4,139 $ 28,490 1999 1,306 25,553 2000 1,159 16,860 2001 1,156 9,123 2002 1,174 7,931 Thereafter 7,445 53,289 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total minimum lease payments 16,379 $141,246 ================================================================================ Amount representing interest 5,954 - ------------------------------------------------------------- Present value of minimum lease payments $10,425 ============================================================= NOTE G -- FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments. However, considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the 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. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents are valued at cost which approximates their fair value. INVESTMENTS: The fair values for marketable debt and equity securities are based on quoted market prices when readily determinable. COMMERCIAL PAPER AND BANK OBLIGATIONS: The carrying amounts of the Company's borrowings under its commercial paper program and its financing agreements approximate their fair value. FORWARD FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONTRACTS: The fair values of the Company's forward foreign exchange contracts, which amounted to $177 million at December 31, 1997 and which were immaterial at December 31, 1996, are based on quoted market prices of comparable contracts. The carrying amounts and fair values of the Company's financial instruments at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are as follows: 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (In thousands) Amount Value Amount Value - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets: Cash, cash equivalents, and investments $122,428 $122,428 $160,458 $160,458 Liabilities: Commercial paper 423,250 423,250 212,500 212,500 Bank obligations - short-term 23,958 23,958 28,056 28,056 Long-term debt 46,325 47,255 F-16 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 17 NOTE H-INCOME TAXES Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting consisted of: Year Ended December 31, - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands) 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Domestic $178,381 $253,239 $ 75,448 Foreign 36,750 50,091 (12,770) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $215,131 $303,330 $ 62,678 ================================================================================ The related provision for income taxes consisted of: Year Ended December 31, - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands) 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current: Federal $ 97,237 $ 116,191 $ 67,617 State 14,567 9,108 6,615 Foreign 16,614 22,686 15,375 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 128,418 147,985 89,607 ================================================================================ Deferred: Federal (30,123) 4,175 3,759 State (5,648) 522 606 Foreign (8,996) (16,446) (12,875) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (44,767) (11,749) (8,510) ================================================================================ $ 83,651 $ 136,236 $ 81,097 ================================================================================ The reconciliation of taxes on income at the federal statutory rate to the actual provision for income taxes is: Year Ended December 31, - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands) 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tax at statutory rate $ 75,296 $ 106,166 $ 21,938 State income taxes, net of federal benefit 7,760 8,778 4,706 Effect of foreign taxes (9,981) 3,641 1,925 Non-deductible merger-related expenses and purchased research and development 14,957 19,902 53,510 Other, net (4,381) (2,251) (982) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 83,651 $ 136,236 $ 81,097 ================================================================================ F-17 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 18 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Note H continued to Note J) Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 consisted of: (In thousands) 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax assets: Inventory costs $ 26,170 $ 8,890 Deferred intercompany sales 70,057 59,357 Tax benefit of net operating loss and tax credits 28,808 26,359 Reserves and accruals 16,317 11,520 Litigation-related reserves 15,518 839 Reengineering costs 7,447 Merger-related charges 28,742 26,069 Other 19,894 12,391 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax assets 212,953 145,425 Less valuation allowance on deferred tax assets 23,250 24,050 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 189,703 $ 121,375 ================================================================================ Deferred tax liabilities: Tax over book depreciation $ (26,542) $ (42,459) Unremitted earnings of subsidiaries (52,104) (26,921) Capitalized expenses (9,192) (1,396) Other (1,376) (2,324) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deferred tax liabilities (89,214) (73,100) ================================================================================ Deferred SFAS No. 115 adjustment (11,567) (10,886) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 88,922 $ 37,389 ================================================================================ At December 31, 1997, the Company had U.S. tax net operating loss carryforwards and research and development tax credits of approximately $17 million that will expire periodically beginning in the year 2002. In addition, the Company had foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $12 million that will expire periodically beginning in the year 2000. The Company established a valuation allowance of $23 million for these carryforwards primarily attributable to the carryforwards acquired as part of the Company's 1995, 1996 and 1997 mergers and acquisitions. Income taxes paid amounted to $89 million in 1997, $85 million in 1996 and $83 million in 1995. NOTE I -- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY PREFERRED STOCK: The Company is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, option or other rights thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption terms, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series, without any further vote or action by the Company's stockholders. At December 31, 1997, the Company had no shares of preferred stock outstanding. COMMON STOCK: The Company is authorized to issue shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and if declared by the Board of Directors and to share ratably in the assets of the Company legally available for distribution to its stockholders in the event of liquidation. Holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The holders of common stock do not have cumulative voting rights. The holders of a majority of the shares of common stock can elect all of the Directors and can control the management and affairs of the Company. The Company is authorized to purchase on the open market up to approximately 40 million shares of the Company's common stock. Purchases will be made at prevailing prices as market conditions and cash availability warrant. Stock repurchased under the Company's systematic plan will be used to satisfy its obligations pursuant to employee benefit and incentive plans. During 1997, the Company repurchased approximately F-18 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 19 7 million shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $188 million. Prior to 1997, a total of 13 million shares of the Company's common stock was repurchased under the program. As part of the stock repurchase program, the Company has been selling European equity put options to an independent broker-dealer. Each option, if exercised, obligates the Company to purchase from the broker-dealer a specified number of shares of the Company's common stock at a predetermined exercise price. The put options are exercisable only on the first anniversary of the date the options were sold. Proceeds are recorded as a reduction to the cost of the Company's treasury stock. During 1996, the Company sold European put options for 1.2 million shares and received proceeds of approximately $3 million. The put options for these 1.2 million shares expired during 1997. During 1997, the Company sold put options for 658,000 shares and received proceeds of approximately $2 million. Repurchase prices relating to put options outstanding at December 31, 1997 range from $27.50 per share to $28.00 per share. The Company's contingent obligation to repurchase shares upon exercise of the outstanding put options approximated $18 million at December 31, 1997. NOTE J -- STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS EMPLOYEE AND DIRECTOR STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS Boston Scientific's 1992 and 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plans provide for the issuance of up to 40 million shares of common stock. The terms of these two plans are similar. The plans cover officers, employees and consultants of and to the Company and provide for the grant of various incentives, including qualified and non-qualified options, stock grants, share appreciation rights and performance awards. Options granted to purchase shares of common stock are either immediately exercisable or exercisable in installments as determined by an appointed committee consisting of two or more non-employee directors (Committee), and, in the case of any qualified options, expire within ten years from date of grant. In the case of qualified options, if an employee owns more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock, the option granted will be at 110% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant, and will expire over a period not to exceed five years. The Committee may also make stock grants in which shares of common stock may be issued to officers, employees and consultants at a purchase price less than fair market value. The terms and conditions of such issuances, including whether achievement of individual or Company performance targets is required for the retention of such awards, are determined by the Committee. The Committee may also issue shares of common stock and/or authorize cash awards under the incentive plans in recognition of the achievement of long-term performance objectives established by the Committee. Stock grants for 15,000 shares, 2,000 shares and 58,000 shares were issued to employees during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Boston Scientific's 1992 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan provides for the issuance of up to 200,000 shares of common stock and authorizes the automatic grant to outside directors of options to acquire 4,000 shares of common stock generally on the date of each annual meeting of the Stockholders of the Company. Options under this plan are exercisable ratably over a three-year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. Shares reserved for future issuance under all of the Company's plans totaled approximately 48 million at December 31, 1997. If the Company had elected to recognize compensation expense for the granting of options under the aforementioned stock option plans based on the fair values at the grant dates consistent with the methodology prescribed by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", net income and earnings per share would have been reported as the following pro forma amounts: (In thousands, Year Ended December 31, except per share data) 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income (loss) As reported $ 110,400 $ 167,094 $ (18,419) Pro forma 82,974 151,820 (24,901) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings (loss) per common share - assuming dilution As reported $ 0.28 $ 0.42 $ (0.05) Pro forma 0.21 0.38 (0.07) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during 1997, 1996 and 1995, calculated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model, is $9.08, $7.21 and $5.06, respectively. The fair value of the stock options used to calculate the pro forma net income and earnings per share amounts above is estimated using the Black-Scholes options pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dividend yield 0% 0% 0% Expected volatility 35.90% 37.70% 37.70% Risk-free interest rate 6.42% 6.12% 5.93% Actual forfeitures 1,340,000 682,000 284,000 Expected life 4.0 3.7 4.0 The effects of expensing the estimated fair value of stock options on 1997, 1996 and 1995 pro forma amounts are not necessarily representative of the effects on reporting the results of operations for future years as the periods presented include only one, two and three years of option grants under the Company's plans. F-19 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 20 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note J continued to Note L) Information related to stock options at December 31 under the aforementioned stock ownership plans is as follows: 1997 1996 1995 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted Weighted Weighted Average Average Average Exercise Exercise Exercise (Option amounts in thousands) Options Price Options Price Options Price - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at January 1 29,078 $ 11.42 29,398 $ 8.28 27,124 $ 5.84 Granted 10,716 24.70 6,654 20.52 8,860 13.85 Exercised (5,106) 8.98 (5,948) 6.23 (5,354) 5.42 Canceled (1,482) 18.58 (1,026) 10.36 (1,232) 7.08 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding at December 31 33,206 15.76 29,078 11.42 29,398 8.28 ======================================================================================================= Exercisable at December 31 12,230 $ 9.08 10,784 $ 7.93 11,946 $ 6.76 ======================================================================================================= Below is additional information related to stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 1997: Stock Options Stock Options (Option amounts in thousands) Outstanding Exercisable - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average Average Contractual Exercise Exercise Range of Exercise Prices Options Life Price Options Price - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $00.00- 7.50 8,802 5.62 $ 5.38 6,288 $ 5.29 $ 7.51-15.00 8,480 5.95 12.23 4,614 10.93 $15.01-22.50 5,770 8.50 20.30 1,212 19.94 $22.51-30.00 9,826 9.33 24.84 90 26.00 $30.01-37.50 328 9.33 33.50 26 31.22 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33,206 7.34 $15.76 12,230 $ 9.08 ================================================================================= STOCK PURCHASE PLAN Boston Scientific's 1992 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Stock Purchase Plan) provides for the granting of options to purchase up to 3 million shares of the Company's common stock to all eligible employees. Under the Stock Purchase Plan, each eligible employee is granted, at the beginning of each period designated by the Committee as an offering period, an option to purchase a number of shares equal to not more than 10% of the employee's eligible compensation divided by 85% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock as of the beginning of that offering period. Such options may be exercised only to the extent of accumulated payroll deductions at the end of the offering period, at a purchase price equal to 85% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the beginning or end of each offering period, whichever is less. During 1997, approximately 240,000 shares were issued at prices ranging from $23.45 to $24.33 per share. During 1996, approximately 240,000 shares were issued at prices ranging from $18.06 to $19.71 per share, and, during 1995, approximately 266,000 shares were issued at prices ranging from $6.80 to $10.73 per share. At December 31, 1997, there were approximately 1,940,000 shares available for future issuance. F-20 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 21 NOTE K -- EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share: Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (In thousands, except per share data) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BASIC: Net income (loss) $110,400 $167,094 $ (18,419) ================================================================================ Weighted average shares outstanding 389,146 387,018 381,574 ================================================================================ Net income (loss) per common share $ 0.28 $ 0.43 $ (0.05) ================================================================================ ASSUMING DILUTION: Net income (loss) $110,400 $167,094 $ (18,419) ================================================================================ Weighted average shares outstanding 389,146 387,018 381,574 Net effect of dilutive put options 28 Net effect of dilutive stock options 10,602 11,688 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 399,776 398,706 381,574 ================================================================================ Net income (loss) per common share $ 0.28 $ 0.42 $ (0.05) ================================================================================ At December 31, 1997, approximately 10 million stock options were not included in the diluted computation of earnings per share because they would have been antidilutive. NOTE L -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Beginning in 1993, Schneider (Europe) AG and Schneider (USA) Inc., subsidiaries of Pfizer, Inc., alleged that the Company's Synergy (TM) products infringe one of their patents. On May 13, 1994, the Company filed a lawsuit against them in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts seeking a declaratory judgment that this patent is invalid and that the Company's Synergy products do not infringe the patent. The Company subsequently amended its complaint to seek a declaratory judgment that the patent is unenforceable. The Schneider companies filed counterclaims against the Company, alleging the Company's willful infringement of the patent and seeking monetary and injunctive relief. In October 1997, the District Court granted the Company's motion for summary judgment on noninfringement, and ruled that the Company cannot litigate the issues of validity and enforceability, which had previously been litigated by SCIMED Life Systems, Inc. (SCIMED), the Company's subsidiary. Both parties have filed notices of appeal. The Company ceased marketing its Synergy catheters in August 1996. On May 31, 1994, SCIMED filed a suit for patent infringement against Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (ACS), alleging willful infringement of two of SCIMED's U.S. patents by ACS's FLOWTRACK-40 (TM) and RX ELIPSE (TM) PTCA catheters. On November 17, 1995, SCIMED filed a suit for patent infringement against ACS, alleging willful infringement of three of SCIMED's U.S. patents by the ACS RX LIFESTREAM (TM) PTCA catheter. Both suits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking monetary and injunctive relief. The cases were sent to consolidated arbitration for a threshold determination of one issue covered by the November 27, 1991 settlement agreement between the parties. On March 14, 1997, the arbitration panel reached a final determination in the consolidated arbitration. Pursuant to this determination, the Company is continuing its action as to the ELIPSE product and has dismissed the actions as to the FLOWTRACK and LIFESTREAM products. ACS has answered, denying the allegations of the complaint. In January 1998, the Company moved to add the ACS RX MULTILINK (TM) (stent delivery system) to its complaint. Trial is scheduled to begin in late 1998 or early 1999. SCIMED has also accused ACS's RX MULTILINK HP (TM) stent delivery system and ACS's RX ROCKET (TM) and RX COMET (TM) PTCA catheters of infringing several SCIMED patents. These claims, as well, are subject to arbitration relating to a threshold determination under the November 27, 1991 settlement agreement. The hearing in the combined arbitration on these products is scheduled to begin on May 11, 1998. If SCIMED is successful in the arbitration, it intends immediately to commence patent infringement litigation to enforce its rights under the relevant patents against ACS. On October 10, 1995, ACS filed a suit for patent infringement against SCIMED, alleging willful infringement of four U.S. patents licensed to ACS by SCIMED'S EXPRESS PLUS (TM) and EXPRESS PLUS II (TM) PTCA catheters. Suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and seeks monetary and injunctive relief. SCIMED has answered, denying the allegations of the complaint. Trial is scheduled to begin in November 1998. On March 12, 1996, ACS filed two suits for patent infringement against SCIMED, alleging in one case the willful infringement of a U.S. patent by SCIMED's EXPRESS PLUS, EXPRESS PLUS II and LEAP (TM) EXPRESS PLUS PTCA catheters, and in the other case the willful infringement of a U.S. patent by SCIMED's BANDIT (TM) PTCA catheter. The suits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and seek monetary and injunctive relief. SCIMED has answered, denying the allegations of the complaint. Trial is scheduled to begin in November 1998 as to the EXPRESS PLUS products and January 1999 as to the BANDIT product. On December 15, 1995, the Company and SCIMED filed a suit for restraint of trade, unfair competition and conspiracy to monopolize against ACS and the Schneider companies, alleging certain violations of state and federal antitrust laws aris- F-21 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 22 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Note L continued) ing from the improper prosecution, enforcement and cross-licensing of U.S. patents relating to rapid exchange balloon dilatation angioplasty catheters. Suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and seeks monetary, declaratory and injunctive relief. In October 1997, the court granted the defendants' motion to dismiss. The Company has filed a notice of appeal. On September 16, 1997, ACS filed a suit for patent infringement against the Company and SCIMED, alleging that SCIMED's REBEL(TM) PTCA catheter infringes two U.S. patents licensed to ACS and one U.S. patent owned by ACS. Suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief and that the patents be adjudged valid, enforceable and infringed. The Company and SCIMED have answered, denying the allegations in the complaint. On November 9, 1994, Target Therapeutics, Inc. (Target) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that SCIMED's VENTURE(R) and VENTURE II(TM) microcatheters and Cordis Corporation's (Cordis) TRANSIT(R) and RAPIDTRANSIT(TM) microcatheters infringe a patent assigned to Target. On May 2, 1996, the District Court entered an order granting a preliminary injunction to Target prohibiting SCIMED and Cordis from marketing or selling the accused products. On July 1, 1996, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit stayed the preliminary injunction pending a decision on SCIMED's appeal of the District Court's order. Upon the recent merger between the Company and Target, the lawsuit was dismissed as to the Company. Subsequently, the Court of Appeals vacated the preliminary injunction. The lawsuit was dismissed as to Cordis pursuant to a Settlement Agreement signed January 9, 1998. On October 3, 1995, Cordis Endovascular, Inc. and Cordis filed a suit alleging patent infringement against Target Therapeutics, Inc. (Target) alleging that Target's DASHER(R) guidewires, FASGUIDE(R) catheters and TRACKER(R) and FASTRACKER(R) guide microcatheters infringe three patents owned by Cordis. The lawsuit was dismissed pursuant to a Settlement Agreement signed January 9, 1998. On April 5, 1995, C.R. Bard, Inc. (Bard) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that certain Company products, including the Company's MaxForce TTS(TM) catheter, infringe a patent assigned to Bard. The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment that the Company has infringed the Bard patent, preliminary and permanent injunctions enjoining the manufacture, use or sale of the MaxForce TTS catheter or any other infringing product, monetary damages and expenses. After a jury trial in June 1997, the jury returned a verdict finding that the Company infringed the Bard patent and awarded damages to Bard in the amount of $10.8 million. No judgment has been entered pending trial on the Company's claim that the patent was obtained by inequitable conduct. The Company intends to appeal any judgment entered on the jury verdict. The Company no longer markets the accused devices. On February 28, 1997, C.R. Bard, Inc. (Bard) filed a suit for patent infringement against SCIMED alleging that SCIMED's WAVE(TM) and SURPASS(TM) catheters are infringing a patent assigned to Bard. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey seeking monetary and injunctive relief. The lawsuit was dismissed pursuant to a Settlement Agreement signed December 4, 1997. On March 7, 1996, Cook, Inc. (Cook) filed suit in the Regional Court, Munich Division for Patent Disputes, in Munich, Germany against MinTec, Inc. Minimally Invasive Technologies alleging that the Cragg EndoPro(TM) System I and Stentor(TM) endovascular device infringe a certain Cook patent. Since the purchase of the assets of the Endotech/MinTec companies by the Company, the Company has assumed control of the litigation. The defendant answered, denying the allegations. The court has requested that an expert be named to provide the court technical advice, and the parties have submitted suggestions; an expert has not yet been chosen. On March 25, 1996, Cordis filed a suit for patent infringement against SCIMED, alleging the infringement of five U.S. patents by SCIMED's LEAP(TM) balloon material, used in certain SCIMED catheter products, including SCIMED's BANDIT and EXPRESS PLUS catheters. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota and seeks monetary and injunctive relief. SCIMED has answered, denying the allegations of the complaint. Trial is scheduled for June 1998. On March 13, 1997, the Company (through its subsidiaries) filed suits in The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and on March 17, 1997 filed suit in France, seeking a declaration of noninfringement for the Company's LEAP balloon in relation to a European patent owned by Cordis. The United Kingdom suit has been dismissed for lack of controversy and the Netherlands suit has been withdrawn. A decision in the suit in France is expected late in 1998. On July 18, 1997, Cordis filed a cross border suit in The Netherlands against various subsidiaries of the Company, alleging that the LEAP balloon infringes one of Cordis' European patents. In this action, Cordis requested expedited relief, including an injunction, covering The Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy. The court posed certain questions to the European Patent Office (EPO). A response is expected in April 1998. The Company appealed the court's decision to present questions to the EPO. A hearing on the appeal is set for June 16, 1998. On March 27, 1997, SCIMED filed suit for patent infringement against Cordis alleging willful infringement of several SCIMED U.S. patents by Cordis' TRACKSTAR 14(TM), TRACKSTAR 18(TM), OLYMPIX(TM), POWERGRIP(TM), SLEEK(TM), SLEUTH(TM), THOR(TM), TITAN(TM) and VALOR(TM) catheters. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the F-22 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 23 District of Minnesota, Fourth District, seeking monetary and injunctive relief. The parties have agreed to add Cordis' CHARGER(TM) and HELIX(TM) catheters to the suit. Cordis has answered, denying the allegations of the complaint. Trial is scheduled for November 1998. On December 13, 1996, the Superior Court of the State of Arizona granted the motion of Impra, Inc. (Impra) to add the Company as an additional defendant in Impra's case against Endomed, Inc. (Endomed). Impra (now a subsidiary of C.R. Bard, Inc.) alleges that Endomed misappropriated certain Impra trade secrets and that the Company acted in concert with Endomed to utilize the technology. On the same date, Endomed and the Company were preliminarily enjoined, among other things, from any further use or disclosure of the technology. The Company has answered, denying the allegations of the complaint. Trial is scheduled to begin in April 1998. On March 13, 1997, the Company (through its subsidiaries) filed suits against Johnson & Johnson Company (Johnson & Johnson) (through its subsidiaries) in The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Belgium, and on March 17, 1997 filed suit in France, seeking a declaration of noninfringement for the NIR(TM) stent relative to two European patents licensed to Ethicon, Inc. (Ethicon), a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, as well as a declaration of invalidity with respect to those patents. Trial begins in the United Kingdom on March 23, 1998. On March 18, 1997, the Company (through its subsidiary) filed a similar suit in Germany, but seeking only a declaration of noninfringement for the NIR stent relative to the two patents. On March 20, 21 and 22, 1997, the Company (through its subsidiaries) filed additional suits against Johnson & Johnson (through its subsidiaries) in Sweden, Italy and Spain, respectively, seeking a declaration of noninfringement for the NIR stent relative to one of the European patents licensed to Ethicon and a declaration of invalidity in relation to that patent (in Italy and Spain only). Ethicon and other Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries filed a cross-border suit in The Netherlands on March 17, 1997, alleging that the NIR stent infringes one of the European patents licensed to Ethicon. In this action, the Johnson & Johnson entities requested relief, including provisional relief (a preliminary injunction), covering Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The Johnson & Johnson entities thereafter filed a similar cross-border proceeding in The Netherlands with respect to the second European patent licensed to Ethicon. Johnson & Johnson subsequently withdrew its request for cross-border relief in the United Kingdom. In October 1997, Johnson & Johnson's request for provisional cross-border relief on both patents was denied by the Dutch court, on the ground that it is "very likely" that the NIR stent will be found not to infringe the patents. Johnson & Johnson has appealed this decision with respect to one of the patents. A hearing on Johnson & Johnson's appeal of the denial of relief is expected to be held on March 10, 1998; a hearing on the merits is expected late in 1998. On May 6, 1997, Ethicon Endosurgery, Inc. sued the Company in Dusseldorf, Germany, alleging that its NIR stent infringes one of Ethicon's patents. A hearing is scheduled for June 19, 1998. On March 13, 1997, the Company filed a Motion to Intervene in Johnson & Johnson Interventional Systems Co. et al. v. Cook, Incorporated et al., an action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. The motion seeks intervention for the purpose of modifying the present protective order to direct the Clerk of Court to retain, and the parties and their counsel not to destroy, materials and testimony assembled in that action. By agreement, the Company is receiving access to the documents and materials. On June 16, 1997, the Company and SCIMED filed a suit against Johnson & Johnson and related entities in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts seeking a declaratory judgment of noninfringement for the NIR stent relative to two patents licensed to Johnson & Johnson and that the two patents are invalid and unenforceable. The Company subsequently amended its complaint to add a third patent. In October 1997, Johnson & Johnson's motion to dismiss the suit was denied. Johnson & Johnson has answered, denying the allegations of the complaint, and counterclaiming for patent infringement. This action has been consolidated with the Delaware action described below. On August 22, 1997, Johnson & Johnson filed a suit for patent infringement against the Company alleging that the sale of the NIR stent infringes certain Canadian patents owned by Johnson & Johnson. Suit was filed in the federal court of Canada seeking a declaration of infringement, monetary damages and injunctive relief. The Company has answered, denying allegations of the complaint. On October 22, 1997, Cordis filed a suit for patent infringement against the Company and SCIMED alleging that the importation and use of the NIR stent infringes two patents owned by Cordis. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware seeking monetary damages, injunctive relief and that the patents be adjudged valid, enforceable and infringed. The Company and SCIMED have answered the complaint, denying Cordis' allegations. The Massachusetts case described above has been consolidated with this action. The Company is involved in various other lawsuits from time to time. In management's opinion, the Company is not currently involved in any legal proceedings other than those specifically identified above which, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material effect on the financial condition, operations or cash flows of the Company. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses against claims that it has infringed patents of others. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in any par- F-23 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 24 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Note L continued to Note O) ticular case. An adverse outcome in one or more cases in which the Company's products are accused of patent infringement could have a material adverse effect on the Company. During 1997, the Company recorded approximately $34 million of litigation-related reserves to cover costs of defense and settlement, and unfavorable outcomes. The reserves are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Further, product liability claims may be asserted in the future relative to events not known to management at the present time. The Company has insurance coverage which management believes is adequate to protect against product liability losses as could otherwise materially affect the Company's financial position. NOTE M -- BUSINESS COMBINATIONS In 1997, the Company increased to approximately 25% its voting ownership in Medinol, Ltd. (Medinol), a developer of innovative technologies for cardiovascular applications. Accordingly, the Company has retroactively applied the equity method of accounting to account for this investment which had been accounted for under the cost method since 1995, the year of the Company's original investment. This accounting had the effect of increasing the amount of the previously reported charges for purchased research and development and reducing net earnings in 1995 by $35 million, or approximately $0.18 per share. The effect of this change in 1996 and 1997 was not significant. In 1997, Boston Scientific consummated its merger with Target. The acquisition is accounted for as a pooling-of-interests (see Note A), thus, the combined consolidated financial statements serve as the basis for historical financial statements of Boston Scientific. Combined and separate results of Boston Scientific and Target for 1996 and 1995 are as follows: Combined Boston Boston (In thousands) Scientific Target Scientific - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,1996: Net sales $ 1,462,043 $ 89,195 $ 1,551,238 Net income (loss) 167,420 (326) 167,094 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,1995: Net sales $ 1,129,185 $ 61,636 $ 1,190,821 Net income (loss) (28,994) 10,575 (18,419) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Target's net sales, gross profit and net income for the three months ended March 31, 1997 were approximately $31 million, $24 million and $2 million, respectively. The restated financial data is not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred if the Target merger had been consummated during the periods presented, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial position. NOTE N -- MERGER-RELATED CHARGES AND EXPENSES In 1997, the Company recorded merger-related charges of $175 million ($135 million, net-of-tax). Charges include $29 million for purchased research and development recorded in conjunction with accounting for the Company's additional investment in Medinol ($12 million) and the Company's other strategic acquisitions ($17 million), $16 million in direct transaction costs and $96 million of estimated costs to be incurred in merging the separate operating business of Target with subsidiaries of the Company. The remaining amounts represent primarily adjustments to merger-related charges recorded in 1996 and 1995 based on actual costs incurred or changes in estimates (approximately $15 million) and write-downs of assets in connection with the Company's implementation of a global information system. In connection with the mergers and acquisitions consummated in 1996 and 1995 (see Note A) and the Company's initial investment in Medinol, the Company recorded merger-related charges of $142 million ($128 million, net-of-tax) and $272 million ($231 million, net-of-tax), respectively. Estimated costs include those typical in a merging of operations and relate to, among other things, rationalization of facilities, workforce reductions, unwinding of various contractual commitments, asset write-downs and other integration costs. The merger-related charges are determined based on formal plans approved by the Company's management using the best information available to it at the time. The workforce-related initiatives involve substantially all of the Company's employee groups. The amounts the Company may ultimately incur may change as the plans are executed. F-24 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 25 The activity impacting the accrual related to these charges during 1997 and 1996, net of reclassifications made by management based on available information, is summarized in the table below: Balance at Charges to Charges Charges to Charges Balance at December 31, Operations in Utilized in Operations in Utilized in December 31 (In thousands) 1995 1996 1996 1997 1997 1997 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Facilities $ 25,642 $ 7,118 $ 13,863 $ 8,193 $ 7,101 $ 19,989 Workforce reductions 31,863 3,655 9,621 24,655 25,310 25,242 Contractual commitments 50,921 1,940 44,705 52,673 31,495 29,334 Asset write-downs 7,541 4,497 5,790 27,602 18,048 15,802 Direct transaction and other costs 19,291 15,131 28,063 32,768 27,836 11,291 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total $135,258 $32,341 $102,042 $145,891 $109,790 $101,658 ==================================================================================================================================== The December 31, 1997 accrual for merger-related and special charges is classified within the balance sheet as follows: (In thousands) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accrual for merger-related charges - current $ 68,358 Property, plant, equipment and leaseholds, net 25,017 Accrual for merger-related charges - non-current 8,283 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $101,658 ================================================================================ Most of the plans are expected to be completed by the end of 1998. Cash outlays to complete the balance of the Company's initiative to integrate the businesses related to all mergers and acquisitions consummated since 1994 are estimated to be approximately $59 million. NOTE O -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA Boston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices for less invasive procedures and operates in one segment. Sales between geographic areas are made at prices which would approximate transfers to unaffiliated distributors. In the presentation below, the profit derived from such transfers is attributed to the area in which the sale to the unaffiliated customer is eventually made. Because of the interdependence of the geographic areas, the operating profit as presented may not be representative of the geographic distribution which would occur if the areas were not interdependent. In addition, comparison of operating results between geographic areas and between years may be impacted by foreign currency fluctuations. Corporate United Asia Expenses Consolidated (In thousands) States Europe Pacific and Other Eliminations Total - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 Direct sales to unaffiliated customers $ 1,076,292 $ 336,512 $ 362,347 $ 18,461 $ 1,793,612 Export sales 6,446 30,720 37,166 Transfers between areas 430,993 207,302 $(638,295) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,513,731 574,534 362,347 18,461 (638,295) 1,830,778 Operating income without special charges 306,992 70,800 146,012 (70,233) 453,571 Operating income with special charges 235,639 (12,326) 106,125 (103,983) 225,455 Identifiable assets 1,599,263 683,669 317,405 17,166 (693,233) 1,924,270 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 Direct sales to unaffiliated customers $ 924,205 $ 270,301 $ 214,482 $ 6,306 $ 1,415,294 Export sales 105,884 30,060 135,944 Transfers between areas 224,315 116,970 $(341,285) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,254,404 417,331 214,482 6,306 (341,285) 1,551,238 Operating income without special charges 302,118 77,622 118,985 (43,213) 455,512 Operating income with special charges 198,672 39,727 117,985 (43,213) 313,171 Identifiable assets 1,434,777 410,331 209,997 5,956 (476,016) 1,585,045 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 Direct sales to unaffiliated customers $ 772,986 $ 189,631 $ 111,266 $ 1,073,883 Export sales 97,471 19,467 116,938 Transfers between areas 148,852 112,620 $(261,472) - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1,019,309 321,718 111,266 (261,472) 1,190,821 Operating income without special charges 220,039 64,558 65,473 (25,565) 324,505 Operating income with special charges (2,053) 21,761 57,968 (25,565) 52,111 Identifiable assets 1,057,221 200,687 120,932 (219,395) 1,159,445 See Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for a discussion of special charges. F-25 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 26 FIVE-YEAR SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (In thousands, except per share data) Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restated OPERATING DATA: Net sales $ 1,830,778 $ 1,551,238 $ 1,190,821 $932,969 $779,894 Gross profit 1,285,237 1,123,400 848,074 638,872 535,243 Selling, general and administrative expenses 695,045 515,908 391,548 311,296 333,285 Royalties 22,177 17,061 26,233 25,682 24,473 Research and development expenses 167,194 134,919 105,788 86,320 69,045 Purchased research and development 29,475 110,000 67,946 Merger-related charges 145,891 32,341 204,448 Total operating expenses 1,059,782 810,229 795,963 423,298 426,803 Operating income 225,455 313,171 52,111 215,574 108,440 Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting 131,480 167,094 (18,419) 142,274 73,731 Cumulative effect of change in accounting (net-of-tax) (21,080) Net income (loss) $110,400 $ 167,094 $ (18,419) $142,274 $ 73,731 Income (loss) per common share before cumulative effect of change in accounting: Basic $ 0.34 $ 0.43 $ (0.05) $ 0.38 $ 0.20 Assuming dilution 0.33 0.42 (0.05) 0.38 0.20 Net income (loss) per common share: Basic $ 0.28 $ 0.43 $ (0.05) $ 0.38 $ 0.20 Assuming dilution 0.28 0.42 (0.05) 0.38 0.20 Weighted average shares outstanding-assuming dilution 399,776 398,706 381,574 379,126 374,566 In addition to the merger-related charges noted in the Operating Data, the Company also recorded $34 million and $67 million of litigation-related charges which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in 1997 and 1993, respectively. Year Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restated BALANCE SHEET DATA: Working capital $ 227,076 $ 335,001 $ 344,609 $ 475,255 $362,816 Total assets 1,924,270 1,585,045 1,159,445 1,114,433 840,104 Commercial paper 423,250 212,500 Bank obligations-short-term 23,958 28,056 57,520 88,948 57,141 Long-term debt, net of current portion 46,325 4,162 16,800 3,671 Stockholders' equity 957,298 995,115 807,917 794,190 601,844 Book value per common share $ 2.47 $ 2.50 $ 2.12 $ 2.10 $ 1.61 F-26 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 27 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Boston Scientific Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Boston Scientific Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. As more fully described in Note B, the Company changed its accounting policy to conform to the consensus reached by the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force on its Issue No. 97-13. As more fully described in Note B, under the caption Basis of Presentation, the Company has restated its financial statements. /S/ Ernst & Young LLP - -------------------------------- Boston, Massachusetts February 20, 1998, except for the first, second and third paragraphs of Note B, as to which the date is February 16, 1999 F-27 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 28 QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restated YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 Net sales $425,892 $ 463,312 $461,646 $479,928 Gross profit 305,986 332,901 327,052 319,298 Operating income (loss) 102,556 (28,365) 112,537 38,727 Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting 68,518 (33,189) 80,123 16,028 Net income (loss) 68,518 (33,189) 80,123 (5,052) Net income (loss) per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.17 $ (0.09) $ 0.20 $ (0.01) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 Net sales $343,553 $ 379,237 $395,788 $432,660 Gross profit 251,598 277,851 284,564 309,387 Operating income 38,708 41,968 109,123 123,372 Net income 2,190 13,089 71,234 80,581 Net income per common share - assuming dilution $ 0.01 $ 0.03 $ 0.18 $ 0.20 During the second and fourth quarters of 1997, the Company recorded merger-related charges and purchased research and development totaling $158 million and $17 million, respectively. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company recorded inventory write-downs ($19 million), litigation-related reserves ($34 million) and implemented EITF No. 97-13, "Accounting for Costs Incurred in Connection with a Consulting Contract or an Internal Project that Combines Business Process Reengineering and Information Technology Transformation," the effect of which ($31 million) is reflected as a cumulative change in accounting. During the first and second quarters of 1996, the Company recorded merger-related charges and purchased research and development totaling $69 million and $73 million, respectively. All earnings per share amounts presented have been restated to conform to SFAS No. 128 "Earnings per Share" requirements (see Note B). On November 3, 1998, the Company announced it had detected the occurrence of business irregularities in the operations of its Japanese subsidiary. As a result, the Company has restated its quarterly results for 1997 which allows for more accurate period to period comparisions. The restatement resulted in a decrease in revenues of $42 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Revenues, as previously reported, were $431 million, $474 million, $475 million and $493 million for the quarters ended March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997, September 30, 1997, and December 31, 1997, respectively. Net income (loss), as previously reported, was $75 million, $(27) million, $88 million, and $2 million for the quarters ended March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997, September 30, 1997, and December 31, 1997, respectively. The Company paid a two-for-one stock split on November 30, 1998. All historical amounts above have been restated to reflect the stock split. Market for the Company's Common Stock and Related Matters (unaudited) The following table shows the market range for the Company's common stock based on reported sales prices on the New York Stock Exchange. All amounts below reflect the impact of the Company's two-for-one common stock split which was effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend paid in the fourth quarter of 1998. High Low - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 First Quarter $ 35.750 $ 29.313 Second Quarter 31.469 20.500 Third Quarter 39.219 26.625 Fourth Quarter 29.875 20.500 High Low - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1996 First Quarter $ 25.813 $ 19.938 Second Quarter 23.688 18.875 Third Quarter 28.813 19.813 Fourth Quarter 30.750 26.438 The Company has never paid dividends, other than in March 1992, when the Company paid a one-time dividend of an aggregate of $20 million, or $0.212 per share, to holders of common stock. The $0.212 per share is based on Boston Scientific's weighted average number of the common shares outstanding at the time the dividend was declared rather than the restated weighted average number of the common shares outstanding. The Company currently intends to retain all of its earnings to finance the continued growth of its business. Boston Scientific may consider declaring and paying a dividend in the future; however, there can be no assurance that it will do so. At December 31, 1997, there were approximately 9,300 record holders of the Company's common stock. F-28 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES