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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

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FORM 10-Q

 

 

Commission File Number 1-7707

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MEDTRONIC, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

710 Medtronic Parkway

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55432

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

(763) 514-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x        No   o

 

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

 

 

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

 

Shares of common stock, $.10 par value, outstanding on March 1, 2007: 1,151,564,028

 

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

MEDTRONIC, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)  

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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MEDTRONIC, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited) 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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MEDTRONIC, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited) 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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MEDTRONIC, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S.) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information necessary for a fair presentation of results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of Medtronic, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Medtronic or the Company) for the periods presented. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the fiscal year as a whole. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 28, 2006.

 

Note 2 — Stock-Based Compensation

 

Effective April 29, 2006, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123(R)) which replaced SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS No. 123) and supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB Opinion No. 25). Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. The Company elected the modified-prospective method of adopting SFAS No. 123(R), under which prior periods are not retroactively restated. The provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) apply to awards granted after the April 29, 2006 effective date. Stock-based compensation expense for the non-vested portion of awards granted prior to the effective date is being recognized over the remaining service period using the fair-value based compensation cost estimated for SFAS No. 123 pro forma disclosures. Total stock-based compensation expense included in our statement of earnings for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 was $45 million ($30 million net of tax) and $139 million ($95 million net of tax), respectively.

 

Stock Options

 

Stock option awards are granted at exercise prices equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The majority of the Company’s stock option awards are non-qualified stock options with a ten-year life and a four-year ratable vesting term. The Company currently grants stock options under the Medtronic, Inc. 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2003 Plan) and the Medtronic, Inc. 1998 Outside Directors Stock Compensation Plan (Directors Plan). As of January 26, 2007, there were approximately 24 million and 2 million shares available for future grants under each of these plans, respectively.

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

Restricted stock and restricted stock units (collectively referred to as restricted stock awards) are granted to officers and key employees. Restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the lapse of the restrictions. The Company grants restricted stock awards that typically cliff vest between three- and five-year periods. Shares of restricted stock are considered issued and outstanding shares of the Company at the grant date and have the same dividend and voting rights as other common stock. Restricted stock units are not considered issued or outstanding common stock of the Company. Dividend equivalent units are accumulated on restricted stock units during the vesting period. The Company grants restricted stock awards under the 2003 Plan and the Directors Plan.

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

 

The Medtronic, Inc. 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) allows participating employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a discount through payroll deductions. Employees can contribute up to the lesser of 10% of their wages or the statutory limit under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code toward the purchase of the Company’s common stock at 85% of its market value at the end of the calendar quarter purchase period. Employees purchased 2 million shares at an average price of $41.21 per share in the nine months ended January 26, 2007. As of January 26, 2007, plan participants have had approximately $7 million withheld to purchase Company common stock at 85% of its market value on March 30, 2007, the last trading day before the end of the calendar quarter purchase period. At January 26, 2007, approximately 8 million shares of common stock were available for future purchase under the ESPP.

 

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Valuation Assumptions

 

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model (Black-Scholes model) to determine the fair value of stock options as of the grant date. The fair value of stock options under the Black-Scholes model requires management to make assumptions regarding projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates, volatility of the Company’s stock price and expected dividends.

 

The expense recognized for shares purchased under our ESPP is equal to the 15% discount the employee receives at the end of the calendar quarter purchase period. The fair value of restricted stock awards equals the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant.

 

The following table provides the weighted average fair value of options granted to employees and the related assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

 

Prior to adopting SFAS No. 123(R), the Company accounted for stock-based compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 using the intrinsic value method and the impact of the fair value method on the Company’s net earnings was disclosed on a pro forma basis in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. In these pro forma disclosures, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense based on the stated vesting period, rather than the time to achieve retirement eligibility. Upon adopting SFAS No. 123(R), the Company changed its method of recognition and now recognizes stock-based compensation expense based on the substantive vesting period for all new awards. As a result, compensation expense related to stock options granted prior to fiscal year 2007 that are subject to accelerated vesting upon retirement eligibility is being recognized over the stated vesting term of the grant. If the Company had historically accounted for stock-based awards made to retirement eligible individuals under the requirements of SFAS No. 123(R), the pro forma expense disclosed below would have been increased by $13 million and $6 million for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006, respectively. There was no stock-based compensation expense capitalized as it was deemed immaterial.

 

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The amount of stock-based compensation expense recognized during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates pre-vesting forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data and revises those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ significantly from those estimates. Ultimately, the total expense recognized over the vesting period will equal the awards that actually vest.

 

The following table presents the statement of earnings classification of pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, for options and restricted stock awards, recognized for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007:

 

 

The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and net earnings per share for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006 if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 to its stock-based employee compensation: 

 

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Tax Impacts of Stock-Based Compensation

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized share-based compensation expense were reported on the consolidated statement of cash flows as operating cash flows. Under SFAS No. 123(R), such excess tax benefits are reported as financing cash flows. Although total cash flows under SFAS No. 123(R) remain unchanged from what would have been reported under prior accounting standards, net operating cash flows are reduced and net financing cash flows are increased due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). For the nine months ended January 26, 2007, there were excess tax benefits of $24 million, which are classified as financing cash flows. For the nine months ended January 27, 2006, there were excess tax benefits of $77 million which were classified as operating cash flows as part of the change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

 

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Stock Options

 

 The following table summarizes stock option activity during the nine months ended January 26, 2007:

 

 

A summary of stock options as of January 26, 2007, including options issued as a result of acquisitions from fiscal year 2002 and prior, is as follows:

 

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended January 26, 2007 was $57 million. The total intrinsic value, calculated as the closing stock price at the end of the third quarter less the option exercise price of in the money options, for options outstanding and exercisable at January 26, 2007 was $639 million and $564 million, respectively. The Company issues new shares when stock option awards are exercised. Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 was $150 million and the related tax benefits realized were $24 million. Unrecognized compensation expense related to outstanding stock options as of January 26, 2007 was $254 million, pre-tax, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years and will be adjusted for any future changes in estimated forfeitures.

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock award activity during the nine months ended January 26, 2007:

 

 

Unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards as of January 26, 2007 was $147 million, pre-tax, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.2 years and will be adjusted for any future changes in estimated forfeitures.

 

Note 3 — New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” which is an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (FIN No. 48). FIN No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN No. 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN No. 48 is effective for the Company beginning with fiscal year 2008, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of FIN No. 48 will have on its consolidated financial statements. However, the Company does expect to reclassify a portion of its unrecognized tax benefits from current to non-current liabilities because payment of cash is not anticipated within one year of the balance sheet date. On February 28, 2007 the FASB issued an exposure draft of a FASB Staff Position (FSP) related to the FIN No. 48. The proposed FSP will affect not only the cumulative effect of adopting FIN No. 48 but also the ongoing compliance and disclosure. The proposed FSP is subject to a thirty-day comment period ending March 28, 2007.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the definition of fair value within that framework and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value, except for the measurement of share-based payments. The Statement does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances and is effective, for the Company, beginning fiscal first quarter 2009. For certain types of financial instruments, SFAS No. 157 requires a limited form of retrospective transition, whereby the cumulative impact of the change in principle is recognized in the opening balance in retained earnings in the fiscal year of adoption. All other provisions of SFAS No. 157 will be applied prospectively beginning in fiscal first quarter 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (SFAS No. 158). SFAS No. 158 requires the recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the balance sheet; the recognition in other comprehensive income of gains or losses and prior service costs or credits arising during the period but which are not included as components of periodic benefit cost; the measurement of defined benefit plan assets and obligations as of the balance sheet date; and disclosure of additional information about the effects on periodic benefit cost for the following fiscal year arising from delayed recognition in the current period. In addition, SFAS No. 158 amends SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions,” and SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions,” to include guidance regarding selection of assumed discount rates for use in measuring the benefit obligation. SFAS No. 158 is effective for the Company’s fiscal year ending April 27, 2007. Had the provisions of this standard been adopted at the end of fiscal year 2006 Medtronic would have been required to adjust its balance sheet to reflect a net $38 million under funded position (projected benefit obligation) of its global pension and post retirement plans as compared to a net $301 million prepaid position (fiscal year 2006 accumulated benefit obligation) reflected in the balance sheet as of April 28, 2006. There will be no impact to the consolidated statement of earnings. Adoption of the Statement will not require a restatement of prior periods. In fiscal year 2008, the measurement date for all benefit plans will change to equal the Company’s balance sheet date.

 

On February 15, 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 creates a “fair value option” under which an entity may elect to record certain financial assets or liabilities at fair value upon their initial recognition. Subsequent changes in fair value would be recognized in earnings as those changes occur. The election of the fair value option would be made on a contract-by-contract basis and would need to be supported by concurrent documentation or a preexisting documented policy. SFAS No. 159 requires an entity to separately disclose the fair value of these items on the balance sheet or in the footnotes to the financial statements and to provide information that would allow the financial statement user to understand the impact on earnings from changes in the fair value. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company beginning with fiscal year 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Note 4 — Acquisitions and IPR&D Charges, Certain Litigation Charges and Special Charges

 

The values assigned to purchased in-process research and development (IPR&D) are based on valuations that have been prepared using methodologies and valuation techniques consistent with those used by independent appraisers. All values were determined by identifying research projects in areas for which technological feasibility had not been established. Additionally, the values were determined by estimating the revenue and expenses associated with a project’s sales cycle and the amount of after-tax cash flows attributable to these projects. The future cash flows were discounted to present value utilizing an appropriate risk-adjusted rate of return. The rate of return included a factor that takes into account the uncertainty surrounding the successful development of the IPR&D.

 

At the time of acquisition, the Company expects all acquired IPR&D will reach technological feasibility, but there can be no assurance that the commercial viability of these products will actually be achieved. The nature of the efforts to develop the acquired technologies into commercially viable products consists principally of planning, designing and conducting clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approvals. The risks associated with achieving commercialization include, but are not limited to, delay or failure to obtain regulatory approvals to conduct clinical trials, delay or failure to obtain required market clearances, and patent issuance, validity and litigation, if any. If commercial viability were not achieved, the Company would likely look to other alternatives to provide these therapies.

 

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Acquisitions and IPR&D charges:

 

On September 15, 2006, the Company acquired and/or licensed selected patents and patent applications owned by Dr. Eckhard Alt (Dr. Alt), or certain of his controlled companies in a series of transactions. In connection therewith, the Company also resolved all outstanding litigation and disputes between Dr. Alt and itself and its affiliates. The agreements required the payment of total consideration of $75 million, $74 million of which was capitalized as technology based intangible assets that had an estimated useful life of 11 years at the time of acquisition. The acquired patents or licenses pertain to the cardiac rhythm disease management field and have both current application and potential for future patentable commercial products.

 

On July 25, 2006, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of Odin Medical Technologies, LTD (Odin), a privately held company. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had an equity investment in Odin, which was accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Odin focused on the manufacture of the PoleStar™ intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Image (iMRI) Guidance System which was already exclusively distributed by the Company. This acquisition is expected to help the Company further expand the acceptance of iMRI guidance in neurosurgery.

 

The consideration for Odin was approximately $21 million, which included $6 million in upfront cash and a $2 million milestone payment made during fiscal second quarter 2007. The $8 million in net cash paid resulted from the $21 million in consideration less the value of the Company’s prior investment in Odin and Odin’s then existing cash balance.

 

In connection with the acquisition of Odin, the Company acquired $9 million of technology-based intangible assets that had an estimated useful life of 12 years at the time of acquisition. Goodwill of $12 million related to the acquisition was assigned entirely to the Spinal and Navigation operating segment. This goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

 

The pro forma impact of Odin was not significant to the results of the Company for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 or January 27, 2006. The results of operations related to Odin have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of earnings since the date of the acquisition.

 

On July 1, 2005, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Transneuronix, Inc. (TNI), a privately held company. Prior to the acquisition, the Company had an equity investment in TNI, which was accounted for under the cost method of accounting. TNI focused on the treatment of obesity by stimulation of the stomach with an implantable gastric stimulator, known as the Transcend device. This acquisition is expected to complement the Company’s strategy to deliver therapeutic solutions for the worldwide challenges of obesity.

 

The consideration for TNI was approximately $269 million, which included $227 million in net cash paid. The $227 million in net cash paid resulted from the $269 million in consideration less the value of the Company’s prior investment in TNI and TNI’s then existing cash balance. The purchase price is subject to increases which would be triggered by the achievement of certain milestones.

 

As a result of the acquisition of TNI, the Company acquired $55 million of intangible assets of which $54 million are technology-based intangible assets that had an estimated useful life of 15 years at the time of acquisition and $169 million of IPR&D that was expensed on the date of acquisition related to a product being developed for the treatment of obesity by stimulation of the stomach that had not yet reached technological feasibility and for which no future alternative use had been identified. Goodwill of $51 million related to the acquisition was assigned entirely to the Neurological operating segment. This goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

 

The following table summarizes the allocation of the TNI purchase price to the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

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The pro forma impact of TNI was not significant to the results of the Company for the nine months ended January 27, 2006. The results of operations related to TNI have been included in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of earnings since the date of the acquisition.

 

On May 18, 2005, the Company acquired substantially all of the spine-related intellectual property and related contracts, rights, and tangible materials owned by Gary Michelson, M.D. and Karlin Technology, Inc. (Michelson) and settled all outstanding litigation and disputes between Michelson and the Company. The acquired patents pertain to novel spinal technology and techniques that have both current application and the potential for future patentable commercial products. The agreement requires the payment of total consideration of $1.350 billion for (i) the purchase of a portfolio of more than 100 issued U.S. patents, (ii) over 110 pending U.S. patent applications and numerous foreign counterparts to these patents and patent applications, and (iii) the settlement of all litigation. A value of $550 million was assigned to the settlement of past damages between the parties and was recorded as an expense in fiscal fourth quarter 2005. The remaining consideration, including $3 million of direct acquisition costs, was allocated between $628 million of acquired technology based intangible assets that had an estimated useful life of 17 years at the time of acquisition and $175 million of IPR&D that was expensed on the date of acquisition related to spinal technology based devices that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no future alternative use. The patents pertain to novel spinal technology and techniques that have the potential for future patentable commercial products in the area of spinal surgery. During fiscal first quarter 2006, the Company paid $1.320 billion and committed to three future installments of $10 million to be paid in May 2006, 2007, and 2008. The first installment of $10 million was paid in May 2006.

 

During fiscal first quarter 2006, the Company also entered into a royalty bearing, non-exclusive patent cross-licensing agreement with NeuroPace, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies cross-licensed patents and patent applications of neurological technology related to direct electrical stimulation or monitoring of the brain. On the date of the agreement, $20 million was expensed as IPR&D related to the licensed technology since technological feasibility of the project had not yet been reached and such technology had no future alternative use. This licensed technology is expected to enhance the Company’s ability to further develop and expand its therapies for neurological disorders.

 

Certain litigation charges:

 

During the nine months ended January 26, 2007, the Company reached a settlement agreement with the United States Department of Justice which requires the government to obtain dismissal of the two qui tam civil suits and is conditioned upon such dismissal being obtained. To resolve the matter, Medtronic has entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement effective upon dismissal of the two suits that further strengthens its employee training and compliance systems surrounding sales and marketing practices. The settlement agreement also reflects Medtronic’s assertion that the Company and its current employees have not engaged in any wrongdoing or illegal activity. Medtronic also agreed to pay $40 million pending dismissal of the related lawsuits, and recorded an expense in that amount in fiscal first quarter 2007.

 

There were no certain litigation charges during the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006.

 

Special charges:

 

There were no special charges during the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007.

 

During the nine months ended January 27, 2006, the Company recorded a $100 million pre-tax charitable donation to The Medtronic Foundation, which is a related party non-profit organization. The donation to The Medtronic Foundation was paid in fiscal second quarter 2006.

 

Contingent Consideration

 

Certain of the Company’s business combinations involve the potential for the payment of future contingent consideration upon the achievement of certain product development milestones and/or various other favorable operating conditions. While it is not certain if and/or when these payments will be made, the Company has developed an estimate of the potential contingent consideration for each of its acquisitions with an outstanding potential obligation. At January 26, 2007, the estimated potential amount of future contingent consideration that the Company is expected to make associated with all business combinations is approximately $57 million. The milestones associated with the contingent consideration must be reached in future periods ranging from fiscal years 2007 to 2012 in order for the consideration to be paid.

 

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Note 5 — Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory balances are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

Note 6 — Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006 are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

Amortization expense for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 was approximately $46 million and $136 million, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006 was approximately $44 million and $129 million, respectively.

 

Estimated aggregate amortization expense based on the current carrying value of amortizable intangible assets is as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

Note 7 — Warranty Obligation

 

The Company offers a warranty on various products. The Company estimates the costs that may be incurred under its warranties and records a liability in the amount of such costs at the time the product is sold. Factors that affect the Company’s warranty liability include the number of units sold, historical and anticipated rates of warranty claims and cost per claim. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of its recorded warranty liabilities and adjusts the amounts as necessary. The amount of the reserve recorded is equal to the costs to repair or otherwise satisfy the claim.

 

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Changes in the Company’s product warranties during the nine months ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 consisted of the following (dollars in millions):

 

 

Note 8 — Financing Arrangements

 

Senior Convertible Notes

 

In April 2006, the Company issued $2.200 billion of 1.500% Senior Convertible Notes due 2011 and $2.200 billion of 1.625% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013 (collectively, the Senior Convertible Notes). The Senior Convertible Notes were issued at par and pay interest in cash semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The Senior Convertible Notes are unsecured unsubordinated obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The Senior Convertible Notes have an initial conversion price of $56.14 per share. The Senior Convertible Notes may only be converted: (i) during any calendar quarter if the closing price of the Company’s common stock reaches 140% of the conversion price for 20 trading days during a specified period, or (ii) if specified distributions to holders of the Company’s common stock are made or specified corporate transactions occur, or (iii) during the last month prior to maturity of the applicable notes. Upon conversion, a holder would receive: (i) cash equal to the lesser of the principal amount of the note or the conversion value and (ii) to the extent the conversion value exceeds the principal amount of the note, shares of the Company’s common stock, cash, or a combination of common stock and cash, at the Company’s option. In addition, upon a change in control, as defined, the holders may require the Company to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes for 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a number of additional make-whole shares of the Company’s common stock, as set forth in the applicable indenture. The indentures under which the Senior Convertible Notes were issued contain customary covenants. A total of $2.500 billion of the net proceeds from these note issuances were used to repurchase common stock.

 

Concurrent with the issuance of the Senior Convertible Notes, the Company purchased call options on its common stock in private transactions. The call options allow the Company to receive shares of the Company’s common stock and/or cash from counterparties equal to the amounts of common stock and/or cash related to the excess conversion value that it would pay to the holders of the Senior Convertible Notes upon conversion. These call options will terminate upon the earlier of the maturity dates of the related Senior Convertible Notes or the first day all of the related Senior Convertible Notes are no longer outstanding due to conversion or otherwise. The call options, which cost an aggregate $1.075 billion ($699 million net of tax benefit), were recorded as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

 

In separate transactions, the Company sold warrants to issue shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $76.56 per share in private transactions. Pursuant to these transactions, warrants for 41 million shares of the Company’s common stock may be settled over a specified period beginning in July 2011 and warrants for 41 million shares of the Company’s common stock may be settled over a specified period beginning in July 2013 (the “settlement dates”). If the average price of the Company’s common stock during a defined period ending on or about the respective settlement dates exceeds the exercise price of the warrants, the warrants will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock. Proceeds received from the issuance of the warrants totaled approximately $517 million and were recorded as an addition to shareholders’ equity.

 

Senior Notes

 

In September 2005, the Company issued two tranches of Senior Notes with the aggregate face value of $1.000 billion. The first tranche consisted of $400 million of 4.375% Senior Notes due 2010 and the second tranche consisted of $600 million of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2015. Each tranche was issued at a discount which resulted in an effective interest rate of 4.433% and 4.760% for the five and ten year Senior Notes, respectively. Interest on each series of Senior Notes is payable semi-annually, on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The Senior Notes are unsecured unsubordinated obligations of the Company and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The indentures under which Senior Notes were issued contain customary covenants. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes for repayment of a portion of its commercial paper.

 

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In November 2005, the Company entered into a five year interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $200 million. This interest rate swap agreement was designated as a fair value hedge of the changes in fair value of a portion of the Company’s fixed-rate $400 million Senior Notes due 2010. The Company pays variable interest equal to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) minus 55 basis points and it receives a fixed interest rate of 4.375%.

 

Contingent Convertible Debentures

 

In September 2001, the Company completed a $2.013 billion private placement of 1.25% Contingent Convertible Debentures due September 2021 (Old Debentures). Interest is payable semi-annually. Each Old Debenture is convertible into shares of common stock at an initial conversion price of $61.81 per share; however, the Old Debentures are not convertible before their final maturity unless the closing price of our common stock reaches 110% of the conversion price for 20 trading days during a consecutive 30 trading day period.

 

In September 2002 and 2004, as a result of certain holders of the Old Debentures exercising their put options, the Company repurchased $39 million and $1 million respectively, of the Old Debentures for cash.

 

On January 24, 2005, the Company completed an exchange offer whereby holders of approximately $1.930 billion of the total principal amount of the Old Debentures exchanged their existing securities for an equal principal amount of 1.25% Contingent Convertible Debentures, Series B due 2021 (New Debentures), as described below. Following the completion of the exchange offer, the Company repurchased approximately $2 million of the Old Debentures for cash.

 

The terms of the New Debentures are consistent with the terms of the Old Debentures noted above, except that: (i) the New Debentures require the Company to settle all conversions for a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, if any, in lieu of only shares. Upon conversion of the New Debentures the Company will pay holders cash equal to the lesser of the principal amount of the New Debentures or their conversion value, and shares of the Company’s common stock to the extent the conversion value exceeds the principal amount of the New Debentures; and (ii) the New Debentures require the Company to pay only cash (in lieu of shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock) when the Company repurchases the New Debentures at the option of the holder or when the Company repurchases the New Debentures in connection with a change of control.

 

In September 2006, as a result of certain holders of the New Debentures and Old Debentures exercising their put options, the Company repurchased $1.835 billion of the New Debentures for cash and $42 million of the Old Debentures for cash. Twelve months prior to the put options becoming exercisable, the remaining balance of the New Debentures and the Old Debentures will be classified as short-term borrowings. At each balance sheet date without a put option within the subsequent four quarters, the remaining balance will be classified as long-term debt. Accordingly, during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, $93 million of New Debentures and $1 million of the Old Debentures were reclassified from short-term borrowings to long-term debt as a result of the September 2006 put option expiring. For put options exercised by the holders of the New Debentures and the Old Debentures, the purchase price is equal to the principal amount of the applicable debenture plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the repurchase date. If the put option is exercised, the Company will pay holders the repurchase price solely in cash (or, for the Old Debentures, in cash or stock at our option). The Company may be required to repurchase the remaining debentures at the option of the holders in September 2008, 2011 or 2016. As of January 26, 2007, approximately $93 million aggregate principal amount of New Debentures remain outstanding and approximately $1 million aggregate principal amount of Old Debentures remain outstanding. The Company can redeem the debentures for cash at any time.

 

Commercial Paper

 

The Company maintains a commercial paper program that allows the Company to have a maximum of $2.250 billion in commercial paper outstanding, with maturities up to 364 days from the date of issuance. At January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006, outstanding commercial paper totaled $249 million and $190 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, the weighted average original maturity of the commercial paper outstanding was approximately 73 and 57 days, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 5.31% and 5.25%, respectively.

 

Lines of Credit

 

The Company has existing lines of credit of approximately $2.422 billion with various banks at January 26, 2007. The existing lines of credit include a five-year $1.750 billion syndicated credit facility dated December 20, 2006 that will expire on December 20, 2011 (New Facility). This New Facility replaced two credit facilities; one for $1.000 billion which was scheduled to expire in January 2010, and a $750 million facility which was scheduled to expire in January 2007.

 

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The New Facility provides the Company with the ability to increase the capacity of the facility by an additional $500 million at any time during the life of the five-year term of the agreement. The Company can also request the extension of the New Facility maturity date for one additional year, at the first and second anniversary of the date of this facility. The credit facilities provide backup funding for the commercial paper program and may also be used for general corporate purposes.

 

Note 9 — Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Non-Owner Changes in Equity

 

In addition to net earnings, comprehensive income includes changes in foreign currency translation adjustments (including the change in current exchange rates, or spot rates, of net investment hedges), unrealized gains/(losses) on foreign exchange derivative contracts qualifying and designated as cash flow hedges, minimum pension liabilities, and unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale marketable securities. Comprehensive income for the three months ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 was $694 million and $668 million, respectively. Comprehensive income for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 was $2.021 billion and $1.825 billion, respectively.

 

Presented below is a summary of activity for each component of accumulated other non-owner changes in equity (dollars in millions):

 

 

Translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes as substantially all translation adjustments relate to our non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are considered permanent in nature. The tax benefit on the unrealized loss on foreign exchange derivatives for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 was $6 million and $2 million, respectively. The tax benefit (expense) on the unrealized gain/(loss) on investments for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 was $4 million and $(7) million, respectively.

 

Note 10 — Retirement Benefit Plans

 

The Company sponsors various retirement benefit plans, including defined benefit pension plans (pension benefits), defined contribution savings plans, post-retirement medical plans (post-retirement benefits), and termination indemnity plans, covering substantially all U.S. employees and many employees outside the U.S. The net periodic benefit cost of the pension and post-retirement medical plans include the following components for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

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Note 11 — Interest (Income)/Expense

 

Interest income and interest expense for the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

Note 12 — Income Taxes

 

During the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, the Company recorded a $12 million tax benefit as a result of the retroactive renewal and extension of the research and development credit enacted by the Tax Relief and Health Act of 2006. The $12 million tax benefit relates to the first ten months of calendar year 2006 and is recorded in provision for income taxes on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings.

 

During the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006, the Company recorded a $225 million tax benefit associated with favorable agreements reached with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) involving the review of fiscal years 1997 through 2002 domestic income tax returns. The $225 million tax benefit is recorded in provision for income taxes on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006. As a result of the agreements reached with the IRS, the Company made approximately $326 million in incremental tax payments during fiscal third quarter 2006.

 

Note 13 — Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding increased by the number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potentially dilutive common shares been issued and reduced by the number of shares the Company could have repurchased from the proceeds of the potentially dilutive shares. Potentially dilutive shares of common stock include stock options and other stock-based awards granted under stock-based compensation plans and shares committed to be purchased under the ESPP.

 

Presented below is a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except per share data):

 

 

 

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The calculation of weighted average diluted shares outstanding excludes options for approximately 15 million and 36 million common shares for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, respectively, and 1 million and 12 million common shares for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006, respectively, as the exercise price of those options was greater than the average market price for the period, resulting in an anti-dilutive effect on diluted earnings per share.

 

Note 14 — Segment and Geographic Information

 

Segment information:

 

During fiscal fourth quarter 2006, the Company revised its operating segment reporting related to the Neurological and Diabetes operating segment and the Spinal, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Navigation operating segment. As a result, the Company now maintains seven operating segments, which are aggregated into one reportable segment—the manufacture and sale of device-based medical therapies. The information for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006 has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation of seven operating segments. Each of the Company’s operating segments has similar economic characteristics, technology, manufacturing processes, customers, distribution and marketing strategies, regulatory environments, and shared infrastructures. Net sales by operating segment were as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

Geographic information:

 

Net sales to external customers by geography are as follows (dollars in millions):

 

 

Note 15 — Contingencies

 

The Company is involved in a number of legal actions. The outcomes of these legal actions are not within the Company’s complete control and may not be known for prolonged periods of time. In some actions, the claimants seek damages, as well as other relief, including injunctions barring the sale of products that are the subject of the lawsuit, which, if granted, could require significant expenditures or result in lost revenues. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” (SFAS No. 5), the Company records a liability in the consolidated financial statements for these actions when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss is a range, and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is accrued. If a loss is reasonably likely but not known or probable, and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed. If a loss is not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated, a liability is not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. In most cases, significant judgment is required to estimate the amount and timing of a loss to be recorded. While it is not possible to predict the outcome for most of the actions discussed below and the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses against these matters, it is possible that costs associated with them could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated earnings, financial condition or cash flows.

 

On October 6, 1997, Cordis Corporation (Cordis), a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson (J&J), filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Arterial Vascular Engineering, Inc., which Medtronic acquired in January 1999 and which is now known as Medtronic Vascular, Inc. (Medtronic Vascular).

 

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The suit alleged that Medtronic Vascular’s modular stents infringe certain patents owned by Cordis. Boston Scientific Corporation is also a defendant in this suit. On December 22, 2000, a jury rendered a verdict that Medtronic Vascular’s previously marketed MicroStent and GFX stents infringed valid claims of two Cordis patents and awarded damages to Cordis totaling approximately $270 million. On March 28, 2002, the District Court entered an order in favor of Medtronic Vascular, deciding as a matter of law that Medtronic Vascular’s MicroStent and GFX stents did not infringe the patents. Cordis appealed, and on August 12, 2003, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed the District Court’s decision and remanded the case to the District Court for further proceedings. The District Court thereafter issued a new patent claim construction and a new trial was held in March 2005. On March 14, 2005, the jury found that the previously marketed MicroStent and GFX stent products infringed valid claims of Cordis’ patents. On March 27, 2006, the District Court denied post-trial motions filed by the parties, including Cordis’ motion to reinstate the previous damages award. On April 26, 2006, Medtronic filed its Notice of Appeal of the judgment of infringement. Briefing of the appeal is expected to be completed in March 2007, and the Federal Circuit will set a hearing on the appeal thereafter. The District Court has deferred any hearing on damages issues until after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit resolves the appeal on the finding of liability. Medtronic has not recorded an expense related to damages in this matter because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under SFAS No. 5.

 

On December 24, 1997, Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (ACS), a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories, sued Medtronic Vascular in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that certain models of Medtronic Vascular’s stents infringe the Lau stent patents held by ACS, and seeking injunctive relief and monetary damages. Medtronic Vascular denies infringement. In February 2005, following trial, a jury determined that the ACS Lau stent patents were valid and that Medtronic’s Driver, GFX, MicroStent, S540, S660, S670, Bestent2 and S7 stents infringe those patents. Medtronic Vascular has made numerous post-trial motions challenging the jury’s verdict of infringement and validity and the District Court has not yet ruled on those motions. On June 7 and 8, 2005, the District Court held an evidentiary hearing on Medtronic Vascular’s claim that the ACS Lau stent patents are unenforceable due to inequitable conduct of ACS in obtaining the Lau patents. The District Court has not yet issued a decision on Medtronic Vascular’s claim of inequitable conduct. Issues of damages have been bifurcated from the liability phase of the proceedings. On August 9, 2005, the Court issued an order continuing a stay of any further proceedings on the questions of damages or willfulness. These issues likely will not be addressed by a jury or the Court until the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has reviewed the underlying liability issues concerning alleged infringement. In response to Medtronic’s Request for Reexamination for each of the four Lau patents, in December 2006, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued an “office action” finding that the claims which Medtronic products were previously found to have infringed were not patentable. The patent holder will now have an opportunity to challenge the USPTO’s office action in further proceedings in the reexamination. Until this reexamination is concluded, its potential impact upon the claims relating to the Lau patents in the above proceeding remains unknown. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in this matter because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under SFAS No. 5.

 

On February 20, 2006, an arbitration panel issued a final, non-appealable award concluding that Medtronic Vascular’s S670, S660, S540, S7 and Driver stents, which were formerly the subject of a patent infringement dispute between J&J and Cordis and Medtronic Vascular, are licensed under a 1997 agreement between the two companies and subject to a covenant not to sue contained within a 1998 amendment to the 1997 agreement. Cordis since initiated arbitration proceedings against Medtronic Vascular alleging that certain of the products infringe certain patents of J&J and Cordis, and is seeking royalties for such infringement, if any. Medtronic Vascular believes it has meritorious defenses to these allegations and intends to assert these defenses vigorously. The arbitrators have not yet been selected. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in this matter because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under SFAS No. 5.

 

On January 26, 2001, DePuy/AcroMed, a subsidiary of J&J, filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts alleging that Medtronic’s subsidiary, Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. (MSD), was infringing a patent relating to a design for a thoracolumbar multiaxial screw (MAS). In March 2002, DePuy/AcroMed supplemented its allegations to claim that MSD’s M10, M8 and Vertex screws infringe the patent. On April 17, 2003 and February 26, 2004, the District Court ruled that those screws do not infringe. On October 1, 2004, a jury found that the MAS screw, which MSD no longer sells in the U.S., infringes under the doctrine of equivalents. The jury awarded damages of $21 million and on February 9, 2005, the Court entered judgment against MSD, including prejudgment interest, in the aggregate amount of $24 million. In fiscal third quarter 2005, the Company recorded an expense equal to the $24 million judgment in the matter. DePuy/AcroMed appealed the Court’s decisions that the M10, M8 and Vertex screws do not infringe, and MSD appealed the jury’s verdict that the MAS screw infringes valid claims of the patent. On November 20, 2006, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the decision of the District Court that the M10 and M8 screws do not infringe, affirmed the jury’s verdict and damage award on the MAS screws, affirmed the decision that the Vertex screws do not literally infringe, but ruled that there is a triable issue of fact as to whether the Vertex screws infringe under the doctrine of equivalents. A trial has been scheduled for September 2007. The Company has not recorded any additional expense related to damages in this matter because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under SFAS No. 5.

 

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On May 2, 2003, Cross Medical Products, Inc. (Cross) sued MSD in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The suit alleges that MSD’s CD HORIZON, Vertex and Crosslink products infringe certain patents owned by Cross. MSD has countered that Cross’ cervical plate products infringe certain patents of MSD, and Cross has filed a reply alleging that certain MSD cervical plate products infringe certain patents of Cross. On May 19, 2004, the Court found that the MAS, Vertex, M8, M10, CD HORIZON SEXTANT and CD HORIZON LEGACY screw products infringe one Cross patent. A hearing on the validity of that patent was held on July 12, 2004, after which the District Court ruled that the patents were valid. Cross made a motion for permanent injunction on the multiaxial screw products, which the District Court granted on September 20, 2004, but stayed the effect of the injunction until January 3, 2005. MSD requested an expedited appeal of the ruling and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted the request. On September 30, 2005, the Federal Circuit vacated the injunction, modified the trial court’s claim construction rulings, and remanded the matter for trial in the District Court. The Federal Circuit awarded costs to Medtronic on the appeal. In April 2005, the District Court ruled invalid certain claims in the patents Cross asserted against MSD’s Crosslink and cervical plate products. The Court also ruled that Cross cervical plate products infringe MSD’s valid patents and that MSD’s redesigned pedicle screw products infringe one claim of one of the patents owned by Cross. Cross thereafter moved for an injunction against the redesigned screw products, which the District Court granted on May 24, 2005. The District Court then stayed the effectiveness of the injunction until August 22, 2005. On July 27, 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted MSD’s motion to stay the District Court’s injunction pending a full hearing on the appeal. In granting the further stay, the Federal Circuit stated MSD had shown a “...likelihood of success...” on the merits of its appeal. The Federal Circuit heard oral argument on this appeal on March 10, 2006, but has not issued its ruling as of the date of filing this report. The trial court has held periodic status hearings to determine further proceedings in light of the appellate rulings. No trial date has been set. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in this matter because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under SFAS No. 5. Separately, on February 1, 2006, MSD filed a lawsuit against Biomet Inc., the corporate parent of Cross (Biomet) and its subsidiary EBI Spine, L.P., for patent infringement. The suit, which involves seven Medtronic patents and seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Three of the patents were purchased by Medtronic from Michelson and involve single-lock anterior cervical plating systems used in cervical spinal fusions. Medtronic claims that a cervical plate marketed by Biomet under the trade name VueLock Anterior Cervical Plate System, and openly promoted as a plate that has a “Secure One Step Locking” mechanism feature, infringes these patents. The other patents involve rod reducer instruments and surgical implantation methods commonly used in spinal surgeries to implant pedicle screws. The lawsuit alleges that Biomet’s pedicle screw systems utilize a rod reducer instrument in a variety of lumbar and thoracic spinal fusion surgeries.

 

On October 2, 2003, Cordis sued Medtronic Vascular in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that Medtronic Vascular’s S7 stent delivery system infringes certain catheter patents owned by Cordis. Pursuant to stipulation of the parties, the Court has stayed the suit and referred the matter to arbitration. The arbitrators have not yet been selected. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in this matter because any potential loss is not currently probable or reasonably estimable under SFAS No. 5.

On February 10, 2005, Medtronic voluntarily began to advise physicians about the possibility that a specific battery shorting mechanism might manifest itself in a subset of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds). These included certain Marquis VR/DR and Maximo VR/DR ICDs and certain InSync I/II/III Marquis and InSync III CRT-D devices. The Company provided physicians a list of potentially affected patients, and recommended that physicians communicate with those patients to manage the potential issue as physicians deemed medically appropriate. The voluntary field action was classified by the FDA as a Class II recall, defined as one where there may be temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote. Subsequent to this voluntary field action, a number of lawsuits have been filed against the Company in both federal and state courts, alleging a variety of claims, including individuals asserting claims of personal injury and third party payors (TPP) alleging entitlement to reimbursement (including a claim by an individual purporting to act as a surrogate for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, whose claim has been dismissed by the Court for failure to state a proper cause of action). While the number of cases filed changes continually, as of this writing there were approximately 910 federal court cases and approximately 65 state court cases, reflecting a total of approximately 975 individual product liability cases. In addition, five purported class action personal injury suits have been filed in Canada. The federal court cases have been consolidated for pretrial proceedings before a single federal judge in the District of Minnesota pursuant to the MultiDistrict Litigation rules (MDL). Separate master complaints have been filed in the MDL for the personal injury and TPP groups of cases. On November 28, 2006, the MDL court denied the Company's threshold legal motion, which was filed on March 26, 2006 seeking federal preemption of the lawsuits, finding that fact issues remained for discovery and trial before the legal question could be resolved. On January 5, 2007, the MDL court denied the Company's March 26, 2006 motion to dismiss the TPP litigation, thus permitting it to go forward into the remainder of the litigation process. The TPP master complaint contains class action allegations, which the Company plans to rigorously challenge. The personal injury master complaint does not contain such allegations, although the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee has indicated that they may pursue class certification of those claims. On February 8, 2007, the Court issued a scheduling order for the MDL cases, setting the remainder of the calendar year 2007 for discovery and pretrial motions, and a ready for trial date for bellwether cases of January 2008. During the pretrial and discovery phase the Company plans to assert its defenses to the merits of the various claims. The Company remains unaware of any confirmed death or serious injury resulting from any device failure due to the shorting mechanism described in the February 10, 2005 voluntary field action, although certain of plaintiffs' claims make such allegations. The Company has not recorded an expense related to damages in connection with the various Marquis related lawsuits because potential losses are not currently probable or reasonably estimable under SFAS No. 5.

 

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On October 24, 2005, Medtronic received a subpoena from the Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts issued under the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 requesting documents the Company may have, if any, relating to pacemakers and defibrillators and related components; monitoring equipment and services; a provision of benefits, if any, to persons in a position to recommend purchases of such devices; and the Company’s training and compliance materials relating to the fraud and abuse and federal Anti-Kickback statutes. The Company is cooperating fully with the investigation, and has begun to produce documents on a schedule requested by the United States Attorney.

 

In the normal course of business, the Company periodically enters into agreements that require it to indemnify customers or suppliers for specific risks, such as claims for injury or property damage arising out of the Company’s products or the negligence of its personnel or claims alleging that its products infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property. The Company’s maximum exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated, and the Company has not accrued any liabilities within the consolidated financial statements. Historically, the Company has not experienced significant losses on these types of indemnifications.

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Understanding Our Financial Information

 

The following discussion and analysis provides information management believes to be relevant to understanding the financial condition and results of operations of Medtronic, Inc. For a full understanding of financial condition and results of operations, you should read this discussion along with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 28, 2006. In addition, you should read this discussion along with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related Notes thereto as of January 26, 2007.

 

Financial Trends

 

Throughout this financial information, you will read about transactions or events that materially contribute to or reduce earnings and materially affect financial trends. We refer to these transactions and events as either special (such as certain tax adjustments and restructuring charges), certain litigation or purchased in-process research and development (IPR&D) charges. These charges result from facts and circumstances that vary in frequency and/or impact to operations. While understanding these charges is important in understanding and evaluating financial trends, other transactions or events may also have a material impact on financial trends. A complete understanding of the special, certain litigation and IPR&D charges is necessary in order to estimate the likelihood that financial trends will continue.

 

During fiscal fourth quarter 2006, we revised our operating segment reporting related to our Neurological and Diabetes operating segment and our Spinal, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Navigation operating segment. As a result, we now function in seven operating segments, consisting of Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management (CRDM); Spinal and Navigation; Neurological; Vascular; Diabetes; Cardiac Surgery; and ENT. The applicable information for fiscal year 2006 has been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

 

Executive Level Overview

 

We are the global leader in medical technology, alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Through our seven operating segments, we develop, manufacture, and market our medical devices in more than 120 countries worldwide while expanding patient access to our products. Our primary products include those for heart and vascular disease, neurological disorders, chronic pain, spinal disorders, diabetes, urologic and digestive system disorders, and ear, nose and throat disorders.

 

Net earnings for fiscal third quarter 2007 were $710 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, as compared to net earnings of $670 million, or $0.55 per diluted share for the same period last fiscal year, representing an increase of 6% and 11%, respectively. In addition, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (SFAS No. 123(R)), related to stock-based compensation, using the modified-prospective method beginning in fiscal 2007. In accordance with this method, the Company is not adjusting its reported historical financial statements to reflect the impact of stock-based compensation. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized during the three months ended January 26, 2007 was $30 million after-tax.

 

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Net earnings for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $1.990 billion, or $1.71 per diluted share, as compared to net earnings of $1.807 billion, or $1.48 per diluted share for the same period last fiscal year, representing an increase of 10% and 16%, respectively. Net earnings for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 included a $40 million pretax certain litigation charge. Net earnings for the nine months ended January 27, 2006 included a $225 million tax benefit associated with the reversal of reserves resulting from favorable agreements reached with the IRS, a $66 million after-tax special charge related to a charitable donation to The Medtronic Foundation and after-tax IPR&D charges of $295 million. In addition, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R), related to stock-based compensation, using the modified-prospective method beginning in fiscal 2007. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized during the nine months ended January 26, 2007 was $95 million after-tax.

 

Net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $3.048 billion and $9.019 billion, representing an increase of 10% for both periods in comparison to the same periods last year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on net sales for the three and nine month periods ending January 26, 2007 of $55 million and $94 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. The primary exchange rate movements that impact our consolidated net sales growth are the United States (U.S.) dollar as compared to the Euro and Japanese Yen. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations on net sales is not indicative of the impact on net earnings due to the offsetting foreign currency impact on operating costs and expenses and our hedging activities (see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” following this management’s discussion and analysis under “Item 3” as it relates to our hedging activities). The table below illustrates net sales by operating segment for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 (dollars in millions):

 

 

 

The increase in net sales for the three and nine month periods was driven by strong performances in our Spinal and Navigation, Vascular, Neurological and Diabetes operating segments. Net sales in our largest operating segment, CRDM, increased 2% for both the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 as compared to the same periods of the prior year.

 

Net sales of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), our largest product line, decreased 2% and 1% for the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007, respectively, when compared to the same period in the prior year. U.S sales of ICDs during the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $507 million and $1.556 billion representing a decline of 10% and 9%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2006. Outside the U.S. net sales of ICDs for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $204 million and $591 million representing growth of 29% over both periods last year.

 

For a portion of the three and nine month periods ended January 27, 2006, one key competitor had several product recalls, which bolstered revenues for us during this period. While the absence of a competitor favorably influenced net sales in the prior year, there are a number of factors influencing the declining results of the first nine months of this year. The previously highlighted quality concerns are diminishing in significance, but our success of treating symptomatic patients has left us increasingly dependent on asymptomatic primary prevention patients who are in a broader referral base and are more difficult to reach.

 

We continue to believe that the U.S. and worldwide ICD markets are greatly under-penetrated and represent a solid and sustainable growth opportunity. The need for sudden cardiac arrest protection and heart failure treatment is significant in the U.S. and even larger internationally. We estimate the U.S. ICD market to have a total prevalence pool of 1.3 million patients, and we estimate the penetration level to be between 30 to 35%, leaving approximately 880,000 patients in the prevalence pool. We also estimate that there are 250,000 new patients entering the prevalence pool each year.

 

While ICDs are our largest product line, they represent less than 25% of our total revenue. The remainder of our diversified business portfolio delivered solid worldwide net sales growth of 14% for both the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007 as compared to the same periods of the prior year. Also, net sales outside the U.S. grew across all business segments to $1.091 billion and $3.146 billion for the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007, an increase of 25% and 21%, respectively, over the same periods last year. Outside the U.S. net sales growth for the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007 were led by a 33% and 35% increase in Vascular net sales, respectively, due to continued acceptance of the Endeavor drug eluting stent (Endeavor), released in August 2005, and a 29% increase in outside the U.S. ICD sales for both periods.

 

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On December 4, 2006, we announced our intention to pursue a spin-off of Physio-Control, our wholly-owned subsidiary that offers external defibrillation and emergency response systems, data management solutions and support services used by hospitals and emergency response personnel into an independent, publicly traded company. On January 15, 2007, we voluntarily suspended U.S. shipments of Physio-Control products manufactured at our facility in Redmond, Washington in order to address quality system issues. We are currently in discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the corrective actions that need to be taken before shipping in the U.S. can resume. We have a dedicated team from across the company working on these actions and improving the quality systems. The suspension of U.S. shipments in the last two weeks of the three and nine month period ended January 26, 2007 did not have a material impact on the company’s overall results. We expect the suspension of U.S. shipments to continue into fiscal year 2008. Following the resolution of these matters, we intend to continue to pursue the spin-off.

 

For more detail regarding net sales, see our discussion of net sales by operating segment within this management’s discussion and analysis.

 

We remain committed to our mission of developing lifesaving and life enhancing therapies to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life. We continue to make substantial investments in the expansion of our existing product lines and for the identification of new innovative products. Research and development spending during the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007 of $293 million and $912 million increased 5% and 11%, respectively, compared to the same period in the prior year. Research and development expenses for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 include an allocation of $7 million and $29 million, respectively, related to stock compensation expense. Our research and development efforts are focused on maintaining or achieving leadership in each of the markets we serve by providing patients the most advanced and effective treatments possible. We work to improve patient access through well planned studies, which show the cost-effectiveness of our therapies, and our alliance with patients, clinicians, regulators and reimbursement agencies. We also focus on clinical trials, which lead to market expansion and may enable further market penetration for our life changing devices.

 

Increased investment in our future is fortified by our continued strong cash flow generated from operations of $2.054 billion during the nine months ended January 26, 2007, and our $6.100 billion in cash, short- and long-term debt securities as of January 26, 2007. We intend to use our cash flow from operations to invest in research and development, pursue potential strategic acquisitions and participate in expanded clinical trials, which support regulatory approval of our products.

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

We have adopted various accounting policies to prepare the condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted (GAAP) in the United States of America. Our most significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 28, 2006.

 

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. GAAP, requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our estimates and assumptions, including those related to bad debts, inventories, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, investment impairment, legal proceedings, IPR&D, warranty obligations, product liability, self-insurance, pension and post-retirement obligations, sales returns and discounts, stock-based compensation and income taxes are updated as appropriate, which in most cases is at least quarterly. We base our estimates on historical experience, actuarial valuations or various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and the results form the basis for making judgments about the reported values of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results may materially differ from these estimates.

 

Estimates are considered to be critical if they meet both of the following criteria: (1) the estimate requires assumptions about material matters that are uncertain at the time the accounting estimates are made, and (2) material changes in the estimates are reasonably likely to occur from period to period. Our critical accounting estimates include the following:

 

Legal Proceedings

 

We are involved in a number of legal actions, the outcomes of which are not within our complete control and may not be known for prolonged periods of time. In some actions, the claimants seek damages, as well as other relief, including injunctions barring the sale of products that are the subject of the lawsuit, which, if granted, could require significant expenditures or result in lost revenues. In accordance with SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” we record a liability in our consolidated financial statements for these actions when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If the reasonable estimate of a known or probable loss is a range, and no amount within the range is a better estimate, the minimum amount of the range is accrued. If a loss is reasonably likely but not known or probable, and can be reasonably estimated, the estimated loss or range of loss is disclosed in the notes accompanying our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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If a loss is not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated, a liability is not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. In most cases, significant judgment is required to estimate the amount and timing of a loss to be recorded. Our significant legal proceedings are discussed in Note 15 to the condensed consolidated financial statements and are incorporated by reference into Part II, Item 1 — Legal Proceedings. It is not possible to predict the outcome for most actions discussed, and while we believe that we have meritorious defenses against the matters detailed in Note 15, it is possible that costs associated with them could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated earnings, financial position or cash flows.

 

Tax Strategies

 

Our effective tax rate is based on expected income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and evaluating our tax positions. We establish reserves when, despite our belief that our tax return positions are fully supportable, we believe that certain positions are likely to be challenged and that we may or may not prevail. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit. Our effective tax rate includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that we consider appropriate. This rate is then applied to our quarterly operating results. In the event there is a special, certain litigation and/or IPR&D charge recognized in our operating results, the tax attributable to that item would be separately calculated and recorded in the same period.

 

Tax regulations require certain items be included in the tax return at different times than when those items are required to be recorded in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, our effective tax rate reflected in our consolidated financial statements is different than that reported in our tax return. Some of these differences are permanent, such as expenses that are not deductible on our tax return, and some are timing differences, such as depreciation expense. Timing differences create deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets generally represent items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in our tax return in future years for which we have already recorded the tax benefit in our consolidated statements of earnings. We establish valuation allowances for our deferred tax assets when the amount of expected future taxable income is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. Deferred tax liabilities generally represent tax expense recognized in our consolidated financial statements for which payment has been deferred or expense has already been taken as a deduction on our tax return, but has not yet been recognized as an expense in our consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Our operational and tax strategies have resulted in an effective tax rate of 23.98% and a non-GAAP nominal tax rate of 25.25%, versus the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% for the three months ended January 26, 2007. See discussion of the tax rate in the “Income Taxes” section of this management’s discussion and analysis.

 

Valuation of IPR&D, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets

 

When we acquire another company or a group of assets, the purchase price is allocated, as applicable, between IPR&D, other identifiable intangible assets, tangible assets, and goodwill as required by U.S. GAAP. IPR&D is defined as the value assigned to those projects for which the related products have not received regulatory approval and have no alternative future use. Determining the portion of the purchase price allocated to IPR&D and other intangible assets requires us to make significant estimates. The amount of the purchase price allocated to IPR&D and other intangible assets is determined by estimating the future cash flows of each project or technology and discounting the net cash flows back to their present values. The discount rate used is determined at the time of the acquisition in accordance with accepted valuation methods. For IPR&D, these methodologies include consideration of the risk of the project not achieving commercial feasibility.

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of net assets, including IPR&D, of acquired businesses. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events suggest impairment exists. The test for impairment requires us to make several estimates about fair value, most of which are based on projected future cash flows. Our estimates associated with the goodwill impairment tests are considered critical due to the amount of goodwill recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheets and the judgment required in determining fair value amounts, including projected future cash flows. Goodwill was $4.363 billion and $4.346 billion as of January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006, respectively.

 

Other intangible assets consist primarily of purchased technology, patents, and trademarks which are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 3 to 20 years. We review these intangible assets for impairment annually or as changes in circumstance or the occurrence of events suggest the remaining value may not be recoverable. Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, were $1.555 billion and $1.592 billion as of January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006, respectively.

 

 

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Stock-Based Compensation  

 

Effective April 29, 2006, we adopted the provisions of, and account for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R). Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), we measure stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognize the compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. We elected the modified-prospective method of adopting SFAS No. 123(R), under which prior periods are not retroactively revised. Estimated stock-based compensation expense for the non-vested portion of awards granted prior to the effective date is being recognized over the remaining service period using the compensation cost estimated for the SFAS No. 123 pro forma disclosures. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized during the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 was $45 million and $139 million pre-tax, respectively. See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information regarding our stock-based compensation programs.

 

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model (Black-Scholes model) to determine the fair value of stock options as of the grant date. The fair value of stock options under the Black-Scholes model requires management to make assumptions regarding projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rate, volatility of our stock price and expected dividends.

 

We analyze historical employee exercise and termination data to estimate the expected life assumption. We believe that historical data currently represents the best estimate of the expected life of a new employee option. We also stratify our employee population based upon distinctive exercise behavior patterns. The risk-free interest rate we use is based on the yield on the grant date of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond whose maturity period equals the option’s expected term. Beginning in the fiscal third quarter 2007 we began to calculate a blended volatility for our common stock by using the historical volatility and implied volatility. Prior to fiscal third quarter 2007, we calculated the expected volatility based solely on historical volatility. The dividend yield rate used is calculated by dividing our annual dividend, based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate, by the closing stock price on the grant date. The amount of stock-based compensation expense we recognize during a period is based on the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. We estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures at the time of grant by analyzing historical data and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

If factors change and we employ different assumptions for estimating stock-based compensation expense in future periods or if we decide to use a different valuation model, the expense in future periods may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current period and could materially affect our net earnings and net earnings per share of a future period.

 

There is a risk that our estimates of the fair values of our stock-based awards on the grant dates as determined using the Black-Scholes model may bear little resemblance to the actual values realized upon the exercise or forfeiture of those stock-based awards in the future. Some employee stock options may expire without value, or only realize minimal intrinsic value, as compared to the fair values originally estimated on the grant date and recognized in our financial statements. Alternatively, some employee stock options may realize significantly more value than the fair values originally estimated on the grant date and recognized in our financial statements.

 

The expense recognized for shares purchased under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan is equal to the 15% discount the employee receives at the end of the calendar quarter purchase period. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant.

 

Acquisitions

 

Three and nine months ended January 26, 2007

 

On September 15, 2006, we acquired and/or licensed selected patents and patent applications owned by Dr. Eckhard Alt (Dr. Alt), or certain of his controlled companies in a series of transactions. In connection therewith, we also resolved all outstanding litigation and disputes between Dr. Alt and us and our affiliates. The agreements required the payment of total consideration of $75 million, $74 million of which was capitalized as technology based intangible assets that had an estimated useful life of 11 years at the time of acquisition. The acquired patents or licenses pertain to the cardiac rhythm disease management field and have both current application and potential for future patentable commercial products.

 

On July 25, 2006, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Odin Medical Technologies, LTD (Odin), a privately held company. Prior to the acquisition, we had an equity investment in Odin, which was accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Odin focused on the manufacture of the PoleStar™ intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Image (iMRI) Guidance System which is already exclusively distributed by us. This acquisition is expected to help us further expand the acceptance of iMRI guidance in neurosurgery.

 

The consideration for Odin was approximately $21 million, which included $6 million in upfront cash and a $2 million milestone payment made during fiscal second quarter 2007. The $8 million in net cash paid resulted from the $21 million in consideration less the value of our prior investment in Odin and Odin’s then existing cash balance.

 

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Three and nine months ended January 27, 2006

 

On July 1, 2005, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of Transneuronix, Inc. (TNI), a privately held company. Prior to the acquisition, we had an equity investment in TNI, which was accounted for under the cost method of accounting. TNI focused on the treatment of obesity by stimulation of the stomach with an implantable gastric stimulator, known as the Transcend device. This acquisition is expected to complement our strategy to deliver therapeutic solutions for the worldwide challenges of obesity. The consideration for TNI was approximately $269 million. The $269 million in consideration includes $227 million in cash paid plus our prior investment in TNI and TNI’s then existing cash balance. The purchase price is subject to increases which would be triggered by the achievement of certain milestones. Our results of operations for the three months ended July 29, 2005 include the results of TNI since the date of acquisition.

 

On May 18, 2005, we acquired substantially all of the spine-related intellectual property and related contracts, rights, and tangible materials owned by Gary Michelson, M.D. and Karlin Technology, Inc. (Michelson) and settled all outstanding litigation and disputes between Michelson and us. The acquired patents pertain to novel spinal technology and techniques that have both current application and the potential for future patentable commercial products. The agreement requires total consideration of $1.350 billion for the purchase of a portfolio of more than 100 issued U.S. patents, over 110 pending U.S. patent applications and numerous foreign counterparts to these patents and patent applications, and the settlement of all ongoing litigation. A value of $550 million was assigned to the settlement of past damages between the parties and was recorded as an expense in fiscal fourth quarter 2005. The remaining consideration, including $3 million of direct acquisition costs, was allocated between $628 million of acquired technology based intangible assets that had a useful life of 17 years at the time of acquisition and $175 million of IPR&D that was expensed on the date of acquisition related to spinal technology based devices that had not yet reached technological feasibility and had no future alternative use. The patents pertain to novel spinal technology and techniques that have the potential for future patentable commercial products in the area of spinal surgery. During fiscal first quarter 2006, we paid $1.320 billion and committed to three future installments of $10 million to be paid in May 2006, 2007, and 2008. The first installment of $10 million was paid in May 2006.

 

Net Sales

 

The table below illustrates net sales by operating segment for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 (dollars in millions):

 

 

Forward-looking statements are subject to risk factors (see “Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results” set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended April 28, 2006).

 

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Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management

 

CRDM products consist primarily of pacemakers, implantable and external defibrillators, leads, ablation products, electrophysiology catheters, navigation systems and information systems for the management of patients with our devices. CRDM net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $1.291 billion and $3.904 billion, an increase in both periods of 2% when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 of approximately $27 million and $47 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Worldwide net sales of ICDs, our largest product line, decreased 2% and 1% for the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007, respectively, when compared to the same period of the prior year. U.S. sales of ICDs during the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $507 million and $1.556 billion representing a decline of 10% and 9%, respectively, as compared to the same periods in fiscal 2006. Outside the U.S. net sales of ICDs for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $204 million and $591 million representing growth of 29% over both periods last year.

 

For a portion of the three and nine month periods ended January 27, 2006, one key competitor had several product recalls, which bolstered revenues for us during the period. While the absence of a competitor favorably influenced net sales in the prior year, there are a number of factors influencing the declining results of the first nine months of this year. The previously highlighted quality concerns are diminishing in significance, but our success of treating symptomatic patients has left us increasingly dependent on asymptomatic primary prevention patients who are in a broader referral base and are more difficult to reach.

 

We continue to believe that the U.S. and worldwide ICD markets are significantly attractive and represent a solid and sustainable growth opportunity as the need for sudden cardiac arrest protection and heart failure treatment is significant. We continue to make worldwide investments in marketing and distribution, such as strategic additions to our field force, including therapy sales representatives, clinical specialists and general sales representatives.

 

Pacing system net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $458 million and $1.391 billion, respectively, an increase of 8% and 5%, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. The increase in pacing system net sales is primarily due to the continued acceptance of the EnRhythm pacemaker and the Adapta, Versa and Sensia families of pacemakers, which incorporate managed ventricular pacing, or MVP, automaticity and the connection to our remote monitoring system, CareLink.

 

Physio-Control net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $105 million and $317 million, an increase of 6% and 18%, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year.

 

On December 4, 2006, we announced our intention to pursue a spin-off of Physio-Control, our wholly-owned subsidiary that offers external defibrillation and emergency response systems, data management solutions and support services used by hospitals and emergency response personnel into an independent, publicly traded company. On January 15, 2007, we voluntarily suspended U.S. shipments of Physio-Control products manufactured at our facility in Redmond, Washington in order to address quality system issues. We are currently in discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the corrective actions that need to be taken before shipping in the U.S. can resume. We have a dedicated team from across the company working on these actions and improving the quality systems. We expect the suspension of U.S. shipments to continue into fiscal year 2008. Following the resolution of these matters, we intend to continue to pursue the spin-off.

 

Looking ahead, we expect our CRDM operating segment should benefit from the following:

 

 

 

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Spinal and Navigation

 

Spinal and Navigation products include thoracolumbar, cervical and interbody spinal devices, bone graft substitutes and surgical navigation tools and equipment. Spinal and Navigation net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $629 million and $1.854 billion, an increase of 12% and 14%, respectively, over the same periods of the prior year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 of approximately $3 million and $6 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. The net sales increase for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 in this operating segment were driven primarily by our Spinal business, which grew 12% and 14%, respectively, over the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Spinal instrumentation net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $429 million and $1.265 billion, an increase of 11% and 10%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. Spinal Biologics net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $169 million and $509 million, an increase of 15% and 25%, respectively, over the same periods of the prior year. The Spinal sales increase reflects solid growth across our portfolio of product offerings including expanded surgeon adoption of INFUSE Bone Graft and growth of the CD HORIZON LEGACY family of products, which includes our new PEEK ROD. In addition, the CRESCENT Vertebral Body Spacer and our Venture Cervical System also contributed to the growth in the quarter. Also, our MAST family of products, which includes the industry’s most comprehensive offering of minimal-access procedural solutions, continues to drive growth led by the SEXTANT I and II.

 

One trend in the Spinal market is that small companies continue to increase their presence in the U.S. The revenue of over sixty of these smaller companies has more than doubled over the last calendar year, putting pressure on the market in several ways.

 

Navigation net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $31 million and $80 million, an increase of 7% and 11%, respectively, over the same periods of the prior year as a result of continued strength of the StealthStation TRIA Treon and Polestar N20 surgical navigation equipment.

 

Looking ahead, we expect our Spinal and Navigation operating segment should benefit from the following:

 

 

Neurological

 

Neurological products consist of therapeutic and diagnostic devices, including implantable neurostimulation systems, implantable drug administration devices, urology products, gastroenterology products and functional diagnostic and sensing equipment. Neurological net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $290 million and $857 million, an increase in both periods of 17%, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 of approximately $5 million and $9 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Net sales from neurological implantables for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $233 million and $697 million, an increase of 15% and 18%, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Growth in neurological implantables was driven by key products including the RestoreADVANCED and PrimeADVANCED Neurostimulation Systems for pain management and Activa deep brain stimulation for the treatment of movement disorders associated with advanced Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. Gastroenterology and urology net sales were $57 million and $160 million for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, an increase of 27% and 13%, respectively, when compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year. Gastroenterology and urology net sales growth was driven by our InterStim product line for incontinence and our Prostiva line for the treatment of enlarged prostate.

 

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Looking ahead, we expect our Neurological operating segment should benefit from the following:

 

 

Vascular

 

Vascular products consist of coronary and peripheral stents and related delivery systems, endovascular stent graft systems, distal embolic protection systems and a broad line of balloon angioplasty catheters, guide catheters, guidewires, diagnostic catheters and accessories. Vascular net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $304 million and $871 million, an increase of 29% and 31%, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 of approximately $10 million and $18 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Coronary Vascular net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $235 million and $664 million, an increase of 31% and 35%, respectively, driven by stent growth of 54% and 59%, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Endeavor, introduced in fiscal year 2006 in markets outside the U.S., contributed $77 million and $216 million during the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007, respectively. Endeavor is now commercially released in more than 100 countries outside the U.S., and Endeavor sales have benefited from favorable safety and efficacy data and its ease of delivery. Net sales of other coronary products, including balloons, guides and wires, also grew 5% and 10%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 when compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Endovascular/Peripheral revenue grew 21% and 20%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, when compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year as a result of strong growth in sales of the AneuRx AAAdvantage, which is used to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in the U.S., and increased sales of the Valiant Thoracic Stent Graft System outside the U.S. The Valiant stent graft is a next-generation product used for the minimally invasive repair of the thoracic aorta, the body’s largest artery, for several disease states including aneurysms, penetrating ulcers, acute or chronic dissections, and contained or traumatic ruptures.

 

Looking ahead, we expect our Vascular operating segment should benefit from the following:

 

 

Diabetes

 

Diabetes net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $226 million and $633 million, an increase of 24% and 19%, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 of approximately $4 million and $7 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. External pump sales for the three and nine month periods ended January 26, 2007 were $104 million and $286 million, respectively, representing growth of 36% and 34%, respectively. This increase reflects strong market acceptance of the Paradigm REAL-time Sensor Augmented pump system that integrates continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump functionality. Sales of disposables during the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $109 million and $315 million, respectively, an increase of 14% and 7% as compared to the same periods of the prior year.

 

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Looking ahead, we expect our Diabetes operating segment should benefit from the following:

 

 

 

Cardiac Surgery

 

Cardiac Surgery products include perfusion systems, products for the repair and replacement of heart valves, and cardiac technologies, including minimally invasive cardiac surgery products, positioning and stabilization systems for beating heart surgery, surgical accessories and surgical ablation products. Cardiac Surgery net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $174 million and $509 million, an increase of 13% and 6%, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 of approximately $4 million and $5 million, respectively, when compared to the same periods of the prior year. The increase in net sales was led by a 19% increase in sales from heart valves. During the three months ended January 27, 2006, we completed a sales force restructuring which negatively impacted net sales for that quarter.

 

Looking ahead, we expect our Cardiac Surgery operating segment should benefit from the following:

 

 

ENT

 

ENT consists of ear, nose and throat related products (Core ENT) and neurologic technology related products including powered tissue-removal systems and other microendoscopy instruments, implantable devices, nerve monitoring systems, disposable fluid-control products, image-guided surgery systems, a Ménière’s treatment device, hydrocephalus shunt devices, external drainage systems, cranial fixation devices, neuroendoscopes and dura repair products. ENT net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $134 million and $391 million, an increase of 7% in both periods when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact on net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 of approximately $2 million for both periods when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Core ENT net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $69 million and $200 million, representing an increase of 6% and 3% when compared to the same periods of the prior year. Net sales were impacted by the loss of revenue from our tonometry product line that was sold in fiscal third quarter 2006. The tonometry product line contributed approximately $4 million and $12 million of net sales for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006, respectively. The primary drivers of the increase in Core ENT related net sales were continued physician acceptance of the Straightshot M4 Microdebrider, the NIM-Response 2.0 Nerve Integrity Monitor and image guided surgery systems. Neurologic Technology related net sales for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were $65 million and $191 million, an increase of 8% and 11%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. The primary drivers of growth in Neurologic Technologies were continued acceptance of the high-speed powered surgical drill systems, including the EHS Stylus system and the Strata valve, an adjustable flow control valve in which the resistance properties of the valve can be changed non-invasively by the caregiver. The valve is designed to minimize overdrainage of cerebrospinal fluid and maintain intraventricular pressure within a normal physiologic range, regardless of patient position.

 

 

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Looking ahead, we expect our ENT operating segment should benefit from the following:

 

 

Continued net sales growth in all operating segments is contingent on our ability to gain further market share, penetrate existing markets, develop new products and improve existing products.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

The following is a summary of major costs and expenses as a percent of net sales:

 

 

Cost of Products Sold

 

Cost of products sold for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, as a percentage of net sales, increased by 20 and 60 basis points, respectively, over the same periods of the prior year to 25.4% and 25.5%, respectively. The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales in the three months ended January 26, 2007 was due to a 90 basis point increase relating to geographic and product mix shifts and a 10 basis point increase for the recognition of $5 million of stock-based compensation expense in the period. These increases in cost of products sold were offset by 40 basis points of favorable foreign currency adjustments and 40 basis points of favorable manufacturing variances in the period. For the nine months ended January 26, 2007, the 60 basis point increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of net sales was due to a 110 basis point increase relating to geographic and product mix shifts and a 20 basis point increase due to the recognition of $15 million of stock-based compensation expense in the period, offset by 40 basis points of favorable foreign currency adjustments and 30 basis points of favorable manufacturing variances.

 

Research and Development

 

Consistent with prior periods, we have continued to invest in the future by spending aggressively on research and development efforts. For the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, research and development spending was $293 million and $912 million, respectively, or 9.6% and 10.1% as a percentage of net sales compared to $280 million and $819 million, or 10.1% and 10.0% as a percentage of net sales, for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006, respectively. For the three months ended January 26, 2007, approximately 20 basis points ($7 million) of the 50 basis point decrease was the result of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the period. The remainder of the decrease is the result of sales outpacing research and development spending compared to the prior period. For the nine months ended January 26, 2007, approximately 30 basis points ($29 million) of the 10 basis point increase was the result of stock-based compensation expense for the period. This increase was slightly offset by sales outpacing research and development spending compared to the prior period. We remain committed to developing technological enhancements and new indications for existing products, and less invasive and new technologies to address unmet medical needs.

 

Selling, General and Administrative

 

Selling, general and administrative expense for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, as a percentage of net sales, increased 160 basis points and 130 basis points to 34.1% and 33.9%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. The increases were due mainly to the recognition of stock-based compensation expense of $33 million and $95 million, or 110 basis points and 105 basis points, respectively. The remaining increases for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 were due to expenses associated with our previously communicated investment in selling and marketing activities, particularly for CRDM, Spinal and Diabetes, offset by our continual cost control measures across all of our businesses and attempts to leverage the general and administrative categories.

 

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Special, Certain Litigation and IPR&D Charges

 

Special, certain litigation and IPR&D charges for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 were as follows:

 

 

Special Charges

 

There were no special charges for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007.

 

In fiscal second quarter 2006, we recorded a $100 million ($66 million, after-tax) charitable donation to The Medtronic Foundation, a related party non-profit organization. Additionally, during fiscal second quarter 2006, we recorded a $225 million tax benefit associated with favorable agreements with the IRS involving the review of domestic income tax returns for fiscal years 1997 through 2002 (see Note 12 to the condensed consolidated financial statements).

 

Certain Litigation

 

During fiscal first quarter 2007, we recorded a certain litigation charge of $40 million related to a settlement agreement with the United States Department of Justice which requires the government to obtain dismissal of two qui tam civil suits pending against us, and is conditioned upon such dismissal being obtained. The two suits were based upon allegations about certain sales and marketing practices in the Spinal business. The settlement agreement reflects our assertion that the Company and its current employees have not engaged in any wrongdoing or illegal activity.

 

There were no certain litigation charges for the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006.

 

IPR&D Charges

 

There were no IPR&D charges for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007.

 

On July 1, 2005, we acquired all of the outstanding stock of TNI. At the date of the acquisition, $169 million of the purchase price was expensed as IPR&D related to a product being developed for the treatment of obesity by stimulation of the stomach, that had not yet reached technological feasibility and for which no future alternative use had been identified. The technology is expected to be adapted for use in therapeutic treatments for obesity. This acquisition is expected to complement our strategy to deliver therapeutic solutions for the worldwide challenges of obesity.

 

On May 18, 2005, we acquired substantially all of the spine-related intellectual property and related contracts, rights, and tangible materials owned by Michelson and settled all outstanding litigation and disputes between Michelson and us. The patent portfolio consists of more than 100 issued U.S. patents, over 110 pending U.S. patent applications and numerous foreign counterparts to these patents. At the date of acquisition, $175 million of the purchase price was expensed as IPR&D related to spinal technology based devices that had not yet reached technological feasibility and which had no future alternative use. The patents pertain to novel spinal technology and techniques that have the potential for future patentable commercial products in the area of spinal surgery.

 

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In fiscal first quarter 2006, we also entered into a royalty bearing, non-exclusive patent cross-licensing agreement with NeuroPace, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies cross-licensed patents and patent applications of neurological technology related to direct electrical stimulation or monitoring of the brain. On the date of the agreement, $20 million was expensed as IPR&D related to the licensed technology since technological feasibility of the project has not yet been reached and it had no future alternative use. This licensed technology is expected to enhance our ability to further develop and expand our therapies for neurological disorders.

 

Other Expense, Net

 

Other expense, net includes intellectual property amortization expense, royalty income and expense, realized minority investment gains/(losses), realized foreign currency transaction and derivative gains/(losses) and impairment charges. Other expense, net for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 increased $34 million and $59 million, to $44 million and $160 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. The change for the three months ended January 26, 2007 is primarily due to currency hedges, which resulted in gains in the quarter of $3 million versus gains in the third quarter of the prior year of $31 million. Fiscal third quarter 2007 was also positively impacted by $26 million due to the accelerated amortization of deferred income in connection with a product supply agreement in the Vascular business, where the other party elected not to exercise its option to extend the agreement. Also related to this agreement, the fiscal fourth quarter 2007 Other expense, net will be positively impacted by an additional $30 million of accelerated amortization of deferred income. In addition, the quarter was negatively impacted by a $10 million charge in connection with an intellectual property dispute. The increase of $58 million for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 is due to increased royalty expenses of Vascular drug eluting stents launched outside the U.S. during the period and increased transaction hedge expenses. In addition, the prior year expense was offset by a $21 million gain for the sale of the Tonometry product line.

 

Interest Income, Net

 

For the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, we generated net interest income of $36 and $113 million, respectively, as compared to net interest income of $24 and $52 million, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increases for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 are the result of the higher cash and cash investment balances as compared to the prior periods. Interest income continues to increase, as we have maintained our ability to generate rates of returns on our investments that exceed the interest rates we are paying on our outstanding debt.

 

Income Taxes

 

_________

 

 

Our effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 was 23.98% and 25.19% compared to 26.00% and 16.40%, respectively, from the same periods of the prior fiscal year. Our non-GAAP nominal tax rate for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 was 25.25% compared to 26.00% from the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The fluctuation in our effective tax rate is primarily due to certain items being taxed at different tax rates than our non-GAAP nominal tax rates, cumulative tax benefits resulting from retroactive renewal of a research & development credit, recognition of tax benefits associated with favorable agreements reached with the IRS, and the impact of benefits derived from our international operations. The decrease in the Company’s non-GAAP nominal tax rate for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 is primarily due to the impact of benefits derived from our international operations.

 

Tax audits associated with the allocation of income, and other complex issues, may require an extended period of time to resolve and may result in income tax adjustments if changes to our allocation are required between jurisdictions with different tax rates. Tax authorities periodically review our tax returns and propose adjustments to our tax filings. The IRS has completed its audits with us for all years through fiscal year 2002. Tax years audited by the IRS, however, remain open for foreign tax audits and competent authority proceedings. Competent authority proceedings are a means to resolve intercompany pricing disagreements between countries.

 

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In August 2003, the IRS proposed adjustments arising out of its audit of our fiscal years 1997, 1998 and 1999 tax returns. We initiated a defense of these adjustments at the IRS appellate level in November 2004. All matters related to these tax years have been resolved except for an issue related to the allocation of income between Medtronic, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary in Switzerland. Also, during fiscal year 2006, the IRS issued its audit report for fiscal years 2000, 2001 and 2002. We have reached agreement with the IRS on substantially all of the proposed adjustments for those fiscal years. The only item of significance that remains unresolved relates to the carryover impact of the proposed allocation of income for fiscal years 1997 through 1999. The unresolved issue from the 1997 through 2002 tax audits, as well as tax positions taken by the IRS or foreign tax authorities during future tax audits, could have a material unfavorable impact on our effective tax rate in future periods. We continue to believe that we have meritorious defenses for our tax filings and will vigorously defend them through litigation in the courts, as necessary. We believe that we have appropriately reserved for probable liabilities resulting from tax assessments by taxing authorities.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

_________________

 

The increase in our net cash position primarily relates to the retirement of $1.877 billion in debentures, cash outlays for capital expenditures, dividend payments and share repurchases offset by income from operations and other cash proceeds. (See “Summary of Cash Flows” section of this management’s discussion and analysis for further discussion of our cash uses and proceeds). The decrease in our working capital relates to our investment of the repatriated controlled foreign operations earnings in long-term trading securities, offset by normal operating changes in other account balances.

 

At January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006, approximately $5.023 billion and $4.168 billion, respectively, of cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and long-term investments in debt securities were held by our non-U.S. subsidiaries. These funds are available for use by worldwide operations; however, if these funds were repatriated to the U.S. or used for U.S. operations, the amounts would be subject to U.S. tax.

 

We believe our existing cash and investments, as well as our unused lines of credit and commercial paper capacity of $2.387 billion, if needed, will satisfy our foreseeable working capital requirements for at least the next twelve months. However, we periodically consider various financing alternatives and may, from time to time, seek to take advantage of favorable interest rate environments or other market conditions.

 

Summary of Cash Flows

 

 

 

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Operating Activities

 

Our net cash provided by operating activities was $2.054 billion for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $1.512 billion in the same period of the prior year. The $542 million increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to:

 

 

partially offset by the timing of other receipts and payments in the ordinary course of business.

 

Investing Activities

 

Our net cash used in investing activities was $629 million for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 compared to $3.434 billion used in investing activities for the nine months ended January 27, 2006. The $2.805 billion decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to:

 

 

Financing Activities

 

Our net cash used in financing activities was $2.354 billion for the nine months ended January 26, 2007, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $946 million for the nine months ended January 27, 2006. The $3.300 billion increase in net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to:

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Long-Term Contractual Obligations

 

We acquire assets still in development, enter into research and development arrangements and sponsor certain clinical trials that often require milestone and/or royalty payments to a third-party, contingent upon the occurrence of certain future events. Milestone payments may be required contingent upon the successful achievement of an important point in the development life cycle of a product or upon certain pre-designated levels of achievement in clinical trials. In addition, if required by the arrangement, we may have to make royalty payments based on a percentage of sales related to the product under development or in the event that regulatory approval for marketing is obtained. In situations where we have no ability to influence the achievement of the milestone or otherwise avoid the payment, we have included those milestone or minimum royalty payments in the following table. However, the majority of these arrangements give us the discretion to unilaterally make the decision to stop development of a product or cease progress of a clinical trial, which would allow us to avoid making the contingent payments. Although we are unlikely to cease development if a device successfully achieves clinical testing objectives, these payments are not included in the table of contractual obligations because of the contingent nature of these payments and our ability to avoid them if we decided to pursue a different path of development or testing.

 

In the normal course of business, we periodically enter into agreements that require us to indemnify customers or suppliers for specific risks, such as claims for injury or property damage arising out of our products or the negligence of our personnel or claims alleging that our products infringe third-party patents or other intellectual property. Our maximum exposure under these indemnification provisions cannot be estimated, and we have not accrued any liabilities within our condensed consolidated financial statements or included any indemnification provisions in our commitments table. Historically, we have not experienced significant losses on these types of indemnifications.

 

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We believe our off-balance sheet arrangements do not have a material current or anticipated future effect on our consolidated earnings, financial position, or cash flows. Presented below is a summary of contractual obligations and other minimum commercial commitments as of January 26, 2007.

 

_________________

 

 

 

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Debt and Capital

 

Our capital structure consists of equity and interest-bearing debt. Interest-bearing debt as a percent of total interest-bearing debt and equity was 36% and 46% at January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006, respectively.

 

In October 2005, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 40 million shares of our common stock. Shares are repurchased from time to time to support our stock-based compensation programs and to take advantage of favorable market conditions. In April 2006, the Board of Directors made a special authorization for the Company to repurchase up to 50 million shares of the Company’s common stock in conjunction with the $4.400 billion Senior Convertible Note offering (see below for further discussion). During the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, we repurchased approximately 0.75 million shares and 10 million shares at an average price of $53.35 and $43.97, respectively. During the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006, we repurchased approximately 2.7 million shares and 13.0 million shares at an average price of $56.54 and $54.93, respectively. The amounts disclosed as repurchased for the nine months ended January 26, 2007 include 544,224 shares that we repurchased as part of the final settlement of the previously announced and executed accelerated share repurchase program. Excluding the shares repurchased in the settlement of the accelerated share repurchase program, for the nine months ended January 26, 2007, we repurchased 9.4 million shares at an average price of $46.51. The Company has approximately 26.8 million shares remaining under current buyback authorizations approved by the Board of Directors.

 

In April 2006, we issued $2.200 billion of 1.500% Senior Convertible Notes due 2011 and $2.200 billion of 1.625% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013, collectively the Senior Convertible Notes. The Senior Convertible Notes were issued at par and pay interest in cash semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The Senior Convertible Notes are unsecured unsubordinated obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The Senior Convertible Notes have an initial conversion price of $56.14 per share. The Senior Convertible Notes may only be converted: (i) during any calendar quarter if the closing price of our common stock reaches 140% of the conversion price for 20 trading days during a specified period, or (ii) if specified distributions to holders of our common stock are made or specified corporate transactions occur, or (iii) during the last month prior to maturity of the applicable notes. Upon conversion, a holder would receive: (i) cash equal to the lesser of the principal amount of the note or the conversion value and (ii) to the extent the conversion value exceeds the principal amount of the note, shares of our common stock, cash, or a combination of common stock and cash, at our option. In addition, upon a change in control, as defined, the holders may require us to purchase for cash all or a portion of their notes for 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a number of additional make-whole shares of our common stock, as set forth in the applicable indenture. The indentures under which the Senior Convertible Notes were issued contain customary covenants, all of which we remain in compliance as of January 26, 2007. A total of $2.500 billion of the net proceeds from these note issuances were used to repurchase common stock.

 

Concurrent with the issuance of the Senior Convertible Notes, we purchased call options on our common stock in private transactions. The call options allow us to receive shares of our common stock and/or cash from counterparties equal to the amounts of common stock and/or cash related to the excess conversion value that we would pay to the holders of the Senior Convertible Notes upon conversion. These call options will terminate upon the earlier of the maturity dates of the related Senior Convertible Notes or the first day all of the related Senior Convertible Notes are no longer outstanding due to conversion or otherwise. The call options, which cost an aggregate $1.075 billion ($699 million net of tax benefit), were recorded as a reduction of shareholders’ equity.

 

In separate transactions, we sold warrants to issue shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $76.56 per share in private transactions. Pursuant to these transactions, warrants for 41 million shares of our common stock may be settled over a specified period beginning in July 2011 and warrants for 41 million shares of our common stock may be settled over a specified period beginning in July 2013 (the “settlement dates”). If the average price of our common stock during a defined period ending on or about the respective settlement dates exceeds the exercise price of the warrants, the warrants will be settled in shares of our common stock. Proceeds received from the issuance of the warrants totaled approximately $517 million and were recorded as an addition to shareholders’ equity.

 

In September 2005, we issued two tranches of Senior Notes with the aggregate face value of $1.000 billion. The first tranche consisted of $400 million of 4.375% Senior Notes due 2010 and the second tranche consisted of $600 million of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2015. Each tranche was issued at a discount which resulted in an effective interest rate of 4.433% and 4.760% for the five and ten year Senior Notes, respectively. Interest on each series of Senior Notes is payable semi-annually, on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The Senior Notes are unsecured unsubordinated obligations and rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. The indentures under which the Senior Notes were issued contain customary covenants, all of which we remain in compliance as of January 26, 2007. We used the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes for repayment of a portion of our outstanding commercial paper.

 

In November 2005, we entered into a five year interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $200 million. This interest rate swap agreement was designated as a fair value hedge of the changes in fair value of a portion of our fixed-rate $400 million Senior Notes due 2010. We pay variable interest equal to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) minus 55 basis points and we receive a fixed interest rate of 4.375%.

 

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In September 2001, we completed a $2.013 billion private placement of 1.25% Contingent Convertible Debentures due September 2021 (Old Debentures). Interest is payable semi-annually. Each Old Debenture is convertible into shares of common stock at an initial conversion price of $61.81 per share; however, the Old Debentures are not convertible before their final maturity unless the closing price of our common stock reaches 110% of the conversion price for 20 trading days during a consecutive 30 trading day period. In September 2002 and 2004, as a result of certain holders of the Old Debentures exercising their put options, we repurchased $39 million and $1 million respectively, of the Old Debentures for cash.

 

On January 24, 2005, we completed an exchange offer whereby holders of approximately $1.930 billion of the total principal amount of the Old Debentures exchanged their existing securities for an equal principal amount of 1.25% Contingent Convertible Debentures, Series B due 2021 (New Debentures), as described below. Following the completion of the exchange offer, we repurchased approximately $2 million of the Old Debentures for cash.

 

The terms of the New Debentures are consistent with the terms of the Old Debentures noted above, except that: (i) the New Debentures require us to settle all conversions for a combination of cash and shares of our common stock, if any, in lieu of only shares. Upon conversion of the New Debentures we will pay holders cash equal to the lesser of the principal amount of the New Debentures or their conversion value, and shares of our common stock to the extent the conversion value exceeds the principal amount of the New Debentures; and (ii) the New Debentures require us to pay only cash (in lieu of shares of our common stock or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock) when we repurchase the New Debentures at the option of the holder or when we repurchase the New Debentures in connection with a change of control.

 

In September 2006, as a result of certain holders of the New Debentures and Old Debentures exercising their put options, we repurchased $1.835 billion of the New Debentures for cash and $42 million of the Old Debentures for cash. Twelve months prior to the put options becoming exercisable, the remaining balance of the New Debentures and the Old Debentures will be classified as short-term borrowings. At each balance sheet date without a put option within the subsequent four quarters, the remaining balance will be classified as long-term debt. Accordingly, during the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, $93 million of New Debentures and $1 million of the Old Debentures were reclassified from short-term borrowings to long-term debt as a result of the September 2006 put option expiring. For put options exercised by the holders of the New Debentures and the Old Debentures, the purchase price is equal to the principal amount of the applicable debenture plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the repurchase date. If the put option is exercised, we will pay holders the repurchase price solely in cash (or, for the Old Debentures, in cash or stock at our option). We may be required to repurchase the remaining debentures at the option of the holders in September 2008, 2011 or 2016. As of January 26, 2007, approximately $93 million aggregate principal amount of New Debentures remain outstanding and approximately $1 million aggregate principal amount of Old Debentures remain outstanding. We can redeem the debentures for cash at any time.

 

We maintain a commercial paper program that allows us to have a maximum of $2.250 billion in commercial paper outstanding, with maturities up to 364 days from the date of issuance. At January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006, outstanding commercial paper totaled $249 million and $190 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, the weighted average original maturity of the commercial paper outstanding was approximately 73 and 57 days, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 5.31% and 5.25%, respectively.

 

In connection with the issuance of the contingent convertible debentures, Senior Notes, Senior Convertible Notes and commercial paper, Standard and Poor’s Ratings Group and Moody’s Investors Service issued us strong long-term debt ratings of AA- and A1, respectively, and strong short-term debt ratings of A-1+ and P-1, respectively. These ratings remain unchanged from the same periods of the prior year.

 

We have existing lines of credit of approximately $2.422 billion with various banks at January 26, 2007. The existing lines of credit include a five-year $1.750 billion syndicated credit facility dated December 20, 2006 that will expire on December 20, 2011 (New Facility). This New Facility replaced two credit facilities; one for $1.000 billion which was scheduled to expire in January 2010, and a $750 million facility which was scheduled to expire in January 2007. The New Facility provides us with the ability to increase the capacity of the facility by an additional $500 million at any time during the life of the five-year term of the agreement. The Company can also request the extension of the New Facility maturity date for one additional year, at the first and second anniversary of the date of this facility. The credit facilities provide backup funding for the commercial paper program and may also be used for general corporate purposes.

 

Interest rates on these borrowings are determined by a pricing matrix, based on our long-term debt ratings, assigned by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Group and Moody’s Investors Service. Facility fees are payable on the credit facilities and are determined in the same manner as the interest rates. The agreements also contain other customary covenants, all of which we remain in compliance with as of January 26, 2007.

 

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As of January 26, 2007, we have unused credit lines and commercial paper capacity of approximately $2.387 billion.

 

Operations Outside of the United States

 

The table below illustrates U.S. net sales versus net sales outside the U.S. for the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007 and January 27, 2006 (dollars in millions):

 

 

For the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007, consolidated net sales outside the U.S. grew 25% and 21%, respectively over the same periods of the prior year. For the three months ended January 26, 2007, growth outside the U.S. was 22% higher than net sales growth in the U.S. primarily as a result of a decrease in U.S. CRDM sales and increases in outside the U.S. sales within the CRDM and Vascular businesses. For the nine months ended January 26, 2007, growth outside the U.S. was 16% higher than net sales growth in the U.S. primarily as a result of a decline in U.S. CRDM sales and an increase in outside the U.S sales for the CRDM and Vascular businesses. Overall, outside U.S. sales continue to be led by continued acceptance of Vascular’s Endeavor and CRDM’s product offerings.

 

Net sales outside the U.S. are accompanied by certain financial risks, such as collection of receivables, which typically have longer payment terms. Outstanding receivables from customers outside the U.S. totaled $1.367 billion at January 26, 2007, or 49%, of total outstanding accounts receivable, and $1.179 billion at April 28, 2006, or 45%, of total outstanding accounts receivable. Operations outside the U.S. could be negatively impacted by changes in political, labor or economic conditions, changes in regulatory requirements or potentially adverse foreign tax consequences, among other factors.

 

Additionally, markets outside the U.S. are commonly funded by government-sponsored health care systems. These governments frequently impose reimbursement limits to control government spending and to ensure local health care consumers can obtain medical products and services at a low cost. Decisions made by these government agencies to further limit or eliminate reimbursement for our products could have a material adverse affect on net earnings.

 

Cautionary Factors That May Affect Future Results

 

Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other written and oral statements made from time to time by us do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. As such, they are considered “forward-looking statements” which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. Our forward-looking statements generally relate to our growth strategies, financial results, product development, regulatory approvals, competitive strengths, the scope of our intellectual property rights, litigation, mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, market acceptance or continued acceptance of our products, accounting estimates, financing activities, ongoing contractual obligations, and sales efforts. Such statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “project,” “should,” “will” and similar words or expressions. One must carefully consider forward-looking statements that may be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and understand that such statements involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including, among others, risks related to competition in the medical device industry, reduction or interruption in our supply, quality problems and price decrease for our products and services, and international operations, as well as those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 28, 2006. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may vary materially. We intend to take advantage of the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding our forward-looking statements, and are including this sentence for the express purpose of enabling us to use the protections of the safe harbor with respect to all forward-looking statements.

 

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, but investors are advised to consult any further disclosures by us in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, especially on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K (if any), in which we may discuss in more detail various important factors that could cause actual results to differ from expected or historical results. It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors. As such, investors should not consider any list of such factors to be an exhaustive statement of all risks, uncertainties or potentially inaccurate assumptions.

 

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Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Due to the global nature of our operations, we are subject to the exposures that arise from foreign exchange rate fluctuations. We manage these exposures using operational and economic hedges as well as derivative financial instruments. The primary currencies hedged are the Euro and the Japanese Yen.

 

Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctuations is to minimize cash flow volatility associated with foreign exchange rate changes. We enter into various contracts, principally forward contracts that change in value as foreign exchange rates change, to protect the value of existing foreign currency assets, liabilities, net investments, and probable commitments. The gains and losses on these contracts offset changes in the value of the related exposures. It is our policy to enter into foreign currency hedging transactions only to the extent true exposures exist; we do not enter into foreign currency transactions for speculative purposes.

 

We had foreign exchange derivative contracts outstanding in notional amounts of $4.420 billion and $1.561 billion at January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006, respectively. The fair value of these contracts at January 26, 2007 was $15 million more than the original contract value. A sensitivity analysis of changes in the fair value of all foreign exchange derivative contracts at January 26, 2007 indicates that, if the U.S. dollar uniformly strengthened/weakened by 10% against all currencies, the fair value of these contracts would increase/decrease by $413 million, respectively. Any gains and losses on the fair value of derivative contracts would be largely offset by gains and losses on the underlying transactions. These offsetting gains and losses are not reflected in the above analysis.

 

We entered into agreements to sell specific pools of receivables in Italy in the amount of $13 million during the three and nine months ended January 26, 2007. During the three and nine months ended January 27, 2006, we entered into similar agreements in the amount of $6 and $27 million, respectively. The discount cost related to Italy sales was insignificant and recorded in interest income, net in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

 

We are also exposed to interest rate changes affecting principally our investments in interest rate sensitive instruments. A sensitivity analysis of the impact on our interest rate sensitive financial instruments of a hypothetical 10% change in short-term interest rates compared to interest rates at January 26, 2007 indicates that the fair value of these instruments would change by $34 million.

 

In fiscal third quarter 2004, we began lending certain fixed income securities to enhance our investment income. These lending activities are collateralized at an average rate of 102%, with the collateral determined based on the underlying securities and creditworthiness of the borrowers. The value of the securities on loan at January 26, 2007 and April 28, 2006 was $1.320 billion and $362 million, respectively.

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective and are adequately designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms.

 

Changes in internal control

 

We continue to implement a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system using a multi-phased approach which has resulted in certain changes in internal controls. During fiscal third quarter 2007, portions of our Spinal and Navigation operating segment implemented the new ERP system which resulted in some changes in internal controls. As a result, management could not test or rely on some of the recurring internal controls from previous quarters. However, management performed other procedures and analysis to ensure the financial statements were materially correct for the three months ended January 26, 2007. There have been no other changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

 

A discussion of the Company’s policies with respect to legal proceedings is discussed in the management’s discussion and analysis and our legal proceedings and other loss contingencies are described in Note 15 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The description of our legal proceedings in Note 15 of the condensed consolidated financial statements to this filing is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table provides information about the shares repurchased by Medtronic during fiscal third quarter 2007:

 

_________________

 

Item 6.   Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

_________________

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

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