Boston Scientific
BSX
#203
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$110.11 B
Marketcap
$74.25
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Categories

Boston Scientific Corporation is an American medical device manufacturer. The company offers solutions for the following medical specialties: electrophysiology, gastroenterology, vascular surgery, gynecology, interventional cardiology, interventional radiology, female pelvic medicine, neurological surgery, orthopedic surgery, pulmology, pain medicine, structural heart, urology.

Boston Scientific - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

-------------------

FORM 10-Q


/x/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES ACT
OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended: June 30, 1997


Commission file number: 1-11083


BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION
------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE 04-2695240
--------------------------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

One Boston Scientific Place, Natick, Massachusetts 01760-1537
- -------------------------------------------------- ----------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (508) 650-8000
--------------

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report.

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
--- ---

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the last practicable date.

Shares Outstanding
Class as of June 30, 1997
----- -------------------
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value 194,157,387

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Part I
Financial Information


Item 1. Financial Statements


BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
June 30, December 31,
In thousands, except share and per share data 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 54,141 $ 72,175
Short-term investments 32,178 45,606
Trade accounts receivable, net 361,876 321,025
Inventories 306,558 236,670
Deferred income taxes 97,865 97,364
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 56,586 43,977
-------------------------
Total current assets 909,204 816,817

Property, plant, equipment and leaseholds 608,014 529,933
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization 186,311 167,631
-------------------------
421,703 362,302

Intangibles, net 320,104 319,762
Investments and other assets 91,041 86,164
-------------------------
$1,742,052 $1,585,045
=========================

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Borrowings due within one year $ 350,265 $ 240,556
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 210,537 163,784
Income taxes payable 27,403
Accrual related to special charges 107,781 48,144
Other current liabilities 4,892 1,929
-------------------------
Total current liabilities 673,475 481,816

Accrual related to special charges 10,166
Deferred income taxes 59,975 59,975
Other long-term liabilities 48,829 48,139

Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $ .01 par value - authorized 25,000,000 shares,
none issued and outstanding
Common stock, $ .01 par value - authorized 300,000,000 shares,
195,611,491 shares issued at June 30, 1997 and at
December 31, 1996 1,956 1,956
Additional paid-in capital 451,129 437,074
Contingent stock repurchase obligation 7,095 24,855
Retained earnings 622,591 574,051
Foreign currency translation adjustment (73,747) (37,964)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net 16,411 18,886
Treasury stock, at cost -1,454,104 shares at June 30, 1997
and 643,991 shares at December 31, 1996 (75,828) (23,743)
-------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 949,607 995,115
-------------------------
$1,742,052 $1,585,045
=========================
</TABLE>


See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended Six months ended
June 30, June 30,
In thousands, except per share data 1997 1996 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $473,749 $379,237 $904,280 $722,790
Cost of products sold 131,455 101,386 252,512 193,341
---------------------------------------------
Gross profit 342,294 277,851 651,768 529,449

Selling, general and administrative expenses 157,031 124,102 308,994 234,321
Royalties 5,388 4,293 11,286 8,680
Research and development expenses 41,006 33,822 79,704 63,431
Special charges 157,841 73,666 157,841 142,341
---------------------------------------------
361,266 235,883 557,825 448,773
---------------------------------------------
Operating income (loss) (18,972) 41,968 93,943 80,676

Other income (expense):
Interest and dividend income 956 1,457 1,994 3,835
Interest expense (3,353) (3,213) (6,651) (4,794)
Other, net (1,686) (1,148) 251 (3,223)
---------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes (23,055) 39,064 89,537 76,494
Income taxes 3,841 25,975 40,997 61,215
---------------------------------------------
Net income (loss) $(26,896) $ 13,089 $ 48,540 $ 15,279
=============================================

Net income (loss) per common share $ (0.14) $ 0.07 $ 0.25 $ 0.08
=============================================

Primary weighted average number of common shares 194,702 199,490 197,694 199,373
=============================================
</TABLE>


See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized
Gain on
Contingent Foreign Available-
Common Stock Additional Stock Currency for-Sale
----------------------- Paid-In Repurchase Retained Translation Securities, Treasury
Shares Issued Par Value Capital Obligation Earnings Adjustment Net Stock Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except share data)

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at December 31, 1996 195,611,491 $1,956 $437,074 $ 24,855 $574,051 $(37,964) $18,886 $(23,743) $995,115
Net income 48,540 48,540
Foreign currency translation
adjustment (35,783) (35,783)
Issuance of common stock
under options, warrant and
stock purchase plans (12,486) 29,373 16,887
Purchase of common stock for
treasury (82,014) (82,014)
Sale of stock repurchase
obligation (7,095) 7,095 556 556
Expiration of stock
repurchase obligation 24,855 (24,855)
Tax benefit relating to
stock option and employee
stock purchase plans 8,781 8,781
Net change in equity
investments (2,475) (2,475)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at June 30, 1997 195,611,491 $1,956 $451,129 $ 7,095 $622,591 $(73,747) $16,411 $(75,828) $949,607
================================================================================================
</TABLE>


See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
June 30,
In thousands 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
Cash provided by operating activities $ 67,863 $ 26,709

Investing activities:

Purchases of property, plant, and equipment, net (109,583) (50,755)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (241,493)
Net maturities of held-to-maturity short-term investments 18,232 18,400
Net purchases of available-for-sale securities (4,399) (4,424)
Payments for acquisitions of and/or investments in
certain technologies (23,700) (3,229)
Other (13,119) (3,074)
----------------------
Cash used in investing activities (132,569) (284,575)

Financing activities:
Net increase in commercial paper 93,950 235,000
Net proceeds (payments) on notes payable and
capital leases 12,020 (28,696)

Proceeds from issuances of shares of common stock, net of
tax benefits 25,668 36,823
Acquisition of treasury stock, net of proceeds from
put options (81,458) (58,543)
Other 25 737
----------------------
Cash provided by financing activities 50,205 185,321
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash (3,533) (1,118)
----------------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (18,034) (73,663)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 72,175 134,831
----------------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 54,141 $ 61,168
======================
</TABLE>


See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
June 30, 1997


Note A - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
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 and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management,
all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) considered
necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for
the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 1997 are not necessarily
indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December
31, 1997. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial
statements and footnotes thereto incorporated by reference in Boston
Scientific Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996.

Certain prior year's amounts have been reclassified to conform to the
current year presentation.

Note B - Acquisitions

On April 8, 1997, the Company completed its merger with Target Therapeutics,
Inc. (Target) in a tax-free stock-for-stock transaction accounted for as a
pooling-of-interests. As a result, the unaudited condensed consolidated
financial statements have been restated for all periods presented. In
conjunction with this merger, Target's stockholders received 1.07 shares of
the Company's common stock in exchange for each share of Target common
stock. Approximately 16.5 million shares of common stock were issued in
connection with the Target acquisition.

Separate results of the combining entities for the six months ended June 30,
1996 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Combined
Boston Boston
(In millions) Scientific Target Scientific
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $680 $ 43 $ 723
Net income (loss) 23 (8) 15
</TABLE>


Target's net sales and net income for the three months ended March 31, 1997
were approximately $31 million and $2 million, respectively.

Note C - Merger-Related Charges and Expenses

In the second quarter of 1997, the Company recorded special charges of $158
million ($117 million, net-of-tax). Charges include $12 million for
purchased research and development recorded in conjunction with accounting
for the Company's additional investment in Medinol Ltd., $16 million in
direct transaction costs and $96 million of estimated costs to be incurred
in merging the separate operating businesses of Target with subsidiaries of
the Company. Estimated costs include those typical in a merging of
operations and relate to, among other things, rationalization of facilities,
workforce reductions, unwinding of various contractual commitments, asset
writedowns and other integration costs. The remaining amounts represent
primarily adjustments to merger-related and special charges recorded in 1996
and 1995 based on actual costs incurred or changes in estimates
(approximately $15 million) and writedowns of assets in connection with the
Company's implementation of a global information system.

The special charges are determined based on formal plans approved by the
Company's management using the best information available to it at the time.
The workforce-related initiatives have involved substantially all of the
Company's employee groups. The amounts the Company may ultimately incur may
change as the plans are executed.

The activity impacting the accrual related to special charges during the
first six months of 1997, net of reclassifications made by management in
prior years based on available information, is summarized in the following
table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

Balance at Charges to Charges Balance at
(In millions) December 31, 1996 Operations Utilized June 30, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Facilities $ 19 $ 6 $ 3 $ 22
Workforce reductions 26 14 14 26
Contractual commitments 8 53 9 52
Asset writedowns 6 24 12 18
Direct transaction and other costs 6 49 18 37
------------------------------------------------
$ 65 $ 146 $ 56 $ 155
================================================
</TABLE>

Most of the plans are expected to be completed by the end of 1998. Cash
outlays to complete the balance of the Company's initiative to integrate the
businesses related to all business combinations consummated since 1994 are
estimated to be approximately $118 million.

The June 30, 1997 balance of the accrual for special charges is classified
within the balance sheet as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(In millions)
- --------------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C>
Accrual related to special charges - current $ 108
Property, plant, equipment and leaseholds, net 23
Accrual related to special charges - non-current 10
Inventories 13
Other 1
-----
$ 155
=====
</TABLE>

Note D - Credit Arrangements

At December 31, 1996, the Company had a $350 million revolving line of
credit with a syndicate of U.S. and international banks. In June 1997, the
Company increased its maximum worldwide borrowings provided under an amended
and restated credit agreement to $500 million with a similar syndicate of
banks (the Credit Agreement). Under the Credit Agreement, the Company has
the option to borrow amounts at various interest rates, payable quarterly in
arrears. The term of the borrowings extends through June 2002; use of the
borrowings is unrestricted and the borrowings are unsecured. The Credit
Agreement requires the Company to maintain a specific ratio of consolidated
funded debt (as defined) to consolidated tangible net worth (as defined)
plus consolidated funded debt. At June 30, 1997, the Company did not have
any outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

The Company maintains a commercial paper program which is supported by the
Company's Credit Agreement; outstanding commercial paper reduces available
borrowings under the Credit Agreement. At June 30, 1997, the Company had
approximately $306 million in commercial paper outstanding with interest
rates ranging from 5.82% to 5.98%.

Note E - Inventories

The components of inventory consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

June 30, December 31,
(In millions) 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------

<S> <C> <C>
Finished goods $ 167 $ 129
Work-in-process 50 45
Raw materials 90 63
---------------------
$ 307 $ 237
=====================
</TABLE>

Note F - Stockholders' Equity

The Company is authorized to purchase on the open market up to approximately
20 million shares of the Company's common stock. Purchases will be made at
prevailing prices as market conditions and cash availability warrant. Stock
repurchased under the Company's systematic plan will be used to satisfy the
Company's obligations pursuant to its employee benefit and incentive plans.
During the second quarter of 1997, the Company repurchased approximately 1.6
million shares of its common stock under its systematic plan at a net cost
of $81 million.

As part of the stock repurchase program, the Company has been selling
European equity put options to an independent broker-dealer. Each option,
if exercised, obligates the Company to purchase from the broker-dealer a
specified number of shares of the Company's common stock at a predetermined
exercise price. The put options are exercisable only on the first
anniversary of the date the options were sold. Proceeds are recorded as a
reduction to the cost of the Company's treasury stock. During the second
quarter of 1997, put options issued in 1996 for 600,000 shares expired.
Additionally, the Company sold put options for 129,000 shares during the
second quarter and received proceeds of approximately $556,000. The
repurchase price relating to put options outstanding at June 30, 1997 is $55
per share. The Company's contingent obligation to repurchase shares upon
exercise of the outstanding put options approximated $7 million at June 30,
1997.

Note G - Accounting Pronouncement

In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings Per Share", which
establishes new methods to compute earnings per share. The Company is
required to adopt this statement beginning in the fourth quarter of 1997.
The adoption of this standard would not have a material impact on the
Company's earnings per share.

Note H - Commitments and Contingencies

Schneider (Europe) AG and Schneider (USA) Inc., subsidiaries of Pfizer,
Inc., have alleged that the Company's Synergy(TM) products infringe one of
their patents. On May 13, 1994, the Company filed a lawsuit against them in
the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts seeking a
declaratory judgment that this patent is invalid and that the Company's
Synergy products do not infringe the patent. The Schneider companies filed
counterclaims against the Company, alleging the Company's willful
infringement of the patent and seeking monetary and injunctive relief. The
parties have made cross motions for summary judgment on various aspects of
the case. The Company ceased marketing its Synergy catheters in August
1996.

On May 31, 1994, SCIMED Life Systems, Inc. (SCIMED) filed a suit for patent
infringement against Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (ACS), alleging
willful infringement of two of SCIMED's U.S. patents by ACS's FLOWTRACK-
40(TM) and RX ELIPSE(TM) PTCA catheters. On November 17, 1995, SCIMED filed
a suit for patent infringement against ACS, alleging willful infringement of
three of SCIMED's U.S. patents by the ACS RX LIFESTREAM(TM) PTCA catheter.
Both suits were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District
of California seeking monetary and injunctive relief. The cases were sent
to consolidated arbitration for a threshold determination of one issue
covered by the November 27, 1991 settlement agreement between the parties.
On March 14, 1997, the arbitration panel reached a final determination in
the consolidated arbitration. Pursuant to this determination, the Company
is continuing its action as to the ELIPSE product and has dismissed the
actions as to the FLOWTRACK and LIFESTREAM products.

On October 10, 1995, ACS filed a suit for patent infringement against
SCIMED, alleging willful infringement of four U.S. patents licensed to ACS
by SCIMED'S EXPRESS PLUS(TM) and EXPRESS PLUS II(TM) PTCA catheters. Suit
was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
and seeks monetary and injunctive relief. SCIMED has answered, denying the
allegations of the complaint.

On March 12, 1996, ACS filed two suits for patent infringement against
SCIMED, alleging in one case the willful infringement of a U.S. patent by
SCIMED's EXPRESS PLUS, EXPRESS PLUS II and LEAP EXPRESS PLUS PTCA catheters,
and in the other case the willful infringement of a U.S. patent by SCIMED's
BANDIT(TM) PTCA catheter. The suits were filed in the U.S. District Court
for the Northern District of California and seek monetary and injunctive
relief. SCIMED has answered, denying the allegations of the complaint.

On June 10, 1997, SCIMED filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
District of California a suit for patent infringement against ACS alleging
willful infringement of a SCIMED patent by ACS's COMET(TM) PTCA catheters.
SCIMED is seeking monetary and injunctive relief. ACS has moved to dismiss,
or in the alternative, to stay the action pending arbitration of a threshold
determination covered by the November 27, 1991 settlement agreement between
the parties.

On December 15, 1995, the Company and SCIMED filed a suit for restraint of
trade, unfair competition and conspiracy to monopolize against ACS and the
Schneider companies, alleging certain violations of state and federal
antitrust laws arising from the improper prosecution, enforcement and cross-
licensing of U.S. patents relating to rapid exchange balloon dilatation
angioplasty catheters. Suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the
District of Massachusetts and seeks monetary, declaratory and injunctive
relief. The defendants have moved for dismissal.

On November 9, 1994, Target Therapeutics, Inc. (Target) filed a lawsuit in
the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California alleging
that SCIMED's VENTURE(R) and VENTURE II(TM) microcatheters and CORDIS
Corporation's (Cordis) TRANSIT(R) and RAPIDTRANSIT(TM) microcatheters
infringe a patent assigned to Target. On May 2, 1996, the District Court
entered an order granting a preliminary injunction to Target prohibiting
SCIMED and CORDIS from marketing or selling the accused products. On July
1, 1996, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit stayed the preliminary
injunction pending a decision on SCIMED's appeal of the District Court's
order. Upon the recent merger between the Company and Target, the lawsuit
has been dismissed as to the Company. Subsequently, the Court of Appeals
vacated the preliminary injunction. The lawsuit against Cordis will proceed
in the District Court.

On October 3, 1995, Cordis Endovascular, Inc. and Cordis filed a suit
alleging patent infringement against Target Therapeutics, Inc. (Target)
alleging that Target's DASHER(R) guidewires, FASGUIDE(R) catheters and
TRACKER(R) and FASTRACKER(R) guide microcatheters infringe three patents
owned by Cordis. Target has answered, denying the allegations of the
complaint.

On April 5, 1995, C.R. Bard, Inc. (Bard) filed a lawsuit in the U.S.
District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that certain Company
products, including the Company's MaxForce TTS(TM) catheter, infringe a
patent assigned to Bard. The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment that the
Company has infringed the Bard patent, preliminary and permanent injunctions
enjoining the manufacture, use or sale of the Max Force TTS catheter or any
other infringing product, monetary damages and expenses. After a jury trial
in June 1997, the jury returned a verdict finding that the Company infringed
the Bard patent and awarded damages to Bard in the amount of $10.8 million.
No judgment has been entered pending trial on the Company's claim that the
patent was obtained by inequitable conduct. The Company intends to appeal
any judgment entered on the jury verdict.

On February 28, 1997, C.R. Bard, Inc. (Bard) filed a suit for patent
infringement against SCIMED alleging that SCIMED's WAVE(TM) and SURPASS(TM)
catheters are infringing a patent assigned to Bard. The suit was filed in
the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey seeking monetary and
injunctive relief. The Company has answered, denying the allegations of the
complaint. Trial is scheduled for December 1997.

On March 7, 1996, Cook Inc. filed suit in the Regional Court, Munich,
Division for Patent Disputes, in Munich, Germany against MinTec, Inc.
Minimally Invasive Technologies alleging that the Cragg EndoPro(TM) System I
and Stentor(TM) endovascular device infringe a certain Cook patent. Since
the purchase of the assets of the Endotech/MinTec companies by the Company,
the Company has assumed control of the litigation. The defendant answered,
denying the allegations. Hearings were held in January and July 1997. A
decision is expected in September 1997.

On March 25, 1996, Cordis, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson Company, filed
a suit for patent infringement against SCIMED, alleging the infringement of
five U.S. patents by SCIMED's LEAP(TM) balloon material, used in certain
SCIMED catheter products, including SCIMED's BANDIT and EXPRESS PLUS
catheters. The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District
of Minnesota and seeks monetary and injunctive relief. SCIMED has answered,
denying the allegations of the complaint. Trial is scheduled for March
1998.

On March 13, 1997, the Company (through its subsidiaries) filed suits in The
Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and on March 17, 1997 filed suit in
France, seeking a declaration of noninfringement for the Company's LEAP(TM)
balloon in relation to a European patent owned by Cordis. On July 18, 1997,
Cordis Corporation sued various subsidiaries of the Company in the
Netherlands alleging that the Company's Leap (TM) balloon products infringed a
different, newly-issued European patent of Cordis. Cordis has requested
cross-border relief in the Netherlands, Germany, France, the United Kingdom
and Italy. A hearing has been scheduled for November 1997.

On March 27, 1997, SCIMED filed suit for patent infringement against Cordis
alleging willful infringement of four of SCIMED's U.S. patents by Cordis'
TRACKSTAR 14(TM), TRACKSTAR 18(TM), OLYMPIX(TM), POWERGRIP(TM), SLEEK(TM),
THOR(TM), TITAN(TM) and VALOR(TM) catheters. The suit was filed in U.S.
District Court for the District of Minnesota, Fourth District seeking
monetary and injunctive relief. Cordis has answered, denying the
allegations of the complaint.

On December 13, 1996, the Superior Court of the State of Arizona granted the
motion of Impra, Inc. (Impra), to add the Company as an additional defendant
in Impra's case against Endomed, Inc. Impra (now a subsidiary of C.R. Bard,
Inc.) alleges that Endomed, Inc. misappropriated certain Impra trade secrets
and that the Company acted in concert with Endomed to utilize the
technology. On the same date, Endomed and the Company were preliminarily
enjoined, among other things, from any further use or disclosure of the
technology. The Company has answered, denying the allegations of the
complaint.

On March 13, 1997, the Company (through its subsidiaries) filed suits
against Johnson & Johnson (through its subsidiaries) in The Netherlands,
United Kingdom and Belgium, and on March 17, 1997 filed suit in France,
seeking a declaration of noninfringement for the NIR(TM) stent relative to
two European patents licensed to Ethicon, Inc. (Ethicon), a Johnson &
Johnson subsidiary, as well as a declaration of invalidity with respect to
those patents. On March 18, 1997, the Company (through its subsidiary) filed
a similar suit in Germany, but seeking only a declaration of noninfringement
for the NIR stent relative to the two patents. On March 20, 21 and 22, 1997,
the Company (through its subsidiaries) filed additional suits against
Johnson & Johnson (through its subsidiaries) in Sweden, Italy and Spain,
respectively, seeking a declaration of noninfringement for the NIR stent
relative to one of the European patents licensed to Ethicon and a
declaration of invalidity in relation to that patent (in Italy and Spain
only). Ethicon and other Johnson & Johnson subsidiaries filed a cross-border
suit in The Netherlands on March 17, 1997, alleging that the NIR stent
infringes one of the European patents licensed to Ethicon. In this action,
they requested relief covering Austria, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, The
Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Johnson & Johnson has filed a similar cross-border proceeding in The
Netherlands with respect to the second European patent licensed to Ethicon.
A hearing on Johnson & Johnson's request for provisional cross-border relief
on both patents is scheduled for September 1997.

On March 13, 1997, the Company filed a Motion to Intervene in Johnson &
Johnson Interventional Systems Co. et al. v. Cook, Incorporated et al., an
action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana. The
motion seeks intervention for the purpose of modifying the present
protective order to direct the Clerk of Court to retain, and the parties and
their counsel not to destroy, materials and testimony assembled in that
action. In addition, the Company seeks access to such materials and
testimony, and access to materials filed by the parties in that action under
seal. On March 17, 1997, the court temporarily stayed the return of
documents from the court to the parties and ordered the parties to retain
documents relating to the proceeding. A final decision is expected later in
1997.

On June 16, 1997, BSC and SCIMED filed a suit against Johnson & Johnson,
Ethicon, Inc. and Johnson & Johnson International Systems Co. (Johnson &
Johnson) in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
seeking a declaratory judgment of noninfringement for the NIR(TM) stent
relative to two patents licensed to Johnson & Johnson and that the two
patents are invalid and unenforceable. Johnson & Johnson has responded with
a motion to dismiss the suit.

The Company is involved in various other lawsuits from time to time. In
management's opinion, the Company is not currently involved in any legal
proceedings other than those specifically identified above which,
individually or in the aggregate, could have a material effect on the
financial condition, operations or cash flows of the Company.

The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses against claims that it
has infringed patents of others. However, there can be no assurance that
the Company will prevail in any particular case. An adverse outcome in one
or more cases in which the Company's products are accused of patent
infringement could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Further, product liability claims may be asserted in the future relative to
events not known to management at the present time. The Company has
insurance coverage which management believes is adequate to protect against
product liability losses as could otherwise materially affect the Company's
financial position.


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

Results of Operations

Net sales for the second quarter of 1997 increased 25% to $474 million as
compared to $379 million in the second quarter of 1996. International
revenues for the quarter were impacted by changes in foreign currency
exchange rates. Without the impact of changes in exchange rates, net sales
for the second quarter increased approximately 28%. The Company reported a
net loss of $27 million, or $.14 per share, in the second quarter of 1997,
inclusive of merger-related and special charges of $158 million ($117
million, net-of-tax). This compares to net income of $13 million, or $.07
per share, in the second quarter of 1996, inclusive of merger-related and
special charges of $74 million ($61 million, net-of-tax). Net income,
exclusive of merger-related and special charges, increased 22% to $90
million in the second quarter of 1997 from $74 million in the second quarter
of 1996.

Net sales for the six month period ended June 30, 1997 increased 25% to $904
million as compared to $723 million in the first half of 1996.
International revenues for the six month period ended June 30, 1997 were
impacted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Without the impact
of changes in exchange rates, net sales for the first half of 1997 increased
approximately 28%. The Company reported net income of $49 million for the
six month period ended June 30, 1997, inclusive of merger-related and
special charges of $158 million ($117 million, net-of-tax). This compares to
net income of $15 million in the six month period ended June 30, 1996,
inclusive of merger-related and special charges of $142 million ($128
million, net-of-tax). Net income, exclusive of merger-related and special
charges, increased 16% to $166 million in the first half of 1997 from $143
million in the first half of 1996.

During the second quarter, United States (U.S.) revenues increased
approximately 18%, while international revenues, including export sales,
increased approximately 35% compared to the same period in the prior year.
International sales as a percentage of worldwide sales increased from 40% in
the second quarter of 1996 to 43% in the second quarter of 1997. Revenues
in the United States increased approximately 19% during the first six months
of 1997 compared to the same period of the prior year. International
revenues, including export sales, increased approximately 35% during the
first six months of 1997 compared to the same period in the prior year.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased from 73.3% in the second
quarter of 1996 to 72.3% in the second quarter of 1997, and decreased from
73.3% in the six months ended June 30, 1996 to 72.1% in the six months ended
June 30, 1997. The decrease in the Company's gross margin percentage is
primarily due to a shift in the Company's product sales mix and a decline in
average selling prices due to continuing pressure on healthcare costs and
increased competition. In addition, since the second half of 1996, the
Company's gross margins and inventory levels reflect the impact of increased
inventory and reserves for inventory resulting principally from the opening
of a new distribution center in Europe, new product launches, and
transferring international manufacturing from several sites in Europe to
Ireland. However, the negative impact of the above conditions was partially
offset by the Company's U.S. cost containment programs and an increase in
the percentage of international sales compared to U.S. sales. The Company's
future gross margins may be impacted by its ability to effectively manage
its inventory levels and mix. The Company has also initiated a number of
cost savings programs which may offset, in part, other declines in gross
margin.

Uncertainty remains with regard to future changes within the healthcare
industry. The trend towards managed care and economically motivated buyers
in the U.S. may result in continued pressure on selling prices of certain
products and resulting compression on gross margins. The U.S. marketplace
is increasingly characterized by consolidation among healthcare providers
and purchasers of medical devices who prefer to limit the number of
suppliers from whom they purchase medical products. There can be no
assurance that these entities will continue to purchase products from the
Company. In addition, international markets are also being affected by
economic pressure to contain healthcare costs. Although these factors will
continue to impact the rate at which Boston Scientific can grow, the Company
believes that it is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities for
growth that exist in the markets it serves.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 27% from $124 million
in the second quarter of 1996 to $157 million in the second quarter of 1997
and remained 33% of sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased 32% from $234 million to $309 million from the first six months of
1996 to 1997, respectively. The increase reflects continued expansion of
the Company's domestic and international sales organizations and related
marketing support.

Royalty expenses increased 26% from $4 million in the second quarter of 1996
to $5 million in the second quarter of 1997, and 30% from $9 million in the
first six months of 1996 to $11 million in the first six months of 1997.
Royalty expenses remained approximately 1% of net sales. The increase in
overall expense dollars is due primarily to royalties due under several
strategic alliances the Company initiated in the first half of 1997 and in
prior years.

Research and development expenses increased 21% from $34 million in the
second quarter of 1996 to $41 million in the second quarter of 1997, and 26%
from $63 million in the first six months of 1996 to $80 million in the first
six months of 1997. Research and development expenses remained 9% of sales.
The increase in dollars reflects increased spending in regulatory, clinical
research and various other product development programs, and reflects the
Company's continued commitment to refine existing products and procedures
and to develop new technologies that provide simpler, less traumatic, less
costly and more efficient diagnosis and treatment. The trend in countries
around the world toward more stringent regulatory requirements for product
clearance and more vigorous enforcement activities has generally caused or
may cause medical device manufacturers to experience more uncertainty,
greater risk and higher expenses. In addition, regulatory approval times
for new products continue to be lengthy, a concern of medical device
manufacturers generally.

During 1996, the Company accelerated certain spending programs so as to be
in a position to take advantage of the expanded market opportunities it
expects in 1997 and beyond. The programs impacted the Company's
manufacturing, selling, general and administrative costs. During the second
quarter of 1997, the Company's operating income, excluding merger-related
and special charges, increased 20% from the second quarter of 1996 compared
to a 25% increase in sales. These results were in line with internal
expectations and reflect an expense infrastructure that has not yet been
absorbed by revenue growth. Management believes that it will take a number
of quarters to earn off the elevated cost structure. The Company's ability
to benefit from these accelerated spending programs may be limited by risks
and uncertainties related to competitive offerings, timing and scope of
regulatory approvals, infrastructure development, continued international
expansion, rights to intellectual property, and the ability of the Company
to implement its overall business strategy.

Interest and dividend income was $1 million in both the second quarter of
1997 and the second quarter of 1996, and $2 million in the first six months
of 1997 compared to $4 million in the first six months of 1996. The decrease
is primarily attributable to a decrease in the Company's average cash and
marketable securities balance resulting from the use of cash to finance
several of the Company's recent acquisitions and alliances. Interest
expense remained unchanged from $3 million in the second quarter of 1996 to
the second quarter of 1997, and increased from $5 million in the first six
months of 1996 to $7 million in the first six months of 1997. The increase
in interest expense is primarily attributable to the Company's issuance of
commercial paper. Other income (expense), net, increased from expense of $1
million in the second quarter of 1996 to expense of $2 million in the second
quarter of 1997. Other income (expense), net, changed from expense of $3
million in the first six months of 1996 to income of $251 thousand in the
first six months of 1997. The change is primarily attributable to a net
gain of approximately $6 million recognized on sales of equity investments
recorded in the first half of 1997.

As the Company has expanded its international operations, its sales and
expenses denominated in foreign currencies have expanded and that trend is
expected to continue. Thus, certain sales and expenses have been, and are
expected to be, subject to the effect of foreign currency fluctuations and
these fluctuations may have an impact on margins. The Company enters into
forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge foreign currency transactions on
a continuing basis for periods consistent with commitments. The Company
does not engage in speculation. The Company's foreign exchange contracts,
which totaled approximately $86 million at June 30, 1997, should not subject
the Company to material risk due to exchange rate movements because gains
and losses on these contracts should offset losses and gains on the assets
and liabilities being hedged. Although the Company engages in hedging
transactions that may offset the effect of fluctuations in foreign currency
exchange rates on foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities,
financial exposure may nonetheless result, primarily from the timing of
transactions and the movement of exchange rates. Further, any significant
changes in the political, regulatory or economic environments where the
Company conducts international operations may have a material impact on
revenues and profits.

The Company's effective tax rate, excluding the impact of merger-related and
special charges, improved from approximately 34% in the second quarter of
1996 to 33% in the second quarter of 1997. The Company's effective tax rate,
excluding the impact of merger-related and special charges, improved from
approximately 35% in the first six months of 1996 to 33% in the first six
months of 1997. The reduction in the Company's effective tax rate,
excluding the impact of special charges, is primarily due to increased
business in lower tax geographies and certain tax planning initiatives.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and marketable securities totaled $86 million at June 30, 1997 compared
to $118 million at December 31, 1996. Working capital was reduced from $335
million at December 31, 1996 to $236 million at June 30, 1997. The decrease
in cash and marketable securities is primarily attributable to cash used to
repurchase the Company's common stock, capital expenditures incurred to
expand the Company's manufacturing and distribution facilities, additional
strategic investments, tax payments and payments of merger-related costs.
Cash expenditures during the first half of 1997 were partially offset by
proceeds from normal operating activities and additional borrowings under
the Company's financing arrangements. The increase in accounts receivable
from December 31, 1996 to June 30, 1997 is primarily due to an increase in
international sales that tend to have longer payment periods than domestic
sales. Refer to the future cash impact of special charges as referenced in the
notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Since early 1995, the Company has entered into several transactions
involving acquisitions and alliances, certain of which have involved equity
investments. As the healthcare environment continues to undergo rapid
change, management expects that it will continue focusing on strategic
initiatives and/or make additional investments in existing relationships.
In addition, the Company expects to incur capital expenditures of
approximately $100 million to $150 million during the remainder of 1997,
including construction of additional manufacturing and distribution space
and development of a global information system. During July 1997, the
Company borrowed an additional 6 billion yen (the equivalent of
approximately $52 million) under a five-year fixed rate financing
arrangement. The Company expects its cash and cash equivalents, short-term
investments, cash flows from operating activities, and projected borrowing
capacity will be sufficient to meet its projected operating cash needs,
including integration costs, at least through the end of 1997.

The Company is involved in various lawsuits, including product liability
suits, from time to time in the normal course of business. In management's
opinion, the Company is not currently involved in any legal proceeding other
than those specifically identified in the notes to the unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements which, individually or in the aggregate,
could have a material effect on the financial condition, operations and cash
flows of the Company. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses
against claims that it has infringed patents of others. However, there can
be no assurance that the Company will prevail in any particular case. An
adverse outcome in one or more cases in which the Company's products are
accused of patent infringement could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.

Further, product liability claims may be asserted in the future relative to
events not known to management at the present time. The Company has
insurance coverage which management believes is adequate to protect against
such product liability losses as could otherwise materially affect the
Company's financial position.

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

This report contains forward-looking statements. The Company desires to
take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this statement for the
express purpose of availing itself of the protections of the safe harbor
with respect to all forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
contained in this report include, but are not limited to, statements with
respect to: a) the Company's ability to effectively manage its inventory
levels and mix; b) the Company's ability to realize benefits from its cost
savings programs; c) the potential impacts of continued consolidation among
healthcare providers, trends towards managed care, and healthcare cost
containment; d) the Company's belief that it is well positioned to take
advantage of opportunities for growth that exist in the markets it serves;
e) the Company's continued commitment to refine existing products and
procedures and to develop new technologies that provide simpler, less
traumatic, less costly and more efficient diagnosis and treatment; f) the
Company's ability to absorb certain spending programs over a number of
quarters and to take advantage of expanded market opportunities; g) the
potential effect of foreign currency fluctuations on sales and expenses and
on the Company's hedge transactions; h) the process and plans for the
integration of businesses acquired by the Company; i) the Company's
continuing focus on strategic initiatives and existing relationships; j) the
Company's plans to continue to invest aggressively in its global information
system and worldwide manufacturing and distribution capacity; and, k) the
ability of the Company to meet its projected cash needs through the end of
1997. Therefore, the Company wishes to caution each reader of this report
to consider carefully the specific factors discussed with each forward-
looking statement in this report and other factors contained in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as such
factors in some cases have affected, and in the future (together with other
factors) could affect, the ability of the Company to implement its business
strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those
contemplated by the statements expressed herein.


OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1: Legal Proceedings

Note H - Commitments and Contingencies to the Company's unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this
Quarterly Report is incorporated herein by reference.


Item 4: Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company was held on May 6, 1997,
to consider and vote upon proposals to elect three Class II Directors of the
Company to hold office until the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the
Company, and until their respective successors are chosen and qualified or
until their earlier resignation, death or removal. John E. Abele, Joel L.
Fleishman and Lawrence L. Horsch were elected as Class II Directors of the
Company by a vote of 152,729,971, 152,885,213, and 152,826,728 for,
respectively, and 1,485,537, 1,330,295, and 1,338,780 withheld,
respectively.

Item 5. Other Events

On April 8, 1997, Patriot Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company, was merged (the "Merger") with and into Target Therapeutics,
Inc. ("Target"). The Merger was approved by the shareholders of Target at a
special meeting on April 8, 1997. As a result of the Merger, Target became
a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The Merger is accounted for as a
pooling of interests and qualifies as a tax free reorganization. Target's
shareholders received 1.07 shares of the Company's common stock in exchange
for each share of Target common stock. Approximately 16.5 million shares of
the Company's common stock were issued in connection with the Merger.

A copy of the Company's press release announcing the completion of the
Merger is filed as an exhibit hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) Exhibits

Exhibit 10.1 - Form of Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
dated June 10, 1997 among the Company, The Several Lenders and
certain other parties.

Exhibit 11 - Computation of Earnings Per Share

Exhibit 27 - Financial Data Schedule

Exhibit 99.1 - Press Release dated April 8, 1997



SIGNATURE
---------


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 on August 14, 1997.


BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION


By: /s/ Lawrence C. Best
----------------------------------------
Name: Lawrence C. Best
Title: Chief Financial Officer and
Senior Vice President -
Finance and Administration