Edwards Lifesciences Tumbles 0.87% on $250M Volume Ranked 470th in Market Activity as FTC Blocks $945M JenaValve Acquisition Over Monopoly Fears

On August 7, 2025, Edwards Lifesciences (EW) closed at a 0.87% decline with a trading volume of $0.25 billion, ranking 470th in market activity. The stock’s performance coincided with regulatory developments regarding its $945 million acquisition of JenaValve Technology, a key player in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic regurgitation (TAVR-AR).

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit to block the acquisition, arguing it would eliminate competition in the TAVR-AR market. The agency highlighted that Edwards already owns JC Medical, JenaValve’s closest rival, and combining both companies would create a monopoly in U.S. clinical trials for TAVR-AR devices. The FTC warned this could stifle innovation, reduce product quality, and increase prices, citing no other competitors expected to enter the market in the near term. The commission sought a preliminary injunction to halt the deal pending an administrative review.

Edwards contested the FTC’s claims, asserting the acquisition would accelerate treatment availability and innovation for aortic regurgitation patients. The company revised its 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance to $2.45–$2.55, up from $2.40–$2.50, citing the regulatory delay but maintained revenue forecasts unchanged. JenaValve also expressed confidence in the merger’s benefits and pledged to defend the case alongside Edwards in court. A final regulatory decision is anticipated by early 2026.

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