Edgar Filing: NUVASIVE INC

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-50744

NUVASIVE, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

33-0768598

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

7475 Lusk Boulevard

San Diego, CA 92121

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(858) 909-1800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(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 þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes þ No ¨

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


Large accelerated filer þ	Accelerated filer ¨	Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ¨
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No þ

As of April 27, 2012, there were 43,177,457 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

NUVASIVE, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

March 31, 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2011			3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011			4
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011			5
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011			6
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements			7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			21
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			28
Item 4. Controls and Procedures			28
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings			29
Item 1A. Risk Factors			30
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			31
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities			31
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.			31
Item 5. Other Information.			31
Item 6. Exhibits			31
SIGNATURES			33

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NUVASIVE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except par value)


	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	270,180		$	163,492
Short-term marketable securities		88,417			146,228
Accounts receivable, net		85,570			88,350
Inventory		122,027			119,313
Deferred tax assets, current		54,550			54,550
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		9,209			19,904

Total current assets		629,953			591,837
Property and equipment, net		131,041			124,754
Long-term marketable securities		4,999			32,503
Intangible assets, net		105,307			108,140
Goodwill		160,745			159,349
Deferred tax assets		19,857			19,857
Restricted cash and investments		68,547			68,600
Other assets		28,690			18,522

Total assets	$	1,149,139		$	1,123,562

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	61,470		$	51,744
Accrued payroll and related expenses		18,582			22,215
Litigation liability		101,200			101,200
Acquisition-related liabilities		32,089			32,221
Senior Convertible Notes, current		74,311			—

Total current liabilities		287,652			207,380
Senior Convertible Notes		322,796			394,019
Deferred tax liabilities		3,952			3,952
Other long-term liabilities		14,693			13,461
Commitments and contingencies
Noncontrolling interests		10,501			10,705
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000 shares authorized, none outstanding		—			—
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 120,000 shares authorized, 43,160 and 42,455 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively		43			42
Additional paid-in capital		688,992			674,790
Accumulated other comprehensive income		1,101			477
Accumulated deficit		(180,591	)		(181,264	)

Total stockholders’ equity		509,545			494,045

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,149,139		$	1,123,562

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NUVASIVE, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per share data)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Revenue	$	151,691		$	124,466
Cost of goods sold (excluding amortization of purchased technology)		36,933			23,526

Gross profit		114,758			100,940
Operating expenses:
Sales, marketing and administrative		94,271			84,220
Research and development		10,395			10,769
Amortization of intangible assets		2,846			1,342

Total operating expenses		107,512			96,331
Interest and other expense, net:
Interest income		208			183
Interest expense		(6,825	)		(1,771	)
Other income, net		437			497

Total interest and other expense, net		(6,180	)		(1,091	)

Income before income tax expense		1,066			3,518
Income tax expense		597			1,540

Consolidated net income	$	469		$	1,978

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	$	(204	)	$	(381	)

Net income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.	$	673		$	2,359


Net income per share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.:
Basic and diluted	$	0.02		$	0.06

Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic		42,844			39,616

Diluted		43,397			40,511

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NUVASIVE, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Consolidated net income	$	469		$	1,978
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized loss on investments		(57	)		(11	)
Translation adjustments, net of tax		681			711

Total consolidated comprehensive income		1,093			2,678
Plus: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests		204			381

Comprehensive income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.	$	1,297		$	3,059

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NUVASIVE, INC.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Operating activities:
Consolidated net income	$	469		$	1,978
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		12,087			7,781
Amortization of debt discount		3,088			—
Amortization of debt issuance costs		451			373
Stock-based compensation		6,621			7,946
Allowance for excess and obsolete inventory, net of write-offs		1,200			216
Allowance for doubtful accounts and sales return reserves		663			6
Other non-cash adjustments		1,843			1,422
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		2,193			942
Inventory		(3,502	)		(6,658	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		10,959			(751	)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		7,834			3,959
Accrued payroll and related expenses		(4,166	)		(2,670	)

Net cash provided by operating activities		39,740			14,544
Investing activities:
Cash paid for business and asset acquisitions		(3,667	)		—
Purchases of property and equipment		(14,567	)		(10,000	)
Purchases of marketable securities		—			(26,018	)
Sales of marketable securities		84,831			71,185
Payment for specific rights in connection with supply agreement		—			(8,000	)

Net cash provided by investing activities		66,597			27,167
Financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock		314			425
Other assets		76			(709	)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		390			(284	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(39	)		77

Increase in cash and cash equivalents		106,688			41,504
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		163,492			92,597

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	270,180		$	134,101

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash transactions:
Issuance of common stock in connection with asset acquisitions	$	7,560			—

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

NuVasive, Inc.

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of Business

NuVasive, Inc. (the Company or NuVasive) was incorporated in Delaware on July 21, 1997, and began commercializing its products in 2001. The Company is focused on developing minimally disruptive surgical products and procedurally integrated solutions for the spine. NuVasive’s principal product offering is based on its Maximum Access Surgery, or MAS^® platform. The MAS platform combines several categories of solutions that collectively minimize soft tissue disruption during spine fusion surgery with maximum visualization and safe, easy reproducibility for the surgeon. The platform includes a proprietary software-driven nerve avoidance system and intra-operative monitoring (IOM) support; MaXcess^®, a unique split-blade retractor system; a wide variety of specialized implants; and several biologic fusion options. MAS significantly reduces surgery time and returns patients to activities of daily living much faster than conventional approaches. The Company continues to focus significant research and development efforts to expand its MAS product platform and advance the applications of its unique technology into procedurally integrated surgical solutions. The Company dedicates significant resources toward training spine surgeons on its unique technology and products.

The Company’s primary business model is to loan its MAS systems to surgeons and hospitals who purchase disposables and implants for use in individual procedures. In addition, for larger customers, the Company’s proprietary nerve monitoring systems, MaXcess^® and surgical instrument sets are placed with hospitals for an extended period at no up-front cost to them. The Company also offers a range of bone allograft in patented saline packaging, disposables and spine implants, which include its branded CoRoent^® products and fixation devices such as rods, plates and screws. Implants and disposables are shipped from the Company’s inventories. The Company sells an immaterial quantity of MAS instrument sets, MaXcess and nerve monitoring systems to hospitals.

On October 7, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of Impulse Monitoring, Inc. (Impulse Monitoring), a company which provides IOM services of the nervous system during spine and other surgeries. The acquisition complements the Company’s existing nerve monitoring systems, which are designed for discreet and directional nerve avoidance and detection, making lateral access to the spine during the eXtreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF^®) procedure more safe and reproducible.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Pursuant to these rules and regulations, the Company has condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures it normally includes in its annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements include all adjustments necessary, which are of a normal and recurring nature, for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and of the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Additionally, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and for three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 include the accounts of a variable interest entity, Progentix Orthobiology, B.V. (Progentix), which is consolidated pursuant to existing guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

As a result of the October 2011 acquisition of Impulse Monitoring, the Company maintains a contractual relationship with several physician practices (PCs) whereby the PCs provide the physician oversight service associated with the IOM services. Pursuant to such contractual arrangements, the Company provides management services to the PCs. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the associated PCs are American Neuromonitoring Associates, P.C.; Pacific Neuromonitoring Associates, Inc.; Keystone Neuromonitoring Associates, P.C.; North Pacific Neuromonitoring Associates, P.C.; and Midwest Neuromonitoring Associates, Inc. Under the management services agreements, the Company provides all non-medical services to the PCs in return for a management

fee that is settled on a monthly basis. The management services include management reporting, billing and collections of all charges for medical services provided and all administrative support to the PCs. Pursuant to existing guidance issued by the FASB, these represent variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary, and the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the PCs from the date of acquisition.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2011 included in NuVasive’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. The balance sheet at December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

2. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB’s updated accounting guidance related to annual and interim goodwill impairment tests. The updated accounting guidance allows entities to first assess qualitative factors before performing a quantitative assessment of the fair value of a reporting unit. If it is determined on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of the reporting unit is more-likely-than-not less than the carrying amount, the existing quantitative impairment test is required. Otherwise, no further impairment testing is required. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Additionally, effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted the FASB’s amended requirements for the presentation of comprehensive income. The amended guidance requires companies to disclose the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The updated guidance does not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented. The adoption of this authoritative guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

3. Impulse Monitoring, Inc. Acquisition

On October 7, 2011 (the Closing Date), the Company completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of Impulse Monitoring, a Delaware corporation, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated September 28, 2011 for an initial payment of approximately $79.7 million consisting of cash totaling approximately $40.5 million and the issuance of 2,336,200 shares of NuVasive common stock to certain stockholders of Impulse Monitoring. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company made an additional cash payment of approximately $1.2 million related to a working capital adjustment, resulting in a total estimated purchase price of approximately $80.9 million and a corresponding adjustment to goodwill. Impulse Monitoring, provides IOM services of the nervous system during spine and other surgeries. The acquisition complements the Company’s existing nerve monitoring systems, which are designed for discreet and directional nerve avoidance and detection, making lateral access to the spine during the XLIF procedure more safe and reproducible.

Purchase Price

The acquisition of Impulse Monitoring has been recorded using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the authoritative guidance for business combinations.

The estimated purchase price is as follows (in thousands):


Cash paid to sellers	$	41,700
Market value of NuVasive common stock issued on Closing Date		39,200

Total estimated purchase price	$	80,900

The preliminary allocation of the estimated purchase price was based on management’s preliminary valuation of the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the Closing Date and such estimates are subject to revision. The provisional items pending finalization are the valuation of the acquired intangible assets, goodwill, other current assets, liabilities assumed, and income tax related matters. Thus, the estimated initial purchase price allocation recorded at March 31, 2012 is preliminary, and is subject to change. The following table summarizes the allocation of the estimated purchase price (in thousands):


	Estimated Fair Value			Estimated Useful Life
Cash	$	5,100
Total other current assets		7,300
Property, plant and equipment		1,100
Developed technology		700		4 years
Non-compete agreement		300		1 year
Trade name		500		3 years
Customer relationships		25,100		10 years
Goodwill		57,700
Current liabilities		(8,900	)
Deferred income tax liabilities, net		(8,000	)

Total estimated purchase price allocation	$	80,900

Goodwill totaling $57.7 million represents the excess of the estimated purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and is due primarily to increased market penetration from customers and synergies expected from combining the assembled workforce with the Company’s existing IOM workforce. This acquisition was nontaxable and, as a result, there is no tax basis in goodwill. Accordingly, none of the goodwill associated with the Impulse Monitoring acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.

As a result of the acquisition, the Company maintains a contractual relationship with several PCs whereby the PCs provide the physician oversight service associated with the IOM services. Pursuant to such contractual arrangements, the Company provides management services to the PCs in return for a management fee that is settled on a monthly basis. In accordance with authoritative guidance, the Company has determined that the PC’s are variable interest entities. Additionally, pursuant to this guidance, the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the PCs as the Company has both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of the PCs and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, the PCs. Accordingly, the financial position and results of operations of the PCs have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the Impulse Closing Date. The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating the PCs, which are not material, do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets. The creditors of the PCs have claims only on the assets of the PCs, which are not material, and the assets of the PCs are not available to the Company.

Results of Operations

The accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 reflect the operating results of Impulse Monitoring since the date of the acquisition. The Company has prepared the following unaudited pro forma financial statement information to compare results of the periods presented assuming the Impulse Monitoring acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2010. These unaudited pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be an indicator of the results of operations that would have actually resulted had the acquisition occurred at the beginning of the period presented, or of future results of operations. Assuming the Impulse Monitoring acquisition occurred as of January 1, 2010, the pro forma unaudited results of operations would have been as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 (in thousands, except per share data):


Revenue	$	134,033
Net income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.		2,747
Net income per share — basic		0.07
Net income per share — diluted		0.06

The above pro forma unaudited results of operations do not include pro forma adjustments relating to costs of integration or post-integration cost reductions that may be incurred or realized by the Company in excess of actual amounts incurred or realized through March 31, 2011.

4. Investment in Progentix Orthobiology, B.V.

In 2009, the Company completed the purchase of forty percent (40%) of the capital stock of Progentix, a company organized under the laws of the Netherlands, from existing shareholders (the Progentix Shareholders) pursuant to a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement for $10 million in cash (the Initial Investment). Concurrent with the Initial Investment, NuVasive and Progentix also entered into a Senior Secured Facility Agreement, whereby Progentix may borrow up to $5.0 million from NuVasive to fund ongoing clinical and regulatory efforts (the Loan). At March 31, 2012, the Company had advanced Progentix the full $5.0 million in accordance with the Loan Agreement. The Loan accrues interest at a rate of six percent (6%) per year. Other than its obligations under the Loan Agreement, NuVasive is not obligated to provide additional funding, nor has any additional funding been provided, to Progentix.

Also concurrent with the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, NuVasive, Progentix and the Progentix Shareholders entered into an Option Purchase Agreement, as amended (the Option Agreement), whereby NuVasive may be obligated (the Put Option), upon the achievement of an annual sales run rate on Progentix products in excess of a specified amount between June 14, 2011 and June 13, 2013 (the Option Period), to purchase the remaining sixty percent (60%) of capital stock of Progentix from its shareholders (the Remaining Shares) for an amount up to $35.0 million, subject to certain reductions, payable in a combination of cash and NuVasive common stock, at NuVasive’s sole discretion. In accordance with the Option Agreement, NuVasive has the right to purchase the Remaining Shares (the Call Option) during the Option Period for an amount up to $35.0 million, subject to certain reductions, payable in a combination of cash and NuVasive common stock, at NuVasive’s sole discretion. NuVasive and Progentix also entered into a Distribution Agreement, as amended, whereby Progentix appointed NuVasive as its exclusive distributor for certain Progentix products. The Distribution Agreement will be in effect for a term of ten years unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms.

In accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB, the Company has determined that Progentix is a variable interest entity as it does not have the ability to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and its equity investors will not absorb their proportionate share of expected losses and will be limited in the receipt of the potential residual returns of Progentix. Additionally, pursuant to this guidance, NuVasive is considered its primary beneficiary as NuVasive has both (1) the power to direct the economically significant activities of Progentix and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, Progentix. Accordingly, the financial position and results of operations of Progentix have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of the Initial Investment. The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating Progentix do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets. The creditors of Progentix have claims only on the assets of Progentix, which are not material, and the assets of Progentix are not available to NuVasive.

Pursuant to authoritative guidance, the equity interests in Progentix not owned by the Company, which includes shares of both common and preferred stock, are reported as noncontrolling interests on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company. The preferred stock represents 18% of the noncontrolling equity interests and provides for a cumulative 8% dividend, if and when declared by Progentix’s Board of Directors. As the rights and conversion features of the preferred stock are substantially the same as those of the common stock, the preferred stock is classified as noncontrolling interest and shares in the allocation of the losses incurred by Progentix. Losses incurred by Progentix are charged to the Company and to the noncontrolling interest holders based on their ownership percentage. The Remaining Shares and the Option Agreement that was entered into between NuVasive, Progentix and the Progentix Shareholders are not considered to be freestanding financial instruments as defined by authoritative guidance. Therefore the Remaining Shares and the Option Agreement are accounted for as a combined unit on the consolidated financial statements as a redeemable noncontrolling interest that was initially recorded at fair value and classified as mezzanine equity.

Pursuant to authoritative guidance, when the embedded Put Option is exercisable and therefore the Remaining Shares considered currently redeemable (i.e., at the option of the holder), the instrument will be adjusted to its maximum redemption amount. If the embedded Put Option is considered not currently exercisable (e.g., because a contingency has not been met), and it is not probable that the embedded Put Option will become exercisable, an adjustment is not necessary until it is probable that the embedded Put Option will become exercisable. At March 31, 2012, the embedded Put Option was not deemed currently exercisable and therefore the

Remaining Shares were not redeemable because the milestones referred to previously had not been met. Furthermore, at March 31, 2012, the Company concluded it is not probable that the milestones will be met, therefore the Remaining Shares are not expected to become redeemable. The probability of redemption is reevaluated at each reporting period.

Total assets and liabilities of Progentix included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet are as follows (in thousands):


	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Total current assets	$	411	$	640
Identifiable intangible assets, net		15,222		15,338
Goodwill		12,654		12,654
Other long-term assets		52		53
Accounts payable & accrued expenses		180		411
Other long-term liabilities		703		628
Deferred tax liabilities, net		3,318		3,318
Noncontrolling interests		10,501		10,705

The following is a reconciliation of equity (net assets) attributable to the noncontrolling interests (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Noncontrolling interests at beginning of period	$	10,705		$	11,877
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interests		(204	)		(381	)

Noncontrolling interests at end of period	$	10,501		$	11,496

5. Balance Sheet Reserves

The balances of the reserves for accounts receivable and inventory are as follows (in thousands):


	March 31, 2012		December 31, 2011
Reserves for accounts receivable and sales returns		$ 3,855		$ 3,430
Reserves for excess and obsolete inventory		13,910		12,710

The Company’s inventory consists primarily of purchased finished goods, which includes specialized implants and disposables, and is stated at the lower of cost or market determined by a weighted average cost method. The Company reviews the components of its inventory on a periodic basis for excess, obsolete or impaired inventory, and records a reserve for the identified items.

6. Marketable Securities and Fair Value Measurements

Marketable securities consist of certificates of deposit, corporate notes, commercial paper, U.S. government treasury securities and securities of government sponsored entities. The Company classifies all securities as available-for-sale, as the sale of such securities may be required prior to maturity to implement management strategies. These securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity until realized. A decline in the market value of any marketable security below cost that is determined to be other than temporary will result in a revaluation of its carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. No such impairment charges were recorded for any period presented.

Realized gains and losses from the sale of marketable securities, if any, are determined on a specific identification basis. Realized gains and losses and declines in value judged to be other-than-temporary, if any, on available-for-sale securities are included in other income or expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains and losses during the periods presented were

immaterial. Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to yield using the straight-line method and are included in interest income on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in interest income on the condensed consolidated statements operations.

The composition of marketable securities is as follows (in thousands, except years):


	Contractual Maturity (in Years)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
March 31, 2012:
Classified as current assets
Certificates of deposit	Less than 1	$	191	$	—	$	—		$	191
Corporate notes	Less than 1		11,062		5		—			11,067
U.S. government treasury securities	Less than 1		16,016		2		—			16,018
Securities of government-sponsored entities	Less than 1		61,113		28		—			61,141

Short-term marketable securities			88,382		35		—			88,417

Classified as non-current assets
Securities of government-sponsored entities	1 to 2		5,000		—		(1	)		4,999

Long-term marketable securities			5,000		—		(1	)		4,999

Classified as restricted investments
U.S. government treasury securities	Less than 2		11,013		3		—			11,016
Securities of government-sponsored entities	Less than 2		51,845		20		(14	)		51,851

Restricted investments			62,858		23		(14	)		62,867

Total marketable securities at March 31, 2012		$	156,240	$	58	$	(15	)	$	156,283


	Contractual Maturity (in Years)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Fair Value
December 31, 2011:
Classified as current assets
Certificates of deposit	Less than 1	$	526	$	—	$	—		$	526
Corporate notes	Less than 1		21,153		16		(1	)		21,168
Commercial paper	Less than 1		5,000		—		—			5,000
U.S. government treasury securities	Less than 1		32,131		11		—			32,142
Securities of government-sponsored entities	Less than 1		87,353		39		—			87,392

Short-term marketable securities			146,163		66		(1	)		146,228

Classified as non-current assets
Securities of government-sponsored entities	1 to 2		32,502		5		(4	)		32,503

Long-term marketable securities			32,502		5		(4	)		32,503

Classified as restricted investments
U.S. government treasury securities	Less than 2		12,017		9		—			12,026
Securities of government-sponsored entities	Less than 2		50,880		27		(1	)		50,906

Restricted investments			62,897		36		(1	)		62,932

Total marketable securities at December 31, 2011		$	241,562	$	107	$	(6	)	$	241,663

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had no significant investment positions that were in an unrealized loss position. The Company reviews its investments to identify and evaluate investments that have an indication of possible other-than-temporary impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is other-than-temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been less than the cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The Company maintains an investment portfolio of various holdings, types and maturities. The Company does not hold derivative financial investments. The Company places its cash investments in instruments that meet high credit quality standards, as specified in its investment policy guidelines. These guidelines also limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issue, issuer or type of instrument.

The Company measures certain assets and liabilities in accordance with authoritative guidance which requires fair value measurements be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available.

Assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company reviews the fair value hierarchy classification on a quarterly basis. Changes in the ability to observe valuation inputs may result in a reclassification of levels for certain securities within the fair value hierarchy. The Company did not have any transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 and no transfers to or from Level 3 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The fair values of the Company’s assets and liabilities, which are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, were determined using the following inputs (in thousands):


	Total			Quoted Price in Active Market (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
March 31, 2012:
Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Restricted Investments:
Money market funds	$	208,921		$	208,921	$	—	$	—
Certificates of deposit		191			191		—		—
Corporate notes		11,067			—		11,067		—
U.S government treasury securities		27,034			27,034		—		—
Securities of government-sponsored entities		117,991			—		117,991		—

Total cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investments	$	365,204		$	236,146	$	129,058	$	—


Contingent Consideration:
Acquisition-related liabilities	$	(32,089	)	$	—	$	—	$	(32,089	)


December 31, 2011:
Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Restricted Investments:
Money market funds	$	121,666		$	121,666	$	—	$	—
Certificates of deposit		526			526		—		—
Corporate notes		21,168			—		21,168		—
Commercial paper		5,000			—		5,000		—
U.S government treasury securities		44,168			44,168		—		—
Securities of government-sponsored entities		170,801			—		170,801		—

Total cash equivalents, marketable securities and restricted investments	$	363,329		$	166,360	$	196,969	$	—


Contingent Consideration:
Acquisition-related liabilities	$	(32,221	)	$	—	$	—	$	(32,221	)

The carrying amounts of financial instruments such as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities approximate the related fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s capital lease obligations approximated their carrying values as of March 31, 2012. The fair and carrying value of the Company’s Senior Convertible Notes is discussed in Note 8.

Contingent Consideration Liability

In connection with the acquisition of Cervitech^®, Inc. (Cervitech) in May 2009, the Company is required to pay an additional amount not to exceed $33.0 million in the event that the PCM^® cervical total disc replacement device receives U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. The fair value of the contingent consideration is determined using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model, the significant inputs of which are not observable in the market. The key assumptions in applying this approach are the interest rate, the timing of expected approval and the probability assigned to the milestone being achieved. Based on the expected timing of the milestone being achieved, the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration was $32.1 million and $31.7 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. Changes in fair value are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as sales, marketing and administrative expenses.

In connection with an immaterial acquisition in 2010, the Company was required to pay an additional amount not to exceed $3.0 million in the event three specified milestones are met. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined using a probability-weighted discounted cash flow model, the significant inputs of which are not observable in the market. The key assumptions in applying this approach were the interest rate and the probabilities assigned to the milestones being achieved. During the year ended December 31, 2011, approximately $1.8 million related to two of the specified milestones was paid. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, approximately $0.5 million related to the remaining milestone payment became fixed and is no longer considered contingent consideration.

The following table sets forth the change in the estimated fair value for the Company’s liabilities measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Fair value measurement at beginning of period	$	32,221		$	33,041
Change in fair value measurement included in operating expenses		398			453
Contingent consideration settled		(530	)		—

Fair value measurement at end of period	$	32,089		$	33,494

7. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets as of March 31, 2012 consisted of the following (in thousands, except years):


	Weighted- Average Amortization Period (in years)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Intangible Assets, net
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization:
Purchased technology:
Developed technology	11	$	37,535	$	(11,577	)	$	25,958
Manufacturing know-how and trade secrets	12		21,409		(6,516	)		14,893
Trade name and trademarks	12		6,700		(1,624	)		5,076
Customer relationships	9		37,234		(5,694	)		31,540

	11	$	102,878	$	(25,411	)	$	77,467

Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization:
In-process research and development								27,840
Goodwill								160,745

Total intangible assets, net							$	266,052

Goodwill and intangible assets as of December 31, 2011 consisted of the following (in thousands, except years):


	Weighted- Average Amortization Period (in years)	Gross Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Intangible Assets, net
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization:
Purchased technology:
Developed technology	11	$	37,535	$	(10,589	)	$	26,946
Manufacturing know-how and trade secrets	12		21,389		(6,007	)		15,382
Trade name and trademarks	12		6,700		(1,449	)		5,251
Customer relationships	9		37,234		(4,513	)		32,721

	11	$	102,858	$	(22,558	)	$	80,300

Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization:
In-process research and development								27,840
Goodwill								159,349

Total intangible assets, net							$	267,489

Total expense related to the amortization of intangible assets was $2.8 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. In-process research and development will be amortized beginning on the approval date of the respective acquired products and will be amortized over the estimated useful life determined at that time.

Total future amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization at March 31, 2012 is set forth in the table below (in thousands):


Remaining 2012	$	8,508
2013		11,116
2014		10,109
2015		9,609
2016		9,282
2017		6,967
Thereafter through 2026		21,876

Total future amortization expense	$	77,467

8. Senior Convertible Notes

The carrying values of the Company’s Senior Convertible Notes are as follows (in thousands):


	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
2.75% Senior Convertible Notes due 2017:
Principal amount	$	402,500		$	402,500
Unamortized debt discount		(79,704	)		(82,792	)

		322,796			319,708
2.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013		74,311			74,311

Total Senior Convertible Notes	$	397,107		$	394,019

2.75% Senior Convertible Notes due 2017

In June 2011, the Company issued $402.5 million principal amount of the 2.75% Senior Convertible Notes due 2017 (the 2017 Notes), which includes the issuance of $52.5 million principal amount for the exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional notes. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting initial purchasers’ discounts and costs directly related to the

offering, were approximately $359.2 million. The 2017 Notes have a stated interest rate of 2.75% and mature on July 1, 2017. Prior to September 28, 2011, the date on which stockholder approval to increase the number of the Company’s authorized shares of common stock from 70 million to 120 million was obtained, the 2017 Notes were settleable only in cash. Subsequent to the receipt of this approval, the 2017 Notes may be settled in cash, stock, or a combination thereof, solely at the Company’s election. It is the Company’s current intent and policy to settle all conversions through combination settlement, which involves repayment of an amount of cash equal to the principal amount and any excess of the conversion value over the principal amount in shares of common stock. The initial conversion rate of the 2017 Notes is 23.7344 shares per $1,000 principal amount, subject to adjustment (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $42.13 per share).

Interest on the 2017 Notes began accruing in June 2011 and is payable semi-annually each January 1st and July 1st, beginning January 1, 2012. The fair value, based on inputs quoted on active markets, or Level 1 inputs, of the outstanding 2017 Notes at March 31, 2012 is approximately $347.8 million.

Prior to January 1, 2017, holders may convert their notes only under the following conditions: a) During any calendar quarter beginning October 1, 2011, if the reported sale price of the Company’s common stock for at least 20 days of 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day; b) During the five business day period in which the trading price of the 2017 Notes falls below 98% of the product of (i) the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock and (ii) the conversion rate on that date; and c) Upon the occurrence of specified corporate events, as defined in the 2017 Notes. From January 1, 2017 and until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the July 1, 2017, holders may convert their 2017 Notes at any time, regardless of the foregoing circumstances. The Company may not redeem the 2017 Notes prior to maturity. As of March 31, 2012, the “if-converted” value of the 2017 Notes did not exceed its principal amount and none of the conditions allowing holders of the 2017 Notes to convert had been met.

Other than restrictions relating to certain fundamental changes and consolidations, mergers or asset sales and customary anti-dilution adjustments, the 2017 Notes do not contain any financial covenants and do not restrict the Company from paying dividends or issuing or repurchasing any of its other securities.

In accordance with authoritative guidance, the cash conversion feature of the 2017 Notes (the 2017 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative) required bifurcation from the 2017 Notes and was initially accounted for as a derivative liability. The fair value of the 2017 Notes Embedded Conversion Derivative at the time of issuance of the 2017 Notes was $88.9 million, and was recorded as the original debt discount for purposes of accounting for the debt component of the 2017 Notes. On September 28, 2011, upon obtaining stockholder approval of the additional authorized shares of the Company’s common stock, in accordance with authoritative literature, the derivative liability was marked to fair value and reclassified to stockholders’ equity. The original debt discount will be recognized as interest expense using an effective interest rate of 8.0% over the term of the 2017 Notes. At March 31, 2012, the net carrying value of the equity component is $49.3 million.

The interest expense recognized on the 2017 Notes during the three months ended March 31, 2012 includes $2.8 million and $3.1 million for the contractual coupon interest and the accretion of the debt discount, respectively.

In connection with the offering of the 2017 Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the 2017 Hedge) with the initial purchasers and/or their affiliates (the 2017 Counterparties) entitling the Company to purchase up to 9,553,096 shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial stock price of $42.13 per share, each of which is subject to adjustment. Prior to obtaining the stockholder approval to increase the number of the Company’s authorized common shares discussed above, the 2017 Hedge was settleable only in cash and was accounted for as a derivative asset. The cost of the 2017 Hedge was $80.1 million. On September 28, 2011, upon obtaining stockholder approval of the additional authorized shares of the Company’s common stock, in accordance with authoritative literature, the derivative asset was marked to fair value and reclassified to stockholders’ equity. The 2017 Hedge expires on July 1, 2017. The 2017 Hedge is expected to reduce the potential equity dilution upon conversion of the 2017 Notes if the daily volume-weighted average price per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds the strike price of the 2017 Hedge.

In addition, the Company sold warrants to the 2017 Counterparties to acquire up to 477,654 shares of the Company’s Series A Participating Preferred Stock (the 2017 Warrants), at an initial strike price of $988.51 per share, subject to adjustment. Each share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock is initially convertible into 20 shares of the Company’s common stock. The 2017 Warrants

expire on various dates from September 2017 through January 2018 and may be settled in cash or net shares. The Company received $47.9 million in cash proceeds from the sale of the 2017 Warrants, which has been recorded as an increase in additional paid-in-capital. The 2017 Warrants could have a dilutive effect on the Company’s earnings per share to the extent that the price of the Company’s common stock during a given measurement period (the quarter or year-to-date period) exceeds the strike price of the 2017 Warrants.

2.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013

In March 2008, the Company issued $230.0 million principal amount of 2.25% unsecured Senior Convertible Notes due 2013 (the 2013 Notes), which includes the subsequent exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase an additional $30.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2013 Notes. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and costs directly related to the offering, were approximately $208.4 million. At March 31, 2012, approximately $74.3 million of the 2013 Notes’ original aggregate principal amount of $230.0 million remains outstanding.

The Company pays 2.25% interest per annum on the principal amount of the 2013 Notes, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year. Any of the 2013 Notes not converted prior to March 15, 2013, the Maturity Date, will be paid in cash. The fair value, based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data, or Level 2 inputs, of the outstanding 2013 Notes at March 31, 2012 is approximately $73.1 million.

The 2013 Notes are convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, based on an initial conversion rate, subject to adjustment, of 22.3515 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the 2013 Notes (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $44.74 per share). Holders may convert their 2013 Notes at their option on any day up to and including the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the Maturity Date. If a fundamental change to the Company’s business occurs, as defined in the 2013 Notes, holders of the 2013 Notes have the right to require that the Company repurchase the 2013 Notes, or a portion thereof, at the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.

In connection with the offering of the 2013 Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the 2013 Hedge) with the initial purchasers and/or their affiliates (the 2013 Counterparties) entitling the Company to purchase up to 5.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock at an initial stock price of $44.74 per share, each of which is subject to adjustment. In addition, the Company sold to the 2013 Counterparties warrants to acquire up to 5.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock (the 2013 Warrants), at an initial strike price of $49.13 per share, subject to adjustment. The cost of the 2013 Hedge that was not covered by the proceeds from the sale of the 2013 Warrants was approximately $14.0 million and was recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital as of December 31, 2008. The impact of the 2013 Hedge is to raise the effective conversion price of the 2013 Notes to approximately $49.13 per share (or approximately 20.3542 shares per $1,000 principal amount of the 2013 Notes). The 2013 Hedge is expected to reduce the potential equity dilution upon conversion of the 2013 Notes if the daily volume-weighted average price per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds the strike price of the 2013 Hedge. The 2013 Warrants could have a dilutive effect on the Company’s earnings per share to the extent that the price of the Company’s common stock during a given measurement period (the quarter or year to date period) exceeds the strike price of the 2013 Warrants.

9. Net Income Per Share

The Company computes basic net income per share using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income assumes the conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential common stock equivalents, unless the effect of inclusion would be anti-dilutive. For purposes of this calculation, common stock equivalents include the Company’s stock options, unvested restricted stock units (RSUs), unvested performance-based restricted stock units (PRSUs), warrants and the shares to be issued upon the conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes. No shares related to the assumed conversion of the Senior Convertible Notes were included in the diluted net income calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 because the inclusion of such shares would have had an anti-dilutive effect. The shares to be issued upon exercise of all outstanding warrants were excluded from the diluted net income calculation for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 because the inclusion of such shares would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Numerator:
Net income attributable to NuVasive, Inc.	$	673	$	2,359

Denominator for basic and diluted net income per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic		42,844		39,616
Dilutive potential common stock outstanding:
Stock options and ESPP		97		636
RSUs		456		259

Weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted		43,397		40,511

Basic and diluted net income per share attributable to NuVasive, Inc.	$	0.02	$	0.06

The following weighted outstanding common stock equivalents were not included in the calculation of net income per diluted share because their effects were anti-dilutive (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Stock options, RSUs and PRSUs		7,135		5,072
Warrants		14,694		5,141
Senior Convertible Notes		11,214		5,141

Total		33,043		15,354

10. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company estimates the fair value of stock options and shares issued to employees under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or ESPP Plan, using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the date of grant. The fair value of RSUs and PRSUs is based on the stock price on the date of grant. The fair value of equity instruments that are expected to vest are recognized and amortized on an accelerated basis over the requisite service period.

The weighted-average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted and stock purchase rights under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) are as follows:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Stock Options
Volatility		—		49%
Expected term (years)		—		5.4
Risk free interest rate		—		2.2%
Expected dividend yield		—		0.0%

ESPP
Volatility		55%		59%
Expected term (years)		1.4		1.0
Risk free interest rate		0.2%		0.2%
Expected dividend yield		0.0%		0.0%

The Company did not issue any stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

The compensation cost that has been included in the condensed consolidated statement of operations for all stock-based compensation arrangements was as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Sales, marketing and administrative expense	$	6,142	$	7,335
Research and development expense		465		611
Cost of goods sold		14		—

Total stock-based compensation expense	$	6,621	$	7,946

The Company issued 6,000 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2012, and issued 204,000 shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options during the year ended December 31, 2011. The Company issued 223,000 shares of common stock upon the vesting of RSUs during the three months ended March 31, 2012, and issued 158,000 shares of common stock upon the vesting of RSUs during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units

In February 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee) granted PRSUs to certain senior Company executives that are earned based on the achievement of pre-defined Company specific performance criteria (Performance Conditions) for the year ended December 31, 2012. Each recipient is eligible to receive between zero and 250% of the target number of shares of Company common stock subject to the applicable award based on the Company’s actual performance as measured against the pre-defined Company specific performance criteria.

In the first quarter of 2013, the Compensation Committee will determine the number of PRSUs, if any, that will be issued to the recipients based on actual performance. The PRSUs that are issued in the first quarter of 2013 pursuant to the terms of the applicable award agreements will vest one-third on March 1, 2013, one-third on March 1, 2014 and one-third on March 1, 2015, so long as the recipient is employed by the Company on each such date.

A summary of the Company’s PRSUs award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:


	Number of Shares		Maximum Shares Eligible to Receive		Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		—		—	$	—
Awarded		314,167		785,418		15.61

Outstanding at March 31, 2012		314,167		785,418	$	15.61

11. Income Taxes

The Company recorded income tax expense of $0.6 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 56%, which is based on an estimate of the Company’s annual effective income tax rate. The Company updates its annual effective income tax rate each quarter and if the estimated effective income tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made. The annual effective income tax rate for 2012 is expected to be higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, estimates for certain non-deductible expenses, and foreign losses expected to be incurred for which no benefit can be recorded.

There was no material change to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits during the three months ended March 31, 2012.

12. Business Segment and Product Information

The Company’s business operates in one segment based upon the Company’s organizational structure, the way in which the operations are managed and evaluated and the lack of availability of separate financial results. Substantially all of the Company’s assets and sales are in the United States.

The Company’s spine surgery product line offerings, which include thoracolumbar product offerings, cervical offerings, and a set of motion preservation products still under development, are primarily used to enable access to the spine and to perform restorative and fusion procedures in a minimally disruptive fashion. The Company’s biologic product line offerings includes allograft (donated human tissue), FormaGraft, a collagen synthetic product, Osteocel Plus, an allograft cellular matrix containing viable mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, and AttraX^®, a synthetic bone graft material, all used to aid the spinal fusion process. The Company’s monitoring service offering includes IOM services provided. Revenue by product line offerings was as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Spine Surgery Products	$	115,142	$	101,371
Biologics		27,113		22,704
Monitoring Service		9,436		391

Total Revenue	$	151,691	$	124,466

13. Legal Proceedings

Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. Litigation

In August 2008, Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. and its related entities (Medtronic) filed suit against NuVasive in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California (the Medtronic Litigation), alleging that certain of NuVasive’s products infringe, or contribute to the infringement of, twelve U.S. patents assigned or licensed to Medtronic. Three of the patents were later withdrawn by Medtronic, leaving nine patents. NuVasive brought counterclaims against Medtronic alleging infringement of certain of NuVasive’s patents. The case has been administratively broken into serial phases. The first phase of the case includes three Medtronic patents and one NuVasive patent and on September 20, 2011, a jury from the U.S. District Court delivered an unfavorable verdict against NuVasive with respect to the three Medtronic patents and a favorable verdict in favor of NuVasive with respect to the one NuVasive patent. The jury awarded monetary damages of approximately $101.2 million to Medtronic, which includes lost profits and back royalties, for which a final appealable judgment was issued on March 2, 2012. Both parties appealed the verdict and Medtronic subsequently filed a motion to dismiss its own appeal and NuVasive’s cross-appeal with the United States Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit. Both appeals are stayed pending resolution of Medtronic’s motion to dismiss. The Federal Circuit has not set a hearing date at this time. Medtronic’s motion in the District Court for a permanent injunction was denied on January 26, 2012. On March 19, 2012, the District Court issued an order granting prejudgment interest, but has not provided a date for determining on-going royalties, and no hearings are scheduled at this time. The Company entered into an escrow arrangement on April 27, 2012 requiring it to escrow cash totaling $113.3 million into a restricted escrow account to secure the amount of judgment, plus prejudgment interest, during pendency of the appeal. In accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of loss contingencies, during the third quarter of 2011, the Company recorded an accrual for the $101.2 million verdict. In addition, the Company is currently accruing ongoing royalties on future sales at the royalty rates stated in the judgment, as well as post-judgment interest. With respect to the prejudgment interest award, the Company, based on its own assessment as well as that of outside counsel, believes a reversal of the prejudgment interest award on appeal is probable, and therefore, in accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of contingencies, the Company has not recorded an accrual for this amount, which is estimated to approximate $13 million. Additional damages, interest and potential ongoing royalties may still be awarded, and at March 31, 2012, the Company cannot estimate a range of additional potential loss.

With respect to the favorable verdict delivered regarding the one NuVasive patent, the jury awarded the Company monetary damages of approximately $0.7 million for reasonable royalty damages. In accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of gain contingencies, this amount has not been recorded at March 31, 2012.

Trademark Infringement Litigation

In September 2009, Neurovision Medical Products, Inc. (NMP) filed suit against NuVasive in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:09-cv-06988-R-JEM) alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. NMP sought cancellation of NuVasive’s “NeuroVision” trademark registrations, injunctive relief and damages based on NMP’s common law use of the “Neurovision” mark. On November 23, 2009, the Company denied the allegations in NMP’s complaint. After trial of the matter, on October 25, 2010 an unfavorable jury verdict was delivered against the Company relating to its use of the NeuroVision trade name. The verdict awarded damages to NMP of $60.0 million. On January 3, 2011, the District Court ordered a judgment be entered in the case in the amount of $60.0 million, and granted a permanent injunction prohibiting the Company’s use of the NeuroVision name for marketing purposes. The Company sought emergency relief, and on February 3, 2011, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stayed enforcement of the injunction, and has consolidated this issue with our appeal of verdict filed on May 6, 2011. Oral argument on the appeal is currently scheduled for June 5, 2012. During pendency of the appeal, the Company has been required to escrow funds to secure the amount of the judgment, plus interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. On June 16, 2011, the Company entered into an escrow arrangement and transferred $62.5 million of cash and investments into a restricted escrow account. These funds are included in restricted cash and investments on the Company’s March 31, 2012 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Any payment of damages will be delayed while the appeals process runs its course, which could take up to two years. The Company continues to believe that the verdict is not supported by the facts or by applicable law. The Company, based on its own assessment as well as that of outside counsel, believes that the District Court committed a number of prejudicial legal errors and that these errors were significant, making the possibility of reversal of the judgment on appeal and/or a new trial probable. At March 31, 2012, in accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of contingencies, the Company has not recorded an accrual related to this litigation. The Company may be required to record an expense related to this damage award in the future.

Contingencies

The Company is party to certain claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business. The Company does not expect any such claims and legal actions to have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations or financial condition.

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

Forward-Looking Statements May Prove Inaccurate

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included in this report. This discussion may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, such as those set forth under heading “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in this report, and similar discussions in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. We do not intend to update these forward looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

Overview

We are a medical device company focused on developing minimally disruptive surgical products and procedurally integrated solutions for the spine. Our principal product offering is the Maximum Access Surgery, or MAS^® platform. The MAS platform combines several categories of solutions that collectively minimize soft tissue disruption during spine fusion surgery with maximum visualization and safe, easy reproducibility for the surgeon. The platform includes a proprietary software-driven nerve avoidance system and intra-operative monitoring support; MaXcess^®, a unique split-blade retractor system; a wide variety of specialized implants; and several biologic fusion options. MAS significantly reduces surgery time and returns patients to activities of daily living much faster than conventional approaches. Having redefined spine surgery with the MAS platform’s lateral approach, known as eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion, or XLIF^®, we are both a driver and a key beneficiary of the spine market’s shift toward treating patients with less invasive approaches.

With a foundation as the pioneer of lateral access spine surgery, we went on to build an entire spine franchise and are now the 5^th largest player in the $7.6 billion global spine market. Our currently-marketed portfolio boasts over 70 innovative products that enable surgeons to treat the entire spine and to address almost any spine pathology with either minimally invasive or more traditional open approaches. The breadth and depth of our portfolio has established NuVasive as a key player in the spine market, affording our ability to effectively participate in new vendor negotiations as a top 5 global spine company. That capability comes at an opportune time when hospitals are limiting vendor relationships to between three to five vendors for their spine product needs.

Our strategy is to continue to take market share within the spine market by being the most creative spine technology company through speed of innovation, superior clinical outcomes, and Absolute Responsiveness^®. As a result, we focus significant research and development efforts on both the strategic development of our MAS product platform and the advancement of the applications of our unique technology into procedurally integrated surgical solutions. We foster a culture similar to that of a startup company, with a dedication to innovative thinking and the cultivation of game changing ideas. As well, we devote significant resources to offering surgeons the highest caliber training programs and venues to drive adoption of our unique technology and broad portfolio. We feel that these facets of our growth strategy are key differentiators in the marketplace and will drive continued industry-leading growth, as well as improved profitability.

On October 7, 2011, we closed the acquisition of Impulse Monitoring, Inc. (Impulse Monitoring), a company which provides intra-operative monitoring services for the nervous system during spine and other surgeries. The acquisition complements the NeuroVision platform, our existing nerve monitoring system, which is designed for discreet and directional nerve avoidance and detection, making lateral access to the spine during the XLIF procedure more safe and reproducible. As the strategic rationale behind the acquisition plays out, we believe that the penetration of XLIF will increase as the technical superiority of NeuroVision and the power of integrated neuromonitoring drive surgeon conversion.

We expect monitoring service revenue from our IOM offering to increase. Monitoring service revenue consists of hospital based revenues and net patient service revenues and is recorded in the period the service is provided. Hospital based revenues are recorded based upon contracted billing rates. Net patient services are billed to various payers, including Medicare, commercial insurance companies, other directly billed managed healthcare plans, employers, and individuals. We report net patient service revenues based on the amount expected to be collected.

Substantially all of our operations are located in the United States and substantially all of our sales have been generated in the United States. To date, the majority of our sales are derived from the sale of disposables and implants, and we expect this trend to continue for the foreseeable future. We recognize revenue for disposables or implants used upon receiving acknowledgement of a purchase order from the hospital indicating product use or implantation. In addition, we sell an immaterial number of MAS instrument sets, MaXcess devices, and our proprietary software-driven nerve monitoring systems. To date, we have derived less than 5% of our total revenues from these sales.

We are expanding our international sales efforts with the focus on European, Asian and Latin American markets. Our international sales force is comprised of directly-employed sales shareowners as well as exclusive distributors and independent sales agents.

Results of Operations

Revenue


	March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		$ Change		% Change
Three months ended:
Spine Surgery Products		$115,142		$ 101,371
Biologics		27,113		22,704
Monitoring Service		9,436		391

Total Revenue		$151,691		$124,466		$27,225		22%

Our spine surgery product line offerings, which include products for the thoracolumbar spine and the cervical spine, are primarily used to enable access to the spine and to perform restorative and fusion procedures in a minimally disruptive fashion. Our biologic product line offerings include allograft (donated human tissue), FormaGraft, a collagen synthetic product, Osteocel Plus, an allograft cellular matrix containing viable mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, and AttraX^®, a synthetic bone graft material, all used to aid the spinal fusion process. Our monitoring service line offering includes hospital based revenues and net patient service revenues related to IOM services performed.

The continued adoption of minimally invasive procedures for spine has led to the continued expansion of our innovative lateral procedure known as XLIF, in which surgeons access the spine for a fusion procedure from the side of the patient’s body, rather than from the front or back. In addition, increased market acceptance in our international markets contributed to the increase in revenues noted for the periods presented. We expect continued adoption of our XLIF procedure and deeper penetration into existing accounts and our newer international markets as our sales force executes on the strategy of selling the full mix of our products. However, recent changes in payer and hospital behavior in the United States have created less predictability in the lumbar portion of the spine market and impacted the overall spine market’s growth rate. We believe that our growth in revenue in 2012 will primarily come from market share gains related to the market shift toward less invasive spinal surgery, our biologics product line, our fixation systems, and the benefit of an entire fiscal year of revenue from our IOM service business as a result of the Impulse Monitoring acquisition.

Our total revenues increased $27.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012 representing total revenue growth of 22% for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Revenue from our Spine Surgery Products increased $13.8 million, or 14%, in the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Revenue from our Biologics product line increased $4.4 million, or 19%, in the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. Revenue from Monitoring Services increased to $9.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012 from $0.4 million in the same period in 2011. Total Spine Surgery Products and Biologics revenues were impacted by small unfavorable changes in price of approximately 1% in the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Cost of Goods Sold, excluding amortization of purchased technology


	March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		$ Change		% Change
Three months ended	$	36,933	$	23,526	$	13,407		57%
% of revenue		24%		19%

Cost of goods sold consists of costs of purchased goods, inventory-related costs and royalty expense, as well as the cost of providing IOM service, which includes personnel and physician oversight costs.

Cost of goods sold as a percentage of revenue increased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, primarily related to estimated royalty expense accruals associated with the judgment in the Medtronic litigation and higher costs as a percentage of revenue associated with monitoring service revenues.

We expect cost of goods sold, as a percentage of revenue, to remain consistent at current levels for the remainder of 2012.

Operating Expenses

Sales, Marketing and Administrative


	March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		$ Change		% Change
Three months ended	$	94,271	$	84,220	$	10,051		12%
% of revenue		62%		68%

Sales, marketing and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation, commission, travel and training costs for personnel engaged in sales, marketing and customer support functions; distributor commissions; depreciation expense for surgical instrument sets; shipping costs; surgeon training costs; shareowner (employee) related expenses for our administrative functions; and third-party professional service fees.

The increases in sales, marketing and administrative expenses principally result from growth in our revenue and the overall growth of the Company, including: expenses that tend to vary based on revenue such as commissions, depreciation expense for loaned surgical instrument sets, worldwide sales force headcount, distribution and customer support headcount, and shipping; expenses

associated with investments in our worldwide infrastructure such as operating systems and real estate; and non-sales related headcount growth, including Impulse Monitoring. As a percentage of revenue, sales, marketing and administrative expenses decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 principally as a result of increased operating leverage in our expenses relative to the 22% growth in revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, as well as lower stock-based compensation expenses and legal expenses incurred in connection with the Medtronic litigation.

Costs that tend to vary based on revenue increased $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011. This increase is slightly less than our increased revenue growth of 22% in the first three months of 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011.

Compensation and other shareowner related expenses for our marketing and administrative support functions increased $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, resulting from additions to our headcount, including Impulse Monitoring shareowners, and an increase in performance-based compensation. Stock-based compensation decreased $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, primarily related to a decrease in stock-based awards granted to shareowners.

In addition to the items discussed above, legal expenses decreased $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 resulting primarily from decreased legal costs incurred in connection with the Medtronic litigation.

We currently expect for the remainder of 2012 and on a long-term basis, total sales, marketing and administrative costs, as a percentage of revenue, to continue to decrease moderately.

Research and Development


	March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		$ Change		% Change
Three months ended		$10,395		$10,769		$(374)		(3)%
% of revenue		7%		9%

Research and development expense consists primarily of product research and development, clinical trial and study costs, regulatory and clinical functions, and shareowner related expenses.

In the last several years, we have introduced numerous new products and product enhancements that have significantly expanded our MAS platform, enhanced the applications of the XLIF procedure, expanded our offering of cervical products, and moved closer to entering into the growing motion preservation market. We have also acquired complementary and strategic assets and technology, particularly in the area of biologics. We are developing proprietary total disc replacement devices for lateral lumbar spine applications and separately for cervical spine applications, which are currently in different phases of clinical trials and related studies. We anticipate continuing to incur costs related to such clinical trials and studies through at least 2012.

Compensation and other shareowner related expenses remained relatively consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to increased compensation and other shareowner related expenses resulting from additions to the Company’s headcount to support our product development and enhancement efforts offset by a decrease in performance-based compensation. Additionally, these expenses were offset by a decrease of expenses of $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011, related to ongoing clinical trial and study related activities.

We expect total research and development costs, as a percentage of revenue, to remain consistent at current levels in support of our ongoing development and planned clinical trial and study related activities for the remainder of 2012.

Amortization of Intangible Assets


	March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		$ Change		% Change
Three months ended		$2,846		$1,342		$1,504		112%
% of total revenue		2%		1%

Amortization expense increased $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 primarily due to the acquisition of Impulse Monitoring in October 2011.

We expect expenses recorded in connection with the amortization of intangible assets to continue to increase in absolute dollars for the foreseeable future as amortization of acquired in-process research and development commences once acquired research and development projects reach technological feasibility.

Interest and Other Expense, Net


	March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			$ Change		% Change
Three months ended:
Interest income		$ 208			$ 183
Interest expense		(6,825)			(1,771)
Other income, net		437			497

Total interest and other expense, net		$(6,180)			$(1,091)			$5,089		466	%

% of revenue		4	%		1	%

Interest and other expense, net, consists principally of interest expense incurred on our outstanding $476.8 million Senior Convertible Notes, offset by income earned on marketable securities and other income (expense) items. The $5.1 million net increase in total interest and other expense in the three months ended March 31 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is due to an increase in interest expense primarily resulting from the additional cash and non-cash interest expense associated with the 2017 Notes offering, which closed in June 2011.

Interest and other expense, net, is expected to remain consistent at current levels for the remainder of 2012 as a result of the additional cash and non-cash interest expense associated with the 2017 Notes offering.

Income Tax Expense


	March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		$ Change		% Change
Three months ended		$597		$1,540		$(943)		(61)%
Effective income tax rate		56%		44%

We recorded income tax expense of $0.6 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was 56% compared to 44% for the three months ended March 31, 2011, which is based on an estimate of our annual effective income tax rate. We update our annual effective income tax rate each quarter and if the estimated effective income tax rate changes, a cumulative adjustment is made. Our annual effective income tax rate for 2012 is expected to be higher than the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal benefit, estimates for certain non-deductible expenses, and foreign losses expected to be incurred for which no benefit can be recorded.

Stock-Based Compensation


	March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			$ Change			% Change
Three months ended:
Sales, marketing and administrative expense	$	6,142		$	7,335
Research and development expense		465			611
Cost of goods sold		14			—

Total stock-based compensation expense	$	6,621		$	7,946		$	(1,325	)	(17)%

% of revenue		4	%		6	%

Stock-based compensation related to stock awards is recognized and amortized on an accelerated basis in accordance with authoritative guidance. The decrease in stock-based compensation of approximately $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily attributed to a decrease in the number of awards granted to shareowners during 2012.

Liquidity, Cash Flows and Capital Resources

Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, cash generated from operations and proceeds from our convertible debt financings issued in March 2008 and June 2011.

In March 2008, we issued $230.0 million principal amount of 2.25% Senior Convertible Notes due 2013 (the 2013 Notes). The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and costs directly related to the offering, were approximately $208.4 million. We pay 2.25% interest per annum on the principal amount of the 2013 Notes, payable semi-annually in arrears in cash on March 15 and September 15 of each year. At March 31, 2012, approximately $74.3 million of the 2013 Notes remain outstanding. Any 2013 Notes not converted prior to March 15, 2013, the maturity date, will be paid in cash.

In June 2011, we issued $402.5 million principal amount of the 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2017 (the 2017 Notes), which includes the issuance of $52.5 million principal amount upon the exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional notes. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting initial purchasers’ discounts and costs directly related to the offering, were approximately $359.2 million. We pay 2.75% interest per annum on the principal amount of the 2017 Notes. The 2017 Notes mature on July 1, 2017 and may be settled in cash, stock, or a combination thereof, solely at our election. Interest on the 2017 Notes began accruing in June 2011 and is payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1 of each year.

As more fully discussed in Note 13 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in June 2011 we escrowed $62.5 million of cash and investments for the judgment against us in connection with the NeuroVision trademark infringement litigation. These funds are included in restricted cash and investments in our March 31, 2012 condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Additionally, in connection with the Medtronic litigation, a jury from the U.S. District Court, delivered an unfavorable verdict to us and awarded monetary damages of approximately $101.2 million to Medtronic. We entered into an escrow arrangement on April 27, 2012 requiring us to escrow cash totaling $113.3 million into a restricted escrow account to secure the amount of judgment, plus prejudgment interest, during pendency of the appeal, which could negatively impact our liquidity and our ability to invest in and run our business on an ongoing basis.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities was $363.6 million and $342.2 million at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors including our rate of revenue growth, the timing and extent of spending to support development efforts, the expansion of sales, marketing and administrative activities, the timing of introductions of new products and enhancements to existing products, the continuing market acceptance of our products, the expenditures associated with possible future acquisitions or other business combination transactions, and the outcome of current and future litigation.

We expect that cash provided by operating activities may fluctuate in future periods as a result of a number of factors, including fluctuations in our operating results and working capital requirements. We have historically invested our cash primarily in U.S. government sponsored entities and U.S. treasuries, corporate debt, and money market funds. Certain of these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity and other market risks. The general condition of the financial markets and the economy has exacerbated those risks and may affect the value of our current investments and restrict our ability to access the capital markets or even our own funds.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected items in our consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):


	March 31,
	2012			2011			$ Change
Three months ended:
Cash provided by operating activities	$	39,740		$	14,544		$	25,196
Cash provided by investing activities		66,597			27,167			39,430
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities		390			(284	)		674
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(39	)		77			(116	)

Increase in cash and cash equivalents	$	106,688		$	41,504		$	65,184

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities was $39.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to $14.5 million for the same period in 2011. The $25.2 million increase in cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily due to an increase in net income, adjusted for noncash items, a decrease in amounts paid for other current assets, including a refund of $11.2 million relating to an overpayment at December 31, 2011, and decreased payments related to accounts payable and accrued liabilities.

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash provided by investing activities was $66.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to $27.2 million for the same period in 2011. The $39.4 million increase in cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily due to a net increase in our net sales of marketable securities.

Cash flows from financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to cash used in financing activities of $0.3 million for the same period in 2011. The $0.7 million increase in cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the same period in 2011 is primarily due to a decrease in amounts paid for other assets.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates including those related to bad debts, inventories, valuation of goodwill, intangibles and other long-term assets, income taxes, stock-based compensation, and legal proceedings. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and there have been no material changes during the three months ended March 31, 2012 except as follows:

Recently adopted accounting standards

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have not engaged in any off-balance sheet activities.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There has been no material change in the Company’s assessment of its sensitivity to market risk since its presentation set forth in Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the timelines specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and in reaching a reasonable level of assurance, management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a — 15(e) and 15d — 15(e)) as of March 31, 2012. Based on such evaluation, our management has concluded that as of March 31, 2012, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There has been no change to our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

There have been no changes to the Legal Proceedings discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, except as follows:

Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. Litigation

As reported by us previously, Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. and its related entities (Medtronic), on August 18, 2008, filed a patent infringement lawsuit against NuVasive in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, alleging that certain of NuVasive’s products or methods, including the XLIF^® procedure, infringe, or contribute to the infringement of, twelve U.S. patents. Three of the patents were later withdrawn by Medtronic leaving the following nine patents in the lawsuit: Nos. 5,860,973; 5,772,661; 6,936,051; 6,936,050; 6,916,320; 6,945,933; 6,969,390; 6,428,542; 6,592,586 assigned or licensed to Medtronic (Medtronic Patents). Medtronic is seeking monetary damages and a court injunction against future infringement by NuVasive. NuVasive answered the complaint denying the allegations, and filed counterclaims seeking dismissal of Medtronic’s complaint and a declaration that NuVasive has not infringed and currently does not infringe any valid claim of the Medtronic Patents.

Additionally, NuVasive made counterclaims against Medtronic seeking the following relief: (i) Medtronic being permanently enjoined from charging that NuVasive has infringed or is infringing the Medtronic Patents; (ii) a declaration that the Medtronic Patents are invalid; (iii) a declaration that the 5,860,973 and 5,772,661 patents are unenforceable due to inequitable conduct; and (iv) costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees.

NuVasive filed an amended counterclaim on September 4, 2009, alleging that NuVasive’s U.S. Patent Nos. 7,207,949; 7,582,058; and 7,470,236 are infringed by Medtronic’s NIM-Eclipse System and accessories and Quadrant products, and DLIF (Direct Lateral Interbody Fusion) surgical technique. Medtronic, on June 23, 2009, filed a request for inter partes reexamination with the Patent Office on NuVasive’s U.S. Patent No. 7,207,949. On October 14, 2009, Medtronic filed a request for inter partes reexamination on NuVasive’s U.S. Patent No. 7,582,058. The Patent Office granted both requests and issued rejections of the claims. Both reexaminations are pending.

Given the number of patents asserted in the litigation, the parties agreed to proceed on a limited number of patents. The court determined to proceed only with patents that are not the subject of active reexamination proceedings. As a result, the first phase of the case included three Medtronic patents and one NuVasive patent. Trial on the first phase of the case began in August 2011 and on September 20, 2011, a jury from the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California delivered an unfavorable verdict against NuVasive with respect to three Medtronic patents and a favorable verdict in favor of NuVasive with respect to the one NuVasive patent. The jury awarded monetary damages of approximately $101.2 million to Medtronic, which includes lost profits and back royalties, for which a final appealable judgment was issued on March 2, 2012. Both parties appealed the verdict and Medtronic subsequently filed a motion to dismiss its own appeal and NuVasive’s cross-appeal with the United States Court of Appeal for the Federal Circuit. Medtronic’s motion for a permanent injunction was denied by the District Court on January 26, 2012. On March 19, 2012, the District Court issued an order granting prejudgment interest, but has not provided a date for determining on-going royalties, and no hearings are scheduled at this time. The Company entered into an escrow arrangement on April 27, 2012 requiring it to escrow cash totaling $113.3 million into a restricted escrow account to secure the amount of judgment, plus prejudgment interest, during pendency of the appeal. In accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of loss contingencies, during the third quarter of 2011, the Company recorded an accrual for the $101.2 million verdict. In addition, the Company is currently accruing ongoing royalties on future sales at the royalty rates stated in the judgment, as well as post-judgment interest. With respect to the prejudgment interest award, the Company, based on its own assessment as well as that of outside counsel, believes a reversal of the prejudgment interest award on appeal is probable, and therefore, in accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of contingencies, the Company has not recorded an accrual for this amount, which is estimated to approximate $13 million. Additional damages, including interest and potential ongoing royalties may still be awarded, and at March 31, 2012, the Company cannot estimate a range of additional potential loss.

With respect to the favorable verdict delivered regarding the NuVasive patent, the jury awarded the Company monetary damages of approximately $0.7 million for reasonable royalty damages. In accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of gain contingencies, this amount has not been recorded at March 31, 2012.

Trademark Infringement Litigation

In September 2009, NMP filed suit against NuVasive in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:09-cv-06988-R-JEM) alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition. NMP sought cancellation of NuVasive’s “NeuroVision” trademark registrations, injunctive relief and damages based on NMP’s common law use of the “Neurovision” mark. On November 23, 2009, the Company denied the allegations in NMP’s complaint. After trial of the matter, on October 25, 2010 an unfavorable jury verdict was delivered against the Company relating to its use of the NeuroVision trade name. The verdict awarded damages to NMP of $60.0 million. On January 3, 2011, the District Court ordered a judgment be entered in the case in the amount of $60.0 million, and granted a permanent injunction prohibiting the Company’s use of the NeuroVision name for marketing purposes. The Company sought emergency relief, and on February 3, 2011, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stayed enforcement of the injunction, and has consolidated this issue with our appeal of the verdict filed on May 6, 2011. Oral argument on the appeal is currently scheduled for June 5, 2012. During pendency of the appeal, the Company has been required to escrow funds to secure the amount of the judgment, plus interest, attorneys’ fees and costs. On June 16, 2011, the Company entered into an escrow arrangement and transferred $62.5 million of cash and investments into a restricted escrow account. Any payment of damages will be delayed while the appeals process runs its course, which could take up to two years. The Company continues to believe that the verdict is not supported by the facts or by applicable law. The Company, based on its own assessment as well as that of outside counsel, believes that the District Court committed a number of prejudicial legal errors and that these errors were significant, making the possibility of reversal of the judgment on appeal and/or a new trial probable. Accordingly, at March 31, 2012, in accordance with the authoritative guidance on the evaluation of contingencies, the Company has not recorded an accrual related to this litigation. The Company may be required to record an expense related to this damage award in the future.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described under Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2011 (the Risk Factors) together with all other information contained or incorporated by reference in this report before you decide to invest in our common stock. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to the Risk Factors. If any of the risks described in this report or in our Annual Report on Form 10-K actually occurs, our business, financial condition, results of operations and our future growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. Under these circumstances, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

We are currently involved in a patent litigation action involving Medtronic, and, if we do not prevail on our appeal of the Medtronic verdict, we could be liable for substantial damages and might be prevented from making, using, selling, offering to sell, importing or exporting certain of our products.

On August 18, 2008, Medtronic filed suit against NuVasive in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, alleging that certain of our products infringe, or contribute to the infringement of, U.S. patents owned by Medtronic. Trial in the first phase of the case began on August 20, 2011 and on September 20, 2011 a jury delivered an unfavorable verdict against us with respect to three Medtronic patents and a favorable verdict with respect to a NuVasive patent. Judgment was entered by the District Court on September 29, 2011. The jury awarded monetary damages of approximately $660,000 to NuVasive which includes back royalty payments. Additionally, the jury awarded monetary damages of approximately $101.2 million to Medtronic which includes lost profits and back royalties. Medtronic sought a permanent injunction against us with respect to the sale of our CoRoent XL, MaXcess Retractor and Helix ACP Cervical Plate. The District Court denied the motion; provided, however, Medtronic may continue to seek an injunction and may appeal the District Court’s denial of their request. Additional damages, including interest and potential ongoing royalties may still be awarded. A final appealable judgment was received on March 2, 2012. While we appealed the unfavorable verdict to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, we were required to secure the amount of the judgment, plus prejudgment interest, which could result in a material reduction in the liquidity required to run or grow our business. Should the Company lose its appeal or should the District Court ultimately award a much higher ongoing royalty rate, our ability to generate profits and cash flow, and, as a result, to invest in and grow our business, including the investment into new and innovative technologies may suffer.

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

On March 9, 2012, we entered into a Termination Agreement by and between NuVasive and Spine Midwest Research, Inc., to issue 160,875 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the Stock Consideration) to Spine Midwest Research in connection with a transfer of intellectual property. The Stock Consideration was issued as consideration and equaled the quotient obtained by dividing $2,500,000 by $15.54, the closing sale price of a share of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market for March 9, 2012, rounded down to the nearest share.

We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the Stock Consideration. The Stock Consideration was issued in reliance upon an exemption from registration under federal securities laws provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, for the issuance and exchange of securities in transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The Company does not have an obligation, nor does it anticipate, registering the Stock Consideration for resale on a registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No		Description

3.1		Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 13, 2004)

3.2		Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed herewith)

3.3		Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2012)

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

32*		Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101**		XBRL Instance Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document



101**		XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

These certifications are being furnished solely to accompany this annual report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, and are not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of NuVasive, Inc., whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

Pursuant to applicable securities laws and regulations, we are deemed to have complied with the reporting obligation relating to the submission of interactive data files in such exhibits and are not subject to liability under any anti-fraud provisions of the federal securities laws as long as we have made a good faith attempt to comply with the submission requirements and promptly amend the interactive data files after becoming aware that the interactive data files fail to comply with the submission requirements. Users of this data are advised that, pursuant to Rule 406T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed and otherwise are not subject to liability.

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.


NUVASIVE, INC.

Date: May 1, 2012

	By:	/s/ ALEXIS V. LUKIANOV
		Alexis V. Lukianov
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 1, 2012

	By:	/s/ MICHAEL J. LAMBERT
		Michael J. Lambert
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit No		Description

3.1		Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on August 13, 2004)

3.2		Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation (filed herewith)

3.3		Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 6, 2012)

31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

32*		Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101**		XBRL Instance Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

101**		XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document

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