Stryker Corporation Reports 13 Pct Drop in Profits Due to Product Recalls

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Kalamazoo, Michigan - April 24, 2013 - Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) reported operating results for the first quarter of 2013:

First Quarter Highlights

Net sales growth of 1.3% to $2.2 billion

Reconstructive increased 1.2% as reported, 2.8% constant currency

MedSurg increased 0.3% as reported, 1.0% constant currency

Neurotechnology and Spine increased 4.0% as reported, 5.7% constant currency

Adjusted net earnings(1) increased 4.0% to $394 million

Adjusted diluted net earnings per share(2) increased 4.0% to $1.03

Reported net earnings decreased 13.1% to $304 million

Reported diluted net earnings per share decreased 13.2% to $0.79

“We delivered solid sales and earnings performance, and expect this momentum to continue throughout 2013,” commented Kevin A. Lobo, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Sales Analysis

Consolidated net sales of $2.2 billion increased 1.3% in the quarter compared to the prior year. Net sales in the quarter grew by 3.8% due to increased unit volume and changes in product mix and 0.2% as a result of acquisitions. Net sales in the quarter were unfavorably impacted by 1.3% due to changes in price and 1.3% due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales increased 2.5% in constant currency over the prior year.

Reconstructive net sales of $969 million increased 1.2% in the quarter compared to the prior year, as reported, and 2.8% in constant currency. Net sales in the quarter grew by 5.2% due to increased unit volume and changes in product mix and 0.2% as a result of acquisitions. Net sales in the quarter were unfavorably impacted by 2.6% due to changes in price and 1.6% due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, Reconstructive net sales increased 2.6% in constant currency over the prior year.

MedSurg net sales of $824 million increased 0.3% in the quarter compared to the prior year, as reported, and 1.0% in constant currency. Net sales in the quarter grew by 0.5% due to increased unit volume and changes in product mix and 0.5% due to changes in price. Net sales in the quarter were unfavorably impacted by 0.7% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales.

Neurotechnology and Spine net sales of $397 million increased 4.0% in the quarter compared to the prior year, as reported, and 5.7% in constant currency. Net sales in the quarter grew by 7.5% due to increased unit volume and changes in product mix and 0.3% as a result of acquisitions. Net sales in the quarter were unfavorably impacted by 2.0% due to changes in price and 1.8% due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, Neurotechnology and Spine net sales increased 5.5% in constant currency over the prior year.

Earnings Analysis

Reported net earnings of $304 million decreased 13.1% in the quarter compared to the prior year. Diluted net earnings per share of $0.79 decreased 13.2% in the quarter over the prior year. Reported net earnings in the quarter includes an additional charge of $40 million ($32 million net of tax or $0.08 per diluted share) related to the previously disclosed voluntary recall of the Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stems, bringing total charges recorded for this recall to $230 million. In addition, a charge of $40 million ($30 million net of tax or $0.08 per diluted share) was recorded in the quarter related to two previously disclosed United States regulatory matters. Reported net earnings in the quarter also includes acquisition and integration related charges of $20 million ($17 million net of taxes or $0.05 per diluted share) related to the Neurovascular, Surpass and Trauson acquisitions and restructuring and related charges of $14 million ($11 million net of taxes or $0.03 per diluted share) . These charges reduced the reported gross profit margin from 67.5% to 67.4% and the reported operating income margin from 22.9% to 17.6%.

Excluding the charges described above, adjusted net earnings(1) of $394 million increased 4.0% in the quarter over the prior year and adjusted diluted net earnings per share(2) of $1.03 increased 4.0% in the quarter over the prior year. Adjusted net earnings(1) in 2013 includes $23 million ($14 million net of taxes or $0.04 per diluted share) of costs associated with the new Medical Device Excise Tax and $17 million of income tax benefits ($0.04 per diluted share) related to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 that was signed into law on January 2, 2013.

In March 2013, Stryker completed its previously announced acquisition of Trauson Holdings Company Limited (Trauson). The acquisition of Trauson will expand the Company’s presence in a key emerging market with a product portfolio and pipeline that is targeted at the fast growing value segment of the Chinese orthopaedic market.

In March 2013, the Company also completed a public offering of $600 million in 1.30% Notes due April 1, 2018 (2018 Notes) and $400 million in 4.10% Notes due April 1, 2043 (2043 Notes and, together with the 2018 Notes, the Notes). Interest on the Notes is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing on October 1, 2013. Unless previously redeemed, the 2018 Notes will mature on April 1, 2018 and the 2043 Notes will mature on April 1, 2043. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Notes for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including acquisitions, stock repurchases and other business opportunities.

During the quarter, Stryker repurchased approximately 3.6 million shares. This repurchase activity was attributable to the initial delivery of shares under the Company’s $250 million Accelerated Share Repurchase (ASR) program. The ASR program was completed in April of 2013 and resulted in the receipt of 0.2 million additional shares.

2013 Outlook

For the full year 2013, Stryker is projecting constant currency sales growth in a range of 4.0% to 6.5%. If foreign currency exchange rates hold near current levels, the Company anticipates net sales will be negatively impacted by approximately 1% to 2% in both the second quarter and full year of 2013. Excluding the expected impact of foreign currency and acquisitions, projected 2013 sales growth is 3.0% to 5.5% for the full year.

The Company continues to project 2013 adjusted diluted net earnings per share(2) to be in a range of $4.25 to $4.40.

A reconciliation of reported net earnings to adjusted net earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure, and other important information, appears below.

A reconciliation of reported diluted net earnings per share to adjusted diluted net earnings per share, a non-GAAP financial measure, and other important information, appears below.

Conference Call on Wednesday, April 24, 2013

As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, to discuss the Company’s operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

To participate in the conference call dial (866) 436-9172 (domestic) or (630) 691-2760 (international) and be prepared to provide confirmation number 34454633 to the operator.

A simultaneous webcast of the call will be accessible via the Company’s website at www.stryker.com. The call will be archived on this site for 90 days.

A recording of the call will also be available from 7:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. To hear this recording you may dial (888) 843-7419 (domestic) or 630-652-3042 (international) and enter the passcode 34454633#.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains information that includes or is based on forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities law that are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: weakening of economic conditions that could adversely affect the level of demand for our products; pricing pressures generally, including cost-containment measures that could adversely affect the price of or demand for our products; changes in foreign exchange markets; legislative and regulatory actions; unanticipated issues arising in connection with clinical studies and otherwise that affect U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of new products; changes in reimbursement levels from third-party payors; a significant increase in product liability claims; the ultimate total cost with respect to the Rejuvenate and ABG II matter; the impact of investigative and legal proceedings and compliance risks; resolution of tax audits; the impact of the federal legislation to reform the United States healthcare system; changes in financial markets; changes in the competitive environment; our ability to integrate acquisitions; and our ability to realize anticipated cost savings as a result of workforce reductions and other restructuring activities. Additional information concerning these and other factors are contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals perform their jobs more efficiently while enhancing patient care. We offer a diverse array of innovative medical technologies, including reconstructive, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine products to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives. For more information about Stryker, please visit www.stryker.com.

For investor inquiries please contact:

Katherine A. Owen, Stryker Corporation, 269-385-2600 or katherine.owen@stryker.com

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