10-KPeriod: FY2001

STRYKER CORP Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2001

Filed March 15, 2002For Securities:SYK

Summary

Stryker Corporation's 2001 10-K report highlights a year of significant growth, with net sales increasing by 14% to $2.6 billion. This growth was driven by a robust performance in both its Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment segments. The company successfully navigated a dynamic market, marked by strategic acquisitions and a strong focus on research and development, evidenced by a 16% increase in R&D expenses. Financially, Stryker demonstrated improved profitability and liquidity. Net earnings saw a substantial increase of 21% to $267 million. The company also enhanced its financial flexibility through refinancing its credit facilities. Despite ongoing healthcare cost containment measures, Stryker's commitment to innovation and its broad product portfolio position it well for continued expansion in the specialty surgical and medical products market.

Key Highlights

  • 1Stryker reported a 14% increase in net sales, reaching $2.6 billion in 2001, driven by strong performance in both Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment segments.
  • 2Net earnings grew by 21% to $267 million, demonstrating improved profitability.
  • 3Research, Development, and Engineering (R&D&E) expenses increased by 16% to $142.1 million, underscoring the company's commitment to innovation and new product development.
  • 4The company successfully refinanced its credit facilities in December 2001, establishing $1 billion in unsecured credit facilities, enhancing financial flexibility.
  • 5International sales represented 35% of total revenues in 2001, with growth driven by strong performance in Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment.
  • 6Stryker received Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) status for its OP-1 Implant from the U.S. FDA in late 2001, for specific long bone nonunion indications.
  • 7The company continued its strategic acquisition strategy, including the acquisition of an Italian distributor to consolidate its distribution network in Italy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stryker's primary revenue drivers in 2001 were its Orthopaedic Implants segment, which includes reconstructive, trauma, and spinal implants, and its MedSurg Equipment segment, encompassing surgical instruments, endoscopic systems, and patient handling equipment. Physical Therapy Services also contributed significantly to revenue growth.

In December 2001, Stryker significantly improved its liquidity and financial flexibility by establishing $1 billion in unsecured credit facilities, replacing its previous secured credit facilities. This move allowed for the prepayment of outstanding debt and provided ample borrowing capacity for future needs. The company also saw an increase in working capital and generated substantial cash flow from operations.

The OP-1 Implant received Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) status from the U.S. FDA in late 2001 for specific indications of long bone nonunions. This regulatory milestone allows Stryker to make the product available to a specific patient population in the U.S. while also having secured approvals or pending applications in other key international markets like Europe, Australia, and Canada.

Stryker competes in highly competitive markets such as orthopaedic reconstructive products, trauma, spinal implants, and surgical instruments. The company believes its competitive advantages stem from innovative products, reliability, service, and reputation. They continue to invest heavily in R&D to develop proprietary products and improvements to maintain their market position.