10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

STRYKER CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 6, 2002For Securities:SYK

Summary

This 10-Q filing for Stryker Corporation (SYK) as of September 30, 2002, reveals a company experiencing robust growth across its core segments. Net sales increased by 15% for the first nine months and a significant 20% for the third quarter compared to the prior year, driven by strong performance in both Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment. The company has also successfully integrated the acquisition of Surgical Dynamics Inc. (SDI), which contributed to sales growth. Profitability also saw a healthy increase, with net earnings up 26% for the nine-month period and 20% for the third quarter, showcasing improved operational efficiency and pricing power. Stryker is actively managing its cost structure, with R&D expenses as a percentage of sales decreasing due to reclassification of certain costs related to the commercial launch of OP-1 Implant. However, SG&A expenses increased slightly as a percentage of sales, partly due to higher insurance costs and reclassification of Stryker Biotech expenses. The company also incurred significant restructuring charges related to the closure of its Rutherford, New Jersey manufacturing facility. Despite these charges, the company's liquidity remains strong, with substantial cash flow from operations and significant available borrowing capacity, positioning it well for future growth and debt management.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 15% to $2,182.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, and by 20% to $745.6 million for the third quarter, demonstrating strong top-line growth.
  • 2Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment segments showed solid growth, with net sales increasing by 17% and 14% respectively for the nine-month period.
  • 3Acquisition of Surgical Dynamics Inc. (SDI) on July 1, 2002, contributed $13.3 million to third-quarter sales, indicating successful integration and expansion of product lines.
  • 4Net earnings grew by 26% to $239.5 million for the nine months and by 20% to $72.5 million for the third quarter, reflecting improved profitability.
  • 5Diluted EPS increased to $1.18 for the nine months and $0.36 for the third quarter, showing a positive trend in shareholder value.
  • 6The company recorded a significant restructuring charge of $17.2 million in the third quarter related to the closure of its Rutherford, New Jersey manufacturing facility.
  • 7Cash flow from operations remained strong, generating $320.8 million for the nine months, enabling continued investment in acquisitions and debt management.

Frequently Asked Questions

The acquisition of SDI, completed on July 1, 2002, contributed $13.3 million to net sales in the third quarter of 2002 and $11.8 million to domestic sales for the nine-month period. This acquisition has helped expand Stryker's spinal product line and contributed to overall sales growth.

The adoption of FASB Statement No. 142, which prohibits the amortization of goodwill, reduced amortization expense. For the first nine months of 2001, it would have reduced amortization by $13.9 million and increased net earnings by $9.3 million ($.05 per diluted share). For the third quarter of 2001, it would have reduced amortization by $5.8 million and increased net earnings by $3.9 million ($.02 per diluted share). This change is reflected in the 'Adjusted net earnings' presented in the filing.

Stryker incurred a significant restructuring charge of $17.2 million (pre-tax) in the third quarter of 2002, primarily related to employment costs for closing its Rutherford, New Jersey manufacturing facility. This charge covers severance costs for approximately 400 employees, with payments expected through 2004.

Stryker generated strong cash flow from operations ($320.8 million for the nine months). The company had $38.7 million in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2002, and $472.9 million in additional borrowing capacity under its existing credit facilities. While total borrowings declined by $105.8 million during the nine months, the company also borrowed an additional $384.3 million, indicating active management of its debt and financing needs.