10-Q/APeriod: Q3 FY2002

STRYKER CORP Quarterly Report (Amendment) for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2002

Filed November 8, 2002For Securities:SYK

Summary

Stryker Corporation's 10-Q filing for the period ending September 29, 2002, reveals robust top-line growth and improved profitability. Net sales increased by 20% year-over-year for the third quarter, driven by strong performance in both the Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment segments. The company also demonstrated significant earnings growth, with net earnings up 20% for the quarter. The acquisition of Surgical Dynamics (SDI) contributed positively to sales, and the company continues to manage its expenses effectively, with R&D as a percentage of sales decreasing slightly. Despite facing some restructuring charges related to the closure of a manufacturing facility, Stryker's overall financial health appears strong. The company generated substantial cash flow from operations and maintains a healthy level of cash and cash equivalents, along with significant available borrowing capacity. Management's commentary suggests confidence in the company's ability to fund future operations and debt obligations.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter of 2002 increased by 20% to $745.6 million compared to $619.3 million in the prior year's third quarter.
  • 2Net earnings for the third quarter grew by 20% to $72.5 million, resulting in diluted EPS of $0.36, up from $0.30 in Q3 2001.
  • 3The acquisition of Surgical Dynamics (SDI) contributed $13.3 million to third-quarter sales.
  • 4Orthopaedic Implants segment sales increased by 24% to $420.4 million in the third quarter.
  • 5MedSurg Equipment segment sales rose by 16% to $275.2 million in the third quarter.
  • 6The company generated $148.0 million in cash from operating activities for the third quarter, an increase from $133.1 million in the same period last year.
  • 7A significant restructuring charge of $17.2 million (pre-tax) was recorded in the third quarter related to the closure of the Rutherford, New Jersey manufacturing facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

The acquisition of SDI, completed on July 1, 2002, contributed $13.3 million to Stryker's net sales in the third quarter of 2002. This acquisition specifically bolstered the company's spinal product line. Management noted that pro forma consolidated results of operations would not differ significantly as a result of this acquisition.

The adoption of FASB Statement No. 142, which prohibits the amortization of goodwill, had a positive impact on reported net earnings. For the first nine months of 2001, if this provision had been applied, amortization expense would have been reduced by $13.9 million, increasing net earnings by $9.3 million (approximately $0.05 per diluted share). For the third quarter of 2001, the impact was a reduction in amortization expense of $5.8 million, increasing net earnings by $3.9 million (approximately $0.02 per diluted share). This change explains some of the year-over-year increase in reported net earnings and EPS.

In the third quarter of 2002, Stryker recorded a charge of $17.2 million (pre-tax) for restructuring and acquisition-related items. This primarily consists of a $21.0 million charge for employment-related costs associated with the closure of the Rutherford, New Jersey manufacturing facility. This charge covers severance for approximately 400 employees and is expected to be paid out over the next few years. A credit of $3.8 million was also recorded to reverse certain Howmedica acquisition-related costs.

Stryker reported strong cash flow from operations of $148.0 million in the third quarter of 2002. As of September 30, 2002, the company had $38.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and $616.8 million in outstanding long-term debt. Management believes its current cash position and anticipated operating cash flows are sufficient to meet future operating and investing needs and debt repayments. Additionally, the company had $472.9 million of available borrowing capacity under its existing credit facilities, providing significant financial flexibility.