10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

STRYKER CORP Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2006

Filed August 9, 2006For Securities:SYK

Summary

Stryker Corporation (SYK) reported a solid second quarter and first half of 2006, demonstrating continued revenue growth and improving profitability. For the second quarter, net sales increased by 9% year-over-year to $1.33 billion, driven by strong performance in both the Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment segments. Net earnings saw a significant 20% increase to $213.9 million. The company also reported an adjusted diluted EPS of $1.01 for the first half of 2006, excluding a one-time charge, representing a 20% increase over the prior year. This performance indicates robust demand for Stryker's diverse product portfolio, which includes joint replacement, trauma, surgical equipment, and medical imaging systems.

Key Highlights

  • 1Stryker reported a 9% increase in net sales for the second quarter of 2006, reaching $1.33 billion, and a 9% increase for the first half of 2006 to $2.65 billion.
  • 2Net earnings for the second quarter of 2006 increased by 20% to $213.9 million, with diluted EPS rising to $0.52.
  • 3For the first six months of 2006, net earnings grew 5% to $361.4 million, with adjusted net earnings (excluding an acquisition-related charge) showing a 20% increase.
  • 4The company experienced strong growth in its MedSurg Equipment segment, with sales increasing by 15% for the first half of 2006.
  • 5Orthopaedic Implants segment sales saw a 7% increase in the first half, with notable strength in knee, trauma, and spinal implant systems.
  • 6Stryker adopted new accounting standards for share-based payments (FASB Statement No. 123(R)), which impacted reported earnings but is reflected in pro-forma disclosures and prior period adjustments.
  • 7The company is cooperating with Department of Justice investigations concerning its billing practices and consulting contracts with orthopedic surgeons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stryker reported a 9% increase in net sales for the second quarter of 2006, reaching $1.33 billion, compared to $1.22 billion in the second quarter of 2005. Net earnings for the quarter increased significantly by 20% to $213.9 million, with diluted earnings per share rising to $0.52 from $0.43 in the prior year.

Stryker adopted FASB Statement No. 123(R) effective January 1, 2006. This change required the recognition of stock option costs based on fair value, reducing reported operating income and net earnings. For the first half of 2006, operating income was reduced by $29.0 million and net earnings by $18.8 million due to this adoption. The company restated prior periods and provides pro-forma disclosures to aid comparability.

Stryker projects adjusted diluted net earnings per share for 2006 to be $2.02, representing a 21% increase over 2005. The company anticipates net sales growth in the range of 11% to 13%, driven by increases in shipments for both Orthopaedic Implants and MedSurg Equipment, as well as higher revenue from Physical Therapy Services. Growth is expected across multiple product lines, particularly in knee, trauma, and spinal implants, and in surgical equipment and imaging systems.

Stryker is cooperating with ongoing investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice concerning its subsidiary's billing and coding practices, as well as consulting contracts with orthopedic surgeons. Additionally, the DOJ's Antitrust Division is requesting documents related to the manufacture and sale of orthopedic implant devices. The company states it does not anticipate material losses beyond amounts already provided for in its financial statements regarding these matters.