Stryker reports first quarter 2016 results


Kalamazoo, Michigan - April 20, 2016 - Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) reported operating results for the first quarter of 2016:

First Quarter Highlights
Net sales grew 4.9% to $2.5 billion (6.1% constant currency)

Orthopaedics 3.3 % or 4.6% constant currency
MedSurg 3.4 % or 4.6% constant currency
Neurotechnology and Spine 12.0 % or 13.1% constant currency

Reported net earnings per diluted share increased 84.5% to $1.07
Adjusted net earnings per diluted share(1) increased 11.7% to $1.24

"We are pleased by our first quarter performance and expect the momentum to continue," said Kevin A. Lobo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "As a result, we have raised our full year guidance for both sales and adjusted net earnings."

Sales Analysis

Consolidated net sales of $2.5 billion increased 4.9% in the quarter as reported and 6.1% in constant currency, as foreign currency exchange rates negatively impacted net sales by 1.3%. Acquisitions did not significantly impact net sales in the quarter.  Net sales in constant currency increased by 7.5% from increased unit volume partially offset by 1.4% due to lower prices.

Orthopaedics net sales of $1.1 billion increased 3.3% in the quarter as reported and 4.6% in constant currency, as foreign currency exchange rates negatively impacted net sales by 1.4%. Net sales in constant currency increased by 6.3% from increased unit volume partially offset by 1.7% due to lower prices.

MedSurg net sales of $958 million increased 3.4% in the quarter as reported and 4.6% in constant currency, as foreign currency exchange rates negatively impacted net sales by 1.2%. Acquisitions did not significantly impact net sales in the quarter. Net sales in constant currency increased by 5.0% from increased unit volume partially offset by 0.6% due to lower prices.

Neurotechnology and Spine net sales of $480 million increased 12.0% in the quarter as reported and 13.1% in constant currency, as foreign currency exchange rates negatively impacted net sales by 1.1%. Net sales in constant currency increased by 15.5% from increased unit volume partially offset by 2.4% due to lower prices.

Earnings Analysis

Reported net earnings of $402 million increased 79.5% in the quarter. Reported net earnings per diluted share of $1.07 increased 84.5% in the quarter.  Reported net earnings include certain charges for the Rejuvenate and ABG II recall, amortization of intangible assets, legal matters, acquisition and integration related activities and restructuring-related activities. The effect of each of these matters on reported net earnings and net earnings per diluted share appears in the attached reconciliation of actual results to adjusted results. Excluding the impact of these charges, gross profit margin in the quarter increased from 67.9% to 68.0% and operating income margin increased in the quarter from 20.8% to 24.2%.

Excluding the impact of the items described above, adjusted net earnings(2) of $468 million increased 10.4% in the quarter.  Adjusted net earnings per diluted share(1) of $1.24 increased 11.7% in the quarter.

2016 Outlook
We now expect 2016 organic sales growth to be in the range of 5.5% - 6.5% compared to our prior guidance of 5.0% - 6.0%. We now expect 2016 adjusted net earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $5.65-$5.80, compared to our prior guidance of $5.57 - $5.77. For the second quarter we expect adjusted net earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $1.33 - $1.38. If foreign currency exchange rates hold near current levels, we expect net sales in both the second quarter and full year to be negatively impacted by approximately 1.0% and adjusted net earnings per diluted share to be negatively impacted by approximately $0.03 in the second quarter and $0.10-$0.12 in the full year.

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


Conference Call on Wednesday, April 20, 2016

As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, to discuss the Company's operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and provide an operational update.

To participate in the conference call dial (844) 826-0610 (domestic) or (973) 453-3249 (international) and be prepared to provide confirmation number 57643412 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 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, April 27, 2016. To hear this recording you may dial (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international) and enter the conference ID number 57643412.


Caution Concerning 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. Additional information concerning these and other factors is 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, together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better. The Company offers a diverse array of innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. Stryker is active in over 100 countries around the world. Please contact us for more information at www.stryker.com.

For investor inquiries please contact:
Katherine A. Owen, Stryker Corporation, 269-385-2600 or katherine.owen@stryker.com


STRYKER CORPORATION
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Unaudited - Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
 
    Three Months  
    2016   2015   % Change  
Net sales   $ 2,495     $ 2,379     4.9 %  
Cost of sales   801     826     (3.0 )%  
  Gross profit   $ 1,694     $ 1,553     9.1 %  
 % of sales   67.9 %   65.3 %      
Research, development and engineering expenses   159     152     4.6 %  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   944     892     5.8 %  
Recall charges   19     54     (64.8 )%  
Intangible asset amortization   53     49     8.2 %  
  Total operating expenses   $ 1,175     $ 1,147     2.4 %  
 Operating income   519     406     27.8 %  
 % of sales   20.8 %   17.1 %      
Other income (expense), net   (38 )   (29 )   31.0 %  
  Earnings before income taxes   $ 481     $ 377     27.6 %  
Income taxes   79     153     (48.4 )%  
  Net earnings   $ 402     $ 224     79.5 %  
               
Net earnings per share of common stock:              
Basic   $ 1.08     $ 0.59     83.1 %  
Diluted   $ 1.07     $ 0.58     84.5 %  
               
Weighted-average shares outstanding - in millions:              
Basic   373.2   378.9      
Diluted   377.4   383.5      

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
  March 31   December 31
  2016   2015
ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents $ 6,976     $ 3,379  
Marketable securities 507     700  
Accounts receivable, net 1,591     1,662  
Inventories 1,768     1,639  
Other current assets 483     563  
Total current assets $ 11,325     $ 7,943  
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,224     1,199  
Goodwill and other intangibles, net 5,945     5,930  
Other assets 1,174     1,151  
Total assets $ 19,668     $ 16,223  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY      
Current liabilities $ 2,580     $ 2,808  
Accrued recall expenses 606     694  
Other noncurrent liabilities 968     980  
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 6,706     3,230  
Shareholders' equity 8,808     8,511  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 19,668     $ 16,223  

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    Three Months
    2016 2015
Operating activities      
Net earnings   $ 402   $ 224  
Depreciation   49   45  
Amortization of intangible assets   53   49  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other, net   (301 ) 62  
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 203   $ 380  
Investing activities      
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired   $ (23 ) $ (84 )
Change in marketable securities, net   195   456  
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (115 ) (46 )
Net cash provided by investing activities   $ 57   $ 326  
Financing activities      
Borrowings/repayments of debt, net   $ 3,455   $ (500 )
Dividends paid   (142 ) (131 )
Repurchase of common stock   (13 ) (130 )
Other financing   18   27  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   $ 3,318   $ (734 )
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents   19   (93 )
Change in cash and cash equivalents   $ 3,597   $ (121 )

STRYKER CORPORATION
For the Three Months Ended March 31
(Unaudited - Millions of Dollars)
CONDENSED NET SALES ANALYSIS
  Three Months
      % Change
  2016 2015 As Reported Constant
Currency
Geographic net sales:        
United States $ 1,822   $ 1,673   8.9 % 8.9 %
International 673   706   (4.6 ) (0.4 )
Total net sales $ 2,495   $ 2,379   4.9 % 6.1 %
Worldwide net sales:        
Orthopaedics $ 1,057   $ 1,023   3.3 % 4.6 %
MedSurg 958   927   3.4   4.6  
Neurotechnology and Spine 480   429   12.0   13.1  
Total net sales $ 2,495   $ 2,379   4.9 % 6.1 %

SUPPLEMENTAL  NET SALES GROWTH ANALYSIS
  Three Months
      Percentage Change
          United States International
  2016 2015 As Reported Constant Currency As Reported As Reported Constant Currency
Knees $ 361   $ 345   4.4 % 5.8 % 9.0 % (6.6 )% (2.0 )%
Hips 316   312   1.2   2.9   4.5   (4.1 ) 0.3  
Trauma and Extremities 327   313   4.6   5.7   11.0   (4.9 ) (2.1 )
Other 53   53   0.4   1.6   3.8   (14.6 ) (8.1 )
Total Orthopaedics $ 1,057   $ 1,023   3.3 % 4.6 % 7.9 % (5.3 )% (1.4 )%
Instruments $ 365   $ 346   5.6 % 6.8 % 10.2 % (8.3 )% (3.4 )%
Endoscopy 328   321   2.5   3.8   8.7   (14.7 ) (9.9 )
Medical 207   205   0.6   1.8   2.5   (7.6 ) (1.2 )
Sustainability 58   55   6.0   6.1   6.1   (10.3 ) (1.0 )
Total MedSurg $ 958   $ 927   3.4 % 4.6 % 7.6 % (10.8 )% (5.6 )%
Neurotechnology $ 301   $ 252   19.5 % 20.9 % 21.2 % 16.6 % 20.3 %
Spine 179   177   1.1   1.9   5.8   (12.0 ) (8.9 )
Total Neurotechnology and Spine $ 480   $ 429   12.0 % 13.1 % 14.3 % 6.9 % 10.4 %

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We supplement the reporting of our financial information determined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) with certain non-GAAP financial measures, including percentage sales growth in constant currency; percentage organic sales growth; adjusted gross profit; adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses; adjusted operating income; adjusted effective income tax rate; adjusted net earnings; and adjusted net earnings per diluted share. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide meaningful information to assist shareholders in understanding our financial results and assessing our prospects for future performance. Management believes percentage sales growth in constant currency and the other adjusted measures described above are important indicators of our operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of or are unrelated to our core operating results and provide a baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying businesses. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures for reviewing the operating results of reportable business segments and analyzing potential future business trends in connection with our budget process and bases certain management incentive compensation on these non-GAAP financial measures.

To measure percentage sales growth in constant currency, we remove the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates that affect the comparability and trend of sales. Percentage sales growth in constant currency is calculated by translating current year results at prior year average foreign currency exchange rates. To measure percentage organic sales growth, we remove the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and acquisitions that affect the comparability and trend of sales.  Percentage organic sales growth is calculated by translating current year results at prior year average foreign currency exchange rates excluding the impact of acquisitions.  To measure earnings performance on a consistent and comparable basis, we exclude certain items that affect the comparability of operating results and the trend of earnings.

Because non-GAAP financial measures are not standardized, it may not be possible to compare these financial measures with other companies' non-GAAP financial measures having the same or similar names. These adjusted financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for reported sales growth, gross profit, selling, general and administrative expenses, operating income, effective income tax rate, net earnings and net earnings per diluted share, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures are an additional way of viewing aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results and the reconciliations to corresponding GAAP financial measures below, provide a more complete understanding of our business. We strongly encourage investors and shareholders to review our financial statements and publicly-filed reports in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

STRYKER CORPORATION
For the Three Months March 31, 2016 and 2015
(Unaudited - Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
RECONCILIATION OF ACTUAL RESULTS TO ADJUSTED RESULTS
 Three Months 2016 Gross Profit Selling, General & Administrative Expenses Intangible Amortization Operating Income Net Earnings Effective Tax Rate Diluted EPS
Reported $ 1,694   $ 944   $ 53   $ 519   $ 402   16.4 % $ 1.07  
  Acquisition and integration related charges (a)              
  Other acquisition and integration related -   (5 ) -   5   3   0.1   0.01  
  Amortization of intangible assets -   -   (53 ) 53   39   1.1   0.10  
  Restructuring-related charges (b) 3   (17 ) -   20   15   0.4   0.04  
  Rejuvenate and other recall matters (c) -   -   -   19   17   -   0.04  
  Legal matters (d) -   12   -   (12 ) (8 ) (0.6 ) (0.02 )
Adjusted $ 1,697   $ 934   $ -   $ 604   $ 468   17.4 % $ 1.24  

Three Months 2015 Gross Profit Selling, General & Administrative Expenses Intangible Amortization Operating Income Net Earnings Effective Tax Rate Diluted EPS
Reported $ 1,553   $ 892   $ 49   $ 406   $ 224   40.6 % $ 0.58  
  Acquisition and integration related charges (a)              
  Inventory stepped up to fair value 7   -   -   7   4   0.4   0.01  
  Other acquisition and integration related -   (13 ) -   13   9   0.4   0.02  
  Amortization of intangible assets -   -   (49 ) 49   35   1.2   0.09  
  Restructuring-related charges (b) 1   (25 ) -   26   19   0.5   0.06  
  Rejuvenate and other recall matters (c) -   -   -   54   49   (1.4 ) 0.13  
  Tax matters (e) -   -   -   -   84   (22.2 ) 0.22  
Adjusted $ 1,561   $ 854   $ -   $ 555   $ 424   19.5 % $ 1.11  

(a) Charges represent certain acquisition and integration related costs associated with acquisitions.
(b) Charges represent the cost associated with certain restructuring related charges associated with workforce reductions, facility rationalizations and other restructuring activities.
(c) Charges represent changes in our best estimate of the minimum end of the range of probable loss to resolve the Rejuvenate and ABG II recall.
(d) Amount represents a gain associated with a legal settlement in 2016.
(e) Charges represent the tax impacts related to certain discrete tax items and the establishment of the European regional headquarters in 2015.