Stryker Reports Third Quarter 2012 Results

Sales of $2.1 billion, growth of 1.0%

Adjusted diluted net earnings per share(1) of $0.97, growth of 6.6%

Adjusted diluted net earnings per share full year guidance revised to a range of $4.04 to $4.07 per share for 2012 and $4.25 to $4.40 for 2013

Kalamazoo, Michigan - October 17, 2012 - Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) reported operating results for the third quarter of 2012 with net sales of $2.1 billion, up 1.0% and adjusted diluted net earnings per share(1) of $0.97, an increase of 6.6%.

"Our third quarter results reflect solid performance for most of our U.S. franchises, however, this was partly offset by weaker results from key countries outside the U.S. and our capital businesses," commented Kevin A. Lobo, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We expect market conditions to remain challenging in Europe and for capital equipment, and as a result we are lowering our earnings outlook for 2012 and 2013. This will ensure that Stryker makes the necessary investments to strengthen its position as a market leader while continuing to deliver leveraged earnings gains."

Consolidated net sales of $2.1 billion increased 1.0% in the quarter over the prior year, as reported, and 2.9% in constant currency. Net sales in the quarter grew by 3.4% due to increased unit volume and changes in product mix and 0.4% as a result of acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by an unfavorable impact of 0.9% due to changes in price and 1.9% due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, net sales increased 2.5% in constant currency over the prior year.

Reconstructive net sales of $891 million decreased 1.1% in the quarter over the prior year, as reported, and increased 1.1% in constant currency. Net sales in the quarter grew by 2.4% due to increased unit volume and changes in product mix and 0.1% as a result of acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by an unfavorable impact of 1.4% due to changes in price and 2.2% due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, Reconstructive net sales increased 1.0% in constant currency over the prior year.

MedSurg net sales of $781 million increased 1.7% in the quarter over the prior year, as reported, and 3.1% in constant currency. Net sales in the quarter grew by 3.3% due to increased unit volume and changes in product mix. This increase was partially offset by an unfavorable impact of 0.2% due to changes in price and 1.4% due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales.

Neurotechnology and Spine net sales of $380 million increased 4.7% in the quarter over the prior year, as reported, and 6.9% in constant currency. Net sales in the quarter grew by 6.0% due to increased unit volume and changes in product mix and 2.1% as a result of acquisitions. These increases were partially offset by an unfavorable impact of 1.3% due to changes in price and 2.2% due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net sales. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, Neurotechnology and Spine net sales increased 4.7% in constant currency over the prior year.

Reported net earnings in the quarter include restructuring and related charges of $11 million (net of taxes), and acquisition and integration related charges of $6 million (net of taxes) related to acquisitions completed in 2011. These charges reduced reported gross profit margin from 68.2% to 68.1% and reported operating income margin from 22.9% to 21.9%.

Excluding the charges described above, adjusted net earnings(2) of $370 million increased 5.1% in the quarter over the prior year. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share(1) of $0.97 increased 6.6% in the quarter over the prior year.

Net earnings of $353 million increased 8.0% in the quarter over the prior year. Diluted net earnings per share of $0.92 increased 9.5% in the quarter over the prior year.

During the quarter, Stryker repurchased approximately 0.4 million shares at a cost of $19 million.

The financial forecast for 2012 includes a constant currency sales increase of 4% to 5.5%.  If foreign currency exchange rates hold near current levels, we anticipate net sales will be negatively impacted by approximately 0% to 1.0% in the fourth quarter of 2012 and negatively impacted by approximately 0.5% to 1.5% for the full year of 2012.  Excluding the impact of acquisitions, sales growth is projected to be 2.5% to 4% in constant currency over the prior year.

The company now projects 2012 adjusted diluted net earnings per share to be in the range of $4.04 to $4.07, an increase of 9% over adjusted diluted net earnings per share of $3.72 in the prior year. The company also projects 2013 adjusted diluted net earnings per share to be in the range of $4.25 to $4.40.

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

A reconciliation of reported diluted net earnings to adjusted diluted net earnings, a non-GAAP financial measure, and other important information, appears below.

Conference Call on Wednesday, October 17, 2012

As previously announced, the Company will host a conference call for financial analysts at 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, today to discuss the Company's operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and provide an operational update.

To participate in the conference call dial 866-713-8563 (domestic) or 617-597-5311 (international) and enter the participant passcode 52175809. 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 6:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. To hear this recording, dial 888-286-8010 (domestic) or 617-801-6888 (international) and enter the passcode 71065825.

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 impact of investigative and legal proceedings and compliance risks; resolution of tax audits; changes in financial markets; changes in the competitive environment; our ability to integrate acquisitions; and our ability to realize anticipated cost savings as a result of workforce reductions and other restructuring activities. Additional information concerning these and other factors are 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 is dedicated to helping healthcare professionals perform their jobs more efficiently while enhancing patient care. We offer a diverse array of innovative medical technologies, including reconstructive, medical and surgical, and neurotechnology and spine products to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives. For more information about Stryker, please visit www.stryker.com.

For investor inquiries please contact:

Katherine A. Owen, Stryker Corporation, 269-385-2600 or katherine.owen@stryker.com