STRYKER CORP - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

Estimated
Fair Value

Due in one year or less

Due after one year through three years

Due after three years

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________

FORM 10-Q



(Mark one)
[X]	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015



[ ]	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number: 000-09165

STRYKER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Michigan		38-1239739
(State of incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)


2825 Airview Boulevard, Kalamazoo, Michigan		49002
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(269)-385-2600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES [X] NO [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer	[X]	Accelerated filer	[ ]

Non-accelerated filer	[ ]	Small reporting company	[ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES [ ] NO [X]

Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 375,522,232 shares of Common Stock, $0.10 par value, as of September 30, 2015.



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION



ITEM 1.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

Stryker Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited)



	Three Months						Nine Months
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net sales	$	2,420		$	2,389		$	7,231		$	7,057
Cost of sales	796			829			2,449			2,420
Gross profit	1,624			1,560			4,782			4,637
Research, development and engineering expenses	155			153			461			461
Selling, general and administrative expenses	887			878			2,640			2,607
Recall charges	150			29			316			649
Intangible asset amortization	54			50			152			142
Total operating expenses	1,246			1,110			3,569			3,859
Operating income	378			450			1,213			778
Other income (expense), net	(33		)	(25		)	(90		)	(79		)
Earnings before income taxes	345			425			1,123			699
Income taxes	44			368			206			444
Net earnings	$	301		$	57		$	917		$	255

Net earnings per share of common stock:
Basic net earnings per share of common stock	$0.80			$0.16			$2.43			$0.68
Diluted net earnings per share of common stock	$0.79			$0.16			$2.40			$0.67

Weighted-average shares outstanding - in millions:
Basic	376.3			378.4			377.4			378.5
Net effect of dilutive employee stock options	4.4			4.1			4.4			4.2
Diluted	380.7			382.5			381.8			382.7
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of net effect of dilutive employee stock options	—			—			—			—

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Unaudited)



	Three Months						Nine Months
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net earnings	$	301		$	57		$	917		$	255
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Marketable securities	—			(3		)	(3		)	4
Pension plans	—			5			10			5
Unrealized gains (losses) on designated hedges	(15		)	5			(4		)	(7		)
Financial statement translation	(83		)	(312		)	(278		)	(308		)
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(98		)	(305		)	(275		)	(306		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	203		$	(248	)	$	642		$	(51	)

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



1		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

Stryker Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



	September 30			December 31
	2015			2014
	Unaudited
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,163		$	1,795
Marketable securities	209			3,205
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $68 ($59 in 2014)	1,496			1,572
Inventories
Materials and supplies	296			248
Work in Process	113			88
Finished Goods	1,256			1,252
Total inventories	1,665			1,588
Deferred income taxes	933			989
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	567			524
Total current assets	8,033			9,673
Property, plant and equipment
Land, buildings and improvements	680			678
Machinery and equipment	1,976			1,919
Total property, plant and equipment	2,656			2,597
Less allowance for depreciation	1,528			1,499
Net property, plant and equipment	1,128			1,098
Other assets
Goodwill	4,160			4,186
Other intangibles, net	1,861			2,018
Other	735			738
Total assets	$	15,917		$	17,713

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	340		$	329
Accrued compensation	532			597
Income taxes	158			333
Dividend payable	130			131
Accrued recall expenses	697			1,593
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	725			754
Current maturities of debt	971			727
Total current liabilities	3,553			4,464
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	2,511			3,246
Other liabilities	1,369			1,408
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, $0.10 par value:
Authorized: 1 billion shares, outstanding: 376 million shares (378 million in 2014)	38			38
Additional paid-in capital	1,319			1,252
Retained earnings	7,656			7,559
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(529		)	(254		)
Total shareholders' equity	8,484			8,595
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity	$	15,917		$	17,713

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



2		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

Stryker Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)



	Common Stock		Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total
Balances at December 31, 2014	$	38	$	1,252		$	7,559		$	(254	)	$	8,595
Net earnings						917						917
Other comprehensive loss									(275		)	(275		)
Issuance of 1.6 million shares of common stock under stock option and benefit plans, including $23 excess income tax benefit			18									18
Repurchase and retirement of 4.7 million shares of common stock			(16		)	(430		)				(446		)
Share-based compensation			65									65
Cash dividends declared of $1.035 per share of common stock						(390		)				(390		)
Balances at September 30, 2015	$	38	$	1,319		$	7,656		$	(529	)	$	8,484

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)



	Nine Months
	2015			2014
Operating activities
Net earnings	$	917		$	255
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	137			140
Amortization of intangible assets	152			142
Share-based compensation	65			58
Gross recall charges	316			649
Sale of inventory stepped up to fair value at acquisition	7			24
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	26			(12		)
Inventories	(124		)	(217		)
Accounts payable	15			15
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(35		)	113
Recall-related payments	(1,172		)	(62		)
Income taxes	(241		)	169
Other	165			(171		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	228			1,103
Investing activities
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(140		)	(825		)
Purchases of marketable securities	(1,184		)	(3,635		)
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities	4,056			2,842
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(191		)	(172		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	2,541			(1,790		)
Financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings	1,298			2,208
Payments on borrowings	(1,799		)	(1,013		)
Dividends paid	(391		)	(346		)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock	(446		)	(100		)
Other financing	36			(38		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,302		)	711
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(99		)	(7		)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	1,368			17
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,795			1,339
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	3,163		$	1,356

See accompanying notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



3		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

General Information

These statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014. Management believes that the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include all adjustments, including normal recurring items, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods. However, the results of operations included in such financial statements may not necessarily be indicative of annual results.

To conform with the current year presentation, certain immaterial

amounts previously reported as selling, general and administrative

expenses have been reclassified to cost of sales. In addition, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation of our segment information in Note 10.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance outlines a single, comprehensive model for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers. We will adopt the standard on January 1, 2018. We are still evaluating the impact, if any, that the standard will have on our financial statements.

In April 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This update requires an entity to present debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability consistent with debt discounts and is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015 and interim periods within those fiscal years. We plan to adopt this standard on January 1, 2016 and do not expect it to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective during the period had, or are expected to have, a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE 2 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:



Level 1	Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2	Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3	Unobservable inputs reflecting our assumptions or external inputs from active markets.

When applying fair value principles in the valuation of assets and liabilities, we are required to maximize the use of quoted market prices and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We calculate the fair value of our Level 1 and Level 2 instruments based on the exchange traded price of similar or identical instruments, where available, or based on other observable inputs taking into account our credit risk and that of our counterparties. Foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate hedges are included in Level 2 as we use inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. The Level 2 derivative instruments are primarily valued using standard calculations and models that use readily observable market data as their basis. Our Level 3 liabilities represent milestone payments for acquisitions and the fair value is calculated based on the net present value of expected cash flows

utilizing a discounted cash flow technique based on externally provided or obtained inputs, including our probability assessments of the occurrence of triggering events, appropriately discounted considering the uncertainties associated with the obligation. There were no significant transfers into or out of any level between December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2015.

We remeasure our assets and liabilities each reporting period and record the changes in fair value from changes in probability of occurrence in selling, general and administrative expense and the changes in time value of money in other income (expense). During the period we evaluated but did not change our unobservable input assumptions and fair value techniques used in measuring the fair value of our financial assets or liabilities from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.

Our valuation of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value is:



	September			December
	2015			2014
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,163		$	1,795
Trading marketable securities	77			80
Level 1 - Assets	$	3,240		$	1,875
Available-for-sale marketable securities
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	68			1,525
Foreign government debt securities	80			726
United States agency debt securities	24			382
United States treasury debt securities	34			474
Certificates of deposit	5			110
Other	—			12
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	211			3,229
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	34			32
Interest rate swap asset	23			10
Level 2 - Assets	268			3,271
Total assets measured at fair value	$	3,508		$	5,146

Deferred compensation arrangements	77			80
Level 1 - Liabilities	77			80
Foreign currency exchange forward contracts	13			12
Interest rate swap liability	8			—
Level 2 - Liabilities	21			12
Contingent consideration
Beginning Balance	48			59
Additions	9			—
Losses included in earnings	—			4
Settlements	(4		)	(15		)
Balance at the end of the period	53			48
Level 3 - Liabilities	53			48
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	151		$	140

The cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities at September 30, 2015 by contractual maturity are:

Less than 1% of our investments in available-for-sale securities had a credit quality rating of less than A2 (Moody's), A (Standard & Poors) and A (Fitch). We do not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity; accordingly, we do not consider investments with cost in excess of fair value to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2015.



4		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

Upon the sale of a security classified as available-for-sale, the security’s specific unrealized gain (loss) is reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) into earnings based on the specific identification method. In the 2015 nine months we sold a portion of our marketable securities in preparation for recall-related payments and other cash management activity. See Note 5 for more information.

The total of interest and marketable securities income was $1 and $10 for the 2015 and 2014 three months, and $12 and $21 for the 2015 and 2014 nine months. The amounts are included in other income (expense).

Summary of marketable securities:



	September		December
	2015		2014
Available for Sale Securities:	Amortized Cost
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	$	68	$	1,523
Foreign government debt securities	80		725
United States agency debt securities	24		382
United States treasury debt securities	34		474
Certificates of deposit	5		110
Other	—		12
	Gross Unrealized Gains
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	$	—	$	3
Foreign government debt securities	—		2
	Gross Unrealized Losses
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	$	—	$	(1	)
Foreign government debt securities	—		(1		)
	Estimated Fair Value
Corporate and asset-backed debt securities	$	68	$	1,525
Foreign government debt securities	80		726
United States agency debt securities	24		382
United States treasury debt securities	34		474
Certificates of deposit	5		110
Other	—		12
Total available-for-sale marketable securities	$	211	$	3,229
Trading marketable securities	77		80
Total marketable securities	$	288	$	3,309
Reported as:
Current assets - marketable securities	$	209	$	3,205
Current assets - prepaid expenses and other	2		24
Noncurrent assets - other	77		80

At September 30, 2015 the fair value and gross unrealized losses of our investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are:



	Number of Investments	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Corporate and asset-backed	25	$	21	$	—
Foreign Government	4	10		—
United States Agency	1	5		—
United States Debt	1	—		—
Certificate of deposit	1	1		—
Less than 12 months	32	$	37	$	—

Corporate and asset-backed	26	$	22	$	—
Foreign Government	4	10		—
United States Agency	1	5		—
United States Debt	1	—		—
Certificate of Deposit	1	1		—
Total	33	$	38	$	—

NOTE 3 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

We use operational and economic hedges as well as foreign currency exchange forward contracts and interest rate derivative instruments to manage the impact of currency exchange on earnings and cash flow.

Foreign Exchange Forward Contract Derivatives

We have not changed our hedging strategies or objectives from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.

The gross notional, maximum term and gross fair value amounts of foreign exchange forward contract derivatives designated and non-designated as hedging instruments are:



	Designated			Non-Designated			Total
September 30, 2015
Gross Notional Amount	$	565		$	2,366		$	2,931
Maximum term in days							546
Fair Value
Other Current Assets	$	26		$	6		$	32
Other Noncurrent Assets	2			—			2
Other Current Liabilities	(6		)	(6		)	(12		)
Other Noncurrent Liabilities	(1		)	—			(1		)
	$	21		$	—		$	21
December 31, 2014
Gross Notional Amount	$	357		$	2,085		$	2,442
Maximum term in days							546
Fair Value
Other Current Assets	$	18		$	12		$	30
Other Noncurrent Assets	2			—			2
Other Current Liabilities	—			(12		)	(12		)
	$	20		$	—		$	20

The net currency exchange rate gains (losses) for both designated and non-designated derivative instruments and the underlying amounts are:



	Three Months						Nine Months
Recorded In:	2015			2014			2015			2014
Cost of goods sold	$	7		$	(1	)	$	12		$	4
Other income (expense)	(5		)	(2		)	(16		)	(11		)
Total	$	2		$	(3	)	$	(4	)	$	(7	)

Pretax gains on derivatives designated as hedges that are expected to be reclassified from AOCI into earnings within the next twelve months are $24. This reclassification is primarily due to the sale of inventory that includes previously hedged purchases. There have been no ineffective portions of derivatives that have resulted in gains or losses in any of the periods presented.

Net Investment Hedge

In September 2015 we designated certain long-term intercompany loans payable and forward exchange contracts as net investment hedges of our investments in certain international subsidiaries that use the Euro as their functional currency. The effective portion of derivatives designated as net investment hedges are recorded at fair value at each balance sheet date and the change in fair value is recorded as a component of AOCI. At September 30, 2015 the total after-tax amount in AOCI was $8 and the notional value, after tax, of our designated net investment hedges was $754.

For the long-term intercompany loan payable designated as net investment hedges, we used the spot method to measure the ineffectiveness. For the forward exchange contracts designated as net investment hedges, we used the forward method to measure ineffectiveness. Under these methods, for each reporting period, the change in the carrying value of the Euro-denominated amounts due to remeasurement of the effective portion is reported as a component of AOCI and the remaining change in the carrying value



5		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

of the ineffective portion, if any, is recognized in other income (expense), net. We evaluate the effectiveness of our net investment hedges quarterly and did not record any ineffectiveness for the 2015 three months.

Interest Rate Risk on Future Debt Issuance

Forward starting interest rate derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are used to manage the exposure to interest rate volatility with regard to future issuance and refinancing of debt. The effective portion of the gains or losses on the forward starting interest rate derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is reported as a component of AOCI. Beginning in the period in which the planned debt refinancing occurs and the related derivative instrument is terminated, the effective portion of the gains or losses is then reclassified into interest expense over the term of the related debt.

At September 30, 2015 we had interest rate swaps with notional amounts totaling $875 designated as forward starting interest rate swaps in anticipation of future debt issuances. The market value of outstanding interest rate swap agreements at September 30, 2015 was $8, which is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities with an offsetting amount recorded in AOCI. During the 2015 three months we terminated a forward starting interest rate swap and recorded $10 in AOCI related to hedges on future debt issuances. The cash flow effect of this hedge is recorded in cash flow from operations. Upon the probable issuance of the debt, these amounts will be released to interest expense over the term of the debt.

Fair Value Hedges

Interest rate derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are used to manage the exposure to interest rate movements and to reduce borrowing costs by converting fixed-rate debt into floating-rate debt. Under these agreements we agree to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount.

At September 30, 2015 we had interest rate swaps in gross notional amounts of $500 designated as fair value hedges of underlying fixed rate obligations representing a portion of our $600 senior unsecured notes due in 2024. There was no hedge ineffectiveness recorded as a result of these fair value hedges.

Certain amounts related to our fair value hedge instruments are:



	September 2015			December 2014
Gross Notional Amount	$	500		$	500
Fair Value
Other Noncurrent Assets	23			10
Long Term Debt	(23		)	(10		)
	$	—		$	—

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on our outstanding derivative instruments but do not anticipate nonperformance by any of our counterparties. Should a counterparty default, our maximum exposure to loss is the asset balance of the instrument.

NOTE 4 - ACQUISITIONS

In January 2015 we completed the acquisition of certain assets of CHG Hospital Beds, Inc. (CHG). CHG designs, manufactures and markets a series of low-height hospital beds and related accessories. This acquisition is recorded within our Medsurg segment. In addition to CHG, certain other acquisitions completed in 2015 are included in the "Other" column.

In 2014 we completed the acquisition of certain assets of Small Bone Innovations, Inc. (SBi) for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $365, the acquisition of Berchtold Holding, AG (Berchtold) for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $184 and the acquisition of Patient Safety Technologies, Inc. (PST) for an aggregate purchase price of $120. The acquired net assets of other business acquisitions completed in 2014 are in the "Other" column in the table below.

The allocation of the purchase prices of each acquisition to the acquired net assets is as follows:



	2015			2014
	Other			SBi			Berchtold			PST			Other
Purchase price paid	$	125		$	365		$	184		$	120		$	216
Contingent consideration	9			—			—			—			—
Total purchase consideration	$	134		$	365		$	184		$	120		$	216
Tangible assets:
Cash	—			—			12			—			—
Inventory	9			23			22			7			5
Other assets	17			6			44			19			25
Liabilities	(5		)	(2		)	(45		)	(31		)	(29		)
Intangible assets:
Customer relationship	10			20			11			33			5
Trade name	1			—			7			—			—
Developed technology & patents	41			73			32			26			115
Non-compete agreements	2			1			—			—			—
IPRD	—			1			—			—			2
Goodwill	59			243			101			66			93
	$	134		$	365		$	184		$	120		$	216
Weighted-average life of intangible assets	10			12			8			14			12

The measurement periods for SBi, Berchtold, PST and certain other acquisitions in 2014 have been completed. Revisions to the original purchase price allocation were not material. The purchase price allocations for CHG and certain other acquisitions are based upon preliminary valuations, and our estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the measurement period as the valuations are finalized. We are in the process of verifying data and information related to these acquisitions to finalize the recording of identifiable intangible assets, deferred income taxes and goodwill. Goodwill acquired associated with the SBi and CHG acquisitions are deductible for tax purposes.

The effects of all the acquisitions described above are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements prospectively from the close of the respective acquisition. Pro forma consolidated results of operations for the three or nine months 2015 and 2014 would not differ significantly as a result of these acquisitions.

The estimated amortization expense for our amortizable intangible assets for the next five years is:



	Remainder of 2015		2016		2017		2018		2019
Amortization expense	$	51	$	172	$	170	$	154	$	138



6		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

NOTE 5 - CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

We are involved in various ongoing proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business, including proceedings related to product, labor, intellectual property and other matters that are more fully described below. The outcomes of these matters will generally not be known for prolonged periods of time. In certain of the legal proceedings, the claimants seek damages as well as other compensatory and equitable relief that could result in the payment of significant claims and settlements and/or the imposition of injunctions or other equitable relief. For legal matters for which management has sufficient information to reasonably estimate our future obligations, a liability representing management's best estimate of the probable loss, or the minimum of the range of probable losses when a best estimate within the range is not known, is recorded. The estimates are based on consultation with legal counsel, previous settlement experience and settlement strategies. If actual outcomes are less favorable than those estimated by management, additional expense may be incurred, which could unfavorably affect future operating results. We are currently self-insured for product liability-related claims and expenses. The ultimate cost to us with respect to product liability claims could be materially different than the amount of the current estimates and accruals and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In June 2012 we voluntarily recalled our Rejuvenate and ABG II Modular-Neck hip stems and terminated global distribution of these hip products. Product liability lawsuits relating to this voluntary recall have been filed against us. On November 3, 2014 we announced that we had entered into a settlement agreement to compensate eligible United States patients who had revision surgery to replace their Rejuvenate and/or ABG II Modular-Neck hip stem prior to that date. We continue to offer support for recall-related care and reimburse patients who are not eligible to enroll in the settlement program for testing and treatment services, including any necessary revision surgeries. In addition, some lawsuits will remain and we will continue to defend against them. Based on the information that has been received, the actuarially determined range of probable loss to resolve this matter on a global basis is estimated to be approximately $2,027 ($2,206 before $179 of third-party insurance recoveries) to $2,554. In the 2015 three months, we recorded additional charges to earnings of $149, representing the excess of the minimum of the range over the previously recorded reserves. In the 2015 three months we made initial payments totaling $1,133 to eligible United States patients who had revision surgery to replace their Rejuvenate and/or ABG II Modular-Neck hip stem as part of the settlement agreement. The final outcome of this matter is dependent on many factors that are difficult to predict including the number of enrollees in the settlement program and the total awards to them, the number and costs of patients not eligible for the settlement program who seek testing and treatment services and require revision surgery and the number and actual costs to resolve the remaining lawsuits. Accordingly, the ultimate cost to resolve this entire matter globally may be materially different than the amount of the current estimate and accruals and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In 2010 we filed a lawsuit in federal court against Zimmer Holdings, Inc. (Zimmer), alleging that a Zimmer product infringed three of our patents. In 2013 following a jury trial favorable to us, the trial judge entered a final judgment that, among other things, awarded us damages of $76 and ordered Zimmer to pay us enhanced damages. Zimmer appealed this ruling. In December 2014 the Federal Circuit affirmed the damages awarded to us, reversed the order for enhanced damages and remanded the issue of attorney fees to the

trial court. The Federal Circuit denied our petition for a rehearing en banc on the issue of enhanced damages but on October 19, 2015 the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear our appeal on this issue. In May 2015 the trial court entered a stipulated final judgment that, among other things, required Zimmer to pay us the base amount of damages and interest by July 15, 2015, while the issues of enhanced damages and attorney fees continue to be pursued. We concluded that all of the contingencies associated with this payment were resolved when the judgment was entered. Accordingly, we recorded a gain of $54, net of legal costs, to selling, general and administrative expenses in June 2015. On July 15, 2015 we received the payment from Zimmer.

In April 2011 Hill-Rom Company, Inc. and affiliated entities (Hill-Rom) brought a lawsuit against us alleging infringement under United States patent laws with respect to nine patents related to electrical network communications for hospital beds. On March 31, 2015 the court granted the parties’ joint motion to dismiss with prejudice the claims and counterclaims associated with three of these patents. The case has been stayed with respect to the remaining six patents, which currently are under reexamination by the United States Patent Office. The ultimate resolution of this matter cannot be predicted and it is not possible at this time for us to estimate any probable loss or range of probable losses. However, the ultimate result could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

NOTE 6 - DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES

During the 2015 nine months, we repaid all $500 of our senior unsecured notes that were due on January 15, 2015. Our commercial paper program allows us to have a maximum of $1,250 in commercial paper outstanding, with maturities up to 397 days from the date of issuance. At September 30, 2015 outstanding commercial paper totaled $200, the weighted-average original maturity of the commercial paper outstanding was approximately 45 days and the weighted average annualized interest rate of short-term debt was approximately 1.2%.

Certain of our credit facilities require us to comply with financial and other covenants. We were in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2015. We have lines of credit, issued by various financial institutions, available to fund our day-to-day operating needs. At September 30, 2015 we had $1,250 of borrowing capacity available under all of our existing credit facilities.

At September 30, 2015 the total unamortized debt issuance costs incurred in connection with our outstanding notes were $18. The fair value of long-term debt (excluding the interest rate hedges) at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $3,284 and $3,811, respectively, based on the quoted interest rates for similar types and amounts of borrowings.

NOTE 7 - CAPITAL STOCK

In February 2015 we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.345 per share, payable on April 30, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2015. In April 2015 we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.345 per share, payable on July 31, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2015. In July 2015 we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.345 per share, payable on October 30, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2015.

In March 2015 we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized us to purchase up to $2,000 of our common stock (the 2015 Repurchase Program). In 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized us to purchase up to $405 of our common stock (the 2012 Repurchase Program). The manner, timing and amount of purchases is determined by management



7		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

based on an evaluation of market conditions, stock price and other factors and is subject to regulatory considerations. Purchases are to be made from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.

During the 2015 three months we repurchased 1.2 million shares at a cost of $123 under the 2012 Repurchase Program. At September 30, 2015 the maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased was $136 under the 2012 Repurchase Program and $2,000 under the 2015 Repurchase Program.

NOTE 8 - ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Changes in AOCI for the three months:



	Marketable Securities			Pension Plans			Hedges			Financial Statement Translation			Total
Beginning	$	—		$	(126	)	$	24		$	(329	)	$	(431	)
OCI before reclassifications	(1		)	(2		)	(14		)	(83		)	(100		)
Tax (benefit) expense on OCI	—			—			4			—			4
Reclassifications out of AOCI	1			2			(5		)	—			(2		)
Net current period OCI	—			—			(15		)	(83		)	(98		)
Ending	$	—		$	(126	)	$	9		$	(412	)	$	(529	)

Changes in AOCI for the nine months:



	Marketable Securities		Pension Plans		Hedges		Financial Statement Translation		Total
Beginning	3		(136	)	13		(134	)	(254	)
OCI before reclassifications	2		8		6		(278	)	(262	)
Tax (benefit) expense on OCI	(1	)	(2	)	(2	)	—		(5	)
Reclassifications out of AOCI	(4	)	4		(8	)	—		(8	)
Net current period OCI	(3	)	10		(4	)	(278	)	(275	)
Ending	—		(126	)	9		(412	)	(529	)

Reclassifications out of AOCI for the three and nine months:



	Three Months						Nine Months
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Marketable Securities
Other (income) expense	$	1		$	(4	)	$	(5	)	$	(7	)
Tax expense (benefit)	—			1			1			1
Net of tax	1			(3		)	(4		)	(6		)
Pension Plans
Cost of Sales	2			—			6			—
Tax expense (benefit)	—			—			(2		)	(1		)
Net of tax	2			—			4			(1		)
Hedges
Cost of Sales	(7		)	—			(12		)	(4		)
Tax expense (benefit)	2			—			4			2
Net of tax	(5		)	—			(8		)	(2		)
Total, net of tax	$	(2	)	$	(3	)	$	(8	)	$	(9	)

NOTE 9 - INCOME TAXES

Our effective tax rates for the 2015 and 2014 three months were 12.8% and 86.6%, respectively, and 18.3% and 63.5% for the 2015 and 2014 nine months, respectively. The establishment of our European regional headquarters and certain discrete tax matters impacted our effective tax rate for the 2014 three and nine months. The operating impact of our European regional headquarters and

certain discrete tax matters are included in our effective tax rate for the 2015 three and nine months.

NOTE 10 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

Net sales and net earnings by business segment were:



	Three Months						Nine Months
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Orthopaedics	$	1,019		$	1,016		$	3,077		$	3,043
MedSurg	943			936			2,809			2,727
Neurotechnology and Spine	458			437			1,345			1,287
Net sales	$	2,420		$	2,389		$	7,231		$	7,057
Orthopaedics	288			247			827			752
MedSurg	155			158			457			443
Neurotechnology and Spine	85			100			267			260
Segment net earnings	$	528		$	505		$	1,551		$	1,455
Less: other (net of income taxes)
Corporate and other	(52		)	(66		)	(193		)	(197		)
Acquisition and integration-related charges	(1		)	(17		)	(22		)	(47		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(38		)	(34		)	(107		)	(99		)
Restructuring and related charges	(15		)	(8		)	(58		)	(37		)
Recall charges	(127		)	(23		)	(222		)	(512		)
Legal Matters	—			—			46			—
Tax matters	6			(300		)	(78		)	(308		)
Net earnings	$	301		$	57		$	917		$	255

Other than assets associated with the acquisitions that are discussed in greater detail in Note 4, there were no significant changes to total assets by segment from information provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.



8		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q



ITEM 2.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

ABOUT STRYKER

Stryker is one of the world's leading medical technology companies. 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.

We segregate our operations into three reportable business segments: Orthopaedics, MedSurg, and Neurotechnology and Spine. The Orthopaedics segment primarily consists of implants used in hip and knee joint replacements and trauma and extremities surgeries. The MedSurg segment includes surgical equipment and surgical navigation systems (Instruments); endoscopic and communications systems (Endoscopy); patient handling and emergency medical equipment (Medical); and reprocessed and remanufactured medical devices (Sustainability), as well as other medical device products used in a variety of medical specialties. The Neurotechnology and Spine segment includes neurosurgical, neurovascular and spine devices.

In the United States, most of our products are marketed directly to doctors, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. In general, we maintain separate and dedicated sales forces for each of our principal product lines to provide focus and a high level of expertise to each medical specialty served. Internationally, our products are sold in over 100 countries through company-owned sales subsidiaries and branches as well as third-party dealers and distributors. Our business is generally not seasonal in nature; however, the number of reconstructive surgeries is generally lower during the summer months and sales of capital equipment are generally stronger in the fourth quarter.

In January 2015 we completed the acquisition of certain assets of CHG Hospital Beds, Inc. (CHG). CHG designs, manufactures and markets a series of low-height hospital beds and related accessories.



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	Three Months												Nine Months
	2015			% Net Sales		2014			% Net Sales		% Change		2015			% Net Sales		2014			% Net Sales		% Change
Net sales	$	2,420		100.0	%	$	2,389		100.0	%	1.3	%	$	7,231		100.0	%	$	7,057		100.0	%	2.5	%
Gross profit	1,624			67.1		1,560			65.3		4.1		4,782			66.1		4,637			65.7		3.1
Research, development and engineering expenses	155			6.4		153			6.4		1.3		461			6.4		461			6.5		—
Selling, general and administrative expenses	887			36.7		878			36.8		1.0		2,640			36.5		2,607			36.9		1.3
Recall charges	150			6.2		29			1.2		417.2		316			4.4		649			9.2		(51.3	)
Intangible amortization	54			2.2		50			2.1		8.0		152			2.1		142			2.0		7.0
Other income (expense), net	(33		)	(1.4	)	(25		)	(1.0	)	32.0		(90		)	(1.2	)	(79		)	(1.1	)	13.9
Income taxes	44					368					(88.0	)	206					444					(53.6	)
Net earnings	$	301		12.4		$	57		2.4		428.1		$	917		12.7		$	255		3.6		259.6
Diluted net earnings per share	$	0.79				$	0.16				393.8		$	2.40				$	0.67				258.2
Adjusted diluted net earnings per share	$	1.25				$	1.15				8.7		$	3.56				$	3.29				8.2

For a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures used in this report see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures".



Geographic and segment net sales:	Three Months				% Change				Nine Months				% Change
	2015		2014		Reported		Constant Currency		2015		2014		Reported		Constant Currency
Geographic sales:
United States	$	1,756	$	1,628	7.8	%	7.8	%	$	5,145	$	4,740	8.5	%	8.5	%
International	664		761		(12.6	)	1.8		2,086		2,317		(10.0	)	3.8
Total net sales	$	2,420	$	2,389	1.3		5.9		$	7,231	$	7,057	2.5		7.0
Segment sales:
Orthopaedics	$	1,019	$	1,016	0.3		5.8		$	3,077	$	3,043	1.1		6.5
MedSurg	943		936		0.6		4.1		2,809		2,727		3.0		6.4
Neurotechnology and Spine	458		437		5.0		9.9		1,345		1,287		4.5		9.4
Total net sales	$	2,420	$	2,389	1.3		5.9		$	7,231	$	7,057	2.5		7.0



9		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q



Supplemental sales growth information:
	Three Months									Nine Months
					Percentage Change									Percentage Change
							U.S.	International								U.S.	International
	2015		2014		As Reported	Constant Currency	As Reported	As Reported	Constant Currency	2015		2014		As Reported	Constant Currency	As Reported	As Reported	Constant Currency
Knees	$	332	$	335	(1.1)%	3.5%	5.0%	(14.9)%	0.2%	$	1,023	$	1,033	(1.0)%	3.4%	3.4%	(10.7)%	3.4%
Hips	307		316		(2.9)	3.1	5.7	(14.6)	(0.4)	939		960		(2.2)	3.5	6.3	(13.4)	(0.2)
Trauma and Extremities	318		309		2.9	9.1	15.1	(12.5)	1.5	940		895		5.1	11.6	17.0	(9.4)	4.9
Other	62		56		12.6	16.7	20.7	(14.3)	3.3	175		155		13.1	16.8	22.2	(13.8)	0.8
ORTHOPAEDICS	$	1,019	$	1,016	0.3	5.8	9.0	(13.9)	0.5	$	3,077	$	3,043	1.1	6.5	9.0	(11.3)	2.6
Instruments	359		348		2.8	6.6	8.1	(12.8)	2.1	1,059		1,031		2.6	6.5	7.0	(9.5)	5.0
Endoscopy	336		345		(2.5)	1.4	3.4	(16.9)	(3.5)	992		993		(0.1)	3.5	5.3	(12.9)	(0.7)
Medical	195		190		2.5	5.7	5.4	(9.4)	6.9	597		548		8.9	11.9	11.6	(1.4)	13.3
Sustainability	53		53		(0.4)	(0.3)	(0.4)	(0.3)	19.8	161		155		4.2	4.2	4.2	(3.7)	10.8
MEDSURG	$	943	$	936	0.6	4.1	5.3	(14.1)	0.4	$	2,809	$	2,727	3.0	6.4	7.2	(9.6)	3.9
Neurotechnology	275		251		9.8	15.9	15.7	(0.2)	16.3	799		739		8.1	14.0	15.2	(3.0)	12.3
Spine	183		186		(1.5)	1.9	6.1	(18.6)	(7.5)	546		548		(0.2)	3.0	5.7	(14.0)	(3.2)
NEUROTECHNOLOGY AND SPINE	$	458	$	437	5.0	9.9	11.4	(7.2)	7.2	$	1,345	$	1,287	4.5	9.4	10.8	(7.0)	6.7

Consolidated Net Sales

Consolidated net sales in the three months increased 1.3% as reported and 5.9% in constant currency, as net sales were negatively impacted by 4.6% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the 0.6% impact of acquisitions, net sales increased 5.3% in constant currency, including 6.6% from increased unit volume partially offset by 1.3% lower prices. The increase was led primarily by higher shipments of neurotechnology, trauma and extremities, instruments and medical products.

Consolidated net sales in the nine months increased 2.5% as reported and 7.0% in constant currency, as net sales were negatively impacted by 4.5% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the 1.0% impact of acquisitions, net sales increased 5.9% in constant currency, including 7.5% from increased unit volume partially offset by 1.5% lower prices. The increase was led primarily by higher shipments of trauma and extremities, medical, neurotechnology and instruments products.

Orthopaedics Net Sales

Orthopaedics net sales in the three months increased 0.3% as reported and 5.8% in constant currency, as net sales were negatively impacted by 5.5% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the 0.3% impact of acquisitions, net sales increased 5.5% in constant currency, including 7.7% from increased unit volume partially offset by 2.2% lower prices. The increase was led primarily by higher shipments of trauma and extremities products.

Orthopaedics net sales in the nine months increased 1.1% as reported and 6.5% in constant currency, as net sales were negatively impacted by 5.4% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the 0.7% impact of acquisitions, net sales increased 5.8% in constant currency, including 8.3% from increased unit volume partially offset by 2.6% lower prices. The increase was led primarily by higher shipments of trauma and extremities products.

MedSurg Net Sales

MedSurg net sales in the three months increased 0.6% as reported and 4.1% in constant currency, as net sales were negatively impacted by 3.5% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the 1.3% impact of acquisitions, net sales increased 2.8% in constant currency, including 2.9% from increased unit volume partially offset by 0.1% lower prices. The increase was

led primarily by higher shipments of our instruments and medical products.

MedSurg net sales in the nine months increased 3.0% as reported and 6.4% in constant currency, as net sales were negatively impacted by 3.4% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the 1.8% impact of acquisitions, net sales increased 4.6% in constant currency, including 4.7% from increased unit volume partially offset by 0.1% lower prices. The increase was led primarily by higher shipments of our medical and instruments products.

Neurotechnology and Spine Net Sales

Neurotechnology and Spine net sales in the three months increased 5.0% as reported and 9.9% in constant currency as net sales were negatively impacted by 4.9% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Net sales in constant currency increased 11.7% from increased unit volume partially offset by 1.7% lower prices. The increase was led primarily by higher shipments of neurotechnology products.

Neurotechnology and Spine net sales in the nine months increased 4.5% as reported and 9.4% in constant currency as net sales were negatively impacted by 4.8% due to the impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Excluding the 0.2% impact of acquisitions, net sales in constant currency increased 11.4% from increased unit volume partially offset by 2.2% lower prices. The increase was led primarily by higher shipments of neurotechnology products.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales in the three months decreased to 32.9% from 34.7% in 2014, primarily due to product mix, the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates and higher acquisition inventory step up amortization in 2014. Cost of sales in 2015 and 2014 includes ($6) and $10, respectively, related to inventory that was stepped up to fair value following acquisitions, and $2 and ($1), respectively, of restructuring-related costs. Excluding the impact of the acquisition and restructuring-related costs described above, cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 33.1% and 34.3% in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales in the nine months decreased to 33.9% from 34.3% in 2014, primarily due to the product mix and the favorable impact of foreign currency exchange rates. Cost of sales in 2015 and 2014 also includes $7 and $24, respectively, related to inventory that was stepped up to fair value following acquisitions and $4 of restructuring-related costs in 2015.



10		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

Excluding the impact of the acquisition and restructuring-related costs described above, cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 33.7% and 33.9% for the nine months 2015 and 2014.

Research, Development and Engineering Expenses

Research, development and engineering expenses for the three months increased 1.3% to $155 and was 6.4% of net sales for both years and were unchanged for the nine months at $461, a decrease to 6.4% of net sales from 6.5% in 2014. The spending levels in 2015 were driven by the timing of spending on projects and investments in new technologies.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the three months decreased to 36.7% from 36.8% in 2014. 2015 and 2014 includes acquisition and integration-related charges of $5 and $14, respectively, and restructuring-related charges of $20 and $20, respectively. Excluding the impact of the charges noted above, expenses increased to 35.6% of net sales from 35.3% in 2014, primarily due to increased expenses related to our European regional headquarters and related selling activities partially offset by disciplined expense management.

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for the nine months decreased to 36.5% from 36.9% in 2014, primarily due to a $54 gain from a legal settlement, and in 2015 and 2014 includes acquisition and integration-related charges of $24 and $46, respectively, and restructuring-related charges of $74 and $54, respectively. Excluding the impact of the gain and the charges noted above, expenses increased to 35.9% of net sales from 35.5% in 2014, primarily due to increased expenses related to our European regional headquarters and related selling activities. In addition, higher compensation costs, due in part to sales performance-related commissions, were partially offset by disciplined expense management.

Recall Charges

Recall charges were due to the previously disclosed Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck hip stems voluntary recall and other recall matters and in 2015 and 2014 were $150 and $29 in the three months, and $316 and $649 in the nine months, respectively. Refer to Note 5 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Intangibles Amortization

Intangibles amortization in 2015 and 2014 was $54 and $50 in the three months and $152 and $142 in the nine months, respectively. The increase was primarily due to acquisitions.

Other Income (Expense), net

Other income (expense), net in 2015 and 2014 was $33 and $25 in the three months, and $90 and $79 in the nine months, respectively.

Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate on earnings was 12.8% and 86.6% for the 2015 and 2014 three months, respectively and 18.3% and 63.5% for the 2015 and 2014 nine months, respectively. The operating impact of our European regional headquarters and certain discrete tax matters are included in our effective tax rate for the 2015 three and nine months. The effective income tax rate for 2014 three and nine months includes the tax impacts of the establishment of a European regional headquarters and the planned cash repatriation.

Net Earnings

Net earnings in the three months increased to $301 or $0.79 per diluted share from $57 or $0.16 per diluted share in 2014. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increased 8.7% to $1.25 in 2015 from $1.15 in 2014. The impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net earnings reduced adjusted diluted net earnings per share by approximately $0.06 and $0.01 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Net earnings in the nine months increased to $917 or $2.40 per diluted share from $255 or $0.67 per diluted share in 2014. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increased 8.2% to $3.56 in 2015 from $3.29 in 2014. The impact of foreign currency exchange rates on net earnings reduced adjusted diluted net earnings per share by approximately $0.20 and $0.08 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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; cost of sales excluding specified items; adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses; adjusted amortization of intangible assets; adjusted operating income; adjusted effective income tax rate; adjusted net earnings; and adjusted diluted net earnings per share (Diluted EPS). We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide meaningful information to assist investors and 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. These adjustments are irregular in timing, may not be indicative of our past and future performance and are therefore excluded to allow investors to better understand underlying operating trends. The following are examples of the types of adjustments that may be included in a period:


1.	Acquisition and integration-related costs. Costs related to integrating recently acquired businesses and specific costs related to the consummation of the acquisition process.


2.	Amortization of intangible assets. Periodic amortization expense related to purchased intangible assets.



11		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q


3.	Restructuring-related charges. Costs associated with focused workforce reductions and other restructuring activities.


4.	Recall matters. Our best estimate of the minimum of the range of probable loss to resolve certain product recalls.


5.	Regulatory and legal matters. Our best estimate of the minimum of the range of probable loss to resolve certain regulatory matters and other legal settlements.


6.	Tax matters. Certain significant and discrete tax items and adjustments to interest expense related to the settlement of certain tax matters.

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, cost of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, amortization of intangible assets, operating income, effective income tax rate, net earnings and diluted net earnings per 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 at the end of the discussion of Results of Operations 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.

The following reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures of adjusted gross profit; adjusted selling, general and administrative expense; adjusted amortization of intangible assets; adjusted operating income; adjusted net earnings; adjusted effective tax rate; and adjusted diluted net earnings per share with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures:



2015 Three Months	Gross Profit			Selling, General & Administrative Expenses			Intangible Amortization			Operating Income			Net Earnings			Effective Tax Rate		Diluted EPS
AS REPORTED	$	1,624		$	887		$	54		$	378		$	301		12.8	%	$	0.79
Acquisition and integration-related charges
Inventory stepped up to fair value	(6		)	—			—			(6		)	(4		)	(0.3	)	(0.01		)
Other acquisition and integration-related	—			(5		)	—			5			5			(0.2	)	0.01
Amortization of intangible assets	—			—			(54		)	54			38			2.1		0.12
Restructuring-related charges	2			(20		)	—			22			15			0.3		0.04
Rejuvenate and other recall matters	—			—			—			150			127			0.3		0.32
Tax matters	—			—			—			—			(6		)	1.4		(0.02		)
ADJUSTED	$	1,620		$	862		$	—		$	603		$	476		16.4	%	$	1.25



2014 Three Months	Gross Profit			Selling, General & Administrative Expenses			Intangible Amortization			Operating Income		Net Earnings		Effective Tax Rate		Diluted EPS
AS REPORTED	$	1,560		$	878		$	50		$	450	$	57	86.6	%	$	0.16
Acquisition and integration-related charges
Inventory stepped up to fair value	10			—			—			10		6		0.5		0.02
Other acquisition and integration-related	—			(14		)	—			14		11		0.1		0.03
Amortization of intangible assets	—			—			(50		)	50		34		1.4		0.09
Restructuring-related charges	(1		)	(20		)	—			19		8		1.7		0.02
Rejuvenate and other recall matters	—			—			—			29		23		0.1		0.06
Tax Matters	—			—			—			—		300		(70.5	)	0.77
ADJUSTED	$	1,569		$	844		$	—		$	572	$	439	19.9	%	$	1.15



2015 Nine Months	Gross Profit		Selling, General & Administrative Expenses			Intangible Amortization			Operating Income			Net Earnings			Effective Tax Rate		Diluted EPS
AS REPORTED	$	4,782	$	2,640		$	152		$	1,213		$	917		18.3	%	$	2.40
Acquisition and integration-related charges
Inventory stepped up to fair value	7		—			—			7			4			0.2		0.01
Other acquisition and integration-related	—		(24		)	—			24			18			0.2		0.05
Amortization of intangible assets	—		—			(152		)	152			107			1.6		0.30
Restructuring-related charges	4		(74		)	—			78			58			0.3		0.15
Rejuvenate and other recall matters	—		—			—			316			222			3.8		0.57
Legal matters	—		53			—			(53		)	(46		)	0.2		(0.12		)
Tax matters	—		—			—			—			78			(7.0	)	0.20
ADJUSTED	$	4,793	$	2,595		$	—		$	1,737		$	1,358		17.6	%	$	3.56



12		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q



2014 Nine Months	Gross Profit		Selling, General & Administrative Expenses			Intangible Amortization			Operating Income		Net Earnings		Effective Tax Rate		Diluted EPS
AS REPORTED	$	4,637	$	2,607		$	142		$	778	$	255	63.5	%	$	0.67
Acquisition and integration-related charges
Inventory stepped up to fair value	24		—			—			24		15		0.5		0.04
Other acquisition and integration-related	—		(46		)	—			46		32		0.6		0.08
Amortization of intangible assets	—		—			(142		)	142		99		1.6		0.26
Restructuring-related charges	—		(54		)	—			54		37		0.7		0.10
Rejuvenate and other recall matters	—		—			—			649		512		(0.8	)	1.32
Tax matters	—		—			—			—		308		(44.0	)	0.82
ADJUSTED	$	4,661	$	2,507		$	—		$	1,693	$	1,258	22.1	%	$	3.29

The weighted-average basic and diluted shares outstanding used in the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures are the same as those used in the calculation of the reported per share amounts.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES



	Nine Months
	2015			2014
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	228		$	1,103
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	2,541			(1,790		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,302		)	711
Effect of exchange rate changes	(99		)	(7		)
Change in cash and cash equivalents	$	1,368		$	17

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operations was $228 and $1,103 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. This decrease was primarily due to the initial settlement payments to eligible United States patients who had revision surgery to replace their Rejuvenate and/or ABG II Modular-Neck hip stem and the timing of income tax payments.

The net of accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable resulted in the consumption of $83 and $214 of cash in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Inventory days on hand for the 2015 nine months increased by 28 days from December 31, 2014. Inventory days on hand for the 2014 nine months increased by 30 days from December 31, 2013. Accounts receivable days sales outstanding for the 2015 nine months increased by 2 days from December 31, 2014.

Investing Activities

Cash provided by investing activities was $2,541 in 2015 compared to cash used in investing of $1,790 in 2014. This change is primarily due to the sale of a portion of our marketable securities in 2015 in preparation for recall-related payments and other cash management activity.

Acquisitions. Acquisitions resulted in cash consumption of $140 and $825 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. In 2015 the primary acquisition was CHG and in 2014 the primary acquisitions were Patient Safety Technologies, Inc., Pivot Medical Inc., Berchtold Holding, AG and Small Bone Innovations, Inc.

Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures were $191 and $172 in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Capital expenditures are expected to be higher than 2014 throughout the remainder of 2015.

Marketable Securities. Net cash provided by the sales of marketable securities was $2,872 in 2015 and net cash used to purchase marketable securities was $793 in 2014.

Financing Activities

Dividend Payments. Dividends paid per common share increased 13.1% to $1.035 per share in 2015, compared to $0.915 in 2014. Total dividend payments to common shareholders were $391 and $346 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Long-Term and Short-Term Debt. Net repayments of debt were $501 in 2015, as we repaid our senior unsecured notes that were due on January 15, 2015. Net borrowings were $1,195 in 2014. Refer to Note 6 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Share Repurchases. Share repurchases were $446 and $100 in 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Liquidity

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $3,372 and $5,000 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, and current assets exceeded current liabilities by $4,480 and $5,209, respectively. We anticipate being able to support our short-term liquidity and operating needs, including settlements related to the Rejuvenate and ABG II recalls, from a variety of sources, including cash from operations, commercial paper and existing credit lines. In the past we have also raised funds in the capital markets and may continue to do so from time to time in the future. We have strong short-term and long-term debt ratings that we believe should enable us to refinance our debt as it becomes due.

Should additional funds be required, we had approximately $1,250 of borrowing capacity available under all of our existing credit facilities at September 30, 2015.

At September 30, 2015 approximately 70.8% of our consolidated cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were held in locations outside the United States. In 2015 we have repatriated approximately $727 of this cash, and we expect to repatriate additional cash in the fourth quarter. Our remaining cash held in locations outside the United States is considered to be indefinitely reinvested. We intend to use this cash to expand operations, either organically or through acquisitions, outside the United States.

We continually evaluate our receivables, particularly in Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece (the Southern European Region). Our net receivables in Greece were insignificant. The total net receivables from the Southern European Region were approximately $143 and $154 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, including approximately $77 and $78, respectively, of sovereign receivables. We believe that our current reserves related to receivables are adequate and any additional credit risk associated with the Southern European Region is not expected to have a material adverse impact on our financial position or liquidity. We currently do not have any investments in the sovereign debt instruments of any country in the Southern



13		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

European Region. Any non-sovereign exposure in these countries in our investment portfolios is considered immaterial.

In the 2015 three months we made initial payments of $1,133 to eligible United States patients who had revision surgery to replace their Rejuvenate and/or ABG II Modular-Neck hip stem as part of the settlement agreement.

Critical Accounting Policies

There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.

New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

Refer to Note 1 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Guarantees and Other Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have guarantees or other off-balance sheet financing arrangements, including variable interest entities, that we believe could have a material impact on our financial condition or liquidity.

OTHER MATTERS

Legal and Regulatory Matters

As further described in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we recorded additional charges to earnings of $149 representing the excess of the minimum of the range of probable loss to resolve the Rejuvenate and ABG II recalls over the previously recorded reserves. Based on the information that has been received, the actuarially determined range of probable loss to resolve this matter is estimated to be approximately $2,027 ($2,206 before $179 of third-party insurance recoveries) to $2,554 The final outcome of this matter is dependent on many variables that are difficult to predict. The ultimate cost to entirely resolve this matter may be materially different than the amount of the current estimate and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains statements referring to us that are not historical facts and are considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which are intended to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Reform Act, are based on current projections about operations, industry conditions, financial condition and liquidity. Words that identify forward-looking statements include words such as "may," "could," "will," "should," "would," "possible," "plan," "predict," "forecast," "potential," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "may impact," "on track," and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance, an acquisition or our businesses. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results could differ materially and adversely from these statements.

Some important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statements include those risks discussed in Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.



ITEM 3.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

We consider our greatest potential area of market risk exposure to be exchange rate risk. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about exchange rate risk are included in the "Other Information" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014 under the caption "Hedging and Derivative Instruments" on page 17. There have been no material changes from the information provided therein.



ITEM 4.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures at September 30, 2015 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Vice President, Chief Financial Officer (the Certifying Officers). Based on that evaluation, the Certifying Officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There was no change to our internal control over financial reporting during the three months that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



14		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 2.	UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

(c) In March 2015 we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized us to purchase up to $2,000 of our common stock (the 2015 Repurchase Program). In 2012, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized us to purchase up to $405 of our common stock (the 2012 Repurchase Program). The manner, timing and amount of purchases is determined by management based on an evaluation of market conditions, stock price and other factors and is subject to regulatory considerations. Purchases are to be made from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.

During the three months, we repurchased 1.2 million shares at a cost of $123 under the 2012 Repurchase Program. At September 30, 2015 the maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased was $136 under the 2012 Repurchase Program and $2,000 under the 2015 Repurchase Program.

A summary of the activity pursuant to the Repurchase Programs for the three months is:



	Total Number of Shares (in millions)
Period	Purchased	Purchased as Part of Public Announced Plans	Average Price Paid Per Share		Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans
July 1 - 31, 2015	0.2	0.2	$	96.02	$	2,238
Aug 1 - 31, 2015	0.2	0.2	99.89		2,210
Sep 1 - 30, 2015	0.8	0.8	98.36		$	2,136
Total	1.2	1.2	98.54



ITEM 6.	EXHIBITS



(a)
	10.1	Separation Agreement and Release between Ramesh Subrahmanian and Stryker Corporation, dated as of September 16, 2015
	31(i)*	Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Stryker Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
	31(ii)*	Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Stryker Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
	32(i)*	Certification by Principal Executive Officer of Stryker Corporation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
	32(ii)*	Certification by Principal Financial Officer of Stryker Corporation pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
	101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
	101.SCH	XBRL Schema Document
	101.CAL	XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
	101.DEF	XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
	101.LAB	XBRL Label Linkbase Document
	101.PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
	* Furnished with this Form 10-Q



15		Dollar amounts in millions except per share amounts or as otherwise specified



STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.



		STRYKER CORPORATION
		(Registrant)

October 23, 2015		/s/ KEVIN A. LOBO
Date		Kevin A. Lobo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


October 23, 2015		/s/ WILLIAM R. JELLISON
Date		William R. Jellison, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer



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STRYKER CORPORATION		2015 Third Quarter Form 10-Q

EXHIBIT INDEX



10.1		Separation Agreement and Release between Ramesh Subrahmanian and Stryker Corporation, dated as of September 16, 2015 - Incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K dated September 17, 2015 (Commission File No. 000-09165)
Exhibit 31		Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications
(i)*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Stryker Corporation
(ii)*		Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Stryker Corporation

Exhibit 32		18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Certifications
(i)*		Certification of Principal Executive Officer of Stryker Corporation
(ii)*		Certification of Principal Financial Officer of Stryker Corporation

Exhibit 101		XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) Documents
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH		XBRL Schema Document
101.CAL		XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB		XBRL Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE		XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document


*	Furnished with this Form 10-Q



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