Stryker Reports Q4 Just Below Estimates

Stryker Corporation SYK reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2014 on Tuesday.

Fourth quarter revenue came in at $2.618 billion, slightly below estimates of $2.62 billion. Revenue grew 6.1 percent (8.6 percent on a constant currency basis) compared to the prior year period.

Adjusted diluted net earnings per share came in at $1.44, $0.01 below estimates and above the $1.23 reported in the year-ago period.

"We delivered another strong quarter of sales growth and expect this to continue into 2015," said Kevin A. Lobo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "This growth, combined with ongoing operational improvements and a strong balance sheet, position us well for the future."

The company expected 2015 constant currency sales growth in the range of 5.5 to 7.0 percent, including organic sales growth in the range of 4.5 to 6.0 percent.

Based on current foreign currency exchange rates the company expected adjusted diluted net earnings per share to be in the range of $1.05-$1.10 and $4.90-$5.10 in the first quarter and the full year, respectively. Analysts had expected EPS at $1.17 for the current quarter and $5.14 for the current year.

Stryker traded at $91.30 in the after-hours session, down 1.1 percent.