Investors in a certain global leader in medical equipment have been seen mildly erratic behavior (to put it nicely) from the stock over the better part of a decade. Shares rose from $40 in 2004 to highs of $75 in 2007 before sinking to $30 in 2009 and rebounding to $50 in 2011. Since then, the stock has steadily risen to its current level near $75. But while the stock was spinning its wheels over that nine-year period, the company was growing at a good clip. Annual revenue climbed a cumulative 29% between 2009 and 2012,… Read More
Investors in a certain global leader in medical equipment have been seen mildly erratic behavior (to put it nicely) from the stock over the better part of a decade. Shares rose from $40 in 2004 to highs of $75 in 2007 before sinking to $30 in 2009 and rebounding to $50 in 2011. Since then, the stock has steadily risen to its current level near $75. But while the stock was spinning its wheels over that nine-year period, the company was growing at a good clip. Annual revenue climbed a cumulative 29% between 2009 and 2012, to $8.7 billion. Net earnings jumped 17% in that time, to $1.3 billion. Last month, Stryker (NYSE: SYK) delivered rather uneven third-quarter numbers: Revenue rose 4.8% from a year ago, to $2.2 billion, but earnings fell more than 70%.#-ad_banner-# The revenue boost came from a revival in Stryker’s largest division, specifically in orthopedic implants used in hip and knee joint replacements. This division grew 9% in the third quarter, one of its strongest performances in some time. Most of the dip in earnings can be attributed to litigation related to a recall of Stryker’s ABG II and Rejuvenate hip implants… Read More