Stryker reports better-than-expected 2010 sales

Stryker has published its financial report for the 2010 full-year period, highlighting a better-than-expected level of sales growth.

The healthcare company's net sales total for the 12 months ending on December 31st 2010 came to $7.3 billion (4.6 billion pounds), up by 8.6 percent compared to the year before.

This was achieved despite continuing difficult economic conditions, with business units such as its orthopaedic implants and MedSurg equipment divisions performing strongly.

As a result, Stryker now expects to achieve a further annual sales increase of between 11 and 13 percent in 2011 on a constant currency basis.

Stephen MacMillan, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the firm, said: "We believe our results for 2010 and our financial forecast for 2011 underscore the strength of our unique sales footprint."

This comes after Stryker finalised a deal earlier this month to purchase the neurovascular business unit of fellow medical device company Boston Scientific.