Company Announcements

Stryker reports second quarter 2021 operating results

Source: GlobeNewswire
Stryker reports second quarter 2021 operating results

Kalamazoo, Michigan, July 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stryker (NYSE:SYK) reported operating results for the second quarter of 2021:

Second Quarter Results

  • Reported net sales increased 55.4% from 2020 and 17.6% from 2019 to $4.3 billion
  • Organic net sales increased 42.9% from 2020 and 9.3% from 2019
  • Reported operating income margin of 17.0%
  • Adjusted operating income margin(1) of 25.9%
  • Reported EPS of $1.55
  • Adjusted EPS(1) of $2.25

In addition to sales growth analysis versus 2020, we are including sales growth versus 2019 as 2019 provides a more normal baseline for comparison given the variability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic throughout 2020.

 Second Quarter Net Sales Growth Overview
 From 2020 From 2019
 Reported Foreign Currency Exchange Constant Currency Acquisitions Organic Reported Foreign Currency Exchange Constant Currency Acquisitions Organic
Orthopaedics82.3 % 4.4 % 77.9 % 27.2 % 50.7 % 27.8 % 1.8 % 26.0 % 19.3 % 6.7 %
MedSurg32.3   2.6   29.7   0.1   29.6   9.4   1.1   8.3   —   8.3  
Neurotechnology and Spine66.9   4.5   62.4   0.6   61.8   18.0   2.0   16.0   0.5   15.5  
Total55.4 % 3.6 % 51.8 % 8.9 % 42.9 % 17.6 % 1.5 % 16.1 % 6.8 % 9.3 %


"We delivered strong financial results in the second quarter," said Kevin Lobo, Chair and Chief Executive Officer. "Business momentum continues to build as the pandemic moderates and the integration of Wright Medical is pacing ahead of plan. Our positive outlook is reflected in our raised guidance."

Sales Analysis Compared to 2020 and 2019

Consolidated net sales of $4.3 billion increased 55.4% in the quarter and 51.8% in constant currency from 2020. Organic net sales increased 42.9% in the quarter including 43.4% from increased unit volume partially offset by 0.5% from lower prices. From 2019 consolidated net sales increased 17.6% in the quarter and 16.1% in constant currency. Organic net sales increased 9.3% in the quarter including 9.9% from increased unit volume partially offset by 0.6% from lower prices.

Orthopaedics net sales of $1.6 billion increased 82.3% in the quarter and 77.9% in constant currency from 2020. Organic net sales increased 50.7% in the quarter including 52.2% from increased unit volume partially offset by 1.5% from lower prices. From 2019 Orthopaedics net sales increased 27.8% in the quarter and 26.0% in constant currency. Organic net sales increased 6.7% in the quarter including 9.0% from increased unit volume partially offset by 2.3% from lower prices.

MedSurg net sales of $1.7 billion increased 32.3% in the quarter and 29.7% in constant currency from 2020. Organic net sales increased 29.6% in the quarter including 29.5% from increased unit volume and 0.1% from higher prices. From 2019 MedSurg net sales increased 9.4% in the quarter and 8.3% in constant currency. Organic net sales increased 8.3% in the quarter including 7.9% from increased unit volume and 0.4% from higher prices.

Neurotechnology and Spine net sales of $0.9 billion increased 66.9% in the quarter and 62.4% in constant currency from 2020. Organic net sales increased 61.8% in the quarter including 62.4% from increased unit volume partially offset by 0.6% from lower prices. From 2019 Neurotechnology and Spine net sales increased 18.0% in the quarter and 16.0% in constant currency. Organic net sales increased 15.5% in the quarter including 15.4% from increased unit volume and 0.1% from higher prices.

Earnings Analysis Compared to 2020

Reported net earnings (loss) of $592 million increased from ($83) million in the quarter. Reported net earnings (loss) per diluted share of $1.55 increased from ($0.22) in the quarter. Reported gross profit margin and reported operating income margin were 64.6% and 17.0% in the quarter. Reported net earnings (loss) include certain items, such as charges for acquisition and integration-related activities, the amortization of purchased intangible assets, restructuring-related and other charges, costs to comply with certain medical device regulations, recall-related matters, regulatory and legal matters and tax matters. Excluding the aforementioned items, adjusted gross profit margin(1) was 66.0% in the quarter, and adjusted operating income margin(1) was 25.9% in the quarter. Adjusted net earnings(1) of $861 million increased from $245 million in the quarter. Adjusted net earnings per diluted share(1) of $2.25 increased from $0.64 in the quarter.

2021 Outlook

We continue to monitor and evaluate the impact the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, on our operations and financial results. As we recover from the pandemic, we now expect 2021 organic net sales growth to be in the range of 9% to 10% from 2019, and now expect adjusted net earnings per diluted share(2) to be in the range of $9.25 to $9.40, including the full year impact of the acquisition of Wright Medical. Consistent with the pricing environment experienced in both 2019 and 2020, we expect continued unfavorable price reductions of approximately 1% in 2021. If foreign currency exchange rates hold near current levels, we expect EPS will be positively impacted by approximately $0.10 for the full year. This guidance assumes an ongoing recovery in our key geographies leading to more normalized elective procedure levels continuing into the second half of 2021. As previously announced, we will not be providing quarterly guidance. 

(1) A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures: adjusted gross profit margin, adjusted operating income and adjusted operating income margin, adjusted net earnings and adjusted net earnings per diluted share, to the most directly comparable GAAP measures: gross profit margin, operating income and operating income margin, net earnings and net earnings per diluted share, and other important information accompanies this press release.

(2) We are unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of our expected net earnings per diluted share to expected adjusted net earnings per diluted share as we are unable to predict with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort the impact and timing of restructuring-related and other charges, acquisition-related expenses and fair value adjustments to inventory and the outcome of certain regulatory, legal and tax matters. The financial impact of these items is uncertain and is dependent on various factors, including timing, and could be material to our Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Conference Call on Tuesday, July 27, 2021

As previously announced, Stryker will host a conference call on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, to discuss the Company's operating results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 and provide an operational update.

To participate in the conference call dial (877) 702-4565 (domestic) or (647) 689-5532 (international) and be prepared to provide conference ID number 4044998 to the operator.

A simultaneous webcast of the call will be accessible via the company's website at www.stryker.com. The call will be archived on the Investor Relations page of this site.

A recording of the call will also be available from 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. To hear this recording, you may dial (800) 585-8367 (domestic) or (416) 621-4642 (international) and enter conference ID number 4044998.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains information that includes or is based on forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws 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: the impact on our operations and financial results of the COVID-19 pandemic and any related policies and actions by governments or other third parties; unexpected liabilities, costs, charges or expenses in connection with the acquisition of Wright Medical Group N.V. ("Wright"); the effects of the Wright acquisition on the parties' relationships with employees, customers, other business partners or governmental entities; 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, including Wright products; potential supply disruptions; changes in reimbursement levels from third-party payors; a significant increase in product liability claims; the ultimate total cost with respect to recall-related matters; the impact of investigative and legal proceedings and compliance risks; resolution of tax audits; the impact of the federal legislation to reform the United States healthcare system; costs to comply with medical device regulations; changes in financial markets; changes in the competitive environment; our ability to integrate and realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions in full or at all or within the expected timeframes, including the acquisition of Wright; and our ability to realize anticipated cost savings. Additional information concerning these and other factors is 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. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

Stryker is one of the world's leading medical technology companies and, together with its customers, is driven to make healthcare better. The Company offers innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neurotechnology and Spine that help improve patient and hospital outcomes. More information is available at www.stryker.com.

For investor inquiries please contact:

Preston Wells, Vice President, Investor Relations at 269-385-2600 or preston.wells@stryker.com

For media inquiries please contact:

Yin Becker, Vice President, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at 269-385-2600 or yin.becker@stryker.com

STRYKER CORPORATION
For the Three and Six Months June 30
(Unaudited - Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (LOSS)
        
 Three Months Six Months
 2021 2020 % Change 2021 2020 % Change
Net sales$4,294    $2,764    55.4 % $8,247    $6,352    29.8 %
Cost of sales1,522    1,216    25.2   2,966    2,473    19.9  
Gross profit$2,772    $1,548    79.1 % $5,281    $3,879    36.1 %
% of sales64.6  % 56.0  %   64.0  % 61.1  %  
Research, development and engineering expenses310     233    33.0   598    487    22.8  
Selling, general and administrative expenses1,505    1,225    22.9   3,080    2,555    20.5  
Recall charges76    —    nm 82    (6)  nm
Amortization of intangible assets149    110    35.5   330    228    44.7  
Total operating expenses$2,040    $1,568    30.1 % $4,090    $3,264    25.3 %
Operating income (loss)$732    $(20)  nm $1,191    $615    93.7 %
% of sales17.0  % (0.7)%   14.4  % 9.7  %  
Other income (expense), net(70)  (67)  4.5   (162)  (112)  44.6  
Earnings (loss) before income taxes$662    $(87)  nm $1,029    $503    104.6 
Income taxes70    (4)  nm 135    93    45.2  
Net earnings (loss)$592    $(83)  nm $894    $410    118.0 %
Net earnings (loss) per share of common stock:           
Basic$1.57    $(0.22)  nm $2.37    $1.09    117.4 %
Diluted$1.55    $(0.22)  nm $2.34    $1.08    116.7 %
Weighted-average shares outstanding (in millions):           
Basic376.9 375.5   376.6 375.1  
Diluted382.3 375.5   382.0 379.9  


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 June 30 December 31
 2021 2020
Assets   
Cash and cash equivalents$2,241   $2,943  
Marketable securities84   81  
Accounts receivable, net2,714   2,701  
Inventories3,431   3,494  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets562   488  
Total current assets$9,032   $9,707  
Property, plant and equipment, net2,738   2,752  
Goodwill and other intangibles, net18,063   18,332  
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets1,751   1,530  
Other noncurrent assets2,114   2,009  
Total assets$33,698   $34,330  
Liabilities and shareholders' equity   
Current liabilities$4,252   $5,041  
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities12,734   13,230  
Income taxes927   990  
Other noncurrent liabilities1,965   1,985  
Shareholders' equity13,820   13,084  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$33,698   $34,330  


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 Six Months
 2021 2020
Operating activities   
Net earnings$894    $410   
Depreciation187    163   
Amortization of intangible assets330    228   
Changes in operating assets, liabilities, income taxes payable and other, net(81)  410   
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,330    $1,211   
Investing activities   
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired$(104)  $(26) 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(189)  (253) 
Change in marketable securities, net(3)    
Other investing, net(2)  (9) 
Net cash used in investing activities$(298)  $(280) 
Financing activities   
Borrowings (payments) of debt, net$(1,153)  $1,801   
Dividends paid(475)  (431) 
Repurchases of common stock—    —   
Other financing, net(101)  (82) 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities$(1,729)  $1,288   
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(5)  (17) 
Change in cash and cash equivalents$(702)  $2,202   

nm - not meaningful

STRYKER CORPORATION
For the Three and Six Months June 30
(Unaudited - Millions of Dollars)


SALES GROWTH ANALYSIS
 Three Months Six Months
    Percentage Change    Percentage Change
 20212020 As ReportedConstant
Currency
 20212020 As ReportedConstant
Currency
Geographic:           
United States$3,100  $1,966   57.7 %57.7 % $5,884  $4,609   27.7 %27.7 %
International1,194  798   49.7  37.9   2,363  1,743   35.6  25.6  
Total$4,294  $2,764   55.4 %51.8 % $8,247  $6,352   29.8 %27.1 %
Segment:           
Orthopaedics$1,628  $894   82.3 %77.9 % $3,112  $2,116   47.1 %43.7 %
MedSurg1,748  1,324   32.3  29.7    3,369   2,946   14.5  12.5  
Neurotechnology and Spine918  546   66.9  62.4    1,766   1,290   36.5  33.0  
Total$4,294  $2,764   55.4 %51.8 % $8,247  $6,352   29.8 %27.1 %


SUPPLEMENTAL SALES GROWTH ANALYSIS
 Three Months
      United States International
   Percentage Change
 20212020 As ReportedConstant Currency As Reported As ReportedConstant Currency
Orthopaedics:          
Knees$474  $241   96.4 %92.2  % 95.2 % 100.0  %83.8  %
Hips353  216   63.3  58.7    57.0   74.8   61.5   
Trauma and Extremities674  330   104.2  98.5    128.0   63.7   50.7   
Other127  107   20.9  19.6    4.3   179.6   159.7   
 $1,628  $894   82.3 %77.9  % 83.6 % 79.4  %65.4  %
MedSurg:          
Instruments$517  $328   58.8 %55.8  % 61.0 % 51.7  %39.4  %
Endoscopy518  316   64.0  61.2    61.0   76.2   62.4   
Medical640  632   1.4  (1.1)  7.6   (14.5) (22.2) 
Sustainability73  48   51.6  51.4    50.9   127.5   102.6   
 $1,748  $1,324   32.3 %29.7  % 36.4 % 19.6  %9.4  %
Neurotechnology and Spine:          
Neurotechnology$611  $369   65.6 %60.9  % 75.1 % 52.8  %42.3  %
Spine307  177   69.6  65.6    69.8   69.0   55.9   
 $918  $546   66.9 %62.4  % 73.1 % 56.9  %45.8  %
Total $4,294  $2,764   55.4 %51.8  % 57.7 % 49.7  %37.9  %


 
 Six Months
      United States International
   Percentage Change
 20212020 As ReportedConstant Currency As Reported As ReportedConstant Currency
Orthopaedics:          
Knees$886  $673   31.7 %29.0 % 28.4 % 41.3  %30.6  %
Hips662  532   24.4  21.1   19.1   33.8   24.5   
Trauma and Extremities1,314  722   81.9  77.2   95.3   57.0   45.2   
Other250  189   33.0  31.5   17.6   140.3   124.5   
 $3,112  $2,116   47.1 %43.7 % 46.3 % 49.0  %38.1  %
MedSurg:          
Instruments$986  $841   17.7 %15.6 % 14.8 % 28.4  %18.4  %
Endoscopy987  771   28.1  26.1   23.3   47.5   36.9   
Medical1,262  1,219   3.5  1.3   5.9   (3.2) (11.2) 
Sustainability134  115   16.6  16.5   16.0   85.3   71.3   
 $3,369  $2,946   14.5 %12.5 % 13.6 % 17.7  %8.5  %
Neurotechnology and Spine:          
Neurotechnology$1,181  $852   38.7 %34.9 % 37.9 % 39.8  %30.5  %
Spine585  438   32.2  29.4   26.4   48.4   37.6   
 $1,766  $1,290   36.5 %33.0 % 33.4 % 42.0  %32.4  %
Total $8,247  $6,352   29.8 %27.1 % 27.7 % 35.6  %25.6  %


STRYKER CORPORATION
For the Three and Six Months June 30
(Unaudited - Millions of Dollars)


SALES GROWTH ANALYSIS
 Three MonthsSix Months
    Percentage Change   Percentage Change
 20212019 As ReportedConstant
Currency
 20212019 As ReportedConstant
Currency
Geographic:           
United States$3,100  $2,695   15.0 %15.0 % $5,884  $5,274   11.6 %11.6 %
International1,194  955   25.0  19.1   2,363  1,892   24.9  19.4  
Total$4,294  $3,650   17.6 %16.1 % $8,247  $7,166   15.1 %13.7 %
Segment:           
Orthopaedics$1,628  $1,273   27.8 %26.0 % $3,112  $2,523   23.3 %21.6 %
MedSurg1,748  1,601   9.4  8.3    3,369   3,128   7.8  6.8  
Neurotechnology and Spine918  776   18.0  16.0    1,766   1,515   16.4  14.4  
Total$4,294  $3,650   17.6 %16.1 % $8,247  $7,166   15.1 %13.7 %


SUPPLEMENTAL SALES GROWTH ANALYSIS
 Three Months
       United States International
    Percentage Change
 20212019 As ReportedConstant Currency As Reported As ReportedConstant Currency
Orthopaedics:          
Knees$474  $440   7.7  %6.3  % 7.8  % 7.5 %2.1 %
Hips353  343   2.7   1.0    0.7    6.2  1.5  
Trauma and Extremities674  394   70.7   67.9    87.4    40.9  33.7  
Other127  96   33.2   32.1    26.5    64.2  57.5  
 $1,628  $1,273   27.8  %26.0  % 30.8  % 21.4 %15.6 %
MedSurg:          
Instruments$517  $504   3.0  %1.8  % 0.9  % 11.1 %5.5 %
Endoscopy518  480   7.9   7.2    6.1    15.1  11.4  
Medical640  542   18.2   16.7    13.4    37.0  29.7  
Sustainability73  75   (2.5) (2.6)  (2.9)  39.1  27.7  
 $1,748  $1,601   9.4  %8.3  % 6.4  % 21.6 %16.0 %
Neurotechnology and Spine:          
Neurotechnology$611  $484   26.2  %23.9  % 18.4  % 40.5 %33.8 %
Spine307  292   4.4   2.9    (1.7)  23.2  16.9  
 $918  $776   18.0  %16.0  % 10.1  % 35.4 %28.8 %
Total $4,294  $3,650   17.6  %16.1  % 15.0  % 25.0 %19.1 %


 
 Six Months
       United States International
    Percentage Change
 20212019 As ReportedConstant Currency As Reported As ReportedConstant Currency
Orthopaedics:          
Knees$886  $879   0.8  %(0.5)% (0.2)% 3.5 %(1.3)%
Hips662  679   (2.6) (4.1)  (5.9)  3.1  (1.2) 
Trauma and Extremities1,314  790   66.3   63.7    80.6    40.7  34.1   
Other250  175   43.3   42.2    36.5    72.4  66.5   
 $3,112  $2,523   23.3  %21.6  % 25.1  % 19.4 %14.2  %
MedSurg:          
Instruments$986  $965   2.4  %1.3  % (1.0)% 15.7 %10.3  %
Endoscopy987  950   3.9   3.3    0.3    18.5  15.4   
Medical1,262  1,073   17.6   16.3    13.5    33.0  26.7   
Sustainability134  140   (4.1) (4.2)  (4.5)  30.2  21.0   
 $3,369  $3,128   7.8  %6.8  % 4.1  % 23.0 %17.9  %
Neurotechnology and Spine:          
Neurotechnology$1,181  $953   24.0  %21.7  % 15.2  % 39.7 %33.4  %
Spine585  562   3.5   2.1    (4.5)  28.6  22.3   
 $1,766  $1,515   16.4  %14.4  % 7.1  % 36.5 %30.2  %
Total $8,247  $7,166   15.1  %13.7  % 11.6  % 24.9 %19.4  %

Note: Second quarter 2021 had the same number of selling days as 2020 and 2019. The six months 2021 had one less selling day than 2020 and the same number of selling days as 2019.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO 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; percentage sales growth in constant currency; percentage organic sales growth; adjusted gross profit; adjusted selling, general and administrative expenses; adjusted research, development and engineering expenses; adjusted operating income; adjusted other income (expense), net; adjusted effective income tax rate; adjusted net earnings; adjusted net earnings per diluted share (Diluted EPS); free cash flow; and free cash flow conversion. We believe these non-GAAP financial 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 and prior year results at the same foreign currency exchange rate. To measure percentage organic sales growth, we remove the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and acquisitions, which 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. To measure free cash flow, we adjust cash provided by operating activities by the amount of purchases of property, plant and equipment and proceeds from long-lived asset disposals and remove the impact of certain legal settlements and recall payments. To measure free cash flow conversion we divide free cash flow by adjusted net earnings.

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, selling, general and administrative expenses, research, development and engineering expenses, operating income, other income (expense), net, effective income tax rate, net earnings and net earnings per diluted 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 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 discussed above with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding used in the calculation of non-GAAP net earnings per diluted share are the same as those used in the calculation of reported net earnings per diluted share for the respective period, except for 4.3 million anti-dilutive shares excluded from reported net loss per dilutive share for the three months 2020.

STRYKER CORPORATION
For the Three and Six Months June 30
(Unaudited - Millions of Dollars, Except Per Share Amounts)
Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to the Most Directly Comparable GAAP Financial Measures
Three Months 2021Gross ProfitSelling, General & Administrative ExpensesResearch, Development & Engineering ExpensesOperating IncomeOther income (expense), netNet EarningsEffective
Tax Rate
Diluted EPS
Reported $2,772  $1,505   $310   $732   $(70) $592   10.6  %$1.55   
Reported percent net sales64.6 %35.0  %7.2  %17.0  %(1.6)%13.8  %  
Acquisition and integration-related charges (a)        
Inventory stepped-up to fair value58  —   —   58   —   43   0.6   0.11   
Other acquisition and integration-related—  (62) —   62   —   51   0.1   0.13   
Amortization of purchased intangible assets—  —   —   149   —   113   1.4   0.29   
Restructuring-related and other charges (b) (16) —   17   —   15   (0.1) 0.03   
Medical device regulations (c)—  —   (26) 26   —   21   0.1   0.06   
Recall-related matters (d)—  —   —   76   —   68   (0.4) 0.18   
Regulatory and legal matters (e)—    —   (9) (3) (12) 0.3   (0.03) 
Tax matters (f)—  —   —   —   —   (30) 4.4   (0.07) 
Adjusted $2,832  $1,436   $284   $1,111   $(73) $861   17.0  %$2.25   
Adjusted percent net sales66.0 %33.4  %6.6  %25.9  %(1.7)%20.1  %  


Three Months 2020Gross ProfitSelling, General & Administrative ExpensesResearch, Development & Engineering ExpensesOperating Income (Loss)Other income (expense), netNet Earnings (Loss)Effective
Tax Rate
Diluted EPS
Reported $1,548  $1,225   $233   $(20) $(67) $(83) 4.6  %$(0.22) 
Reported percent net sales56.0 %44.3  %8.4  %(0.7)%(2.4)%(3.0)%  
Acquisition and integration-related charges (a)        
Inventory stepped-up to fair value —   —     —     (0.5) —   
Other acquisition and integration-related—  (16) —   16   —   12   (2.0) 0.03   
Amortization of purchased intangible assets—  —   —   110   —   88   (7.0) 0.23   
Restructuring-related and other charges (b)32  (178) —   209   —   170   (10.7) 0.45   
Medical device regulations (c)—  —   (23) 22   —   18   (2.4) 0.05   
Recall-related matters (d)—  —   —   —   —   —   —   —   
Regulatory and legal matters (e)—  (5) —     —     2.3   0.02   
Tax matters (f)—  —   —   —     33   30.1   0.08   
Adjusted $1,583  $1,026   $210   $345   $(60) $245   14.4  %$0.64   
Adjusted percent net sales57.3 %37.1  %7.6  %12.5  %(2.2)%8.9  %  


Six Months 2021Gross ProfitSelling, General & Administrative ExpensesResearch, Development & Engineering ExpensesOperating IncomeOther income (expense), netNet EarningsEffective
Tax Rate
Diluted EPS
Reported $5,281  $3,080   $598   $1,191   $(162) $894   13.1  %$2.34   
Reported percent net sales64.0 %37.3  %7.3  %14.4  %(2.0)%10.8  %  
Acquisition and integration-related charges (a)        
Inventory stepped-up to fair value137  —   —   137   —   103   1.1   0.27   
Other acquisition and integration-related—  (232) —   232   —   180   1.6   0.47   
Amortization of purchased intangible assets—  —   —   330   —   264   1.6   0.69   
Restructuring-related and other charges (b)—  (31) —   31   11   33   0.3   0.08   
Medical device regulations (c) —   (44) 45   —   37   0.2   0.10   
Recall-related matters (d)—  —   —   82   —   73   (0.3) 0.19   
Regulatory and legal matters (e)—    —   (9) (3) (12) 0.2   (0.03) 
Tax matters (f)—  —   —   —   —   26   (2.6) 0.07   
Adjusted $5,419  $2,826   $554   $2,039   $(154) $1,598   15.2  %$4.18   
Adjusted percent net sales65.7 %34.3  %6.7  %24.7  %(1.9)%19.4  %  


Six Months 2020Gross ProfitSelling, General & Administrative ExpensesResearch, Development & Engineering ExpensesOperating IncomeOther income (expense), netNet EarningsEffective
Tax Rate
Diluted EPS
Reported $3,879  $2,555   $487   $615   $(112) $410   18.5  %$1.08   
Reported percent net sales61.1 %40.2  %7.7  %9.7  %(1.8)%6.5  %  
Acquisition and integration-related charges (a)        
Inventory stepped-up to fair value —   —     —     0.2   0.02   
Other acquisition and integration-related—  (47) —   47   —   36   0.7   0.09   
Amortization of purchased intangible assets—  —   —   228   —   184   2.4   0.48   
Restructuring-related and other charges (b)36  (227) —   263   —   212   2.6   0.56   
Medical device regulations (c) —   (46) 46   —   36   0.8   0.09   
Recall-related matters (d)—  —   —   (6) —   (4) (0.1) (0.01) 
Regulatory and legal matters (e)—  (5) —     —     (0.4) 0.02   
Tax matters (f)—  —   —   —     58   (10.4) 0.15   
Adjusted $3,925  $2,276   $441   $1,207   $(105) $944   14.3  %$2.48   
Adjusted percent net sales61.8 %35.8  %6.9  %19.0  %(1.7)%14.9  %  


(a)Charges represent certain acquisition and integration-related costs associated with acquisitions.
(b)Charges represent the costs associated with the termination of sales relationships in certain countries, workforce reductions, elimination of product lines, certain long-lived asset impairments and associated costs and other restructuring-related activities.
(c)Charges represent the costs specific to updating our quality system, product labeling, asset write-offs and product remanufacturing to comply with the medical device reporting regulations and other requirements of the new medical device regulations in the European Union and China.
(d)Charges represent changes in our best estimate of the minimum end of the range of probable loss to resolve certain recall-related matters.
(e)Our best estimate of the minimum of the range of probable loss to resolve certain regulatory or other legal matters and the amount of favorable awards from settlements.
(f)Benefits and charges represent the accounting impact of certain significant and discrete tax items, including adjustments related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and the transfer of certain intellectual properties between tax jurisdictions.


Six Months2021 2020
Cash provided by operating activities$1,330    $1,211   
Net earnings 894     410   
Conversion148.8  % 295.4  %
    
Cash provided by operating activities$1,330    $1,211   
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(189)  (253) 
Proceeds from long-lived asset disposals   —   
Recall payments163    12   
Free cash flow$1,311    $970   
Adjusted net earnings1,598    944   
Free cash flow conversion82.0  % 102.8  %