Stryker Corporation reported preliminary sales results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2012. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $2.3 billion, an increase of 5.5% respectively.

For the full year, the company reported net sales of $8.7 billion, an increase of 4.2% respectively.

The company provided earnings guidance for the fourth quarter and full year of 2012. The company expects diluted net earnings per share to be distributed across the year by approximately 29%.

For the full year, the company's adjusted diluted net earnings per share is expected to be in a range of $4.05 to $4.07, an increase of 8.9% to 9.4% over adjusted diluted net earnings per share of $3.72 in 2011. Diluted net earnings per share are expected to be in a range of $3.37 to $3.39. Operating cash flow expected to be in the range of $1.6 billion to $1.7 billion.

The company also provided earnings guidance for the first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, fourth quarter and full year of 2013. For the full year, the company projects constant currency sales growth in a range of 3.0% to 5.5% if foreign currency exchange rates hold near current levels, the company anticipates net sales will be negatively impacted by approximately 0% to 1% in both the first quarter and full year of 2013. The company projects adjusted diluted net earnings per share, including the estimated $100 million (pre-tax) annual impact from the medical device excise tax, to be in a range of $4.25 to $4.40. Projects diluted net earnings per share to be in a range of $4.02 to $4.22.

For the first quarter of 2013, the company expects diluted net earnings per share to be distributed across the year by approximately 23%.

For the second quarter of 2013, the company expects diluted net earnings per share to be distributed across the year by approximately 24%.

For the third quarter of 2013, the company expects diluted net earnings per share to be distributed across the year by approximately 24%.