Stryker's Q3 Miss Expected, But Negative Tone on Underperformance Unexpected, Truist Says

02:57 PM EDT, 10/30/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Stryker's (SYK) Q3 miss and lower guidance were anticipated, but its comments about underperformance in the hip and knee end markets were more negative than expected, Truist Securities said in a Friday note. The company reported Q3 adjusted earnings late Thursday of $3.52 per diluted share on revenue of $6.52 billion. Analysts polled by FactSet expected EPS of $3.55 on revenue of $6.62 billion. Stryker attributed the underperformance in the end market for hip- and knee-replacement procedures to factors such as a softer market, increased hurdles for patients' surgery approvals, product gaps, and slower-than-expected adoption of new products, according to the note. The firm had expected a clear idea for 2027, with organic revenue growth toward 6% to 7%, which is below Truist estimates and consensus, but Stryker is likely setting a de-risked guidance for its new incoming CEO Spencer Stiles, according to the note. Truist reiterated the company's stock rating at hold and lowered the price target to $305 from $310. Price: 295.42, Change: -16.33, Percent Change: -5.24