Stryker Increases Annual Dividend b...( KALAMAZOO Mich. Dec. 3 /- Stryker (NY...),Health

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Stryker (NYSE: SYK) announced today that the Board of Directors has declared a year-end cash dividend of forty cents per share, an increase of 21% over the thirty-three cent dividend declared in December 2007. The dividend is payable January 30, 2009 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2008.

"Our continued growth in 2008 combined with our strong financial position have enabled us to return significant capital to shareholders this year," commented Stephen P. MacMillan, President and Chief Executive Officer. The Company has also completed nearly $1.0 billion in share repurchases since July of this year.

Stryker Corporation is one of the world's leading medical technology companies with the most broadly based range of products in orthopaedics and a significant presence in other medical specialties. Stryker works with respected medical professionals to help people lead more active and more satisfying lives. The Company's products include implants used in joint replacement, trauma, craniomaxillofacial and spinal surgeries; biologics; surgical, neurologic, ear, nose & throat and interventional pain equipment; and endoscopic, surgical navigation, communications and digital imaging systems; as well as patient handling and emergency medical equipment. For more information about Stryker, please visit the company web site at www.stryker.com.