What catalysts, near-term or long-term, could move the stock significantly?
On the positive side, the obvious long-term catalysts are the aging of the population, and the effects of lifestyle choices of the Baby Boomers. In the U.S. alone, the population of citizens over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by the year 2030. As recently as 2006, more than a third of American adults were considered obese. Obviously, this added weight over long periods of time will increase the wear on the joints that Stryker replaces! This also is a factor for those Baby Boomers who fancy themselves fit and active. Stressful activities also increase the wear on those same joints. As those boomers reach their senior years, they also will put a strain on the care facilities for the aged. SYK will be there to supply the hospital beds and furniture to make them more comfortable. Stryker spent more than $500M in cash to buy Ascent at the end of last year. With the sort of price-control pressure that healthcare providers are under, will they be looking harder at the reprocessed
