What were the key drivers of Danaher's financial performance in 2006?

The primary drivers were strong sales growth across most segments, fueled by both organic growth from existing businesses and significant contributions from strategic acquisitions, particularly in the Medical Technologies segment. The Danaher Business System (DBS) also played a crucial role in driving operational efficiencies.

How did Danaher finance its significant acquisition activity in 2006?

Danaher financed its acquisitions primarily through a combination of commercial paper issuances (both U.S. dollar and Euro-denominated) and proceeds from the issuance of Eurobond Notes. The company also utilized available cash balances.

What is the outlook for Danaher's Medical Technologies segment?

The Medical Technologies segment experienced very strong growth in 2006, driven by acquisitions like Sybron Dental and Leica Microsystems. Management expects this segment to continue to provide additional sales and earnings growth opportunities through both organic expansion and further complementary acquisitions.

How did the adoption of SFAS 123R impact Danaher's financial results?

The adoption of SFAS 123R, requiring the expensing of stock-based compensation, reduced 2006 operating profit by approximately $55 million and negatively impacted operating profit margins by 60 basis points. This expense is a non-cash charge.

DHR 10-K FY2006 Annual Report — Revenue, Net Income, EPS

Summary

Danaher Corporation reported strong performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006, driven by significant sales growth and strategic acquisitions, particularly in the Medical Technologies segment. The company's revenue increased by 20% year-over-year, with acquisitions contributing approximately 13% of this growth. Danaher's diversified business model, spanning Professional Instrumentation, Medical Technologies, Industrial Technologies, and Tools & Components, helped mitigate the impact of any single industry downturn. The company's commitment to its Danaher Business System (DBS) continues to be a key driver for operational improvements and cost efficiencies across its segments. Financially, Danaher demonstrated robust operating cash flow generation, which was utilized to fund substantial acquisition activity totaling approximately $2.7 billion in 2006. The company also managed its debt effectively, partly by issuing commercial paper and Eurobond notes. Danaher's focus on delivering shareholder value through growth, financial performance, and cash flow generation remains central to its strategy, supported by ongoing investments in new products and market expansion, particularly in emerging markets.

Key Highlights

1Total sales increased by 20% to $9.6 billion in 2006, with acquisitions contributing significantly to this growth.
2Operating profit margin remained stable at 15.8% in 2006, despite the impact of expensing stock-based compensation (SFAS 123R).
3The Medical Technologies segment saw substantial growth, with sales increasing by 88% to $2.2 billion, largely due to the acquisition of Sybron Dental and Leica Microsystems.
4Danaher deployed approximately $2.7 billion in cash for acquisitions in 2006, underscoring its aggressive growth strategy through M&A.
5Operating cash flow increased by 28.5% to $1.5 billion, demonstrating strong operational cash generation.
6The company financed major acquisitions primarily through commercial paper and the issuance of Eurobond Notes.
7Danaher continues to emphasize growth through its Danaher Business System (DBS), focusing on quality, delivery, cost, and innovation.

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2006

Summary

Key Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions