10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2002

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 28, 2002

Filed July 18, 2002For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation's 10-Q filing for the period ending June 28, 2002, reveals a period of significant strategic acquisition activity and the adoption of new accounting standards. The company demonstrated robust sales growth, particularly in its Process/Environmental Controls segment, driven by major acquisitions like Gilbarco and Videojet Technologies. Despite overall sales increases, some core volume declines were noted in specific sub-segments, impacting operating profit margins. Financially, the company reported net earnings of $12.65 million for the six months ended June 28, 2002, significantly impacted by a $173.8 million after-tax charge related to the adoption of SFAS No. 142, which ceased goodwill amortization and required an impairment test. This new accounting standard had a substantial one-time effect on reported net earnings. The company maintained a strong liquidity position, supported by operating cash flow and proceeds from a recent stock issuance, which were allocated towards debt repayment and future acquisitions.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 26.5% in Q2 2002 and 13.4% for the six-month period, primarily driven by significant acquisitions in the Process/Environmental Controls segment.
  • 2The company adopted SFAS No. 142, ceasing goodwill amortization and resulting in a $173.8 million after-tax impairment charge in Q1 2002, significantly impacting reported net earnings for the six-month period.
  • 3Acquisitions in February 2002, including Gilbarco, Videojet Technologies, and Viridor, contributed substantially to revenue growth in the Process/Environmental Controls segment.
  • 4Despite overall sales growth, some core business segments experienced volume declines, particularly in motion control, electronic test, and power quality, leading to a decrease in operating profit margins for the Process/Environmental Controls segment.
  • 5The Tools and Components segment saw modest core volume growth in Q2 2002, with Hand Tool Group revenues increasing, and diesel engine retarder sales experiencing a significant boost.
  • 6Operating cash flow increased by 26% for the first six months of 2002 compared to the prior year, indicating improved operational efficiency and working capital management.
  • 7Danaher Corporation completed a stock issuance in March 2002, raising approximately $467 million, which was used to repay debt and fund general corporate purposes, including future acquisitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The adoption of SFAS No. 142, effective January 1, 2002, eliminated the amortization of goodwill. This resulted in a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of $173.8 million (after-tax) in the first quarter of 2002 related to the power quality business unit. This charge significantly reduced reported net earnings for the six-month period ended June 28, 2002, to $12.65 million, compared to $176.8 million in the prior year.

The company completed several significant acquisitions in February 2002, including Gilbarco, Videojet Technologies, and Viridor Instrumentation, primarily within the Process/Environmental Controls segment. These acquisitions were a major driver of the reported sales growth. However, the integration of these new businesses, which had lower operating margins than core businesses, contributed to a decline in segment operating profit margins.

Danaher Corporation demonstrated strong liquidity. Operating cash flow increased by 26% in the first six months of 2002. The company also raised approximately $467 million in March 2002 through a stock issuance, which was used to repay debt and for general corporate purposes. The company ended the quarter with $705 million in cash and cash equivalents, indicating ample resources for operations, debt obligations, and potential future investments.

While overall sales grew due to acquisitions, the company did experience declines in core sales volumes in certain areas. For instance, the Process/Environmental Controls segment saw low single-digit declines in its environmental business, low teens declines in motion control, high single-digit declines in electronic test, and over 30% declines in power quality. Similarly, the Tools and Components segment showed mixed performance, with some product lines flat or down, though the Hand Tool Group and diesel engine retarders performed well.