10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2002

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 27, 2002

Filed October 17, 2002For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation's (DHR) Q3 2002 10-Q filing reveals a strong performance driven by significant acquisitions, particularly in the Process/Environmental Controls segment. Net sales increased substantially year-over-year, largely due to the integration of newly acquired businesses like Gilbarco, Videojet Technologies, and Viridor. While core sales in some areas saw declines, the company's acquisition strategy effectively offset these pressures and fueled overall growth. The adoption of SFAS No. 142, which eliminated goodwill amortization, provided a notable boost to reported earnings and operating margins. Financially, Danaher ended the quarter with a healthy cash position and continued investment in growth through acquisitions. The company actively managed its debt and capital structure, including the issuance of new shares. Despite some headwinds in core business segments, the strategic acquisitions and the benefits of new accounting standards position Danaher for continued expansion. Investors should note the significant increase in goodwill on the balance sheet resulting from these acquisitions and the ongoing integration efforts.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales for the third quarter of 2002 increased by 36% year-over-year, driven by acquisitions in the Process/Environmental Controls segment.
  • 2The adoption of SFAS No. 142 eliminated goodwill amortization, positively impacting reported earnings and margins.
  • 3Significant acquisitions in early 2002, including Gilbarco, Videojet Technologies, and Viridor, contributed substantially to revenue growth.
  • 4Despite a 3% decline in core sales volume for the Process/Environmental Controls segment, acquisitions compensated for this decrease.
  • 5The Tools and Components segment saw a 9% increase in sales, driven entirely by core sales volume growth.
  • 6The company issued 6.9 million shares of common stock in March 2002, raising approximately $467 million, primarily for general corporate purposes and future acquisitions.
  • 7Goodwill and other intangible assets increased significantly, reaching $3.02 billion by September 27, 2002, due to acquisitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Danaher's revenue growth in Q3 2002 was its aggressive acquisition strategy, particularly within the Process/Environmental Controls segment. Major acquisitions such as Gilbarco, Videojet Technologies, and Viridor, completed in early 2002, significantly boosted net sales.

The adoption of SFAS No. 142, which requires companies to stop amortizing goodwill, had a significant positive impact on Danaher's financial results. It eliminated approximately $62 million in annual goodwill amortization expenses (pre-tax) and boosted reported earnings and operating profit margins by removing this expense.

Danaher has been actively acquiring businesses, primarily in the Process/Environmental Controls segment. This has led to a substantial increase in goodwill and other intangible assets on the balance sheet, reaching $3.02 billion as of September 27, 2002. The company is in the process of integrating these acquired businesses and notes that all acquisitions in the period were accounted for as purchases.

While overall sales grew due to acquisitions, core sales volume saw mixed results. The Process/Environmental Controls segment experienced a 3% decline in core sales volume, largely due to weakness in specific areas like ultrapure instrumentation and leak detection markets. However, the Tools and Components segment saw its entire sales growth driven by core volume increases.