10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jul 1, 2005

Filed July 21, 2005For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation (DHR) reported strong financial performance for the second quarter and first half of 2005, reflecting robust sales growth driven by both existing operations and strategic acquisitions. Consolidated sales increased by approximately 19% year-over-year for both the three-month and six-month periods ending July 1, 2005. Acquisitions contributed significantly to this growth, accounting for roughly 12-12.5% of the increase, with notable contributions from Linx Printing Technologies PLC and other smaller businesses. The company also announced a significant planned acquisition of Leica Microsystems AG, expected to close in the third quarter, further bolstering its Medical Technology segment. The balance sheet shows healthy growth in cash and equivalents and a slight decrease in total debt compared to the prior year-end.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated sales grew approximately 19% year-over-year for both the three-month and six-month periods ending July 1, 2005.
  • 2Acquisitions were a key growth driver, contributing approximately 12% to sales growth in the quarter and 12.5% in the first half.
  • 3The company announced a definitive agreement to acquire Leica Microsystems AG for approximately $250 million, expected to close in Q3 2005.
  • 4Operating profit increased in all segments except Tools & Components, with Professional Instrumentation showing particularly strong growth (34% in Q2).
  • 5Cash and cash equivalents increased significantly to $808.7 million from $609.1 million at year-end 2004.
  • 6The company repurchased approximately 960,000 shares of common stock for $49.6 million during the second quarter.
  • 7Gross profit margin improved to 44.1% in Q2 and 43.3% for the year-to-date, driven by higher margins in acquired businesses and cost efficiencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

The company experienced strong sales growth of approximately 19% year-over-year for both the three-month and six-month periods ending July 1, 2005. This growth was driven by both existing businesses (around 5-7.5%) and significant contributions from recent acquisitions (around 12-12.5%). The pending acquisition of Leica Microsystems AG is expected to further boost future sales, particularly in the Medical Technology segment.

Danaher has a healthy liquidity position, with cash and cash equivalents rising to $808.7 million by July 1, 2005. Total debt slightly decreased to $1.3 billion from $1.35 billion at year-end 2004, partly due to favorable exchange rate movements on Eurobond notes. The company also authorized a share repurchase program and repurchased approximately 960,000 shares in the second quarter, funded by available cash. They anticipate using available cash and potentially other financing options to fund the upcoming Leica Microsystems acquisition and repay maturing Eurobond notes.

Profitability has been driven by a combination of factors. The gross profit margin improved due to higher margins from recently acquired businesses, leverage from increased sales volume, cost improvements through the Danaher Business System, and reduced commodity costs. While SG&A expenses increased, largely due to integrating acquired businesses and higher international operational costs, the overall operating profit shows positive growth across most segments. The company continues to focus on operational efficiencies and strategic growth initiatives.

During the first six months of 2005, Danaher completed 7 business acquisitions for approximately $296 million, including Linx Printing Technologies PLC for $171 million, and six smaller companies. The company also announced a definitive agreement to acquire Leica Microsystems AG for approximately $250 million, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2005 and significantly expand its Medical Technology business. A small business within the Industrial Technologies segment was divested in June 2005 for $12.1 million.