10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2006

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2006

Filed July 20, 2006For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation's (DHR) second quarter 2006 report shows robust sales growth driven by significant acquisitions, particularly Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc. Consolidated sales increased by approximately 21.5% year-over-year for the quarter. While organic growth from existing businesses was solid at around 6%, the substantial acquisition activity significantly boosted top-line results. The company also reported increased operating profit, though operating profit margins saw a slight decrease due to the lower margins of acquired businesses and the impact of adopting new stock-based compensation accounting standards (SFAS 123R). Financing activities were heavily influenced by the need to fund the Sybron acquisition, with a substantial increase in commercial paper borrowings and new revolving credit facilities established. Overall, Danaher demonstrated strong top-line growth through strategic acquisitions, while managing increased debt levels and navigating the impact of new accounting regulations. Investors should monitor the integration of Sybron Dental and the company's ability to improve the profitability of acquired businesses.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated sales grew 21.5% year-over-year to $2.35 billion in Q2 2006, driven by approximately 15.5% growth from acquisitions.
  • 2Operating profit increased to $381.3 million from $321.0 million in the prior year's quarter.
  • 3The company completed the significant acquisition of Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc. for approximately $2 billion in May 2006.
  • 4Total assets grew substantially to $11.91 billion from $9.16 billion at year-end 2005, largely due to acquisitions, with goodwill increasing significantly to $6.36 billion.
  • 5Long-term debt more than doubled to $2.38 billion from $857.8 million, primarily to finance acquisitions.
  • 6The adoption of SFAS 123R (Share-Based Payment) impacted reported earnings, with stock-based compensation expense recognized in the period.
  • 7The company refinanced and expanded its credit facilities, establishing a $1.5 billion and a $700 million revolving credit facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Danaher's significant sales growth in Q2 2006 was a substantial contribution from acquisitions, most notably the large acquisition of Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc. in May 2006. Acquisitions accounted for approximately 15.5% of the 21.5% overall sales increase.

The acquisition of Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc. for approximately $2 billion significantly impacted Danaher's balance sheet. Total assets increased by nearly $3 billion, with a large portion attributed to goodwill. Consequently, long-term debt more than doubled to $2.38 billion from $857.8 million at the end of 2005, primarily funded by commercial paper issuances to finance the acquisition.

Effective January 1, 2006, Danaher adopted SFAS 123R, which requires companies to expense stock-based compensation. This adoption led to the recognition of stock-based compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock units, which reduced reported operating profit and net earnings. For Q2 2006, stock compensation expense decreased operating profit by approximately $12.3 million, impacting operating margins by about 50 basis points.

Yes, beyond the commercial paper issued for the Sybron acquisition, Danaher established new, larger revolving credit facilities totaling $2.2 billion ($1.5 billion and $700 million) to support its commercial paper programs and for general corporate purposes. The company also announced the pricing of a €500 million Eurobond offering to pay down commercial paper.