10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2006

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 29, 2006

Filed October 19, 2006For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation's (DHR) third-quarter 2006 10-Q filing reveals robust growth driven by strategic acquisitions and organic sales increases. The company reported significant year-over-year increases in both sales and net earnings for the nine months ended September 29, 2006. A key driver of this expansion was the acquisition of Sybron Dental Specialties for approximately $2 billion, which substantially bolstered the Professional Instrumentation segment, particularly within the Medical Technologies business. Financially, Danaher demonstrated strong operating cash flow generation. However, the company also significantly increased its debt levels to fund acquisitions, notably the Sybron Dental deal. While the balance sheet shows a substantial increase in goodwill and other intangible assets due to these acquisitions, the company's liquidity remains strong. Investors should note the adoption of SFAS 123R, which impacted reported earnings due to the expensing of stock-based compensation, and the announcement of a pending acquisition of Vision Systems Limited, signaling continued aggressive M&A strategy.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated sales increased by 24% for the three months and 21% for the nine months ended September 29, 2006, compared to the prior year periods.
  • 2Net earnings grew significantly to $268.1 million for the quarter and $798.3 million for the nine months ended September 29, 2006.
  • 3The acquisition of Sybron Dental Specialties for approximately $2 billion in May 2006 was a major event, significantly contributing to growth in the Professional Instrumentation segment.
  • 4Goodwill and other intangible assets on the balance sheet increased substantially due to acquisitions, reaching $6.16 billion and $1.58 billion respectively.
  • 5Operating cash flow remained strong, totaling $1.08 billion for the nine months ended September 29, 2006, a 20% increase year-over-year.
  • 6Total debt increased significantly to $2.275 billion as of September 29, 2006, primarily to fund acquisitions.
  • 7The company announced a pending cash tender offer to acquire Vision Systems Limited for approximately $520 million in October 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consolidated sales for the three months ended September 29, 2006, increased by approximately 24% compared to the same period in 2005, reaching $2.44 billion. This growth was driven by both organic sales from existing businesses and significant contributions from acquisitions.

The substantial increase in goodwill and other intangible assets on Danaher's balance sheet is primarily due to its active acquisition strategy. The most significant acquisition during the period was Sybron Dental Specialties for approximately $2 billion, which added $1.5 billion in goodwill and $687 million in other intangible assets.

Effective January 1, 2006, Danaher adopted SFAS 123R, requiring the expensing of stock-based compensation. This resulted in a decrease in net earnings and diluted earnings per share. For the nine months ended September 29, 2006, net earnings were $28.8 million lower, and diluted EPS was $0.09 lower than they would have been under the previous accounting method (APB 25).

Danaher's outlook remains focused on growth through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. The company recently announced an agreement to acquire Vision Systems Limited for approximately $520 million, indicating a continued aggressive M&A strategy. Management also highlighted ongoing cost reduction initiatives and improvements driven by the Danaher Business System as key to future margin enhancement.