10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Oct 2, 2009

Filed October 22, 2009For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation reported financial results for the nine months ended October 2, 2009, showing a decrease in net earnings to $884.8 million from $1,011.9 million in the prior year period. This decline was influenced by a 15.5% decrease in consolidated sales, driven by weak demand across most end markets due to the global economic downturn. The company implemented significant restructuring actions totaling $101 million during the nine months to optimize its cost base, which are expected to yield $220 million in annualized savings. Despite the challenging economic environment, Danaher's liquidity remained strong, supported by $1.6 billion in cash and equivalents and robust operating cash flow of $1.3 billion. A notable event during the quarter was the settlement of litigation with Align Technology, Inc., which resulted in an $85 million pre-tax gain. The company also announced its intention to acquire the Analytical Technologies division of MDS Inc. for $1.1 billion, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2009, to enhance its Medical Technologies segment.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated sales decreased by 15.5% for the nine months ended October 2, 2009, compared to the same period in 2008, reflecting challenging market conditions.
  • 2Net earnings for the nine months ended October 2, 2009, were $884.8 million, down from $1,011.9 million in the prior year.
  • 3The company incurred $101.4 million in restructuring charges during the first nine months of 2009 as part of efforts to reduce costs, expecting annualized savings of $220 million.
  • 4Danaher recorded an $85 million pre-tax gain from the settlement of litigation with Align Technology, Inc. in the third quarter of 2009.
  • 5The company announced a $1.1 billion acquisition of MDS Inc.'s Analytical Technologies division, which is expected to close in Q4 2009 and strengthen the Medical Technologies segment.
  • 6Operating cash flow remained strong at $1.3 billion for the nine months ended October 2, 2009, and the company held $1.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents.
  • 7The Professional Instrumentation and Industrial Technologies segments saw significant sales declines, while Medical Technologies' performance was impacted by a litigation settlement gain, and Tools & Components faced retail and industrial market weakness.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the nine months ended October 2, 2009, Danaher Corporation reported a decrease in consolidated sales by 15.5% compared to the prior year, reaching $8,052,046 thousand. Net earnings also declined to $884,769 thousand from $1,011,945 thousand in the same period last year. This performance was significantly impacted by the global economic downturn and resulted in the company initiating substantial restructuring activities.

Danaher incurred $101.4 million in restructuring charges during the first nine months of 2009, with an additional $148.6 million expected. These actions are aimed at adjusting the company's cost structure to reflect lower demand and are projected to generate annualized savings of $220 million. While these charges impacted current earnings, they are intended to improve future profitability and operational efficiency.

A significant event was the settlement of litigation with Align Technology, Inc. in the third quarter of 2009. This settlement resulted in a pre-tax gain of $85 million for Danaher, which included $13 million in cash and the value of 7.6 million shares of Align common stock received. This gain positively impacted the company's reported earnings for the period.

Danaher maintains a strong liquidity position, with $1.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of October 2, 2009, and generated $1.3 billion in operating cash flow during the nine-month period. The company also announced its intention to acquire MDS Inc.'s Analytical Technologies division for $1.1 billion, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2009, which is anticipated to enhance its Medical Technologies segment.