10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2016

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2016

Filed October 20, 2016For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation reported strong performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, driven by significant growth in consolidated sales, up 21.5% year-over-year. This growth was largely attributed to a substantial 20.0% increase from acquired businesses, alongside a more modest 2.5% growth from existing operations. The company also demonstrated improved profitability, with operating profit margins increasing to 16.4% for the nine-month period, up from 14.9% in the prior year. This margin expansion was fueled by higher sales volumes, cost savings from restructuring and productivity initiatives, and favorable acquisition-related adjustments, partially offset by the dilutive impact of recent acquisitions. The company also made significant strategic moves during this period, including the separation of its former Test & Measurement and Industrial Technologies segments into Fortive Corporation and the pending acquisition of Cepheid for approximately $4.0 billion. Danaher utilized proceeds from the Fortive separation to repay significant amounts of debt. The Life Sciences segment showed particularly robust growth, with sales increasing by 101.5% year-over-year, primarily due to the acquisition of Pall. The company maintained a healthy liquidity position, with $971 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2016, and strong operating cash flow generation.

Key Highlights

  • 1Consolidated sales increased by 21.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the prior year, driven significantly by acquisitions (20.0% growth) and underlying business growth (2.5%).
  • 2Operating profit margin improved to 16.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, up from 14.9% in the prior year, reflecting improved sales leverage and cost efficiencies.
  • 3The Life Sciences segment experienced a significant 101.5% sales increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, largely due to the acquisition of Pall.
  • 4Danaher completed the separation of its Fortive business and is proceeding with the pending acquisition of Cepheid for approximately $4.0 billion, signaling continued strategic portfolio management.
  • 5Operating cash flow from continuing operations increased by 29.1% to $2.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, demonstrating strong cash generation.
  • 6The company utilized proceeds from the Fortive separation to repay approximately $1.9 billion in outstanding debt, improving its financial leverage.
  • 7High-growth markets led sales growth for existing businesses in the third quarter of 2016, indicating geographic expansion effectiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Danaher's sales growth of 21.5% for the first nine months of 2016 was primarily driven by acquisitions, which contributed 20.0% to the growth. Organic growth from existing businesses added another 2.5%.

The separation of Fortive in July 2016 resulted in Danaher receiving significant cash distributions, a portion of which was used to repay approximately $1.9 billion in debt and $500 million in maturing notes. This move strengthened the company's balance sheet and improved its financial flexibility.

Danaher entered into a merger agreement to acquire Cepheid for approximately $4.0 billion, expected to close by the end of fiscal year 2016. Cepheid is a molecular diagnostics company. Upon closing, Cepheid will be integrated into Danaher's Diagnostics segment, with expected cost synergies realized through the Danaher Business System and combined purchasing power.

The Life Sciences segment reported a substantial 101.5% increase in sales for the first nine months of 2016. This remarkable growth was largely attributable to the acquisition of Pall, which expanded the segment's product and service offerings in filtration, separation, and purification technologies.