10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2023

DANAHER CORP /DE/ Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2023

Filed April 25, 2023For Securities:DHR

Summary

Danaher Corporation reported a 7.0% decrease in total sales for the first quarter of 2023 compared to the prior year, with core sales down 4.0%. This decline was primarily driven by reduced demand for COVID-19 related products, particularly in the Biotechnology and Diagnostics segments, as well as the impact of unfavorable currency exchange rates. Net earnings attributable to common stockholders were $1.4 billion, or $1.94 per diluted share, down from $1.7 billion, or $2.31 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2022. Despite the overall sales decrease, the Environmental & Applied Solutions segment showed a 5.0% increase in total sales, driven by strong performance in its water quality businesses. The company is progressing with its plan to separate the Environmental & Applied Solutions segment into a new publicly traded company, Veralto Corporation, in the fourth quarter of 2023. Danaher maintains a strong liquidity position with $7.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2023, and continues to generate substantial operating cash flow, which management believes is sufficient to fund operations, acquisitions, and shareholder returns.

Financial Statements
Beta

Key Highlights

  • 1Total sales declined 7.0% to $7.17 billion in Q1 2023 compared to $7.69 billion in Q1 2022, with core sales down 4.0%.
  • 2Net earnings decreased to $1.4 billion ($1.94 per diluted share) from $1.7 billion ($2.31 per diluted share) year-over-year, impacted by lower core sales and currency headwinds.
  • 3The Biotechnology segment experienced a significant 16.0% total sales decline (13.0% core sales decline), primarily due to reduced demand for COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccine-related products and inventory repurposing by customers.
  • 4The Diagnostics segment saw a 10.0% total sales decrease (7.5% core sales decrease), largely attributed to lower demand for COVID-19 molecular diagnostic tests.
  • 5The Environmental & Applied Solutions segment was a bright spot, with total sales increasing 5.0% (6.5% core sales growth), driven by strong performance in water quality businesses.
  • 6The planned separation of the Environmental & Applied Solutions business (to become Veralto Corporation) is on track for completion in Q4 2023.
  • 7The company ended the quarter with $7.4 billion in cash and cash equivalents, and operating cash flow remained strong at $1.95 billion, indicating robust liquidity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary drivers for the sales decrease were the decline in demand for COVID-19 related products, particularly in the Biotechnology and Diagnostics segments, and the unfavorable impact of currency exchange rates, which decreased reported sales by 3.0%. Customers are also repurposing inventory initially purchased for COVID-19 related purposes.

Danaher is proceeding with the plan to separate its EAS segment into a new publicly traded company, Veralto Corporation, with a targeted completion in the fourth quarter of 2023. This separation is subject to various conditions, including board approval, financing, and regulatory approvals. The EAS segment is currently reported as continuing operations.

Danaher expects the demand for products supporting COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics to continue decreasing throughout 2023 as the pandemic subsides and evolves towards endemic status. Demand for COVID-19 testing products is expected to fluctuate based on regional case numbers. The company is adjusting its cost structure in response to these trends.

While the company's interest costs and liquidity have not been significantly impacted due to strong operational cash flow and a predominantly fixed-rate debt structure, the tightened global credit environment has adversely affected demand from certain customers, particularly emerging biotechnology companies. Danaher is monitoring these conditions closely.