Danaher 2004 Annual Report Financial Operating Highlights (dollars in thousands except per share data and number of associates) Sales Operating profit Net earnings Earnings per share (diluted) Operating cash flow Capital expenditures Free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) Number of associates Total assets Total debt Stockholders’ equity Total capitalization (total debt plus stockholders’ equity) 2004 2003 $ 6,889,301 $ 1,105,133 $ 746,000 $ 2.30 $ 1,033,216 $ 115,906 $ 917,310 35,000 $ 8,493,893 $ 1,350,298 $ 4,619,682 $ 5,969,980 $ 5,293,876 $ 845,995 $ 536,834 $ 1.69 $ 861,544 80,343 $ $ 781,201 30,000 $ 6,890,050 $ 1,298,883 $ 3,646,709 $ 4,945,592 2004 Annual Report Introduction 1 Every day Danaher products help to make life healthier, safer and more enjoyable for people around the world. Whether you’re drinking a glass of water, working out at the gym, fixing your child’s bike, getting a dental checkup, mailing a package or communicating over a network, chances are we’ve helped you do it. Some of our prod- ucts carry high-profile brand names, while others are hidden inside complex systems. Either way, they’re vital contributors to some of the most exciting sectors of today’s economy. Danaher capitalized on favorable market conditions, achieving strong organic growth, record sales, earnings, and cash flow in 2004. Recognized in Fortune magazine’s 2004 list of the Most Admired Precision Equipment Companies in America. Leadership 2004 Annual Report Introduction 3 Success at Danaher doesn’t happen by accident. We have a proven system for achieving it. We call it the Danaher Business System (DBS), and it drives ever y aspect of our culture and performance. We use DBS to guide what we do, measure how well we execute, and create options for doing even better — including improv- ing DBS itself. It’s a nonstop cycle that energizes our organization every day, enabling us to anticipate cus- tomer needs, outperform competitors, and return more to investors than virtually all of our industry peers. Shifting towards higher global growth and a lower volatility portfolio. Global Growth 2004 Annual Report Introduction 5 Every year Danaher becomes more global in its markets, facilities and approach. In 2004 our non-US revenues were nearly half of the total, as our customer base con- tinued to expand throughout the major economic hubs of Europe and Asia. We have market-leading medical technology businesses based in Europe, partnerships with engineering firms in the former eastern bloc, and product development centers in India. As additional countries seek entry into the European Union, Danaher is there to help them meet the EU’s higher water quality standards. And as China builds out its infra- structure to support its robust economy, our growing presence is driving strong market positions in all of our major businesses. Professional Instrumentation Environmental Hach/Lange and Hach Ultra Analytics provide advanced analytical systems and solutions for laboratory, industrial and field applications. Trojan UV is a world leader in ultraviolet water disinfection systems. Hach/Lange, Hach Ultra Analytics, Trojan UV, McCrometer, OTT (Municipal Drinking Water Facilities, Municipal Waste Water Plants, Industrial Plants, Environmental Monitoring and Regulatory Agencies) Gilbarco Veeder-Root is a leading global provider of solutions and tech- nologies that combine convenience, control, and environmental integrity for retail fueling and adjacent markets. Gilbarco, Veeder-Root, Red Jacket, Gasboy, DOMS (Major Oil Companies, Convenience Stores, Retail Fueling Franchises, Commercial Fueling Operators) Electronic Test Fluke Corporation is a world leader in the manufacture, distribution and service of electronic test tools and software. From industrial electronic installation, maintenance and ser vice, to precision measurement and quality control, Fluke tools help keep business and industry around the globe up and running. Fluke Networks provides innovative solutions for the testing, monitoring and analysis of enterprise and telecommunications networks and the installation and certification of the fiber and copper forming the founda- tion for those networks. The company’s comprehensive line of Network SuperVision Solutions TM provide network installers, owners, and maintain- ers with superior vision, combining speed, accuracy and ease of use to optimize network performance. Medical Technology KaVo is a leading manufacturer of precision dental hand pieces, treat- ment units, diagnostic systems, laboratory equipment and digital imaging dental products. Fluke, Raytek, Meterman, Fluke Biomedical, Hart Scientific, Beha (Technicians, Engineers, Metrologists, Commercial and Residential Electricians) Fluke Networks, OptiView, DTX, EtherScope, NetDSL, Predictor, DaVaR (CIOs, CTOs, Network Engineers and Technicians, Network Installation and Maintenance Professionals, Telecommunications Engineers and Managers, Telecommunications Technicians) KaVo, Gendex, Dexis (Dental Professionals) Radiometer is a provider of diagnostic equipment focused on critical care applications for the measurement of blood gases in both a hospital’s cen- tral lab as well as point-of-care locations. Radiometer (Physicians, Hospitals, Point-of-Care Centers) Industrial Technologies Motion Danaher Motion provides innovative solutions offering flexibility, precision, efficiency, and reliability for applications as diverse as robotics, wheel- chairs, lift trucks, electric vehicles, and packaging machines. Product Identification The output of product identification technology can be seen every day, from the lot code on a pill bottle to the expiration date on a beverage can. Danaher’s printing and marking technology applies codes to more than one trillion products each year worldwide. Danaher’s scanning and tracking products sor t a large number of packages shipped in the U.S. Focused Niche Businesses: Aerospace and Defense, Power Quality, Sensors and Controls Kollmorgen, Pacific Scientific, Thomson, Dover, Portescap (Factory Automation, Medical, Health and Fitness, Factory and Personal Mobility, Aerospace and Defense) Videojet, Willett, Accu-Sort, LINX (Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Print and Mail, Retail Distribution, Mail and Parcel Services) Tools & Components Mechanics’ Hand Tools Danaher Tool Group and Matco enjoy a leading share position in the U.S. mechanics hand tool market. Danaher is committed to delivering customer-driven innovation with new products that improve safety, strength, speed and access. Sears Craftsman®, Armstrong, Matco, Allen, KD-Tools, Holo-Krome, NAPA®, SATA (Sears Roebuck & Co., Professional Automotive Mechanics, NAPA, Industrial Manufacturing, Consumer Retail) Focused Niche Businesses: Delta Consolidated Industries, Hennessy Industries, Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company, Jacobs Vehicle Systems Strategic Platforms 8 Electronic Test 2004 Annual Report Fluke DTX Digital Cable Analyzer Fluke 434 Three-Phase Power Quality Analyzer Fluke Ti30 Thermal Imager For electricians and plant technicians, Fluke electrical test tools combine advanced technology, practical design and minimal oper- ating costs with the highest safety ratings in the industr y. Fluke’s market-leading products, service and coverage make Danaher a global force in mis- sion-critical network testing. Fluke’s DTX platform delivers breakthrough per formance for network professionals, reducing certification costs through a combination of exceptional speed, accuracy and bandwidth. Fluke has pioneered the development of afford- able infrared imaging solutions for a variety of applications. Handheld thermal imagers improve the speed and accuracy of predictive maintenance, pinpointing hot spots and preventing costly errors. Other products range from fixed-mount sensors for process control to handheld thermometers tailored to the diverse needs of auto mechanics, food ser vice workers and homeowners. International concern over environmental quality is creating growth oppor- tunities for Danaher. We are a global leader in water quality analysis and treatment, providing instrumentation and disinfection systems to help countries and municipalities increase the supply of clean water while managing residential, commercial and industrial wastewater. Our ultraviolet treatment systems disinfect billions of gallons of water every day in more than 35 countries. And we provide a broad array of environmental solutions including underground tank monitoring and advanced vapor recovery that are helping to protect our water supply and improve the quality of our air. 2004 Annual Report Environmental 11 Cleaner Air Cleaner Water 12 Motion 2004 Annual Report Mobility Technology Precision Innovation From CAT scans to ar tificial hear ts and surgical hand pieces, Danaher provides motion solutions with the precision and reliability needed for the most sensitive medical applications. Those same traits are driving equally dramatic improvements in other settings, from transportation and food service to health, fitness and entertainment. We’ve changed the face of the lift truck industry by developing AC powered solutions to replace its long reliance on higher maintenance DC motors. And as flat-panel displays grow in both size and ubiquity, our systems are playing crucial roles in OEM inspection and repair processes for flat-panel manufacturing. Danaher’s role in product identification extends from manufacturing and packaging to delivery into the hands of the consumer. At every step, safety, accuracy and efficiency go hand in hand. From medicines and cosmetics to foods and beverages, Danaher systems help manufacturers, distributors and retailers maintain an unbroken chain of inventory and quality control. Danaher companies also span the gamut of marking and tracking technologies, from inkjet printing and laser marking to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). 2004 Annual Report Product Identification 15 Pill Seal Bottle Label Box Carton 16 Mechanics’ Hand Tools 2004 Annual Report Hi-Vis Laser Etched Sockets and Socket Wrench Top Torque II Screwdrivers and Flex Ratchet Ratcheting Wrench and Electronic Torque Wrench Generations of do-it-yourselfers have relied on tools made by Danaher for some of the best- known retail brands in the world. With a quality edge that brings real meaning to the concept of a lifetime warranty, our tools have enabled millions of parents to keep their kids’ bikes in top condition while tackling an infinite variety of home and auto repair projects. H a n d t o o l s d e s i g n e d f o r i n d u s t r i a l applications offer global growth oppor tu- nities based on value-added innovation. Integrated electronic displays combine convenience with measurable benefits in speed and safety. Providing state-of-the-ar t hand tools for professional mechanics requires ratch- eting up per formance to a whole new level. Danaher products are recognized by professional automotive technicians around the world for their accuracy, durability and ergonomic design. Danaher’s newest platform encompasses technologies that are contribut- ing to a revolution in dentistry and providing front-line support for critical care in hospitals. Our dental products range from digital panoramic imag- ing systems to breakthrough devices that replace traditional “drill and fill” approaches with painless, proactive solutions. In hospitals, our blood gas analyzers facilitate potentially lifesaving decisions in diagnosis and treatment. Addressing worldwide markets from a strong base in Europe, Danaher’s medical technology businesses illustrate the benefits of global thinking and customer-focused product innovation. 2004 Annual Report Medical Technology 19 Innovations In Dentistry Diagnostic Tools For Critical Care 20 Shareholder Letter 2004 Annual Report Dear Shareholders: Danaher’s 20th anniversary year was highlighted by its best financial performance ever, as we made the most of a robust economy and finished 2004 with record sales, earnings and cash flow.We continued to reap the rewards of prior invest- ments in growth and productivity, and we invested even more for the future.We reached out to global opportunities with increasing effectiveness, realizing more than $3 billion in international revenues. We completed several acquisitions to strengthen our place in our core markets while also growing organically at a healthy, sustainable pace. And as always, we profited from the strength of the Danaher Business System (DBS), the quality of our portfolio of businesses, and the capabilities of our entire team, now 35,000 strong worldwide. Performance Highlights — Revenues increased 30% to $6.9 billion. — Core revenue growth of 9% was strong throughout the year. — EPS grew 36% to $2.30, on top of a 22% increase a year ago. — Operating Cash Flow increased 20% to over $1 billion. — Our Free Cash Flow grew to $917 million, a 17% increase over 2003, and exceeded net income for the 13th consecutive year. — We established an $850 million Medical Technology platform with leadership positions in dental products and critical care diagnostics. — Our stock price ended the year at $57.41, up 25% from the end of 2003 — more than three times the gain in the S&P and more than double the average increase in our peer group over the same period. Business Highlights Market conditions were buoyant in most of our markets in 2004, and our businesses responded accordingly.We have expanded to three operating segments rather than two, which should help to provide even greater clarity going forward. Some of the year’s most notable accomplishments in each area: Professional Instrumentation Environmental: Our Environmental businesses performed very well throughout 2004 generating core revenue growth of 9%. Hach/Lange extended our global leadership in water quality analytical instrumentation with high single-digit core revenue growth including a sales increase of more than 60% in China.We also staked out a market-leading position in ultraviolet (UV) disinfection with our November acqui- sition of Trojan Technologies, which offers a broad array of industrial, commercial, municipal and consumer disinfec- tion solutions. Meanwhile, Gilbarco Veeder-Root enjoyed double-digit growth as a result of continuing innovations in vapor recovery, leak containment and point-of-sale solu- tions for the retail petroleum industry. Electronic Test: Led by Fluke, a global leader in hand-held test instrumentation, Electronic Test had an outstanding year, with 8.5% core growth driven by market-leading brands, an arsenal of breakthrough products, and equivalent creativity in sales and marketing. Fluke’s December 2004 acquisition of Cardinal Health’s medical test instrument business added substantially to the platform’s emerging strength in biomed- ical test equipment. Medical Technology: Our new Medical Technology busi- nesses more than lived up to our expectations in both dental care and critical care diagnostics. The KaVo and Gendex acquisitions brought us two global leaders in dental instru- mentation and imaging systems. If you have visited a dentist recently you may have experienced the expanding use of advanced digital technology that is augmenting or replacing traditional x-rays.There is a stream of exciting developments still on the hor izon and we expect our ability to capitalize on them will be enhanced even further as we continue to implement DBS. Our position in hospital critical care was also strengthened with Radiometer’s introduction of its ABL 800 blood gas analyzer, a product expected to generate solid revenue gains in 2005. Industrial Technologies Motion: A leading provider of precision motion control products and solutions, Danaher Motion’s core revenues grew by 13% in 2004. Our investments in electric mobility and flat-panel display manuf actur ing technology contributed to this year’s performance. In 2004 we expanded our position in the surgical hand tool market on the strength of several key design wins and a reputation for mission- critical reliability, not only in health care, but in other indus- tries ranging from semiconductors to food and beverage. Product Identification: You’ll find Danaher marking and tracking technologies at work across a broad spectrum of everyday settings, from pharmaceutical packaging to parcel post. Sales and service of our variable marking and scanning equipment in North America and Asia helped to drive core growth of 6% in 2004, while new contracts and acquisitions positioned us for continued growth in 2005. Highlights Evolution of Danaher Portfolio (% of Total Danaher Revenues) Total Platform Sales Total International Sales included the completion of two significant installations of our RFID (radio frequency identification) technology in preparation for Wal-Mart’s upcoming requirement of RFID-compliant vendor packaging. Acquisitions that broadened our technology offering included Alltec, whose laser technology is used for iPod personalization, and in January 2005, UK-based Linx Printing Technologies PLC, expanding our presence in both Europe and China. Tools & Components Mechanics’ Hand Tools: In 2004 we continued our relentless drive to capture the imagination and preference of diverse groups of tool users, from homeowners and hobbyists to professionals in automotive and industrial applications. Utilizing innovative new products such as Hi-Vis sockets and the Extreme GripWrench®, we achieved strong core revenue growth of 8.5%, significantly outpacing the market. Core revenues for Matco Tools, our high end mobile distribution brand for the professional mechan- ic, grew at a double-digit rate as did our Craftsman Industr ial and Lowe’s offerings. 58% 63% 39% 66% 31% 30% Focused Niche Businesses: The contributions of our focused niche businesses were also signifi- cant as they delivered solid core revenue growth in 2004. These businesses, representing leadership positions in areas ranging from sensors and controls to aerospace, serve our shareholders through their outstanding financial performance and they continue to be a substantial source of managerial talent that we are able to utilize throughout the company. I am confi- dent they will continue to build on this record in 2005. 99 00 01 DBS is how we do it. Yet defining DBS is difficult. It’s as much a description of our operating culture as it is the spe- cific tools we use to drive results. The overriding objective of DBS is to systematically serve the customer. Serving the customer is an obvious objective for most companies. But to do so in a sustained, repeatable way is hard work. DBS is both the engine and the drive train for this work. It enables us to develop systems and processes in a fact-based, metric-driven way to serve our cus- tomers. That’s what Danaher is all about: delivering meas- urable gains in Quality, Delivery and/or Service, Cost and Innovation (QDCI) in ways that matter to our customers. 78% 76% So how does a company actually do that? Constant communication of our five core values helps but that alone does not get you there. You need an approach — a methodology that works. DBS starts with outstanding people who conceive aggressive plans which we execute by building sustainable processes ultimately dr iving superior performance. Core values at the founda- tion…customers the focus of all we do…hard targets and measures along the way…a system to exe- cute in a sustainable, repeatable way.That’s DBS. 42% 45% 73% 39% Innovation 02 03 04 Sustained leadership in our mar- kets requires constant innovation in new products and technologies. Our DBS tool box is a crucial asset in this process. DBS growth tools like Value Selling and Voice of the Customer help us to be as system- atic in innovation with our marketing and technical teams as we are on the manufacturing floor in our pursuit of quality, delivery and cost improvements. Danaher Business System While our businesses performed well in this record year of 2004, the ultimate, not-so-secret of our success is the Danaher Business System. DBS is the mortar between the bricks of Danaher; it’s what makes Danaher special and more valuable than our businesses themselves — because it enables each of those businesses to reach levels of perform- ance they could not achieve alone. Danaher has a long his- tory of taking strong businesses and making them stronger. Another innovation lever is adequate funding. In 2004 we increased research and development spending by 42% and capital expenditures by 44% compared to 2003. This year we expect to increase them again, by 20% and 30% respectively. Equally important, we are targeting an incre- mental $50 million of spending representing a pure invest- ment in the future, with minimal payback expected in 2005. We call our biggest and best organic growth projects Cor porate Breakthroughs, and we give them special attention in terms of funding and staffing. Many of the 22 Shareholder Letter 2004 Annual Report best-performing parts of our business in 2004 began as Corporate Breakthroughs.And we are now actively funding 32 Corporate Breakthroughs, representing a combined revenue potential of more than $1 billion. We are committed to innovation, and we cultivate that commitment across the company in many ways. For example, last June we brought 100 of our best innovators together in our first Danaher Technology and Innovation Symposium. Even as DBS drives systematic innovation, events like this can trigger serendipitous synergies facilitat- ing innovation and growth. Vision We are making steady progress towards the realization of our vision of becoming a Premier Global Enterprise. We know we play a global game in the major markets in which we participate, and to win we must play the game around the world — and we are. Nearly half of our revenues today are generated outside the United States, up from 30% just 5 years ago. Our Medical Technology platform is our first platform based in Europe and has served to raise our profile and enhance our oper- ating capabilities there. China is another region of tremendous opportunities for Danaher where in 2004 our revenues grew by more than 20% compared to 2003 due to a strong perform- ance from all of our strategic platform businesses. We have also become more global in our manufac- turing footprint and supply base. In 2005 we expect nearly half of our production will or iginate outside of the United States with more than 30% manufactured in low cost regions. Our product development capabilities are becoming more global as well. In India, we established four new product development centers which are provid- ing efficient, flexible and capable additions to our product development capacity. We look forward to continuing these global initiatives in 2005 as we extend our reach to exciting new markets. Outlook We are proud of our performance in 2004 but remain focused on what lies ahead. Between DBS and the quality of our business portfolio, we’re exceptionally well posi- tioned for future growth and value creation. Many eco- nomic forecasters are predicting another year of growth for the markets we serve; and while we believe 2005 will be a good year for Danaher, we do not expect a repeat of those same strong economic conditions. As we stated publicly in December at our annual investors’ meeting, we expect our earnings to grow by 14% to 18% in 2005. Over the longer term, our strategy for shareholder value creation continues to be core growth first, acquisitions second. Unfortunately, sometimes the pace of our acquisition activity over- s h a d ow s t h e q u a l i t y o f o u r businesses and their core growth performance. Last year we grew 9% on a core basis. At the same time, we continued to shape our portfo- lio to create a higher-growth and less cyclical mix of businesses going forward. We expect to continue an active acquisition program with the same approach we’ve used so far. We look first for markets that offer growth and profitability opportu- nities, then for companies which can serve as sensible and strong entry points. Once we find them, we vet these businesses financially to ensure they will create value, not just bulk. We’ve always said we intend to grow, but our real desire is to be strong. Our highest priority is bolt-on acquisitions that can strengthen our existing busi- nesses. Entry into adjacent markets is our second priority; transactions that establish new platforms are a third option. Appreciation I mentioned our 20th anniversary at the beginning of this letter. Everything we do at Danaher is geared to looking forward, not back (though DBS ensures that we learn from our mistakes). Still, every so often it’s reward- ing to see how far we’ve come and how true our course has been. It’s also appropriate to honor the work of those who made our current opportunities possible. I know I have benefited immensely from what others have done before me — as have our customers and shareholders. I am incredibly proud of the dedication, professionalism and imagination of the 35,000 Danaher associates who continue to take the company to new levels of achieve- ment every day. Our first and most important core value is “The Best Team Wins.” In 2004 our team demonstrated the truth in this statement more powerfully than ever. We choose these words carefully. We want great people on the pay- roll. We strive to work together in the truest sense of the word “team.” And we play to win, not merely participate in our markets, for our customers and our shareholders. I’m proud and thankful for all our team did in 2004.They really are the best team around. H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer March 5, 2005 Sales Compounded Annual Growth Rate 16% Operating Income Compounded Annual Growth Rate 19% EPS Compounded Annual Growth Rate 20% In millions $6,889 In millions $1,105.1 Before ef fect of accounting change $2.30 $5,294 $4,577 $3,778 $3,782 $846.0 $701.1 and reduction of income tax reser ves related to previously discontinued operations $1.69 $1.39 $552.1 $502.0 $1.11 $1.00 00 01 02 03 04 00 01 02 03 04 00 01 02 03 04 Operating Cash Flow Compounded Annual Growth Rate 19% In millions $1,033.2 Year End Market Price of Stock Compounded Annual Growth Rate 14% $57.41 Portfolio Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components $861.5 $710.3 $608.5 $512.2 $34.19 $32.85 $30.16 $45.88 Environmental Electronic Test Medical Technology Motion Product Identification Focused Niche Businesses Mechanics’ Hand Tools 00 01 02 03 04 00 01 02 03 04 Focused Niche Businesses Form 10-K S E C U R I T I E S A N D E X C H A N G E C O M M I S S I O N W A S H I N G T O N , D . C . 2 0 5 4 9 Form 10-K (Mark One) [ X ] OR [ ] Annual Report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 Transition Report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File Number: 1-8089 Danaher Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State of incorporation) 2099 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. (Address of Principal Executive Offices) 59-1995548 (I.R.S. Employer Identification number) 20006-1813 (Zip Code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 202-828-0850 Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Common Stock $.01 par Value Name of Exchanges on which registered New York Stock Exchange, Inc. Pacific Stock Exchange, Inc. Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE (Title of Class) Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange act Rule 12b-2). Yes X No As of February 25, 2005, the number of shares of Registrant’s common stock outstanding was 309.2 million. The aggregate market value of common shares held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on July 2, 2004 was approximately $11.6 billion, based upon the closing price of the Registrant’s common shares as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange composite tape on such date. Shares of Registrant’s common stock held by each executive officer and director and by each person known to ben- eficially own more than 10% of Registrant’s outstanding common stock have been excluded from such calculation in that such persons may be deemed affiliates. The determination of affiliate status for purposes of the foregoing calculation is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. Documents Incorporated by Reference Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the registrant’s proxy statement for its 2005 annual meeting of stock- holders. With the exception of the pages of the 2005 Proxy Statement specifically incorporated herein by reference, the 2005 Proxy Statement is not deemed to be filed as part of this Form 10-K. Table of Contents Business Properties Legal Proceedings Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters Selected Financial Data Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Page 3 11 11 12 13 14 15 30 31 Part I Item 1. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Part II Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. 2004 Annual Report 3 Information relating to forward-looking statements including projections of Certain information included or incorporated by reference in this document may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking state- ments, revenue, gross margin, expenses, earnings or losses from operations, synergies or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statement concerning developments, performance or indus- try rankings relating to products or services; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; and any other statements that address activities, events or developments that Danaher Corporation (“Danaher,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking statements may be characterized by terminology such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “positioned,” “strategy,” and similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by the Company’s man- agement in light of its experience and its perception of histori- cal trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes to be appropriate. These forward- looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: — the Company’s ability to continue longstanding rela- tionships with major customers and penetrate new channels of distribution; — increased competition; — demand for and market acceptance of new and existing products, including changes in regulations (particularly environmental regulations) which could affect demand for products; — adverse changes in currency exchange rates or raw material commodity prices; — unanticipated developments that could occur with respect to contingencies such as litigation, intellectual property matters, product liability exposures and envi- ronmental matters; — risks customarily encountered in foreign operations, including transportation interruptions, changes in a country’s or region’s political or economic conditions, trade protection measures, import or export licensing requirements, difficulty in staffing and managing wide- spread operations, differing labor regulation, differing intellectual property, and unexpected protection of changes in laws or licensing or regulatory requirements; — risks related to terrorist activities and the U.S. and inter- national response thereto; — changes in the environment for making acquisitions and divestitures, including changes in accounting or regulatory requirements or in the market value of acquisition candidates; — the Company’s ability to integrate acquired businesses into its operations, realize planned synergies and operate such businesses profitably in accordance with expectations; — the challenge of managing asset levels, including inventory; — assumptions relating to pension and other post-retirement costs; — the Company’s ability to achieve projected levels of efficiencies and cost reduction measures; and — other risks and uncertainties that affect the manufactur- ing sector generally including, but not limited to, economic, political, governmental and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, markets, products, services and prices. Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performances and actual results, developments and business decisions may differ materially from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. The Company disclaims any duty to update any forward- looking statement, all of which are expressly qualified by the foregoing. Part I I T E M 1 . B U S I N E S S General Danaher Corporation derives its sales from the design, industrial and consumer manufacture and marketing of products, which are typically characterized by strong brand names, proprietary technology and major market positions, in three business segments: Professional Instrumentation, Industrial Technologies, and Tools & Components. The Company strives to create shareholder value through: — delivering sales growth, excluding the impact of the overall market acquired businesses, in excess of growth for its products and services; — upper quartile financial performance when compared against peer companies; and — upper quartile cash flow generation from operations when compared against peer companies. To accomplish these goals, the Company uses a set of tools and processes, known as the DANAHER BUSINESS SYSTEM (“DBS”), which are designed to continuously improve business performance in critical areas of quality, delivery, cost and innovation. The Company also acquires businesses that it believes can help it achieve the objectives described above. The Company will acquire businesses when 4 2004 Annual Report they strategically fit with existing operations or when they are of such a nature and size as to establish a new strategic line of business. The extent to which appropriate acquisi- tions are made and integrated can affect the Company’s overall growth and operating results. Danaher Corporation, originally DMG, Inc., was orga- nized in 1969 as a Massachusetts real estate investment trust. In 1978 it was reorganized as a Florida corporation under the name Diversified Mortgage Investors, Inc. (“DMI”) which in a second reorganization in 1980 became a subsidiary of a newly created holding company named DMG, Inc. The Company adopted the name Danaher in 1984 and was rein- corporated as a Delaware corporation following the 1986 annual meeting of shareholders. Operating Segments Effective with this Annual Report, the Company adopted a reporting structure of three business segments: Professional Instrumentation, Industrial Technologies, and Tools & Components, rather than the two business segments used previously. All prior periods presented have been adjusted to reflect these three segments. The table below describes the percentage of the Com- pany’s total annual revenues attributable to each of the seg- ments over each of the last three fiscal years: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Segment 2004 2003 2002 Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components 42% 39% 19% 36% 41% 23% 37% 37% 26% Sales in 2004 by geographic destination were United States 55%, Europe 29%, Asia 10% and other regions 6%. For additional information regarding the Company’s segments and sales by geography, please refer to Note 14 in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. Professional Instrumentation Businesses in the Professional Instrumentation segment offer professional and technical customers various products and services that are used in connection with the performance of their work. For the year ended December 31, 2004, Profes- sional Instrumentation was Danaher’s largest segment and encompassed three strategic lines of business: Environmen- tal, Electronic Test, and Medical Technology. Sales for this segment in 2004 by geographic destination were United States 42%, Europe 37%, Asia 14% and other regions 7%. Environmental. The environmental businesses serve two main markets: water quality and retail/commercial petro- leum. The Company entered the water quality sector in 1996 through the acquisition of American Sigma and has enhanced its geographical coverage and product and service breadth through subsequent acquisitions, including the acquisitions of Dr. Lange in 1998, Hach Company in 1999, and Viridor Instrumentation in 2002. Danaher further expanded its product and geographic breadth through the November 2004 acquisition of Trojan Technologies Inc. Today, the Company is a worldwide leader in the water quality instrumentation market. Danaher’s water quality instruments, related operations provide a wide range of consumables, and services used to detect and measure chemi- cal, physical, and microbiological parameters in drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, and ultrapure water. The Company also designs, manufactures, and markets ultraviolet disinfection systems. Typical users of these products include municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, industrial process water and wastewater treatment facilities, and third-party testing laboratories. The water quality busi- ness provides products under a variety of well-known brands, including HACH, DR. LANGE, ORBISPHERE, and TROJAN TECHNOLOGIES. Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Sales to end-customers are generally made through the Company’s direct sales personnel, independent representa- tives, independent distributors and e-commerce. Danaher has participated in the retail/commercial petroleum market since the mid-1980s through its Veeder- Root business, and has substantially enhanced its geographic coverage and product and service breadth through various acquisitions including Red Jacket in 2001 and Gilbarco (formerly known as Marconi Commerce Systems) in 2002. Today, Danaher is a leading worldwide provider of products and services for the retail/commercial petroleum market. Through the Gilbarco Veeder-Root business, the Company designs, manufactures, and markets a wide range of retail/ commercial petroleum products and services, including: — monitoring and leak detection systems; — vapor recovery equipment; — fuel dispensers; — point-of-sale and merchandising systems; — submersible turbine pumps; and — remote monitoring and outsourced fuel management fuel system services, including compliance services, maintenance, and inventory planning and supply chain support. Typical users of these products include independent and company-owned retail petroleum stations, high-volume retailers, convenience stores, and commercial vehicle fleets. Danaher’s retail/commercial petroleum products are marketed under a variety of brands, including GILBARCO, VEEDER- ROOT, and RED JACKET. Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia. Sales to end-customers are generally made through indepen- dent distributors and the Company’s direct sales personnel. 2004 Annual Report 5 Electronic Test. Danaher’s electronic test business was created in 1998 through the acquisition of Fluke Corporation, and has since been supplemented by the acquisitions of a number of additional electronic test businesses. These businesses design, manufacture, and market a variety of compact pro- fessional test tools, as well as calibration equipment, for elec- trical, industrial, electronic, and calibration applications. These test products measure voltage, current, resistance, power quality, frequency, temperature, pressure, and other key electrical parameters. Typical users of these products include electrical engineers, electricians, electronic techni- cians, medical technicians, and industrial maintenance pro- fessionals. Danaher’s electronic test products are marketed including FLUKE, FLUKE under a variety of brands, NETWORKS, RAYTEK, FLUKE BIOMEDICAL and HART SCIENTIFIC. Fluke Networks provides software and hardware products used for the testing, monitoring, and analysis of local and wide area (“enterprise”) networks and the fiber and copper infrastructure of those networks. Typi- cal users of these products include computer network engi- neers and technicians. Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Sales to customers are generally made through the Company’s direct sales personnel and independent distributors. Both Fluke and Fluke Networks are leaders in their served market segments. Medical Technology. The Company added the Medical Tech- nology line of business in 2004 through the acquisitions of Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co KG (KaVo), the Gendex business of Dentsply International Inc., and Radiometer A/S. The Medical Technology businesses serve two main markets: dental products and critical care diagnostics. Danaher’s dental products businesses, KaVo and Gendex, are leading worldwide providers of products and services to dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons, dental technicians, and other oral health professionals. The Company designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of dental products, including: — treatment units; — handpieces; — conventional and digital radiography equipment; — intra-oral cameras; — lasers; — diagnostic systems; — CAD/CAM systems; and — laboratory products. The Company’s dental products are marketed under the KAVO and GENDEX brands, and manufactured in Europe, the United States, and South America. Sales are generally made to customers through independent distributors. Radiometer, a leading worldwide provider of blood gas analysis instrumentation, designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of critical care diagnostic instruments used to mea- sure blood gases and related critical care parameters, prima- rily in hospital applications, under the RADIOMETER brand. The company also provides consumables and services for its instruments. Typical users of Radiometer products include hospital central laboratories, intensive care units, critical care units, hospital operating rooms, and hospital emergency rooms. Manufacturing facilities are located in Europe and the United States, and sales are made to custom- ers primarily through the Company’s direct sales personnel. Industrial Technologies Businesses in the Industrial Technologies segment manufac- ture products and sub-systems that are typically incorporated by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) into various end-products and systems, as well by customers and systems integrators into production and packaging lines. Many of the businesses also provide services to support these products, including helping customers integrate and install the prod- ucts and helping ensure product uptime. As of December 31, 2004, the Industrial Technologies segment encompassed two strategic lines of business, Motion and Product Identifica- tion, and three focused niche businesses, Power Quality, Aerospace and Defense, and Sensors & Controls. Sales for this segment in 2004 by geographic destination were United States 55%, Europe 32%, Asia 8% and other regions 5%. Motion. Danaher entered the motion industry through the acquisition of Pacific Scientific Company in 1998, and has subsequently expanded its product and geographic breadth with various additional acquisitions, including the acquisitions of American Precision Industries, Kollmorgen Corporation, and the motion businesses of Warner Electric Company in 2000, and Thomson Industries in 2002. The Company is currently one of the leading worldwide provid- ers of precision motion control equipment. These businesses provide motors, drives, controls, mechanical components (such as ball screws, linear bearings, clutches/brakes, and linear actuators) and related products for various precision motion markets such as packaging equipment, medical equipment, robotics, circuit board assembly equipment, and electric vehicles (such as lift trucks). Customers are typically design engineers who incorporate the businesses’ products into their equipment. The Company’s motion products are marketed under a variety of brands, includ- ing KOLLMORGEN, PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC, and THOMSON. Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Sales to cus- tomers are generally made through the Company’s direct sales personnel and independent distributors. Product Identification. Danaher entered the Product Identifi- cation market through the acquisition of Videojet (formerly known as Marconi Data Systems) in 2002, and has expanded its product and geographic coverage through various subse- quent acquisitions, including the acquisitions of Willett International Limited and Accu-Sort Systems Inc. in 2003. Danaher further expanded its product and geographic 6 2004 Annual Report coverage through the acquisition of Linx Printing Technolo- gies PLC in January 2005. Danaher is a leader in its served Product Identification market segments. These businesses design, manufacture, and market a variety of equipment used to print and read bar codes, date codes, lot codes, and other information on primary and secondary packaging. The Company’s products are also used in certain high-speed printing applications. Typical users of these products include food and beverage manufacturers, pharmaceutical manufac- turers, retailers, package and parcel delivery companies, the United States Postal Service and commercial printing and mailing operations. The Company’s product identifica- tion products are marketed under a variety of brands, includ- ing VIDEOJET, ACCU-SORT, WILLETT, ZIPHER, ALLTEC and LINX. Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia. Sales to customers are generally made through the Company’s direct sales personnel and independent distributors. Danaher provides products such as digital static transfer switches, power distribution units, and transient voltage surge suppressors. Sold under the CYBEREX, CURRENT TECHNOLOGY, JOSLYN and UNITED POWER brands, these products are typically incorporated within systems used to ensure high-quality, reliable power in commercial and industrial environments. Danaher’s other power quality businesses provide a variety of products, marketed under the JOSLYN HI-VOLTAGE, JOSLYN, QUALITROL, JENNINGS, and HATHAWAY brands, and are mainly used in power transmission and distribution sys- tems. Electric utilities are typical users of these products. Sales to customers are generally made through the Compa- ny’s direct sales personnel, independent representatives, and independent distributors. Manufacturing facilities of the Industrial Technologies Focused Niche Businesses are located in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Aerospace and Defense. The Aerospace and Defense business designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of aircraft safety equipment, including: Tools & Components — smoke detection and fire suppression systems; — energetic material systems; — electronic security systems; — motors and actuators; — electrical power generation and management subsystems; and — submarine periscopes and photonic masts. These product lines came principally from the Pacific Sci- entific and Kollmorgen acquisitions and have been supple- mented by several subsequent acquisitions. Typical users of these products include commercial and business aircraft manufacturers as well as defense systems integrators and prime contractors. The Company’s aerospace and defense products are marketed under a variety of brands, including the PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC, SUNBANK, SECURA- PLANE, KOLLMORGEN ELECTRO-OPTICAL, and CALZONI brands. Sales to customers are generally made through the Company’s direct sales personnel. Sensors & Controls. Danaher’s Sensors & Controls products include instruments that measure and control discrete manufacturing variables such as temperature, position, quantity, level, flow, and time. Users of these products span a wide variety of manufacturing markets, from makers of elevators to makers of in-vitro diagnostics instrumentation. These products are marketed under a variety of brands, including DYNAPAR, EAGLE SIGNAL, HENGSTLER, PARTLOW, WEST, DOLAN-JENNER, NAMCO, GEMS SENSORS, and SETRA. Sales to customers are generally made through the Company’s direct sales personnel and independent distributors. Power Quality. The Power Quality business serves two general markets. Through the Danaher Power Solutions business, As of December 31, 2004, the Tools & Components seg- ment encompassed one strategic line of business, Mechanics’ Hand Tools, and four focused niche businesses: Delta Consolidated Industries, Hennessy Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company and Jacobs Vehicle Systems. Sales for this segment in 2004 by geographic des- tination were United States 86%, Europe 3%, Asia 5% and other regions 6%. Industries, Mechanics’ Hand Tools. The Mechanics’ Hand Tools business encompasses the Danaher Tool Group (“DTG”) and Matco Tools Corporation (“Matco”). DTG is one of the largest worldwide producers of general purpose mechanics’ hand tools, primarily ratchets, sockets, and wrenches, and special- ized automotive service tools for the professional and “do-it-yourself ” markets. DTG has been the principal manufacturer of Sears, Roebuck and Co.’s Craftsmant line of mechanics’ hand tools for over 60 years. DTG has also been the primary supplier of specialized automotive service tools to the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) for over 30 years and the designated supplier of general pur- pose mechanics’ hand tools to NAPA since 1983. In addition to this private label business, Danaher also markets various products under its own brand names, including mechanics’ hand tools for industrial and consumer markets under the ARMSTRONG, ALLEN, GEAR WRENCH and SATA brands, and automotive service tools under the K-D TOOLS brand. Typical users of DTG products include professional automotive and industrial mechanics as well as individual consumers. Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States and Asia. Sales to customers are generally made through independent distributors and retailers. Matco manufactures and distributes professional tools, toolboxes and automotive equipment, through independent mobile distributors, who sell primarily to professional 2004 Annual Report 7 mechanics under the MATCO brand. The business is one of the leaders in the hand tool mobile distribution channel in the United States. Delta Consolidated Industries. Delta is a leading manufacturer of automotive truckboxes and industrial gang boxes, which it sells under the DELTA and JOBOX brands. These prod- ucts are used by both commercial users, such as contractors, and individual consumers. Sales to customers are generally made through independent distributors and retailers. Hennessy Industries. Hennessy is a leading North American full-line wheel service equipment manufacturer, providing brake lathes, vehicle lifts, tire changers, wheel balancers, and wheel weights under the AMMCO, BADA, and COATS brands. Typical users of these products are professional mechanics. Sales to customers are generally made through the Company’s direct sales personnel, independent distribu- tors, retailers, and original equipment manufacturers. Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company. Jacobs designs, manu- factures, and markets chucks and precision tool and workholders, primarily for the portable power tool industry. Founded by the inventor of the three-jaw drill chuck, Jacobs maintains a worldwide leadership position in drill chucks. Customers are primarily major manufacturers of portable power tools, and sales are typically made through the Com- pany’s direct sales personnel. Jacobs Vehicle Systems (“JVS”). JVS is a leading worldwide supplier of supplemental braking systems for commercial vehicles, selling JAKE BRAKE brand engine retarders for class 6 through 8 vehicles and bleeder and exhaust brakes for class 2 through 7 vehicles. With over 3 million engine retard- ers installed, JVS has maintained a leadership position in its industry since introducing the first engine retarder in 1961. Customers are primarily major manufacturers of class 2 through class 8 vehicles, and sales are typically made through the Company’s direct sales personnel. Manufacturing facilities of the Tools & Components focused niche businesses are located in the United States, Latin America, and Asia. The following discussions of Raw Materials, Intellectual Property, Competition, Seasonal Nature of Business, Backlog, Employee Relations, Research and Development, Government Contracts, Regulatory Matters, International Operations and Major the Customers Company’s segments. include information common to all of Raw Materials The Company’s manufacturing operations employ a wide variety of raw materials, including steel, copper, cast iron, electronic components, aluminum, and plastics and other petroleum-based products. The Company purchases raw materials from a large number of independent sources around the world. There have been no raw materials shortages that have had a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, although market forces have caused sig- nificant increases in the costs of certain raw materials such as steel and petroleum-based products. While certain raw materials such as steel and certain electrical components remain subject to supply constraints, Danaher believes that it will generally be able to obtain adequate supplies of major raw material reasonable substitutes at reasonable costs. requirements or Intellectual Property The Company owns numerous patents and trademarks, and has also acquired licenses under patents and trademarks owned by others. Although in aggregate the Company’s intellectual prop- erty is important to its operations, the Company does not con- sider any single patent or trademark to be of material impor- tance to any segment or to the business as a whole. From time to time, however, the Company does engage in litigation to protect its patents and trademarks. Any of the Company’s pat- ents, trademarks or other proprietary rights could be chal- lenged, invalidated or circumvented, or may not provide signifi- cant competitive advantages. All capitalized brands and product names throughout this document are trademarks owned by, or licensed to, the Company or its subsidiaries. Competition Although the Company’s businesses generally operate in highly competitive markets, its competitive position cannot be determined accurately in the aggregate or by segment since its competitors do not offer all of the same product lines or serve all of the same markets as the Company. Because of the diversity of products sold and the variety of markets served, the Company encounters a wide variety of competi- tors, including well-established regional or specialized com- petitors, as well as larger companies or divisions of larger companies that have greater sales, marketing, research, and financial resources than Danaher. The number of competi- tors varies by product that Danaher has a market leadership position in many of the markets served. Key competitive factors typically include price, quality, delivery speed, service and support, innova- tion, product features and performance, knowledge of appli- cations, distribution network, and brand name. line. Management believes Seasonal Nature of Business General economic conditions have an impact on the Company’s business and financial results, and certain of the Company’s businesses experience seasonal and other trends related to the industries and end-markets that they serve. For example, European sales are often weaker in the summer months, capital equipment sales are often stronger in the fourth calendar quarter, sales to original equipment manu- facturers (“OEMs”) are often stronger immediately preced- ing and following the launch of new products, and sales to the United States government are often stronger in the third calendar quarter. However, as a whole, the Company is not subject to material seasonality. 8 2004 Annual Report Backlog Backlog is generally not considered a significant factor in the Company’s businesses as relatively short delivery periods and rapid inventory turnover are characteristic of most of its products. Employee Relations At December 31, 2004, the Company employed approxi- mately 35,000 persons, of which approximately 17,000 were employed in the United States. Of these United States employees, approximately 3,000 were hourly-rated unionized employees. The Company also has government- mandated collective bargaining arrangements or union con- tracts in other countries. Though the Company considers its labor relations to be good, it is subject to potential union campaigns, work stoppages, union negotiations and other potential labor disputes. Research and Development The table below describes the Company’s research and devel- opment expenditures over each of the last three fiscal years, by segment and in the aggregate: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) Segment 2004 2003 2002 Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Total $173 112 9 $294 $107 90 10 $207 $ 93 70 11 $174 The Company conducts research and development activities for the purpose of developing new products and services and improving existing products and services. In particular, the Company emphasizes the development of new products that are compatible with, and build upon, its manufacturing and marketing capabilities. Government Contracts The Company has agreements relating to the sale of products to government entities, primarily involving products in the aerospace and defense, product identification, water quality and motion businesses. As a result, the Company is subject to various statutes and regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government. The laws governing government contracts differ from the laws governing private contracts. For example, many government contracts contain pricing and other terms and conditions that are not appli- cable to private contracts. The Company’s agreements relat- ing to the sale of products to government entities may be subject to termination, reduction or modification in the event of changes in government requirements, reductions in federal spending and other factors. The Company is also sub- ject to investigation and audit for compliance with the requirements governing government contracts, including requirements related to procurement integrity, export con- trol, employment practices, the accuracy of records and the recording of costs. A failure to comply with these require- ments might result in suspension of these contracts, criminal or civil sanctions, administrative penalties or suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting for a period of time. Regulatory Matters Environmental, Health & Safety Certain of the Company’s operations are subject to environ- mental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, which impose limitations on the discharge of pol- lutants into the ground, air and water and establish standards for the generation, treatment, use, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. The Company must also comply with various health and safety regulations in both the United States and abroad in connection with its operations. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regula- tions. Compliance with these laws and regulations has not had and, based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. In addition to environmental compliance costs, the Company may incur costs related to alleged environmental damage associated with past or current waste disposal prac- tices or other hazardous materials handling practices. For example, generators of hazardous substances found in dis- posal sites at which environmental problems are alleged to exist, as well as the owners of those sites and certain other classes of persons, are subject to claims brought by state and federal regulatory agencies pursuant to statutory authority. The Company has received notification from the U.S. Envi- ronmental Protection Agency, and from state and foreign environmental agencies, that conditions at a number of sites where the Company and others disposed of hazardous wastes require clean-up and other possible remedial action and may be the basis for monetary sanctions, including sites where the Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party under federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The Company has projects underway at several current and former manufacturing facilities, in both the United States and abroad, to investigate and remediate envi- ronmental contamination resulting from past operations. In particular, Joslyn Manufacturing Company (“JMC”), a sub- sidiary of the Company acquired in September 1995 and the assets of which were divested in November 2004, previously operated wood treating facilities that chemically preserved utility poles, pilings, railroad ties and wood flooring blocks. These facilities used wood preservatives that included creo- sote, pentachlorophenol and chromium-arsenic-copper. All such treating operations were discontinued or sold prior to 1982. While preservatives were handled in accordance with then existing law, environmental law now imposes retroac- tive liability, in some circumstances, on persons who owned or operated wood-treating sites. JMC is remediating some of 2004 Annual Report 9 itsformer sites and will remediate other sites in the future. In connection with the divestiture of the assets of JMC, JMC retained the environmental liabilities described above and agreed to indemnify the buyer of the assets with respect to certain environmental-related liabilities. The Company is also from time to time party to personal injury or other claims brought by private parties alleging injury due to the presence of or exposure to hazardous substances. The Company has made a provision for environmental injury remediation and environmental-related personal claims; however, there can be no assurance that estimates of these liabilities will not change. The Company generally makes an assessment of the costs involved for its remediation efforts based on environmental studies as well as its prior experience with similar sites. If the Company determines that it has potential remediation liability for properties cur- rently owned or previously sold, it accrues the total estimated costs, including investigation and remediation costs, associ- ated with the site. The Company also estimates its exposure for environmental-related personal injury claims and accrues for this estimated liability as such claims become known. While the Company actively pursues appropriate insurance recoveries as well as appropriate recoveries from other poten- tially responsible parties, it does not recognize any insurance recoveries for environmental liability claims until realized. The ultimate cost of site cleanup is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of the Company’s involvement in certain sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required cleanup, the availability of alternative cleanup methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regu- lations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites and the fact that imposition of joint and several liability with right of contribution is possible under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and other environmental laws and regulations. As such, there can be no assurance that the Com- pany’s estimates of environmental liabilities will not change. In view of the Company’s financial position and reserves for environmental matters and based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, the Company believes that its liability, if any, related to past or current waste disposal practices and other hazardous mate- rials handling practices will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or cash flow. Medical Devices Certain of the Company’s products are medical devices that are subject to regulation by the United States Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) and by the counterpart agencies of the foreign countries where its products are sold. Some of the regulatory requirements of these foreign countries are different than those applicable in the United States. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with applicable medical device regulations. Pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “FDCA”), the FDA regulates virtually all phases of the manufacture, sale, and distribution of medical devices, including their introduction into interstate commerce, manufacture, advertising, labeling, packaging, marketing, distribution and record keeping. Pursuant to the FDCA and FDA regulations, certain facilities of the Company’s operat- ing subsidiaries are registered with the FDA as medical device manufacturing establishments. The FDA and the Company’s ISO Notified Bodies regularly inspect the Company’s regis- tered and/or certified facilities. Government regulatory actions for violations of the FDCA can result in recalls, sei- zures, injunctions, administrative detentions, civil monetary penalties, criminal sanctions and fines, suspension or with- drawal of approvals, premarket notification rescissions, and warning letters. All of the Company’s dental and critical care diagnostics products that are regulated by the FDA are regulated by the FDA as Class I, Class II, or Class III medical devices. A medi- cal device, whether exempt from, or cleared pursuant to, the the FDCA, or premarket notification requirements of cleared pursuant to a premarket approval application, is sub- ject to ongoing regulatory oversight by the FDA to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to, product labeling requirements and limitations, including those related to promotion and marketing efforts, current good manufacturing practices and quality system requirements, record keeping, and medical device (adverse event) reporting. In addition, certain of the Company’s products utilize radioactive material. The Company is subject to federal, state and local regulations governing the storage, handling and dis- posal of these materials and maintain the required federal and state licenses for these activities. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with applicable regulations governing the management storage, handling and disposal of radioactive material. Export Compliance The Company is required to comply with various export control and economic sanctions laws, including: the Inter- national Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) administered by the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, which, among other things, imposes license requirements on the export from the United States of defense articles and defense services (i.e., items specifically designed or adapted for a military application and/or listed on the United States Munitions List); the Export Adminis- tration Regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, which, among other things, impose licensing requirements on the export or re-export of certain dual-use goods, technology and soft- ware (i.e., items that potentially have both commercial and military applications); and the regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, which implement economic sanctions imposed against designated countries, governments and persons based on United States foreign policy and national security con- siderations. These types of export control and economic sanctions requirements may affect Company transactions 10 2004 Annual Report with non-United States customers, business partners and including dealings with or by Company other persons, employees and Company subsidiaries that are not incorpo- rated or located in the United States. In certain circumstances these regulations may prohibit the export of certain prod- ucts, services and technologies, and in other circumstances the Company may be required to obtain an export license before exporting the controlled item. Non-United States governments have also implemented similar export control regulations, which may affect Company operations or trans- actions subject to their jurisdictions. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with applicable regulations governing such export control and economic sanctions laws. International Operations The table below describes the Company’s annual net revenue originating outside the U.S. as a percentage of the Compa- ny’s total annual net revenue for each of the last three fiscal years, by segment and in the aggregate: Year ended December 31 ($ in millions) Segment 2004 2003 2002 Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Total Company 45% 36% 12% 35% 36% 39% 11% 31% 37% 26% 11% 28% The Company’s principal markets outside the United States are in Europe and Asia. The table below describes the Company’s long-lived assets located outside the U.S. as a percentage of the Com- pany’s total long-lived assets in each of the last three fiscal years, by segment and in the aggregate: Year ended December 31 ($ in millions) Segment 2004 2003 2002 Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Total Company 64% 10% 5% 37% 33% 11% 5% 18% 26% 10% 5% 15% For additional information related to revenues and long-lived assets by country, please refer to Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Most of the Company’s sales in international markets are made by foreign sales subsidiaries or from manufacturing entities outside the United States. In countries with low sales volumes, sales are generally made through various represen- tatives and distributors. However, the Company also sells into international markets directly from the U.S. The Company’s international business is subject to risks customarily encountered in foreign operations, including interruption in the transportation of materials and products to the Company and finished goods to the Company’s customers, changes in a specific country’s or region’s political or economic conditions, trade protection measures, import or export licensing requirements, unexpected changes in tax laws and regulatory requirements, difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations, differing labor regulations and differing protection of intellectual property. The Com- pany is also exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk inherent in its operating results and assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar. Terrorist activities in the U.S. and international response thereto could exacerbate these risks. Financial information about the Company’s international operations is contained in Note 14 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and additional information about the possible effects on the Company of foreign currency fluctua- tions is set forth in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Major Customers The Company has no customers that accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales in 2004, 2003 or 2002. Other Matters The Company’s businesses maintain sufficient levels of working capital to support customer requirements. The Company’s sales and payment terms are generally similar to those of its competitors. Available Information an internet website The Company maintains at www.danaher.com. The Company makes available free of charge on the website its annual reports on Form 10-K, quar- terly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pur- suant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electroni- cally with, or furnishing such material to, the SEC. The Company’s Internet site and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not incorporated by refer- ence into this Form 10-K. Code of Ethics Danaher has adopted a code of business conduct and eth- ics for directors, officers (including Danaher’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) and employees, known as the Standards of Conduct. The Standards of Conduct are available in the Investor Information section of Danaher’s website at www.danaher.com. Stockholders may request a free copy of the Standards of Conduct from: Danaher Corporation Attention: Investor Relations 2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. 12th Floor Washington, D.C. 20006 2004 Annual Report 11 Danaher intends to disclose any amendment to the Standards of Conduct that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K, and any waiver from a provision of the Standards of Conduct granted to any director, principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or any other executive officer of Danaher, in the Investor Information sec- tion of Danaher’s website, at www.danaher.com, within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver. Corporate Governance Guidelines and Committee Charters Danaher has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available in the Investor Information section of Danaher’s website at www.danaher.com. The charters of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Commit- tee and the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors are also available in the Investor Informa- tion section of the Company’s website at www.danaher.com. Stockholders may request a free copy of these committee charters and the Corporate Governance Guidelines from the address set forth above under “—Code of Ethics.” Certifications The Company has filed certifications under Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, an annual CEO Certification was submitted by the Company’s CEO to the New York Stock Exchange on May 21, 2004 in accordance with the Exchange’s listing standards. I T E M 2 . P RO P E RT I E S The Company’s corporate headquarters are located in Washington, D.C. At December 31, 2004, the Company had 176 significant manufacturing and distribution locations worldwide, comprising approximately 19 million square feet, of which approximately 12 million square feet are owned and approximately 7 million square feet are leased. Of these manufacturing and distribution locations, 101 facilities are located in the United States and 75 are located outside the United States, primarily in Europe and to a lesser extent in Asia, Canada, and Latin America. The number of manufacturing and distribution locations by business segment are: Professional Instrumentation, 65; Industrial Technologies, 80; and Tools and Components, 31. The Company considers its facilities suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used and does not anticipate difficulty in renewing existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities. Please refer to Note 9 in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report to the for additional Company’s lease commitments. information with respect I T E M 3 . L E G A L P RO C E E D I N G S In addition to the litigation noted under Item 1, Business— Regulatory Matters—Environmental, Health & Safety and described in Note 10 in the Consolidated Financial State- ments included in this Annual Report, the Company is, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to its business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of the Company’s products, allegations of patent and trademark infringement and trade secret mis- appropriation, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employment matters and commercial disputes. The Company may also become subject to lawsuits as a result of past or future acquisitions. Some of these lawsuits include claims for punitive as well as compensatory damages. While the Company maintains workers compensation, property, liability, and directors’ and cargo, auto, product, general officers’ liability insurance (and have acquired rights under similar policies in connection with certain acquisitions) that it believes covers a portion of these claims, this insurance may be insufficient or unavailable to protect it against potential loss exposures. In addition, while the Company believes it is entitled to indemnification from third parties for some of these claims, these rights may also be insufficient or unavail- able to protect the Company against potential loss exposures. The Company believes that the results of these litigation matters and other pending legal proceedings will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s cash flows or financial condition, even before taking into account any related insurance recoveries. The Company carries significant deductibles and self- insured retentions for workers’ compensation, property, automobile, product and general liability costs, and manage- ment believes that the Company maintains adequate accruals to cover the retained liability. Management determines the Company’s accrual for self-insurance liability based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company maintains third party insurance policies up to certain limits to cover liability costs in excess of predeter- mined retained amounts. 12 2004 Annual Report I T E M 4 . S U B M I S S I O N O F M A T T E R S T O A V O T E O F S E C U R I T Y H O L D E R S No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2004. Executive Officers of the Registrant Set forth below are the names, ages, positions and experience of the Company’s executive officers. All executive officers hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Name Steven M. Rales Mitchell P. Rales H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. Patrick W. Allender Philip W. Knisely Steven E. Simms James H. Ditkoff Daniel L. Comas Robert S. Lutz Daniel A. Pryor Daniel A. Raskas Age 53 48 41 58 50 49 58 41 47 37 38 Position Chairman of the Board Chairman of the Executive Committee Chief Executive Officer and President Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Executive Vice President Executive Vice President Senior Vice President—Finance and Tax Senior Vice President—Finance and Corporate Development Vice President—Chief Accounting Officer Vice President—Strategic Development Vice President—Corporate Development Officer Since 1984 1984 1995 1987 2000 1996 1991 1996 2002 2000 2004 Steven M. Rales has served as Chairman of the Board since January 1984. In addition, during the past five years, he has been a principal in a number of private business enti- ties with interests in manufacturing companies and publicly traded securities. Mr. Rales is a brother of Mitchell P. Rales. Mitchell P. Rales has served as Chairman of the Execu- tive Committee since 1990. In addition, during the past five years, he has been a principal in a number of private business entities with interests in manufacturing companies and publicly traded securities. Mr. Rales is a brother of Steven M. Rales. H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 2001. He has served in general management positions within the Company for more than the past five years, including serving as Chief Operating Officer from July 2000 to May 2001. Patrick W. Allender has served as Chief Financial the Company since March 1987 and was Officer of appointed Executive Vice President in 1999. In November 2004, the Company announced that effective April 4, 2005, Daniel L. Comas, the Company’s Senior Vice President, succeed and Corporate Development, will Finance Mr. Allender as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Allender will continue as an Executive Vice President of the Company until at least the end of 2005. Philip W. Knisely was appointed Executive Vice Presi- dent in June 2000. He had previously served Colfax Corpo- ration, a diversified industrial manufacturing company, as Chief Executive Officer, since 1995. Colfax Corporation is majority-owned by Steven and Mitchell Rales. Steven E. Simms was appointed Executive Vice Presi- dent in November 2000. He joined the Company in 1996 as Vice President and Group Executive. James H. Ditkoff served as Vice President—Finance and Tax from January 1991 to December 2002 and has served as Senior Vice President—Finance and Tax since December 2002. Daniel L. Comas served as Vice President-Corporate Development from 1996 to April 2004, and has served as Senior Vice President—Finance and Corporate Develop- ment since April 2004. In November 2004, the Company announced that effective April 4, 2005, Mr. Comas will suc- ceed Patrick W. Allender as Chief Financial Officer. Robert S. Lutz joined the Company as Vice President—Audit and Reporting in July 2002 and was appointed Vice President—Chief Accounting Officer in March 2003. Prior to joining the Company, he served in various positions at Arthur Andersen LLP, an accounting firm, from 1979 until 2002, most recently as partner from 1991 to July 2002. Daniel A. Pryor was appointed Vice President— Strategic Development in November 2000. He has served in general management positions within the Company for more than the past five years, including service as Executive Vice President of Hach Company from June 1999 through November 2000. Daniel A. Raskas was appointed Vice President— Corporate Development in November 2004. Prior to join- ing the Company, he worked for Thayer Capital Partners, a private equity investment firm, from 1998 through October 2004, most recently as Managing Director from 2001 through October 2004. 2004 Annual Report 13 Part II I T E M 5 . M A R K E T F O R T H E R E G I S T R A N T ’ S C O M M O N E Q U I T Y A N D R E L A T E D S T O C K H O L D E R M A T T E R S On April 22, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one split of its common stock. The split was affected in the form of a stock dividend paid on May 20, 2004 to shareholders of record on May 6, 2004. All share and per share information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of this split. The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange under the symbol DHR. On February 25, 2005, there were approximately 2,600 holders of record of the Company’s common stock. The high and low common stock prices per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange, and the dividends paid per share, in each case for the periods described below, were as follows: First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter 2004 Low $43.83 44.13 47.65 51.44 High $48.10 52.02 52.96 58.90 Dividends Per Share $.0125 .0150 .0150 .0150 High $34.25 36.13 39.31 46.18 2003 Low $29.78 32.05 32.66 36.68 Dividends Per Share $.0125 .0125 .0125 .0125 On April 21, 2004, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend on the Company’s common stock from $.0125 to $.015 per share (on a post-split basis). The payment of dividends by the Company in the future will be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend on business conditions, the Company’s financial earnings and other factors. Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities Repurchases of equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2004 are listed in the following table. Period 10/1/04–10/31/04(1) 11/1/04–11/30/04(1) 12/1/04–12/31/04(1) Total Total Number of Shares Purchased — 610 — 610 Average Price Paid per Share $ — $57.79 $ — $57.79 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs — — — — Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under The Plans or Programs — — (1) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company accepted an aggregate of 610 previously issued shares tendered by two employees as payment of the strike price in connection with the exercise of stock options, the gains on which were deferred into the Company’s Executive Deferred Incentive Program. The average price paid per share is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock as reported on the NYSE on the date of the transaction. None of these transactions were made in the open market. 14 2004 Annual Report I T E M 6 . S E L E C T E D F I N A N C I A L D A T A (in thousands, except per share information) Sales Operating Profit Net earnings before effect of accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves related to previously discontinued operation Net earnings Earnings per share before accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves related to previously discontinued operation Basic Diluted Earnings per share Basic Diluted Dividends per share Total assets Total debt 2004 $6,889,301 1,105,133 2003 $5,293,876 845,995(a) 2002 $4,577,232 701,122(b) 2001 $3,782,444 502,011(b) 2000 $3,777,777 552,149 746,000 746,000 536,834(a) 536,834(a) 434,141(b) 290,391(b) 297,665(b) 297,665(b) 324,213 324,213 2.41 2.30 2.41 2.30 0.058 8,493,893 1,350,298 1.75(a) 1.69(a) 1.45(b) 1.39(b) 1.04(b) 1.00(b) 1.14 1.11 1.75(a) 1.69(a) 0.050 6,890,050 1,298,883 0.97(b) 0.94(b) 0.045 6,029,145 1,309,964 1.04(b) 1.00(b) 0.040 4,820,483 1,191,689 1.14 1.11 0.035 4,031,679 795,190 (a) Includes a benefit of $22.5 million ($14.6 million after-tax or $0.05 per share) from a gain on curtailment of the Company’s Cash Balance Pension Plan recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003. (b) Includes $69.7 million ($43.5 million after-tax or $0.14 per share) in costs from restructuring charges taken in the fourth quarter of 2001 and a benefit of $6.3 million ($4.1 million after-tax or $0.01 per share) from the reversal of unutilized restructuring accruals recorded in the fourth quarter of 2002. 2004 Annual Report 15 Overview I T E M 7 . M A N A G E M E N T ’ S D I S C U S S I O N A N D A N A LY S I S O F F I N A N C I A L C O N D I T I O N A N D R E S U LT S O F O P E R A T I O N S The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s finan- cial condition and results of operations should be read in con- junction with its audited consolidated financial statements. Overview Danaher Corporation derives its sales from the design, manufacture and marketing of industrial and consumer products, which are typically characterized by strong brand names, proprietary technology and major market positions, in three business segments: Professional Instrumentation, Industrial Technologies and Tools & Components. The Company strives to create shareholder value through: — delivering sales growth, excluding the impact of the overall market acquired businesses, in excess of growth for its products and services; — upper quartile financial performance when compared against peer companies; and — upper quartile cash flow generation from operations when compared against peer companies. To accomplish these goals, the Company uses a set of tools and processes, known as the DANAHER BUSINESS SYS- TEM (“DBS”), which are designed to continuously improve business performance in critical areas of quality, delivery, cost and innovation. The Company will acquire businesses when they strategically fit with existing operations or when they are of such a nature and size as to establish a new strategic line of business. The extent to which appropriate acquisi- tions are made and integrated can affect the Company’s over- all growth and operating results. The Company also acquires businesses that it believes can help it achieve the objectives described above. Danaher is a multinational corporation with global operations and approximately 45% of 2004 sales derived outside the United States. As a global business, Danaher’s operations are affected by worldwide, regional and industry economic and political factors. However, Danaher’s geo- graphic and industry diversity, as well as the diversity of its product sales and services, has helped limit the impact of any one industry or the economy of any single country on the consolidated operating results. Given the broad range of products manufactured and geographies served, manage- ment does not use any indices other than general economic trends to predict the outlook for the Company. The Com- pany’s individual businesses monitor key competitors and customers, including to the extent possible their sales, to gauge relative performance and the outlook for the future. In addition, the Company’s order rates are highly indicative of the Company’s future revenue and thus a key measure of anticipated performance. In those industry segments where the Company is a capital equipment provider, revenues depend on the capital expenditure budgets and spending pat- terns of the Company’s customers, who may delay or accel- erate purchases in reaction to changes in their businesses and in the economy. While differences exist among the Company’s busi- nesses, the Company’s markets generally strengthened in the second half of 2003 and remained strong throughout 2004. Consolidated revenues for 2004 increased approximately 30% over 2003. Acquisitions accounted for approximately 18.5% growth, favorable currency translation, primarily as a result of the strengthening of the Euro, contributed approxi- mately 2.5% growth and revenues from existing businesses for the year (defined as businesses that have been part of the Company for each comparable period reported excluding currency effect) contributed 9% growth. During 2004, the Company acquired Radiometer A/S, substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of the Gendex business of Dentsply International, Inc., and Kaltenbach & Voigt Gmbh (KaVo), which together form the core of a new Medical Technology business. The Medical Technology business, which is included in the Company’s Professional Instrumen- tation segment, is expected to provide additional sales and for the Company both earnings growth opportunities through growth of its existing products and services and through the potential acquisition of complementary busi- nesses. While the Company continues to see broad-based strength across most of its businesses and end markets, based on current order rates, certain businesses are expected to experience moderating growth in 2005 due to current global economic conditions, a slowing semi-conductor market and more difficult comparisons with the 2004 periods, which were very strong by historical standards. The Company continues to operate in a highly com- petitive business environment in most of the markets and geographies served. The Company’s performance will be impacted by its ability to address a variety of challenges and opportunities in the markets and geographies served, includ- ing trends toward increased utilization of the global labor force, consolidation of competitors and the expansion of market opportunities in Asia. The Company will continue to assess market needs with the objective of positioning itself to provide superior products and services to its customers in a cost efficient manner. With the formation of the Medical Technology business noted above, the Company is devoting significant attention to the successful integration of these acquired businesses into the organization. Although the Company has a U.S. dollar functional currency for reporting purposes, a substantial portion of its sales are derived from foreign countries. Sales of subsidiaries operating outside of the United States are translated using exchange rates effective during the respective period. There- fore, reported sales are affected by changes in currency rates, which are outside of the control of management. As noted 16 2004 Annual Report above, the Company benefited from the impact of favorable currency trends in its international businesses during 2004 when compared to 2003. The Company has generally accepted the exposure to exchange rate movements relative to its investment in foreign operations without using deriva- tive financial instruments to manage this risk. Therefore, both positive and negative movements in currency exchange rates against the U.S. dollar will continue to affect the reported amount of sales and profit in the consolidated finan- cial statements. While currency rates continued to produce positive comparisons on a year over year basis, strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies could adversely impact the Company’s results of operations. Results of Operations The following table summarizes sales by business segment for each of the past three years: For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2004 2003 2002 Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Total $2,915.7 2,667.3 1,306.3 $6,889.3 $1,916.0 2,180.7 1,197.2 $5,293.9 $1,676.1 1,709.0 1,192.1 $4,577.2 Professional Instrumentation largest segment Businesses in the Professional Instrumentation segment offer professional and technical customers various products and services that are used in connection with the perfor- mance of their work. As of December 31, 2004, Professional Instrumentation was Danaher’s and encompassed three strategic businesses, Environmental, Electronic Test, and Medical Technology. These businesses produce and sell compact, professional electronic test tools and calibration equipment; water quality instrumentation and consumables and ultraviolet disinfection systems; retail/ commercial petroleum products and services, including underground storage tank leak detection systems; critical care diagnostic instruments and a wide range of products used by dental professionals. Professional Instrumentation Selected Financial Data For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2004 Operating Performance 2003 2002 Sales Operating profit Operating profit as a % of sales $2,915.7 544.0 $1,916.0 357.5 $1,676.1 298.2 18.7% 18.7% 17.8% Components of Sales Growth 2004 vs. 2003 2003 vs. 2002 Existing businesses Acquisitions Impact of foreign currency Total 8.5% 39.5% 4.0% 52.0% 1.0% 8.0% 5.5% 14.5% 2004 Compared to 2003 Segment Overview Sales of the Professional Instrumentation segment increased approximately 52% in 2004 compared to 2003, largely as a result of sales from acquired businesses, which contributed approximately 39.5% of the overall increase. Sales from exist- ing businesses for this segment contributed approximately 8.5% growth compared to 2003, principally from sales increases in the environmental and electronic test and mea- surement businesses. Price increases, which are included in sales from existing businesses, contributed less than 1% to overall sales growth compared to 2003. Favorable currency translation impact accounted for approximately 4% of the overall sales increase. Operating profit margins for the segment were 18.7% in 2004, flat compared to 2003. Operating profit margin improvements in the Company’s existing operations were offset by the lower operating margins of acquired businesses, primarily KaVo, which diluted segment margins by approxi- mately 200 basis points compared with 2003. The Company continues to pursue on-going cost reductions through appli- cation of the Danaher Business System and low-cost region sourcing and production initiatives which are expected to further improve operating margins at both existing and newly acquired businesses in future periods. 2004 Annual Report 17 Business Overview Environmental. Sales from the Company’s environmental businesses, representing approximately 49% of segment sales in 2004, increased approximately 16% in 2004 compared to 2003. Acquisitions accounted for approximately 3% growth, sales from existing businesses provided 9% growth and favor- able currency translation provided 4% growth. Sales were positively impacted by continued strength in the Gilbarco Veeder-Root retail petroleum equipment busi- ness. Gilbarco Veeder-Root delivered low double-digit growth rates for the full year 2004, but slowed to a mid-single digit growth rate on a comparable basis during the fourth quarter of 2004 compared to the fourth quarter of 2003 as a result of comparisons with the higher sales levels that began in the fourth quarter of 2003. In addition, growth rates for the first quarter of 2004 benefited from the comparison to the softness experienced in the first quarter of 2003 prior to the Iraq war. Strength in sales of retail automation and leak- detection equipment in the U.S., Europe and China were the primary drivers of the growth from existing businesses. Year- over-year growth rates in this business are expected to con- tinue slowing in early 2005 as a result of the significant sales growth experienced in early 2004. Hach/Lange’s sales growth from existing businesses also contributed to the increase with high single-digit growth. Hach/Lange achieved higher-than-market growth in both the laboratory and process instrumentation markets in both the U.S. and, to a lesser extent, Europe, and also experienced continued strength in China. The Company’s Hach Ultra Analytics business reported accelerated growth in the second half of 2004 driven by strong U.S. and Asian sales. The busi- ness continues to benefit from strength in the electronics and food and beverage end markets. The acquisition of Trojan Technologies in November 2004 establishes the business line’s drinking and waste water disinfection market position and is expected to generate approximately $100 million in incremental sales for the business in 2005. Electronic Test. Electronic test sales, representing approxi- mately 28% of segment sales in 2004, grew 19.5% during 2004 compared to 2003. Acquisitions accounted for approxi- mately 7.5% growth, revenues from existing businesses provided 8.5% growth and favorable currency translation provided 3.5% growth. Year-over-year growth rates in the second half of 2004 (on a days-adjusted basis) declined somewhat from the rates reported in the first half of 2004. The decline is the result of lapping stronger sales quarters which began for this business in the second half of 2003 as well as a result of the expiration of a multi-year resale agreement relating to a low- margin product line. Growth resulted from strength in the U.S. industrial channel, the European electrical channel and overall strong growth in China. The Company’s network-test business achieved 20% growth during the year, reflecting continued strength in network analysis, copper and fiber equipment sales and strong enterprise market share gains. The business also benefited from delivery of a large order in the fourth quarter of 2004 for test equipment to service a telecommunication customer’s next generation service offerings. technology Technology. Medical Medical represented approximately 23% of segment sales in 2004. All of this sales growth represents acquisition related growth as this line of business was established in 2004 with the acquisitions of Radiometer, Gendex and KaVo. Radiometer’s critical care diagnostics business experienced growth across all major geographies, driven by strong instrument placements and related accessory sales. Radiometer’s high single digit sales growth was somewhat offset by the KaVo and Gendex dental impacted by significant pre- unit business, which was acquisition sales incentive programs in the United States and Japan implemented by the former owners. 2003 Compared to 2002 Segment Overview Sales of the Professional Instrumentation segment increased 14.5% in 2003 compared to 2002. Acquisitions provided an 8.0% increase in segment sales due primarily to the acqui- sitions of Gilbarco and Raytek in 2002 as well as the impact of several smaller acquisitions. Sales from existing businesses for this segment were up approximately 1.0% in 2003 com- pared to 2002, principally from sales increases in the Com- pany’s environmental businesses. Prices were essentially flat compared to 2002. Favorable currency translation impact generated 5.5% growth in 2003 compared to 2002. Operating profit margins for the segment were 18.7% in 2003 compared to 17.8% in 2002. Operating profit margins for 2002 included approximately 40 basis points of benefit associated with gains on the sale of real estate and adjustments to the restructuring reserves established in 2001. The overall improvement in operating profit margins was driven primarily by ongoing cost reductions associated with the Company’s DBS initiatives completed during 2003 and margin improvements in recently acquired businesses. Business Overview Environmental. Sales from the Company’s environmental businesses, representing approximately 65% of segment sales in 2003, increased approximately 15.5% in 2003 compared to 2002. Acquisitions completed in 2002 and 2003 accounted for approximately 7.5% growth, sales from exist- ing businesses provided 2% growth and favorable currency translation provided 6% growth. Operations were impacted by strength in the second half of 2003 in the Gilbarco Veeder-Root retail petroleum equipment business, resulting in part from market-share gains in the U.S. due to the addition of a number of distribu- tors as a result of financial difficulties of a competitor. Increased sales to high-volume retailers and strong year-end purchasing activity from major oil companies with respect to both retail automation and environmental systems also con- 18 2004 Annual Report tributed to the strength in the second half of 2003. Sales from existing businesses in the Company’s water quality businesses also contributed to the increase as strength in laboratory instrumentation sales in Europe was partially offset by soft- ness in the U.S. laboratory instrumentation and ultrapure markets due to weakness in the semiconductor and electrical assembly markets and due to several large contracts in 2002 not repeating in 2003. Electronic Test. Electronic test sales, representing approxi- mately 35% of 2003’s segment sales, grew 13% during 2003 compared to 2002. Acquisitions, principally the Raytek Cor- poration acquisition, completed in August 2002, provided 9% growth, which includes strong sales of Raytek’s non- contact temperature measurement and thermal imaging products. Favorable currency translation provided 5% growth. These factors were partially offset by an approximate 1% decline in sales from existing businesses due primarily to softness in telecommunications and data network markets. The Company’s network-test business strengthened in the second half of 2003, compared to the first half of 2003, to post low-single digit declines for the year. Industrial Technologies Businesses in the Industrial Technologies segment manufac- ture products and sub-systems that are typically incorporated by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) into various end-products and systems, as well by customers and systems integrators into production and packaging lines. Many of the businesses also provide services to support their products, including helping customers integrate and install the prod- ucts and helping ensure product uptime. The Industrial Technologies segment encompasses two strategic businesses, Motion and Product Identification, and three focused niche businesses: Power Quality, Aerospace and Defense, and Sen- sors & Controls. These businesses produce and sell product identification equipment and consumables; motion, posi- tion, speed, temperature, and level instruments and sensing devices; power switches and controls; power protection products; liquid flow and quality measuring devices; safety devices; and electronic and mechanical counting and con- trolling devices. Industrial Technologies Segment Selected Financial Data For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2004 Operating Performance 2003 2002 Sales Operating profit Operating profit as a % of sales $2,667.3 393.5 $2,180.7 316.8 $1,709.1 242.3 14.8% 14.5% 14.2% Components of Sales Growth 2004 vs. 2003 2003 vs. 2002 Existing businesses Acquisition Impact of foreign currency Total 9.0% 10.5% 3.0% 22.5% 3.0% 20.0% 4.5% 27.5% 2004 Compared to 2003 Segment Overview Sales of increased the Industrial Technologies segment approximately 22.5% in 2004 compared to 2003. Sales from existing businesses for this segment contributed approxi- mately 9% to the overall growth compared to 2003, driven by sales increases in all businesses with particularly strong sales increases in the Company’s motion businesses. Price increases, which are included in sales from existing busi- nesses, were negligible compared to 2003. Acquisitions con- tributed approximately 10.5% to the growth during the year driven in large part by acquisitions within the Company’s product identification business. The impact of favorable cur- rency translation generated approximately 3% growth com- pared to 2003. Operating profit margins for the segment were 14.8% in 2004 compared to 14.5% in 2003. The overall improve- ment in operating profit margins for 2004 was driven prima- rily by additional leverage from sales growth, on-going cost reductions associated with Danaher Business System initia- tives and reductions in manufacturing costs through low-cost region sourcing and production initiatives implemented during 2004 and 2003. Margin improvements were partially offset by lower margins associated with the start-up stage of new business initiatives with certain OEMs in the Company’s motion business. Business Overview Motion. Sales in the Company’s motion businesses, repre- senting approximately 36% of 2004’s segment sales, grew 20% in 2004 compared to 2003, as sales from existing busi- nesses contributed 13% to the overall reported growth, acquisitions provided growth of 3.5% and favorable currency translation effects provided 3.5% growth. The growth in sales from existing businesses continued to be broad-based, both geographically and across the mar- kets served. The North American market for direct drive products, and the worldwide semiconductor and flat-panel display markets demonstrated particular strength during 2004 and contributed significantly to the businesses’ overall growth. Some general signs of softening in the semiconduc- tor and electronic assembly end markets served by the motion businesses have tempered management’s growth expectations with respect to these businesses for 2005. The business has experienced a significant increase in sales associated with electric vehicle projects won in prior periods 2004 Annual Report 19 and believes it has captured market share in 2004 as many motion control applications have shifted to the use of AC motor technology solutions. The Company’s linear actuator product businesses continued to grow in 2004, primarily resulting from strong market growth for ball screw and gear- box product offerings in both North America and Europe. Growth rates in 2005 are expected to decline from the rates experienced in 2004 as the business begins to compare against these very strong 2004 sales levels and also because of the softening in the semiconductor and electronic assembly end markets referred to above. Product Identification. The product identification business accounted for approximately 25% of segment revenues in 2004. For 2004, product identification revenues grew 38.5% compared to 2003, with acquisitions providing 29% growth, favorable currency impacts of approximately 3.5%, and sales from existing operations providing 6% growth. Growth in sales from existing businesses was broad- based across the product portfolio. The growth was driven by strong equipment sales, primarily continuous ink-jet printer sales in China and North America, but increasingly in the laser, thermal transfer overprint and binary array prod- uct offerings. Year-over-year growth rates for the second half of 2004 were somewhat lower compared with the growth rates in the first half of 2004 reflecting the normalization of revenues associated with the 2003 Willett acquisition as well as continued integration activities related to recent acquisi- tions. The newly acquired reading and scanning business also experienced growth, primarily from systems installation projects with the United States Postal Service. The January 2005 acquisition of Linx Printing Technologies PLC, a UK- based coding and marking business adds new distribution channels Japan and the United States. Linx had revenues of approximately $93 million in 2004. such as Germany, in key markets Focused Niche Businesses. The segment’s niche businesses in the aggregate showed 16% sales growth in 2004, primarily from high-single digit growth from existing businesses, largely attributable to the Company’s Sensors & Controls and Aerospace & Defense businesses, and to a lesser extent due to the impact of acquisitions in the Company’s Aerospace and Defense businesses. 2003 Compared to 2002 Segment Overview Sales of increased the Industrial Technologies segment 27.5% in 2003 compared to 2002. The fourth quarter 2002 acquisition of Thomson Industries and the 2003 acquisition of Willett International Limited (“Willett”), together with several other smaller acquisitions provided a 20.0% increase in segment sales. This increase was in addition to an approxi- mate 4.5% favorable currency translation impact. Sales from existing businesses for this segment were up approximately 3.0% in 2003 compared to 2002, principally from sales increases in the motion, and product identification busi- nesses. Prices were essentially flat in 2003 compared to 2002. Operating profit margins for the segment were 14.5% in 2003 compared to 14.2% in 2002. Operating profit margins for 2002 included approximately 40 basis points of benefit associated with gains on the sale of real estate and adjustments to the restructuring reserves established in 2001. The overall improvement in operating profit margins was driven primarily by on-going cost reductions associated with the Company’s DBS initiatives completed during 2003, and margin improvements in recently acquired businesses, which typically have higher cost structures than the Company’s existing operations. Business Overview Motion. Sales in the Company’s motion businesses, repre- senting approximately 37% of 2003’s segment sales, grew 33% in 2003 compared to 2002, as acquisitions provided growth of 21% (primarily from the Thomson Industries acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2002) and favorable cur- rency translation effects provided 8% growth to drive this increase. The existing businesses’ sales accounted for 4% growth, reflecting share gains in certain of its end markets, including electric vehicles and direct drives, partially offset by year-over-year low-single digit declines in the Company’s linear actuator product businesses resulting from integration of the sales channels associated with the Thomson acquisi- tion. The Company’s linear actuator businesses showed low- single digit growth in the fourth quarter which represented the first quarter of growth for this business in 2003, due to increased shipments for military programs as well as increased sales to the Company’s distribution network. Product Identification. In February 2002, the Company estab- lished its Product Identification business with the acquisition of Videojet Technologies. In January 2003 Willett was added to this business and Accu-Sort Systems, Inc. was acquired in Identification business November 2003. The Product accounted for approximately 22% of segment sales in 2003. For 2003, Product Identification sales grew 65% compared to 2002, with the Willett and Accu-Sort acquisitions provid- ing 55% growth, favorable currency impacts of approxi- mately 5%, and existing operations providing 5% growth, based largely on broad based equipment sales increases. Focused Niche Businesses. The segment’s niche businesses in the aggregate showed high-single digit sales growth in 2003, primarily from acquisitions in the Company’s Aerospace and Defense and Sensors and Controls businesses. Tools & Components The Tools & Components segment is one of the largest domestic producers and distributors of general purpose and specialty mechanics’ hand tools. Other products 20 2004 Annual Report manufactured by the businesses in this segment include tool- boxes and storage devices; diesel engine retarders; wheel ser- vice equipment; drill chucks; custom-designed headed tools and components; and high-quality precision socket screws, fasteners, and miniature precision parts. Tools & Components Selected Financial Data operating profit for 2004 by about $5 million. Completing the plant closure is expected to cost approximately $6 million in 2005 and as a result there will be minimal benefit to oper- ating margins from this closure in 2005. The Company does not expect this closure to have a positive contribution to earnings until 2006. For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2004 2003 2002 Sales Operating profit Operating profit as a % of sales $1,306.3 198.3 $1,197.2 173.8 $1,192.1 181.4 15.2% 14.5% 15.2% Components of Sales Growth 2004 vs. 2003 2003 vs. 2002 Existing businesses Divestiture Impact of foreign currency Total 9.5% (0.5%) — 9.0% 0.5% — — 0.5% 2004 Compared to 2003 Sales in the Tools & Components segment grew 9% in 2004 compared to 2003. Sales volumes from existing businesses contributed 9.5% and were offset slightly by the impact of a small divestiture during the year. There were no acquisi- tions in this segment during either 2004 or 2003. Price increases, which are included in sales from existing busi- nesses, contributed less than 1% to reported revenue. Cur- rency impacts on revenues were negligible. Sales in the Mechanics Hand Tools business, representing approximately two-thirds of segment sales in 2004, grew approximately 8.5% for the year, driven primarily by increases in sales from the group’s retail hand tool product lines, mobile distribution business and industrial distribution businesses. Sell-through at the group’s major retail customer was in line with the group’s sales to this customer during the period. The Com- pany’s Matco business grew at low double-digit rates for 2004 which the Company believes outpaced the overall market growth. The Company’s engine retarder and chuck busi- nesses also experienced low double-digit growth rates. The other niche businesses within the segment also experienced mid to high-single digit growth rates during 2004. Operating profit margins for the segment were 15.2% in 2004 compared to 14.5% in 2003. This improvement was driven by leverage on increased sales volume and the impact of cost reduction programs implemented in 2003 and 2004 offset partially by increases in price and surcharges related to steel purchases incurred in the third quarter. Price increases have been implemented to recover a portion of the increase in raw material costs. The Company announced a plant clos- ing in the fourth quarter of 2004 which reduced overall 2003 Compared to 2002 Sales in the Tools & Components segment grew approxi- mately 0.5% in 2003. All of this growth represents growth in sales volume from existing businesses, as there were no acquisitions in this segment during either 2002 or 2003. Price and currency impacts on sales were negligible. Mechanics Hand Tools sales, representing approximately two-thirds of segment sales in 2003, grew approximately 3.5% for the year, driven primarily by increases in sales from the group’s retail hand tool product lines which rebounded in the second half of 2003 as sales to the group’s largest cus- tomer strengthened through the third and fourth quarters of 2003. In addition, both the Company’s Matco and Asian dis- tribution channels showed growth for 2003. Offsetting these increases was a net sales decline in the segment’s niche busi- nesses, as weakness in shipments of truck and industrial boxes, drill chucks and pole-line hardware driven by weak end markets and increased competition from low-cost com- petitors was partially offset by revenue gains in the Compa- ny’s wheel service equipment product lines. Also, sales of diesel engine retarders fell during 2003, reflecting decreased end-user demand as compared to 2002. In 2002, the business experienced an inventory build-up by customers in advance of regulatory changes implemented in 2002. Operating profit margins for the segment were 14.5% in 2003 compared to 15.2% in 2002. Operating profit margins in 2002 benefited by 10 basis points from the reversal of unutilized accruals established for the 2001 restructuring program. Margin improvements at the Jacobs Chuck business unit related to the 2001 restructuring program, and other cost reductions, were offset by margin declines at the Delta Industries business unit related to the volume decrease noted above, the impact of lower engine retarder sales, and by spending on certain cost reduction and growth opportunities. Gross Profit For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2004 2003 2002 Sales Cost of sales Gross profit Gross profit margin $6,889.3 3,996.6 $2,892.7 $5,293.9 3,154.8 $2,139.1 $4,577.2 2,791.2 $1,786.0 42.0% 40.4% 39.0% Gross profit margins for 2004 improved 160 basis points to 42.0% compared to 40.4% in 2003. This improvement results 2004 Annual Report 21 primarily from leverage on increased sales volume. In addi- tion, gross profit margins were impacted by generally higher gross profit margins in businesses acquired (principally Radi- ometer) and the ongoing cost improvements in existing busi- ness units driven by the Company’s Danaher Business System processes and low-cost region sourcing and production ini- tiatives. Increases in cost and surcharges related to steel pur- chases partially offset these improvements. While gross profit margins improved in 2004 for the reasons stated above, these improvements could be negatively affected in future periods by higher raw material costs and supply constraints resulting from the improved overall economy or by any significant slowdown in the economy. As indicated above, price increases have been implemented to recover some of the increases in raw material costs experienced in 2004. Gross profit margin for 2003 was 40.4%, an increase of 140 basis points compared to 39.0% in 2002. This increase results from the benefits of the 2001 restructuring program, on-going cost improvements in existing business units driven by the Company’s Danaher Business System processes, gen- erally higher gross profit margins in businesses acquired, cost reductions in business units acquired during the first quarter of 2002 and the leverage created from higher revenues dur- ing the year. The Company’s restructuring program announced in the fourth quarter of 2001 was estimated to have provided approximately $38 million of savings to the full year 2003 when compared against the 2001 period and $19 million when compared against the 2002 period. This restructuring was complete at the beginning of 2003. Operating Expenses For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2004 $6,889.3 2003 $5,293.9 2002 $4,577.2 Sales Selling, general and administrative expenses SG&A as a % of sales 1,795.7 1,316.4 1,097.4 26.1% 24.9% 24.0% throughout In 2004, selling, general and administrative expenses were 26.1% of sales, an increase of 120 basis points from 2003 levels. This increase is due primarily to additional spending to fund growth opportunities and cost reduction opportu- nities the impact of newly acquired businesses (principally Radiometer and KaVo) and their higher relative operating expense structures, and the increased proportion of sales derived from the Company’s international operations which generally have higher operating expense structures compared to the Company as a whole. the Company, Gain on Pension Plan Curtailment The Company recorded a curtailment gain in 2003 as a result of freezing substantially all associates’ ongoing participation in its Cash Balance Plan effective December 31, 2003. The gain totaled $22.5 million ($14.6 million after tax, or $0.05 per share) and represents the unrecognized benefits associ- ated with prior plan amendments that were being amortized into income over the remaining service period of the par- ticipating associates prior to freezing the plan. As discussed in more detail below, the Company will continue recording pension expense related to this plan, primarily representing interest costs on the accumulated benefit obligation and amortization of actuarial losses accumulated in the plan prior to the above curtailment. Interest Costs and Financing Transactions For a description of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness, please refer to “—Liquidity and Capital Resources— Financing Activities and Indebtedness” below. Interest expense of $55 million in 2004 was approximately $4 million lower than the corresponding 2003 period. The decrease in interest expense is due primarily to the cessation of amortization of deferred financing costs related to the Company’s LYONS, offset slightly by the unfavorable impact of the Euro/US Dollar exchange rate on interest expense related to the Company’s $406.8 million of 6.25% Eurobond notes due 2005. Interest expense of $59 million in 2003 was approxi- mately $5 million higher than the corresponding 2002 period. The increase in interest expense was due primarily to the unfavorable impact of the Euro/US Dollar exchange rate on interest expense related to the Company’s Eurobond notes due 2005 partially offset by reduced debt levels result- ing from net repayments of approximately $146 million of outstanding indebtedness during 2003. Interest income of $7.6 million, $10.1 million and $10.3 million was recognized in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Average invested cash balances decreased in 2004 compared with the levels of 2003 due to employing these cash balances to complete several acquisitions. The decline in interest income as a result of these lower invested cash balances was partially offset by the Company maintain- ing a higher proportion of available cash in international markets which have higher overall interest rates and higher short-term rates in 2004. Average invested cash balances grew during 2002 and 2003, but have been largely offset by lower average interest rates earned on these deposits. In 2003, selling, general and administrative expenses were 24.9% of sales, an increase of 90 basis points from 2002 levels. This increase is due primarily to additional spending to fund growth opportunities throughout the Company, as well as the impact of newly acquired businesses and their higher relative operating expense structures. Income Taxes The Company’s effective tax rate may be affected by business acquisitions and dispositions, changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the 22 2004 Annual Report valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, material audit assessments and changes in tax laws. The tax effect of sig- nificant unusual items or changes in tax regulations are reflected in the period in which they occur. The Company’s effective tax rate differed from the United States federal statu- tory rate of 35% primarily as a result of lower effective tax rates on certain earnings from operations outside of the United States. United States income taxes have not been pro- vided on earnings that are planned to be reinvested indefi- nitely outside the United States and the amount of United States income taxes that may be applicable to such earnings is not readily determinable given the various tax planning alternatives the Company could employ should it decide to repatriate these earnings. As of December 31, 2004, the total amount of earnings planned to be reinvested indefinitely outside the United States was approximately $1.6 billion. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) provides the Company with an opportunity to repatriate up to $500 million of foreign earnings during 2005 at an effective US tax rate of 5.25%. At the present time, the Company has no intention to repatriate any foreign earnings under the pro- visions of the Act. The company will continue to re-evaluate there are its position throughout the year, especially if changes or proposed changes in foreign tax laws or in the US taxation of international businesses. The 2004 effective tax rate of 29.5% was 3.1% lower than the 2003 effective rate, mainly due to the effect of a higher proportion of non-U.S. earnings in 2004 compared to 2003 as well as the impact of changes made to the Com- pany’s international tax structure, primarily related to the acquisition and integration of Radiometer and KaVo during 2004. The Company expects to further reduce its effective tax rate for 2005 to 27.5% reflecting the continuing benefit of deriving an increasing proportion of the Company’s earn- ings from international operations. The 2003 effective tax rate of 32.6% was 1.4% lower than the 2002 effective rate, mainly due to the effect of a higher proportion of foreign earnings in 2003 compared to 2002 and the impact of additional research and experimen- tation credits available to reduce the U.S. tax liabilities. The amount of income taxes the Company pays is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which often result in proposed assessments. The Company believes that is has adequately provided for any reasonably foreseeable outcome related to these matters. However, future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to the Company’s estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are determined or resolved. Additionally, the jurisdictions in which the Company’s earnings and/or deductions are realized may differ from current estimates. Inflation The effect of inflation on the Company’s operations has been minimal in 2004, 2003, and 2002. Financial Instruments and Risk Management The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and credit risk, which could impact its results of operations and financial condition. The Company manages its exposure to these risks through its normal operating and financing activities. In addition, the Company’s broad-based business activities help to reduce the impact that volatility in any particular area or related areas may have on its operating earnings as a whole. Interest Rate Risk The fair value of the Company’s fixed-rate long-term debt is sensitive to changes in interest rates. The value of this debt is subject to change as a result of movements in interest rates. Sensitivity analysis is one technique used to evaluate this potential impact. Based on a hypothetical, immediate 100 basis-point increase in interest rates at December 31, 2004, the market value of the Company’s fixed-rate long-term debt would decrease by approximately $13 million. This methodology has certain limitations, and these hypothetical gains or losses would not be reflected in the Company’s results of operations or financial condition under current accounting principles. In January 2002, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements for the term of the $250 million aggregate principal amount of 6% notes due 2008 having an aggregate notional principal amount of $100 million whereby the effective interest rate on $100 million of these notes is the six month LIBOR rate plus approximately 0.425%. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended, the Company accounts for these swap agreements as fair value hedges. These instruments qualify as “effective” or “perfect” hedges. Other than the above noted swap arrangements, there were no material derivative financial instrument transactions during any of the periods presented. Additionally, the Company does not have significant commodity contracts or derivatives. Exchange Rate Risk The Company has a number of manufacturing sites throughout the world and sells its products globally. As a result, it is exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies against the United States dollar and against the currencies of countries in which it manufactures and sells products and services. In particular, the Company has more sales in European currencies than it has expenses in those cur- rencies. Therefore, when European currencies strengthen or weaken against the U.S. dollar, operating profits are increased or decreased, respectively. The Company’s issuance of Euro- bond notes in 2000 provides a natural hedge to a portion of the Company’s European net asset position. The Company has generally accepted the exposure to exchange rate move- ments relative to its foreign operations without using deriva- tive financial instruments to manage this risk. 2004 Annual Report 23 Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and tem- porary investments, interest rate swap agreements and trade accounts receivable. The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by counter parties to its finan- cial instruments. The Company anticipates, however, that counter parties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under these instruments. The Company places cash and temporary investments and its interest rate swap agreements with various high-quality financial institutions throughout the world, and exposure is limited at any one institution. Although the Com- pany does not obtain collateral or other security to support these financial instruments, it does periodically evaluate the credit standing of the counter party financial institutions. In addition, concentrations of credit risk arising from trade accounts receiv- able are limited due to the diversity of its customers. The Com- pany performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions and obtains collateral or other security when appropriate. Liquidity and Capital Resources Overview of Cash Flows and Liquidity Total operating cash flows Purchases of property, plant and equipment Cash paid for acquisitions Other sources Net cash used in investing activities Proceeds from the issuance of common stock Proceeds (repayments) of borrowings, net Dividends paid Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities For the years ended December 31 ($ in millions) 2004 2003 2002 $ 1,033.2 (115.9) (1,591.7) 74.0 (1,633.6) 45.9 (66.3) (17.7) (38.1) $ 861.5 (80.3) (312.3) 24.5 (368.1) 50.5 (145.5) (15.3) (110.3) $ 710.3 (65.4) (1,158.1) 79.0 (1,144.5) 512.1 17.7 (13.5) 516.3 — Operating cash flow, a key source of the Company’s liquidity was $1,033 million for 2004, an increase of $172 million, or approximately 20% as compared to 2003. Earnings growth contributed $209 million to the increase in operating cash flow in 2004 compared to 2003, which was somewhat offset by year-over-year changes in working capital as discussed below. — As of December 31, 2004, the Company held approxi- mately $609 million of cash and cash equivalents. — Acquisitions constituted the most significant use of cash in all periods presented. The Company acquired thir- teen companies and product lines during 2004 for total consideration of approximately $1.6 billion in cash, including transaction costs. — The Company’s Eurobond notes mature July 2005. The Company currently anticipates that at maturity the Eurobond notes will be satisfied from available cash, through the issuance of commercial paper, borrowings under existing credit facilities or by accessing the capital markets, or through a combination of some or all of these alternatives. Operating Activities The Company continues to generate substantial cash from operating activities and remains in a strong financial position, with resources available for reinvestment in existing busi- nesses, strategic acquisitions and managing its capital struc- ture on a short and long-term basis. Operating cash flow, a key source of the Company’s liquidity, was $1,033 million for 2004, an increase of $172 million, or approximately 20% as compared to 2003. Earnings growth contributed $209 million to the increase in operating cash flow in 2004 com- pared to 2003. In addition, additional deferred taxes related to 2004’s earnings contributed approximately $19 million to the change in operating cash flows and depreciation and amortization contributed approximately $23 million to the improvement in cash flow on a year-over year basis. Oper- ating working capital, which the company defines as accounts receivable plus inventory less accounts payable, unfavorably impacted the year-over-year comparison between 2004 and 2003 as accounts receivable increased to support the higher sales the company experienced in 2004. Operating working capital still made an overall positive con- tribution to operating cash flow during 2004 due to contin- ued emphasis on inventory management. Inventory levels decreased approximately $65 million in 2004 versus 2003 reflecting these efforts in both newly acquired businesses as well as the Company’s existing operations. These improve- ments were partially offset by increases in prepaid expenses associated with the timing of payments for certain of the and Company’s benefit programs, employee health plan contributions. including 401(k) In connection with its acquisitions, the Company records appropriate accruals for the costs of closing duplicate facilities, severing redundant personnel and integrating the acquired businesses into existing Company operations. Cash 24 2004 Annual Report flows from operating activities are reduced by the amounts expended against the various accruals established in connec- tion with each acquisition. Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities was $1.6 billion in 2004 compared to approximately $368 million of net cash used in 2003. Gross capital spending of $116 million for 2004 increased $36 million from 2003, due to capital spending relating to new acquisitions and spending related to the Company’s low-cost region manufacturing initiatives, new products and other growth opportunities. Net cash used in investing activities was $368 million in 2003 compared to approximately $1.1 billion of net cash used in 2002. Gross capital spending of $80 million for 2003 increased $15 million from 2002, due to capital spending relating to new acquisitions and spending related to the Company’s low-cost region sourcing initiatives. Capital expenditures are made primarily for increasing capacity, replacement of equipment and improving information tech- nology systems. In 2005, the Company expects capital spending of approximately $150 million, although actual expenditures will ultimately depend on business conditions. Disposals of fixed assets yielded approximately $31 million and $13 million of cash proceeds for 2004 and 2003. In addition, as discussed below, the Company com- pleted several business acquisitions and divestitures during 2004, 2003 and 2002. All of the acquisitions during this time period have resulted in the recognition of goodwill in the Company’s financial statements. This goodwill typically arises because the purchase prices for these businesses reflect the competitive nature of the process by which the businesses are acquired and the complementary strategic fit and result- ing synergies these businesses bring to existing operations. For a discussion of other factors resulting in the recognition of goodwill see Notes 2 and 5 to the accompanying Con- solidated Financial Statements. 2004 Acquisitions In January 2004, the Company acquired all of the share capi- tal in Radiometer S/A for approximately $684 million in cash (net of $77 million in acquired cash), including transaction costs, pursuant to a tender offer announced on December 11, 2003. In addition, the Company assumed $66 million of debt in connection with the acquisition. Radiometer designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of blood gas diagnostic instrumentation, primarily used in hospital appli- cations. The Company also provides consumables and ser- vices for its instruments. Radiometer is a worldwide leader in its served markets, and has total annual sales of approxi- mately $300 million. In May 2004, the Company acquired all of the out- standing stock of KaVo for approximately e350 million (approximately $412 million) in cash, including transaction costs and net of $45 million in acquired cash. KaVo, head- quartered in Biberach, Germany, with 2003 revenues of approximately $450 million, is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of dental equipment, including hand pieces, treatment units and diagnostic systems and laboratory equipment. This acquisition, combined with Radiometer and a smaller dental equipment business acquired earlier in 2004 are included in the Company’s Medical Technology line of business. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company acquired, pursuant to a tender offer announced on October 1, 2004, all of the outstanding shares of Trojan Technologies, Inc. for aggregate consideration of approximately $185 million in cash, including transaction costs and net of $23 million in acquired cash. In addition, the Company assumed $4 million of debt in connection with the acquisition. Trojan is a leader in the ultraviolet disinfection market for drinking and waste- water applications and has annual revenues of approximately $115 million. In addition to Radiometer, KaVo and Trojan, the Company acquired ten smaller companies and product lines during 2004 for total consideration of approximately $311 million in cash, including transaction costs and net of cash acquired. In general, each company is a manufacturer and assembler of instrumentation products, in markets such as medical technology, electronic test, motion, environmental, product identification, sensors and controls, and aerospace and defense. These companies were all acquired to comple- ment existing businesses or as additions to the newly formed Medical Technology line of business within the Professional Instrumentation segment. The aggregate annual sales of these acquired businesses is approximately $280 million. In addition, the company sold a business that was part of the Tools & Components segment during 2004. This business was insignificant to reported sales and earnings. Proceeds from this sale have been included in proceeds from divestitures in the accompanying consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $1.5 million is included in gain on sale of real estate and other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. 2003 Acquisitions The Company acquired twelve companies and product lines during 2003 for total consideration of approximately $312 million in cash, including transaction costs and net of cash acquired. The Company also assumed debt with an estimated fair market value of approximately $45 million in connection with these acquisitions. In connection with one of the 2003 acquisitions, the Company entered into an agreement to pay an additional maximum contingent consideration of up to $36.8 million in November 2008 based on future perfor- mance of the acquired business through November 2008. In general, each company is a manufacturer and assembler of environmental or instrumentation products, in markets such as product identification, environmental and aerospace and defense. These companies were all acquired to complement existing business units of the Professional Instrumentation or Industrial Technologies segments. The aggregated annual revenue of the acquired businesses is approximately $361 million and each of these twelve companies individually has 2004 Annual Report 25 less than $125 million in annual revenues. In addition, the Company sold one facility acquired in connection with a prior acquisition for approximately $11.6 million in net proceeds. No gain or loss was recognized on the sale and the proceeds have been included in proceeds from divestitures in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. from Marconi plc in a stock acquisition, 2002 Acquisitions On February 25, 2002, the Company completed the dives- titure of API Heat Transfer, Inc. to an affiliate of Madison Capital Partners for approximately $63 million (including $53 million in net cash and a note receivable in the principal amount of $10 million), less certain liabilities of API Heat Transfer, Inc. paid by the Company at and subsequent to closing. On February 5, 2002, the Company acquired 100% of Marconi Data Systems, formerly known as Videojet Tech- nologies, for approximately $400 million in net cash including transaction costs. On February 4, 2002, the Company acquired 100% of Viridor Instrumentation Limited from the Pennon Group plc in a stock acquisition, for approximately $137 million in net cash including transaction costs. On February 1, 2002, the Company acquired 100% of Marconi Commerce Sys- tems, formerly known as Gilbarco, from Marconi plc in a stock acquisition, for approximately $309 million in cash including transaction costs (net of $17 million of acquired cash). On October 18, 2002, the Company acquired 100% of Thomson Industries, Inc. in a stock and asset acquisition, for approximately $147 million in cash including transaction costs (net of $2 million of acquired cash), an agreement to pay $15 million over the next six years, and contingent con- sideration with a current maximum payout of $45 million based on the future performance of Thomson through December 31, 2005. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company acquired eight smaller companies, for total consideration of approximately $166 million in net cash including transaction costs. Recent Acquisition Developments In January 2005, the Company acquired, pursuant to a tender offer announced on October 6, 2004, approximately 99% of the outstanding shares of Linx Printing Technologies PLC, a publicly-held United Kingdom company operating in the product identification market. The Company intends to acquire the remaining outstanding shares through the com- pulsory acquisition provisions of the applicable UK Com- panies legislation. Once all of the outstanding shares are acquired, it is expected that the total consideration for such shares will be approximately $171 million in cash, including estimated transaction costs and net of cash acquired. Linx complements the Company’s product identification busi- nesses and has annual revenue of approximately $93 million. Financing Activities and Indebtedness Financing activities used cash of $38 million during 2004 compared to $110 million used during 2003. The reduction in cash used in financing activities was directly related to lower levels of required principal repayments under the Company’s outstanding debt obligations between periods. Total debt increased to $1,350 million at December 31, 2004, compared to $1,299 million at December 31, 2003. This increase was due primarily to change in the U.S Dollar/ Euro exchange rates and the resulting increase in the carrying value of the Company’s Euro denominated debt. The Com- pany borrowed and repaid approximately $130 million in short-term borrowings under an uncommitted financing arrangement to fund the acquisition of KaVo during the sec- ond quarter of 2004. All significant debt obligations assumed related to 2004 acquisitions have been repaid. The Company’s debt financing as of December 31, 2004 was composed primarily of $567 million of zero cou- pon convertible notes due 2021 Liquid Yield Option Notes or LYONs (“LYONs”), $407 million of 6.25% Eurobond notes due 2005 and $250 million of 6% notes due 2008 (sub- ject to the interest rate swaps described above). The Com- pany’s LYONs obligations (described in further detail below) carry a yield to maturity of 2.375% (with contingent interest payable as described below). Substantially all remaining bor- rowings have interest costs that float with referenced base rates. The Company maintains two revolving senior unse- cured credit facilities totaling $1 billion available for general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the revolving credit facilities bear interest of Eurocurrency rate plus 0.21% to 0.70%, depending on the Company’s debt rating. The credit facilities, each $500 million, have a fixed term expiring June 28, 2006 and July 23, 2006, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding under either of the Company’s credit facilities at any time during 2004. The Company’s Eurobond notes due in 2005 have been classified as a current obligation in the accompanying con- solidated balance sheet since the maturity date is within one year from December 31, 2004. The Company currently anticipates that at maturity the Eurobond notes will be sat- isfied from available cash, through the issuance of commer- cial paper, borrowings under existing credit facilities or by accessing the capital markets, or through a combination of some or all of these alternatives. During the first quarter of 2001, the Company issued $830 million (value at maturity) in LYONs. The net proceeds to the Company were approximately $505 million, of which approximately $100 million was used to pay down debt and the balance was used for general corporate purposes, includ- ing acquisitions. The LYONs carry a yield to maturity of 2.375%. Holders of the LYONs may convert each of their LYONs into 14.5352 shares of Danaher common stock (in the aggregate for all LYONs, approximately 12.0 million shares of Danaher common stock) at any time on or before the maturity date of January 22, 2021. As of December 31, 2004, the accreted value of the outstanding LYONs was $47 per share which, at that date, was lower than the traded mar- ket value of the underlying common stock issuable upon conversion. The Company may redeem all or a portion of the LYONs for cash at any time. Holders may require the Company to purchase all or a portion of the notes for cash 26 2004 Annual Report and/or Company common stock, at the Company’s option, on January 22, 2011. The holders had a similar option to require the Company to purchase all or a portion of the notes as of January 22, 2004, which resulted in notes with an accreted value of $1.1 million being redeemed by the Com- pany. These notes were redeemed for cash. The Company will pay contingent interest to the holders of LYONs during any six-month period commencing after January 22, 2004 if the average market price of a LYON for a measurement period preceding such six-month period equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price and accrued original issue discount for such LYON. The Company has not and is not currently required to pay contingent interest under this agreement. Except for the contingent interest described above, the Company will not pay interest on the LYONs prior to maturity. The Company does not have any rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity of a material amount of outstanding debt. However, a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating would increase the cost of borrow- ings under the Company’s credit facilities. Also, a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating could limit, or in the case of a significant downgrade, preclude the Company’s ability to consider commercial paper as a potential source of financing. Aggregate cash payments for dividends during 2004 were $17.7 million. Cash and Cash Requirements As of December 31, 2004, the Company held approximately $609 million of cash and cash equivalents that were invested in highly liquid investment grade debt instruments with a maturity of 90 days or less. As of December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants under the aforementioned debt instruments, including limitations on secured debt and debt levels. In addition, as of the date of this Form 10-K, the Company could issue up to $1 billion of securities under its shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company will continue to have cash requirements to support working capital needs and capital expenditures and acquisitions, to pay interest and service debt, fund its pension plans as required and to pay dividends to sharehold- ers. In order to meet these cash requirements, the Company generally intends to use available cash and internally gener- ated funds. The Company currently anticipates that any additional acquisitions consummated during 2005 would be funded from available cash and internally generated funds and, if necessary, through the establishment of a commercial paper program, through borrowings under its credit facilities, under uncommitted lines of credit or by accessing the capital markets. The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity to satisfy both short-term and long-term requirements. The Company’s cash balances are generated and held in numerous locations throughout the world, including sub- stantial amounts held outside the United States. Most of the amounts held outside the United States could be repatriated law, would to the United States, but, under current potentially be subject to United States federal income taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits. Repatriation of some for- eign balances is restricted by local laws. Where local restric- tions prevent an efficient inter-company transfer of funds, the Company’s intent is that cash balances would remain in the foreign country and it would meet United States liquidity needs through ongoing cash flows, external borrowings, or both. The Company utilizes a variety of tax planning and financing strategies in an effort to ensure that its worldwide cash is available in the locations in which it is needed. Pension Fund Assets and Liabilities Due to declines in the equity markets in 2001 and 2002, the fair value of the Company’s pension fund assets decreased below the accumulated benefit obligation due to the partici- pants in the plan. As a result, in accordance with SFAS No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”, the Company recorded a minimum pension liability reduction of $6.9 mil- lion (net of tax expense of $3.7 million) at December 31, 2004. The minimum pension liability is calculated as the dif- ference between the actuarially determined accumulated the plan assets as of benefit obligation and the value of September 30, 2004 (see Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2004 for addi- tional information). This adjustment results in a direct credit to stockholders’ equity and does not immediately impact net earnings, but is included in other comprehensive income. Calculations of the amount of pension and other postretire- ment benefits costs and obligations depend on the assump- tions used in such calculations. These assumptions include discount rates, expected return on plan assets, rate of salary increases, health care cost trend rates, mortality rates, and other factors. While the Company believes that the assump- tions used in calculating its pension and other postretirement benefits costs and obligations are appropriate, differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions may affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The Company used a 5.75% discount rate in computing the amount of the minimum pension liability to be recorded at December 31, 2004, which represented a decrease in the dis- count rate of 0.25% from the rate used at December 31, 2003. A further 25 basis point reduction in the discount rate would have increased the after-tax minimum pension liabil- ity approximately $14 million from the amount recorded in the financial statements at December 31, 2004. For 2004, the Company estimated the expected long- term rate of return assumption at 8.5% which is consistent with the rate used in 2003. This expected rate of return reflects the asset allocation of the plan and the expected long- term returns on equity and debt investments included in plan assets. The plan maintains between 60% to 70% of its assets in equity portfolios, which are invested in funds that are expected to mirror broad market returns for equity securi- ties. The balance of the asset portfolio is invested in corpo- rate bonds and bond index funds. Pension expense for this plan for the year ended December 31, 2004 was approxi- mately $4.3 million (or $3.0 million on an after-tax basis), 2004 Annual Report 27 compared with $8.5 million (or $5.7 million on an after-tax basis and excluding the $22.5 million gain on curtailment recognized in 2003) for this plan in 2003. If the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was reduced by an additional 50 basis points, pension expense for 2004 would have increased approximately $2.4 million (or $ 1.7 million on an after-tax basis). The Company intends on lowering the assumed rate of return on plan assets to 8.0% for 2005. The Company was not statutorily required to make contributions to the plan in 2004 and anticipates there will be no statutory funding requirements for the defined benefit plan in 2005. Contractual Obligations The following table sets forth, by period due or year of expected expiration, as applicable, a summary of the Company’s contractual obligations as of December 31, 2004 under (1) long-term debt obligations, (2) leases, (3) purchase obligations and (4) other long-term liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet under GAAP. Debt & Leases: Long-Term Debt Obligations(a)(b) Capital Lease Obligations(b) Total Long-Term Debt Interest Payments on Long-Term Debt Operating Lease Obligations(c) Other: Purchase Obligations(d) Other Liabilities Reflected on the Company’s Balance Sheet Under GAAP(e) Total Total Less Than One Year 1,331.3 19.0 1,350.3 352.0 252.0 422.5 2.3 424.8 34.5 58.0 34.7 26.4 1–3 Years 3–5 Years ($ in millions) 80.4 5.0 85.4 36.8 83.0 8.3 251.4 5.6 257.0 16.5 52.0 — 130.0 $455.5 More Than 5 Years 577.0 6.1 583.1 264.2 59.0 — 423.3 $1,329.6 1,911.9 $3,900.9 1,165.5 $1,709.2 193.1 $406.6 (a) As described in Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (b) Amounts do not include interest payments (c) As described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (d) Consist of agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specify all significant terms, includ- ing fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. (e) Primarily consist of obligations under product service and warranty policies and allowances, performance and operating cost guarantees, estimated envi- ronmental remediation costs, self-insurance and litigation claims, post-retirement benefits, certain pension obligations, deferred tax liabilities and deferred compensation liabilities. The timing of cash flows associated with these obligations are based upon management’s estimates over the terms of these agree- ments and are largely based upon historical experience. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors. The following table sets forth, by period due or year of expected expiration, as applicable, a summary of certain off- balance sheet commercial commitments of the Company. Standby Letters of Credit and Performance Bonds Guarantees Contingent Acquisition Consideration Total Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period Total Amounts Committed Less Than One Year 1–3 Years 3–5 Years ($ in millions) More Than 5 Years $137.1 49.2 95.0 $281.3 $ 95.2 43.9 10.0 $149.1 $35.2 1.6 39.0 $75.8 $ 6.3 — 46.0 $52.3 $0.4 3.7 — $4.1 28 2004 Annual Report Standby letters of credit and performance bonds are generally issued to secure the Company’s obligations under short-term contracts to purchase raw materials and compo- nents for manufacture and for performance under specific manufacturing agreements. Guarantees reflected in the table above primarily relate to the Company’s Matco subsidiary, which has sold, with recourse, or provided credit enhancements for certain of its accounts receivable and notes receivable. This program has been used to assist Matco’s customers in obtaining initial start-up financing for their franchise. Amounts outstanding under this program approximated $29 million as of December 31, 2004. The subsidiary accounts for such sales in accordance with SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguish- ment of Liabilities—a replacement of SFAS No. 125.” A provision for estimated losses as a result of the recourse has been included in accrued expenses. No gain or loss arose from these transactions. In connection with three separate past acquisitions, the Company has entered into agreements with the respective sellers to pay certain amounts in the future as additional purchase price. The Company could pay nothing in the aggregate over the next five years pursuant to these agree- ments, or a maximum of up to $95.0 million over the next five years depending on the future performance of the respective businesses. The Company has from time to time divested certain of its businesses and assets. In connection with these dives- titures, the Company often provides representations, warran- ties and/or indemnities to cover various risks and unknown liabilities, such as environmental liabilities and tax liabilities. The Company cannot estimate the potential liability from such representations, warranties and indemnities because they relate to unknown conditions. However, the Company does not believe that the liabilities relating to these represen- tations, warranties and indemnities will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Due to the Company’s downsizing of certain opera- tions pursuant to acquisitions, restructuring plans or other- wise, certain properties leased by the Company have been sublet to third parties. In the event any of these third parties vacates any of these premises, the Company would be legally obligated under master lease arrangements. The Company believes that the financial risk of default by such sublessors is individually and in the aggregate not material to the Com- pany’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Except as described above, the Company has not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements as of December 31, 2004. Also, the Company does not have as of any unconsolidated December 31, 2004. purpose entities special Other Contingent Liabilities Certain of the Company’s operations are subject to environ- mental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate. The Company must also comply with various health and safety regulations in both the United States and abroad in connection with its operations. In addition to the envi- ronmental compliance costs, the Company may incur costs related to alleged environmental damage associated with past or current waste disposal practices or other hazardous mate- rials handling practices. The Company has projects under- way at several current and former manufacturing facilities, in both the United States and abroad, to investigate and reme- diate environmental contamination resulting from past operations. The ultimate cost of site cleanup is difficult to predict given the factors described above under Item 1. Business—Environmental and Safety Regulations. In addi- tion, the Company is from time to time party to personal injury or other claims brought by private parties alleging injury due to the presence of or exposure to hazardous sub- stances. In view of the Company’s financial position and based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, the Company believes that its liability, if any, related to past or current waste disposal prac- tices and other hazardous material handling practices will not have a material adverse effect on its cash flow or financial condition. In addition, the ongoing cost of compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations has not had, and based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, is not expected to have, a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. Certain of the Company’s products are medical devices that are subject to regulation by the FDA and by the coun- terpart agencies of the foreign countries where the products are sold, as well as federal, state and local regulations governing the storage, handling and disposal of radioactive materials. The Company believes that it is in substantial com- pliance with these regulations. The Company is also required to comply with various export control and economic sanc- tions laws. Non-United States governments have also imple- mented similar export control regulations, which may affect Company operations or transactions subject to their jurisdic- tions. The Company believes that it is in substantial compli- ance with applicable regulations governing such export control and economic sanctions laws. Please refer to Note 10 to the consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual Report for information regarding certain outstanding litigation matters. In addition, the Company is, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to its business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of the Company’s products, allegations of patent and trade- mark infringement and trade secret misappropriation, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employ- ment matters and commercial disputes. The Company may also become subject to lawsuits as a result of past or future acquisitions. Some of these lawsuits include claims for puni- tive as well as compensatory damages. While the Company maintains workers compensation, property, cargo, auto, product, general liability, and directors’ and officers’ liability 2004 Annual Report 29 insurance (and have acquired rights under similar policies in connection with certain acquisitions) that it believes covers a portion of these claims, this insurance may be insufficient or unavailable to protect the Company against potential loss exposures. In addition, while the Company believes it is entitled to indemnification from third parties for some of these claims, these rights may also be insufficient or unavail- able to protect the Company against potential loss exposures. The Company believes that the results of these litigation matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the Com- pany’s cash flows or financial condition, even before taking into account any related insurance recoveries. The Company carries significant deductibles and self- insured retentions for workers’ compensation, property, automobile, product and general liability costs, and manage- ment believes that the Company maintains adequate accruals to cover the retained liability. Management determines the Company’s accrual for self-insurance liability based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The company maintains third party insurance policies up to certain limits to cover liability costs in excess of predeter- mined retained amounts. The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation requires it to indemnify to the full extent authorized or permitted by law any person made, or threatened to be made a party to any action or proceeding by reason of his or her service as a director or officer of the Company, or by reason of such director or officer serving any other entity at the request of the Company, subject to limited exceptions. While the Company maintains insurance for this type of liability, any such liability could exceed the amount of the insurance coverage. Critical Accounting Policies Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make esti- mates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclo- sure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases these estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the cir- cumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The Company believes the following critical account- ing policies affect management’s more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a detailed discussion on the appli- cation of these and other accounting policies, see Note 1 in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. Accounts receivable. The Company maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of the Company’s customers to make required payments. The Company estimates its anticipated losses from doubtful accounts based on historical collection history as well as by specifically reserving for known doubtful accounts. Estimating losses from doubtful accounts is inher- ently uncertain because the amount of such losses depends substantially on the financial condition of the Company’s customers, and the Company typically has limited visibility as to the specific financial state of its customers. If the finan- cial condition of the Company’s customers were to deterio- rate beyond estimates, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, the Company would be required to write off additional accounts receivable balances, which would adversely impact the Company’s net earnings and financial condition. Inventories. The Company records inventory at the lower of cost or market. The Company estimates the market value of its inventory based on assumptions for future demand and related pricing. Estimating the market value of inventory is inherently uncertain because levels of demand, technologi- cal advances and pricing competition in many of the Com- pany’s markets can fluctuate significantly from period to period due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control. As a result, such fluctuations can be difficult to predict. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those pro- jected by management, the Company would be required to reduce the value of its inventory, which would adversely impact the Company’s net earnings and financial condition. Acquired intangibles. The Company’s business acquisitions typi- cally result in goodwill and other intangible assets, which affect the amount of future period amortization expense and possible impairment expense that the Company will incur. The Com- pany follows Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, the accounting standard for goodwill, which requires that the Company, on an annual basis, calculate the fair value of the reporting units that contain the goodwill and compare that to the carrying value of the reporting unit to determine if impairment exists. Impairment testing must take place more often if circumstances or events indicate a change in the impairment status. In calculating the fair value of the reporting units, management relies on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projec- tions, anticipated future cash flows, and transactions and market place data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these fac- tors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analy- sis of goodwill impairment. If actual fair value is less than the Company’s estimates, goodwill and other intangible assets may be overstated on the balance sheet and a charge would need to be taken against net earnings. Long-lived assets. The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be 30 2004 Annual Report recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the assets to the future net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Judgments made by the Company relate to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and its ability to real- ize any undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets and are affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in the expected use of the assets, changes in eco- nomic conditions, changes in operating performance and anticipated future cash flows. Since judgment is involved in determining the fair value of long-lived assets, there is risk that the carrying value of the Company’s long-lived assets may require adjustment in future periods. If actual fair value is less than the Company’s estimates, long-lived assets may be overstated on the balance sheet and a charge would need to be taken against net earnings. The Company’s annual goodwill impairment analysis, which was performed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004, did not result in an impairment charge. The excess of fair value over carrying value for each of the Company’s reporting units as of October 2, 2004, the annual testing date, ranged from approximately $138 million to approxi- mately $2.6 billion. In order to evaluate the sensitivity of the fair value calculations on the goodwill impairment test, the Company applied a hypothetical 10% decrease to the fair val- ues of each reporting unit. This hypothetical 10% decrease excluding the recently acquired Medical Technology report- ing unit, would result in excess fair value over carrying value ranging from approximately $108 million to approximately $2.3 billion for each of the Company’s reporting units. Purchase accounting. In connection with its acquisitions, the Company formulates a plan related to the future integration of the acquired entity. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination”, the Company accrues estimates for certain of the integration costs anticipated at the date of acquisition, including person- nel reductions and facility closures or restructurings. Adjust- ments to these estimates are made up to 12 months from the acquisition date as plans are finalized. The Company estab- lishes these accruals based on information obtained during the due diligence process, the Company’s experience in acquiring other companies, and information obtained after the closing about the acquired company’s business, assets and liabilities. The accruals established by the Company are inherently uncertain because they are based on limited infor- mation on the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired business as well as the uncertainty of the cost to execute the integration plans for the business. If the accruals established by the Company are insufficient to account for all of the activities required to integrate the acquired entity, the Company would be required to incur an expense, which would adversely affect the Company’s results of operations. To the extent these accruals are not utilized for the intended purpose, the excess is recorded as a reduction of the purchase price, typically by reducing recorded goodwill balances. I T E M 7 A . Q U A N T I T A T I V E A N D Q U A L I T A T I V E D I S C L O S U R E S A B O U T M A R K E T R I S K The information required by this item is included under Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 2004 Annual Report 31 I T E M 8 . F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S A N D S U P P L E M E N T A RY D A T A Report of Management on Danaher Corporation’s Internal Control Over Financial Reporting The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. In making this assessment, the Company’s management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in “Internal Control—Integrated Framework”. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2004, the Company’s internal control over financial report- ing is effective based on those criteria. The Company’s independent auditors have issued an audit report on this assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report dated February 25, 2005 appears elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Danaher Corporation February 25, 2005 32 2004 Annual Report Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Danaher Corporation: We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Danaher Corporation’s Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that Danaher Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Danaher Corporation’s man- agement is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effec- tiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and oper- ating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reli- ability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dis- positions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expen- ditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, management’s assessment that Danaher Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Danaher Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Danaher Corporation as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 of Danaher Corporation and our report dated February 25, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Ernst & Young LLP Baltimore, Maryland February 25, 2005 2004 Annual Report 33 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Danaher Corporation: We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Danaher Corporation as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial posi- tion of Danaher Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As discussed in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” as of January 1, 2002. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Danaher Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2005 expressed and unqualified opinion thereon. Ernst & Young LLP Baltimore, Maryland February 25, 2005 34 2004 Annual Report Danaher Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Earnings Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) Sales Cost of sales Selling, general and administrative expenses Gain on pension plan curtailment Gain on sale of real estate and other assets Restructuring credits Total operating expenses Operating profit Interest expense Interest income Earnings before income taxes Income taxes Net earnings, before effect of accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves Reduction of income tax reserves related to previously discontinued operation Effect of accounting change, net of tax, adoption of SFAS No. 142 Net earnings Basic net earnings per share: Net earnings before effect of accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves Add: Reduction of income tax reserves Less: Effect of accounting change Net earnings Diluted net earnings per share: Net earnings before effect of accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves Add: Reduction of income tax reserves Less: Effect of accounting change Net earnings Average common stock and common equivalent shares outstanding: Basic Diluted 2004 $6,889,301 3,996,636 1,795,673 — (8,141) — 5,784,168 1,105,133 (54,984) 7,568 1,057,717 311,717 2003 $5,293,876 3,154,809 1,316,357 (22,500) (785) — 4,447,881 845,995 (59,049) 10,089 797,035 260,201 2002 $4,577,232 2,791,175 1,097,365 — (6,157) (6,273) 3,876,110 701,122 (53,926) 10,272 657,468 223,327 746,000 536,834 434,141 — — 30,000 — $ 746,000 — $ 536,834 (173,750) $ 290,391 $ $ $ $ 2.41 — — 2.41 2.30 — — 2.30 $ $ $ $ 1.75 — — 1.75 1.69 — — 1.69 $ $ $ $ 1.45 0.10 (0.58) 0.97 1.39 0.10 (0.55) 0.94 308,964 327,701 306,792 323,140 300,448 316,964 The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 2004 Annual Report 35 Danaher Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and equivalents Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $78,423 2004 2003 $ 609,115 $1,230,156 and $64,341 Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total current assets Property, plant and equipment, net Other assets Goodwill Other intangible assets, net LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt Trade accounts payable Accrued expenses Total current liabilities Other liabilities Long-term debt Stockholders’ equity: Common stock, one cent par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 336,946 and 335,388 issued; 308,920 and 307,362 outstanding Additional paid-in capital Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Retained earnings Total stockholders’ equity 1,231,065 703,996 374,514 2,918,690 752,966 91,705 3,970,269 760,263 $8,493,893 $ 424,763 612,066 1,165,457 2,202,286 746,390 925,535 3,369 1,052,154 116,037 3,448,122 4,619,682 $8,493,893 868,097 536,227 307,671 2,942,151 573,365 32,562 3,064,109 277,863 $6,890,050 $ 14,385 472,994 892,624 1,380,003 578,840 1,284,498 1,677 999,786 (74,607) 2,719,853 3,646,709 $6,890,050 The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets. 36 2004 Annual Report Danaher Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31 (in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings Reduction of income tax reserves Effect of change in accounting principle Net earnings, before effect of accounting change Depreciation and amortization Change in trade accounts receivable Change in inventories Change in accounts payable Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities Change in prepaid expenses and other assets Total operating cash flows Cash flows from investing activities: Payments for additions to property, plant and equipment Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment Cash paid for acquisitions Proceeds from divestitures Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of common stock Dividends paid Proceeds from debt borrowings Debt repayments Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Net change in cash and equivalents Beginning balance of cash and equivalents Ending balance of cash and equivalents 2004 2003 2002 $ 746,000 — — 746,000 156,128 (110,007) 65,528 65,315 135,616 (25,364) 1,033,216 (115,906) 30,894 (1,591,719) 43,100 (1,633,631) 45,957 (17,731) 130,000 (196,281) (38,055) 17,429 (621,041) 1,230,156 609,115 $ $ 536,834 — — 536,834 133,436 1,505 21,061 58,209 72,097 38,402 861,544 (80,343) 12,926 (312,283) 11,648 (368,052) 50,497 (15,326) 5,262 (150,771) (110,338) 36,539 419,693 810,463 $1,230,156 $ 290,391 (30,000) 173,750 434,141 129,565 59,030 77,544 54,008 27,595 (71,536) 710,347 (65,430) 26,466 (1,158,129) 52,562 (1,144,531) 512,105 (13,516) 37,528 (19,820) 516,297 21,791 103,904 706,559 810,463 $ The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 2004 Annual Report 37 Danaher Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (in thousands) Balance, December 31, 2001 Net earnings for the year Dividends declared Sale of common stock Common stock issued for options exercised Increase from translation of foreign financial statements Minimum pension liability (net of tax benefit of $39,637) Balance, December 31, 2002 Net earnings for the year Dividends declared Amendment of deferred compensation plan, common stock issued for options exercised and restricted stock grants Increase from translation of foreign financial statements Minimum pension liability (net of tax benefit of $ 19,985) Balance, December 31, 2003 Net earnings for the year Dividends declared Common stock issued for options exercised and restricted stock grants Stock dividend Increase from translation of foreign financial statements Minimum pension liability (net of tax expense of $3,710) Balance, December 31, 2004 Common Stock Shares 157,327 — — 6,900 2,318 — — 166,545 — — 1,149 — — 167,694 — — 1,039 168,213 Amount $1,573 — — 69 23 — — 1,665 — — 12 — — 1,677 — — 10 1,682 Additional Paid-in Capital $ 375,279 — — 466,936 Retained Earnings $1,921,470 290,391 (13,516) — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ (69,736) — — — Comprehensive Income $290,391 — — 73,347 — — 915,562 — — 84,224 — — 999,786 — — 54,050 (1,682) — — — — 40,704 40,704 — 2,198,345 536,834 (15,326) (76,941) (105,973) — — (76,941) $254,154 $536,834 — — — — — 68,481 68,481 — 2,719,853 746,000 (17,731) — — — (37,115) (74,607) — — — — (37,115) $568,200 $746,000 — — — 183,754 183,754 — — — — 336,946 — $3,369 — $1,052,154 — $3,448,122 6,890 $ 116,037 6,890 $936,644 The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 38 2004 Annual Report (1) Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Business—Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures and markets industrial and consumer products with strong brand names, proprietary technology and major market positions in three business segments: Professional Instrumentation, Industrial Technologies and Tools & Components. Busi- nesses in the Professional Instrumentation segment offer professional and technical customers various products and services that are used in connection with the performance of their work. As of December 31, 2004, Professional Instru- mentation was Danaher’s largest segment and encompassed three strategic businesses, Environmental, Electronic Test, and Medical Technology. These businesses produce and sell compact, professional electronic test tools and calibration equipment; water quality instrumentation and consumables retail/commercial and ultraviolet disinfection systems; petroleum products and services, including underground storage tank leak detection systems; critical care diagnostic instruments and a wide range of products used by dental pro- fessionals. Businesses in the Industrial Technologies segment manufacture products and sub-systems that are typically incorporated by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) into various end-products and systems, as well by customers and systems integrators into production and packaging lines. Many of the businesses also provide services to support their products, including helping customers integrate and install the products and helping ensure product uptime. The Indus- trial Technologies segment encompassed two strategic busi- nesses, Motion and Product Identification, and three focused niche businesses, Aerospace and Defense, Sensors & Con- trols, and Power Quality. These businesses produce and sell product identification equipment and consumables; motion, position, speed, temperature, and level instruments and sens- ing devices; power switches and controls; power protection products; liquid flow and quality measuring devices; safety devices; and electronic and mechanical counting and con- trolling devices. The Tools & Components segment is one of the largest domestic producers and distributors of general purpose and specialty mechanics’ hand tools. Other products manufactured by the businesses in this segment include tool- boxes and storage devices; diesel engine retarders; wheel ser- vice equipment; drill chucks; custom-designed headed tools and precision components. Accounting Principles—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported Inventory Valuation—Inventories include the costs of mate- rial, labor and overhead. Domestic inventories are stated principally at the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out method (LIFO). Inventories held outside the United States are primarily stated at the lower of cost or mar- ket using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equip- ment are carried at cost. The provision for depreciation has been computed principally by the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives (3 to 35 years) of the depreciable assets. Other Assets—Other assets include principally noncurrent trade receivables and capitalized costs associated with obtain- ing financings which are amortized over the term of the related debt. Fair Value of Financial Instruments—For cash and equivalents, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value. For long-term debt, where quoted market prices are not avail- able, rates available for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of existing debt. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Goodwill and other intangible assets result from the Company’s acquisition of existing businesses. In accordance with Statement of Finan- cial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 142, amortization of recorded goodwill balances ceased effective January 1, 2002. However, amortization of certain intangible assets continues over the estimated useful lives of the identified asset. Amor- tization expense for all other intangible assets was $26.6 mil- lion, $11.1 million, and $8.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. See Notes 2 and 5 for additional information. Shipping and Handling—Shipping and handling costs are included as a component of cost of sales. Shipping and han- dling costs billed to customers are included in sales. Revenue Recognition—As described above, the Company derives revenues primarily from the sale of industrial and consumer products and services. For revenue related to a product or service to qualify for recognition, there must be persuasive evidence of a sale, delivery must have occurred or the services must have been rendered, the price to the cus- tomer must be fixed and determinable and collectibility of the balance must be reasonably assured. The Company’s stan- dard terms of sale are FOB Shipping Point and, as such, the Company principally records revenue upon shipment. If any significant obligations to the customer with respect to such sale remain to be fulfilled following shipment, typically involving obligations relating to installation and acceptance by the buyer, revenue recognition is deferred until such 2004 Annual Report 39 obligations have been fulfilled. Product returns consist of estimated returns for products sold and are recorded as a reduction in reported revenues at the time of sale as required by SFAS No. 48. Customer allowances and rebates, consist- ing primarily of volume discounts and other short-term incentive programs, are recorded as a reduction in reported revenues at the time of sale because these allowances reflect a reduction in the purchase price for the products purchased in accordance with EITF 01-9. Product returns, customer allowances and rebates are estimated based on historical experience and known trends. Revenue related to mainte- nance agreements is recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement as required by FASB Technical Bulletin 90-1. Foreign Currency Translation—Exchange adjustments resulting from foreign currency transactions are generally recognized in net earnings, whereas adjustments resulting from the trans- lation of financial statements are reflected as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income within stock- holders’ equity. Net foreign currency transaction gains or losses are not material in any of the years presented. Cash and Equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes in accor- dance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income—Accumulated other comprehensive income consists of cumulative foreign translation gain (loss) adjustments of $223.2 million, $39.4 million, and $(29.0 million), as of December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively and a cumulative minimum pension liability loss adjustment of $107.2 million, (net of $55.9 million tax benefit), $114.1 million (net of $59.6 million tax benefit), and $76.9 million net of $39.6 million tax benefit as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. See Note 8. Accounting for Stock Options—As described in Note 13, the Company accounts for the issuance of stock options under the intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board (APB) Statement No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and the disclosure requirements of SFAS Nos. 123 and 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” The Company will be required to adopt the fair value method of accounting for stock options beginning in the third quarter of 2005 (see Note 16 for additional information). Nonqualified options have been issued at grant prices equal to the fair market value of the underlying security as of the date of grant during all the periods presented. Under APB No. 25, the Company does not recognize compensa- tion costs for options with no intrinsic value at the grant date. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options issued was $16 per share in 2004, $13 per share in 2003, and $14 per share in 2002. The weighted average value of options granted in 2004 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and assuming a 3.95% risk-free interest rate, a 7-year life for the option, a 25% expected volatility and dividends at the current annual rate. The following table illustrates the pro forma effect of net earnings and earnings per share if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards in each year ($ in thousands, except per share amounts): 2004 2003 2002 Net earnings before effect of accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves—as reported Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax benefits Pro forma net earnings Earnings per share before effect of accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves Basic—as reported Basic—pro forma Diluted—as reported Diluted—pro forma $746,000 $536,834 $434,141 (28,487) $717,513 (26,755) $510,079 (20,960) $413,181 $ $ $ $ 2.41 2.32 2.30 2.22 $ $ $ $ 1.75 1.66 1.69 1.60 $ $ $ $ 1.45 1.38 1.39 1.33 Stock Split: On April 22, 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one split of common stock. The split was effected in the form of a stock dividend paid on May 20, 2004 to shareholders of record on May 6, 2004. All share and per share information presented in this Form 10-K has been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of this split. New Accounting Pronouncements—See Note 16. 40 2004 Annual Report (2) Acquisitions and Divestitures: The Company has completed numerous acquisitions of existing businesses during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002. These acquisitions have either been completed because of their strategic fit with an existing Company business or because they are of such a nature and size as to establish a new strategic line of business for growth for the Company. All of the acquisitions during this time period have been accounted for as purchases and have resulted in the recognition of goodwill in the Company’s financial statements. This goodwill arises because the pur- chase prices for these businesses reflect a number of factors including the future earnings and cash flow potential of these businesses; the multiple to earnings, cash flow and other fac- tors at which similar businesses have been purchased by other acquirers; the competitive nature of the process by which the Company acquired the business; and because of the comple- mentary strategic fit and resulting synergies these businesses bring to existing operations. The Company makes an initial allocation of the purchase price at the date of acquisition based upon its understanding of the fair market value of the acquired assets and liabilities. The Company obtains this information during due diligence and through other sources. In the months after closing, as the Company obtains additional infor- mation about these assets and liabilities and learns more about the newly acquired business, it is able to refine the estimates of fair market value and more accurately allocate the pur- chase price. Examples of factors and information that the Company uses to refine the allocations include: tangible and intangible asset appraisals; cost data related to redundant facilities; employee/personnel data related to redundant functions; product line integration and rationalization information; management capabilities; and information systems compatibilities. The only items considered for subsequent adjustment are items identified as of the acqui- sition date. The Company’s acquisitions in 2003 and 2002 did not have any significant pre-acquisition contingencies (as contemplated by SFAS No. 38, “Accounting for Preacquisition Contingencies of Purchased Enterprises”) which were expected to have a significant effect on the purchase price allocation. The Company is continuing to evaluate certain outstanding litigation arising prior to the acquisition of Trojan which could modify the preliminary purchase price allocation. The Company also periodically disposes of existing operations that are not deemed to strategically fit with its ongoing operations or are not achieving the desired return on investment. The following briefly describes the Company’s acquisition and divestiture activity for the above- noted periods. In January 2004, the Company acquired all of the share capital in Radiometer S/A for approximately $684 million in cash (net of $77 million in acquired cash), including trans- action costs, pursuant to a tender offer announced on December 11, 2003. In addition, the Company assumed $66 million of debt in connection with the acquisition. Radiom- eter designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of blood gas diagnostic instrumentation, primarily in hospital applica- tions. Radiometer also provides consumables and services for its instruments. This acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $445 million primarily related to the antici- pated future earnings and cash flow potential and worldwide leadership position of Radiometer in critical care diagnostic instrumentation. Radiometer is a worldwide leader in its served segments, and has total annual sales of approximately $300 million. The results of Radiometer have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings since January 22, 2004. In May 2004, the Company acquired all of the out- standing stock of Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH (“KaVo”) for approximately e350 million (approximately $412 million) in cash, including transaction costs and net of $45 million in acquired cash. KaVo, headquartered in Biberach, Germany, with 2003 revenues of approximately $450 million, is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of dental equipment, including hand pieces, treatment units and diagnostic systems and laboratory equipment. This acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $82 million primarily related to the anticipated future earnings of KaVo and its leadership position in dental instrumenta- tion. This acquisition, combined with Radiometer and a smaller dental equipment business acquired earlier in 2004, is being included in the Company’s Professional Instrumen- tation segment in the Medical Technology line of business. The results of KaVo have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Earnings since May 28, 2004. In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company acquired, pursuant to a tender offer announced on October 1, 2004, all of the outstanding shares of Trojan Technologies, Inc. for aggregate consideration of approximately $185 million in cash, including transaction costs and net of $23 million in acquired cash. In addition, the Company assumed $4 million of debt in connection with the acquisition. This acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $117 million primarily related to the anticipated future earnings. The acquisition is being included in the Company’s Professional Instrumentation Segment in the Environmental business. Trojan is a leader in the ultraviolet disinfection market for drinking and wastewater applications and has annual rev- enues of approximately $115 million. The results of Trojan have been included in the Company’s Consolidated State- ments of Earnings since November 8, 2004. In addition to Radiometer, KaVo, and Trojan, the Company acquired ten smaller companies and product lines during 2004 for total consideration of approximately $311 million in cash, including transaction costs and net of cash acquired. In general, each company is a manufacturer and assembler of instrumentation products, in markets such as medical technology, electronic test, motion, environmental, product identification, sensors and controls and aerospace and defense. These companies were all acquired to comple- ment existing units of the Professional Instrumentation and 2004 Annual Report 41 Industrial Technologies segments. The Company recorded an aggregate of $182 million of goodwill related to these acquired businesses. The aggregate annual sales of these acquired businesses is approximately $280 million and each of these ten companies individually has less than $125 mil- lion in annual revenues and was purchased for a purchase price of less than $125 million. In addition, the Company sold a business that was part of the Tools & Components seg- ment during 2004 for approximately $43 million in cash and the proceeds have been included in proceeds from divesti- tures in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. A gain of approximately $1.5 million ($1.1 million net of tax) was recognized and has been included in gain on sale of real estate and other assets in the accompanying Con- solidated Statements of Earnings. In January 2005, the Company acquired, pursuant to a tender offer announced on October 6, 2004, approximately 99% of the outstanding shares of Linx Printing Technologies PLC, a publicly-held United Kingdom company operating in the product identification market. The Company intends to acquire the remaining outstanding shares through the the applicable UK compulsory acquisition provisions of Companies legislation. Once all of the outstanding shares are acquired, it is expected that the total consideration for such shares will be approximately $171 million in cash, including estimated transaction costs and net of cash acquired. Linx complements the Company’s product identification busi- nesses and has annual revenue of approximately $93 million. The Company completed twelve business acquisitions during 2003 for total consideration of approximately $312 million in cash including transaction costs and net of cash acquired. The Company also assumed debt with an aggregate fair market value of approximately $45 million in connection with these acquisitions. In connection with one of the 2003 acquisitions, the Company entered into an agreement to pay an additional maximum contingent consideration of up to $36.8 million in November 2008 based on future perfor- mance of the acquired business through November 2008. In general, each Company is a manufacturer and assembler of environmental or instrumentation products, in markets such as product identification, environmental and aerospace and defense. These companies were all acquired to complement existing units of either the Professional Instrumentation or Industrial Technologies segments. The aggregated annual revenue of the acquired businesses is approximately $361 million and each of these twelve companies individually has less than $125 million in annual revenues and was purchased for a purchase price of less than $125 million. In addition, the Company sold one facility in connection with a prior acquisition for approximately $11.6 million in net proceeds. No gain or loss was recognized on the sale and the proceeds have been included in proceeds from the divestiture in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. On February 1, 2002, the Company acquired 100% of Marconi Commerce Systems, formerly known as Gilbarco (“Gilbarco”), from Marconi plc in a stock acquisition, for approximately $309 million in cash including transaction costs (net of $17 million of acquired cash). Gilbarco is a glo- bal leader in retail automation and environmental products and services. The acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $226 million primarily related to the anticipated future earnings and cash flow potential of Gilbarco and its worldwide leadership in retail automation and environmen- tal products and services. The results of Gilbarco’s operations have been included in the Company’s Consolidated State- ment of Earnings since February 1, 2002. On February 4, 2002, the Company acquired 100% of Viridor Instrumentation Limited (“Viridor”) from the Pen- non Group plc in a stock acquisition, for approximately $137 million in cash including transaction costs. Viridor is a global leader in the design and manufacture of analytical instru- ments for clean water, waste water, ultrapure water and other fluids and materials. The acquisition resulted in the recog- nition of goodwill of $109 million primarily related to the anticipated future earnings and cash flow potential of Viridor and its global leadership in the area of “process water” instru- mentation. The results of Viridor’s operations have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings since February 4, 2002. On February 5, 2002, the Company acquired 100% of Marconi Data Systems, formerly known as Videojet Technologies (“Videojet”), from Marconi plc in a stock acquisition, for approximately $400 million in cash including transaction costs. Videojet is a worldwide leader in the mar- ket for non-contact product marking equipment and con- sumables. The acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $276 million primarily related to the anticipated future earnings and cash flow potential and worldwide lead- ership of Videojet in the product marking equipment and consumables market. Videojet represented a new strategic line of business for Danaher and was acquired in a competi- tive acquisition process. The results of Videojet’s operations have been included in the Company’s Consolidated State- ment of Earnings since February 5, 2002. On February 25, 2002, the Company completed the divestiture of API Heat Transfer, Inc. to an affiliate of Madison Capital Partners for approximately $63 million (including $53 million in net cash and a note receivable in the principal amount of $10 million), less certain liabilities of API Heat Transfer, Inc. paid by the Company at closing and subsequent to closing. API Heat Transfer, Inc. was part of the Company’s acquisition of American Precision Indus- tries, Inc. and was recorded as an asset held for sale as of the time of the acquisition. No gain or loss was recognized at the time of sale. On October 18, 2002, the Company acquired 100% of Thomson Industries, Inc. in a stock and asset acquisition, for approximately $147 million in cash including transaction costs (net of $2 million of acquired cash), an agreement to pay $15 million over the next 6 years, and contingent con- sideration with a current maximum payout of $45 million based on the future performance of Thomson through December 31, 2005. Thomson is a leading U.S. producer of linear motion control products. The acquisition resulted in 42 2004 Annual Report the recognition of goodwill of $73 million primarily related to the anticipated future earnings and cash flow potential of Thomson and its leadership in the motion industry. The results of Thomson’s operations have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings since October 18, 2002. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2002, the Company acquired 8 smaller companies, for total consid- eration of approximately $166 million in cash including trans- action costs. These companies were all acquired to complement Overall Accounts Receivable Inventory Property, Plant and Equipment Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Primarily Customer Relationships, existing units of the Professional Instrumentation or Industrial Technologies segments. Each of these 8 companies individually has less than $60 million in annual revenues and were purchased for a price of less than $75 million. The following table summarizes the estimated fair val- ues of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for all acquisitions consummated during 2004, 2003, and 2002 and the individually significant acquisitions discussed above (in thousands): 2004 $ 232,696 224,703 224,685 825,869 466,902 (67,444) (245,826) (69,866) $1,591,719 2003 $ 64,794 48,366 25,163 253,503 48,468 (31,061) (52,342) (44,608) $312,283 All Others $ 32,722 42,381 26,733 181,694 64,520 (19,267) (18,047) — $310,736 2002 $ 214,333 139,750 131,893 834,404 123,226 (70,492) (166,849) (48,136) $1,158,129 Total $ 232,696 224,703 224,685 825,869 466,902 (67,444) (245,826) (69,866) $1,591,719 Radiometer $ 66,171 40,997 86,139 445,144 207,170 (21,121) (74,755) (65,923) $683,822 KaVo $ 98,539 131,150 96,566 81,859 132,595 (10,993) (117,922) — $ 411,794 2004 Trojan $ 35,264 10,175 15,247 117,172 62,617 (16,063) (35,102) (3,943) $185,367 Trade Names and Patents Accounts Payable Other Assets and Liabilities, net Assumed Debt Net Cash Consideration Significant 2004 Acquisitions Accounts Receivable Inventory Property, Plant & Equipment Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Primarily Customer Relationships, Trade Names and Patents Account Payable Other Assets and Liabilities, net Assumed Debt Net Cash Consideration The unaudited pro forma information for the periods set forth below gives effect to the above noted acquisitions as if they had occurred at the beginning of the period. The pro forma information is presented for informational pur- poses only and is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisitions been consummated as of that time (unaudited, in thousands except per share amounts): 2004 2003 Net sales Net earnings Diluted earnings per share $7,270,316 738,936 2.28 $6,550,075 593,906 1.86 In connection with its acquisitions, the Company assesses and formulates a plan related to the future integration of the acquired entity. This process begins during the due diligence process and is concluded within 12 months of the acquisition. The Company accrues estimates for certain costs, related primarily to personnel reductions and facility closures or restructurings, anticipated at the date of acqui- sition, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Con- nection with a Purchase Business Combination.” Adjust- ments to these estimates are made up to 12 months from the acquisition date as plans are finalized. To the extent these accruals are not utilized for the intended purpose, the excess is recorded as a reduction of the purchase price, typically by reducing recorded goodwill balances. Costs incurred in excess of the recorded accruals are expensed as incurred. While the Company is still finalizing its exit plans with respect to certain of its 2004 acquisitions, it does not antici- pate significant changes to the current accrual levels related to any acquisitions completed prior to December 31, 2004. 2004 Annual Report 43 Accrued liabilities associated with these exit activities include the following (in thousands, except headcount): Planned Headcount Reduction: Balance December 31, 2001 Headcount related to 2002 acquisitions Headcount reductions in 2002 Adjustments to previously provided headcount estimates Balance December 31, 2002 Headcount related to 2003 acquisitions Headcount reductions in 2003 Adjustments to previously provided headcount estimates Balance December 31, 2003 Headcount related to 2004 acquisitions Headcount reductions in 2004 Adjustments to previously provided headcount estimates Balance December 31, 2004 Involuntary Employee Termination Benefits: Balance December 31, 2001 Accrual related to 2002 acquisitions Costs incurred in 2002 Adjustments to previously provided reserves Balance December 31, 2002 Accrual related to 2003 acquisitions Costs incurred in 2003 Adjustments to previously provided reserves Balance December 31, 2003 Accrual related to 2004 acquisitions Costs incurred in 2004 Adjustments to previously provided reserves Balance December 31, 2004 Facility Closure and Restructuring Costs: Balance December 31, 2001 Accrual related to 2002 acquisitions Costs incurred in 2002 Adjustments to previously provided reserves Balance December 31, 2002 Accrual related to 2003 acquisitions Costs incurred in 2003 Adjustments to previously provided reserves Balance December 31, 2003 Accrual related to 2004 acquisitions Costs incurred in 2004 Adjustments to previously provided reserves Videojet Viridor Gilbarco Thomson Radiometer KaVo — 223 (217) — 147 (105) — 6 — (6) — — — — — — — 42 — (32) (10) — — — — — — 640 (369) — 271 — (181) (34) 56 — (56) — — — 990 (54) — 936 — (520) (207) 209 — (209) — — — — — — — — — — — 131 (100) — 31 — — — — — — — — — 325 — — 325 All Others 1,762 252 (1,094) (766) 154 756 (757) (27) 126 186 (236) 131 207 Total 1,762 2,252 (1,839) (766) 1,409 756 (1,496) (278) 391 642 (601) 131 563 $ — $ — $ — $ — 16,771 (230) 27,322 (11,255) $ — $ — $ 42,766 5,665 — — (22,961) — — $ 42,766 61,819 (43,299) 8,367 (6,754) 3,694 (2,099) — 1,613 — (1,613) — 1,595 — (1,521) — — — — — 74 — (74) — 16,067 — (9,314) — 6,753 — (5,407) — 16,541 — (5,321) (7,573) 3,647 — (2,080) — — — — — (9,351) — 16,119 9,073 — — (15,341) — — 7,199 (2,615) — — 21,665 — (3,529) 6,322 5,159 (7,762) (9,351) 51,935 9,073 (33,110) (11,102) 16,796 34,023 (17,938) — — $ — $ — $ 1,346 — — $ 1,567 — $ 4,584 — $21,665 2,224 $ 5,943 2,224 $ 35,105 $ — $ — $ 2,166 (1,252) 3,578 (1,189) — $ — 7,582 (1,158) 3,190 (617) $ — $ — $ 26,876 20,272 — — (15,210) — — $ 26,876 36,788 (19,426) — 914 — (770) (18) 126 — (126) — 2,389 — (942) — 1,447 — (1,447) — — — 2,573 — (1,031) — 1,542 — (573) — 6,424 — (4,291) 2,773 4,906 — (1,347) — — — — — (9,329) — 22,609 5,676 — — (12,979) — — 2,231 (134) — — 16,211 — (3,450) 11,856 3,912 (7,382) (9,329) 34,909 5,676 (20,013) (695) 19,877 22,354 (11,009) — 969 (50) $ 3,509 — $ 2,097 — $16,211 2,436 $ 10,822 2,386 $ 33,608 Balance December 31, 2004 $ — $ — $ 44 2004 Annual Report in 2000. These adjustments The adjustments to previously provided reserves in 2002 related primarily to the acquisition of certain motion busi- nesses reduced goodwill recorded related to these acquisitions and had no impact on net earnings. In 2003, the adjustments to previously provided reserves relate primarily to the Company’s Thomson acqui- sition. These reductions related to reserves that were not nec- essary and reserves associated with facilities that were not closed due to unexpected delays in commencing certain planned integration activities. In 2004, the adjustments to previously provided reserves established severance and facil- ity closure reserves for acquisitions which occurred in late 2003 and for which plans for integrating the businesses were not finalized until 2004. Involuntary employee termination benefits are presented as a component of the Company’s compensation and benefits accrual included in accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheet. Facility closure and restructuring costs are reflected in accrued expenses (See Note 6). (3) Inventory: The major classes of inventory are summarized as follows (in thousands): Finished goods Work in process Raw material December 31, 2004 $281,325 138,261 284,410 $703,996 December 31, 2003 $191,494 121,760 222,973 $536,227 If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method had been used for inventories valued at LIFO cost, such inventories would have been $4.6 million and $5.4 million higher at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. (4) Property, Plant and Equipment: The major classes of property, plant and equipment are sum- marized as follows (in thousands): Land and improvements Buildings Machinery and equipment Less accumulated depreciation $ December 31, 2004 55,714 451,683 1,260,605 1,768,002 $ December 31, 2003 43,954 326,108 1,142,906 1,512,968 (1,015,036) 752,966 $ (939,603) $ 573,365 (5) Goodwill: As discussed in Note 2, goodwill arises from the excess of the purchase price for acquired businesses exceeding the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired. Management assesses goodwill for impairment for each of its reporting units at least annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter or as “triggering” events occur. Danaher has nine reporting units closely aligned with the Company’s stra- tegic lines of business and specialty niche businesses. They follows: Tools, Motion, Electronic Test, Power are as Quality, Environmental, Aerospace and Defense, Sensors and Controls, Product Identification and Medical Technol- ogy. In making its assessment of goodwill impairment, including management relies on a number of operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, and transactions and market place data. There are inherent uncertainties related to these factors and management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment which may effect the car- rying value of goodwill. factors 2004 Annual Report 45 The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill reflected in the financial statements resulting from the Company’s acqui- sition activities for 2002, 2003, and 2004 ($ in millions). Balance December 31, 2001 Attributable to 2002 acquisitions Adjustments due to finalization of purchase price allocations Effect of foreign currency translation Write down associated with Power Quality Business Balance December 31, 2002 Attributable to 2003 acquisitions Adjustments due to finalization of purchase price allocations Effect of foreign currency translation Balance December 31, 2003 Attributable to 2004 acquisitions Adjustments due to finalization of purchase price allocations Attributable to 2004 disposition Effect of foreign currency translation Balance December 31, 2004 $2,177 834 (67) 33 (200) $2,777 254 (22) 55 $3,064 826 (2) (18) 100 $3,970 The carrying amount of goodwill changed by approximately $906 million in 2004. The components of the change were $826 million of additional goodwill associated with business combinations completed in the year ended December 31, 2004, a net decrease of $2 million in adjustments related to finalization of purchase price allocations associated with prior year acquisitions, a decrease of $18 million due to the disposition of a small business in 2004 and foreign currency translation adjustments of $100 million. The carrying value of goodwill at December 31, 2004 for the Tools & Compo- nents segment, Professional Instrumentation segment and Industrial Technologies segment is approximately $194 mil- lion, $1,848 million and $1,928 million, respectively. The carrying amount of goodwill changed by approxi- mately $287 million in 2003. The components of the change were $254 million of additional goodwill associated with business combinations completed in the year ended December 31, 2003, a net decrease of $22 million in adjust- ments related to finalization of purchase price allocations associated with acquisitions consummated in prior years and foreign currency translation adjustments of $55 million. There were no dispositions of businesses with related good- will in 2003. The Company reduced previously recorded goodwill related to acquisitions that occurred in 2002 primarily as a result of finalization of the integration plans with respect to the Thomson business and other smaller acquisitions, the receipt of information relative to the fair market value of other assets acquired and the finalization of the acquired businesses deferred tax position reflecting the above changes. The carrying amount of goodwill changed by approxi- mately $600 million in 2002. The components of the change were $834 million of additional goodwill associated with business combinations completed in the year ended December 31, 2002, a net decrease of $67 million in adjust- ments, related to finalization of purchase price allocations associated with acquisitions consummated in prior years, for- eign currency translation adjustments of $33 million, and a $200 million reduction of goodwill related to the impair- ment charge recorded in connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 142. The Company recorded a reduction of goodwill in 2002 related to certain motion acquisitions that occurred in 2000 of approximately $27 million related to reserves that were not necessary and reserves associated with facilities that were not closed due to unexpected delays in commencing certain planned integration activities as well as changes in initial purchase price allocations of other acqui- sitions consummated in prior years. 46 2004 Annual Report (6) Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities: Accrued expenses and other liabilities include the following (in thousands): Compensation and benefits Claims, including self-insurance and litigation Postretirement benefits Environmental and regulatory compliance Taxes, income and other Sales and product allowances Warranty Other, individually less than 5% of overall balance December 31, 2004 December 31, 2003 Current $ 342,969 64,281 8,000 44,915 323,257 100,991 65,105 215,939 $1,165,457 Noncurrent $186,523 71,821 100,900 80,963 277,652 — 15,001 13,530 $746,390 Current $262,848 41,682 9,000 37,121 231,358 59,156 53,660 197,799 $892,624 Noncurrent $213,495 65,886 103,000 70,967 94,970 — 16,805 13,717 $578,840 Approximately $137 million of accrued expenses and other liabilities were guaranteed by standby letters of credit and per- formance bonds as of December 31, 2004. (7) Financing: Financing consists of the following (in thousands): Notes payable due 2008 Notes payable due 2005 Zero-coupon convertible senior notes due 2021 Other Less—currently payable December 31, 2004 $ 250,000 406,800 566,834 126,664 1,350,298 424,763 $ 925,535 December 31, 2003 $ 250,000 377,850 554,679 116,354 1,298,883 14,385 $1,284,498 The Notes due 2008 were issued in October 1998 at an aver- age interest cost of 6.1%. The fair value of the 2008 Notes, after taking into account the interest rate swaps discussed below, is approximately $261 million at December 31, 2004. In January 2002, the Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements for the term of the $250 million aggregate principal amount of 6% notes due 2008 having an aggregate notional principal amount of $100 million whereby the effective net interest rate on $100 million of the Notes is the six-month LIBOR rate plus approximately 0.425%. Rates are reset twice per year. At December 31, 2004, the net inter- est rate on $100 million of the Notes was 2.64% after giving effect to the interest rate swap agreement. In accordance with SFAS No. 133 (“Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended), the Company accounts for these swap agreements as fair value hedges. These instru- ments qualify as “effective” or “perfect” hedges. The Notes due 2005 (the Eurobond Notes), with a stated amount of e300 million were issued in July 2000 and bear interest at 6.25% per annum. The fair value of the Euro- at bond Notes December 31, 2004. Borrowings under these Eurobond $414.5 million approximately is Notes mature in July 2005 and therefore have been classified as a current maturity of long-term debt in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2004. During the first quarter of 2001, the Company issued $830 million (value at maturity) in LYONs. The net pro- ceeds to the Company were approximately $505 million, of which approximately $100 million was used to pay down debt and the balance was used for general corporate pur- poses, including acquisitions. The LYONs carry a yield to maturity of 2.375%. Holders of the LYONs may convert each of their LYONs into 14.5352 shares of Danaher com- mon stock (in the aggregate for all LYONs, approximately 12.0 million shares of Danaher common stock) at any time on or before the maturity date of January 22, 2021. As of December 31, 2004, the accreted value of the outstanding LYONs was approximately $47 per share which was lower, at that date, than the traded market value of the underlying common stock issue able upon conversion. The Company may redeem all or a portion of the LYONs for cash at any time. Holders may require the Company to purchase all or a portion of the notes for cash and/or Company common stock, at the Company’s option, on January 22, 2011. The holders had a similar option to require the Company to pur- chase all or a portion of the notes as of January 22, 2004, which resulted in notes with an accreted value of $1.1 mil- lion being redeemed by the Company. These notes were redeemed for cash. The Company will pay contingent inter- est to the holders of LYONs during any six-month period commencing after January 22, 2004 if the average market price of a LYON for a measurement period preceding such six-month period equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price and accrued original issue discount for such LYON. The Company has not and is not currently required to pay contingent interest under this agreement. Except for the contingent interest described above, the Company will not pay interest on the LYONs prior to maturity. The fair value of the LYONs notes is approximately $704 million at December 31, 2004. 2004 Annual Report 47 The borrowings under uncommitted lines of credit are principally short-term borrowings payable upon demand. There were no outstanding amounts under uncommitted lines of credit at either December 31, 2004 or 2003. The Company maintains two revolving senior unse- cured credit facilities totaling $1 billion available for general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the revolving credit facilities bear interest of Eurocurrency rate plus 0.21% to 0.70%, depending on the Company’s debt rating. The credit facilities, each $500 million, have a fixed term expiring June 28, 2006 and July 23, 2006, respectively. There were no borrowings under bank facilities during the three years ended December 31, 2004. The Company is charged a fee of 0.065% to 0.175% per annum for the facility, depending on the Company’s current debt rating. Commitment and facility fees of $828,000, $613,000 and $406,000 were incurred in 2004, 2003 and 2002 respectively. The Company has complied with all debt covenants, including limitations on secured debt and debt levels. None of the Company’s debt instruments contain trigger clauses requiring the Company to repurchase or pay off its debt if rating agencies downgrade the Company’s debt rating. The minimum principal payments during the next five years are as follows: 2005—$424.8 million; 2006—$82.1 million; 2007—$3.4 million; 2008—$253.4 million; 2009— $3.6 million, and $583.1 million thereafter. The Company made interest payments of $46.2 mil- lion, $47.4 million and $44.0 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Change in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year Service cost Interest cost Amendments and other Actuarial loss Transfer or divestiture Retiree contributions Benefits paid Benefit obligation at end of year Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Employer contribution Acquisition (transfer or divestiture) Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status Accrued contribution Unrecognized transition obligation Unrecognized loss Unrecognized prior service cost Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost (8) Pension and Employee Benefit Plans: The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans which cover certain of its domestic employees. Benefit accruals under most of these plans have ceased, and pension expense for defined benefit plans is not significant for any of the periods presented. It is the Company’s policy to fund, at a mini- mum, amounts required by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company acquired Gilbarco, Inc. on February 1, 2002, Videojet Technologies on February 5, 2002, Viridor Instrumentation Limited on February 4, 2002 and Thomson Industries on October 18, 2002, including each of their pen- sion and post retirement plans which were subsequently merged with the Company’s plan. One of Gilbarco’s pension plans was transferred to its employees’ collective bargaining organization in 2003. The Company recorded no gain or loss on this transfer. In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for some of its retired employees. Certain employees may become eligible for these benefits as they reach normal retirement age while working for the Company. The follow- ing sets forth the funded status of the domestic plans as of the most recent actuarial valuations using a measurement date of September 30 (in millions): Pension Benefits 2004 2003 Other Benefits 2004 2003 $564.2 1.8 32.4 — 6.9 — — (32.3) 573.0 449.3 47.3 10.6 — (32.3) 474.9 (98.0) — — 193.7 — $ 95.7 $ 526.6 16.8 34.0 1.1 46.6 (27.0) — (33.9) 564.2 446.9 62.7 0.6 (27.0) (33.9) 449.3 (114.9) 10.0 (0.1) 204.4 — $ 99.4 $ 159.8 2.5 9.4 (38.9) 9.0 (7.1) 3.1 (14.0) 123.8 — — — — — — (123.8) 2.7 — 55.5 (43.3) $(108.9) $ 147.0 2.0 10.3 (8.3) 18.8 — — (10.0) 159.8 — — — — — — (159.8) 2.7 — 53.0 (7.9) $(112.0) 48 2004 Annual Report Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations measured at September 30: $ 2.0 10.3 — — 2.7 (0.1) — $14.9 2002 7.50% 9.00% 4.00% 11.00% 5 years 6.00% Discount rate Rate of compensation increase Medical trend rate—initial Medical trend rate—grading period Medical trend rate—ultimate Components of net periodic benefit cost Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Amortization of transition obligation Amortization of (gain) loss Amortization of prior service cost Curtailment gain Net periodic (benefit) cost 2004 5.75% 4.00% 11.00% 6 years 5.00% 2003 6.00% 4.00% 11.00% 6 years 5.00% 2002 7.00% 4.00% 11.00% 5 years 6.00% Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2004 2003 2004 2003 $ 1.8 32.4 (40.7) (0.1) 10.9 — — $ 4.3 $ 16.8 34.0 (42.3) (0.1) 3.4 (3.3) (22.5) $(14.0) $ 2.5 9.4 — — 3.3 (1.0) — $14.2 Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost measured at September 30: Discount rate Expected long-term return on plan assets Rate of compensation increase Medical trend rate—initial Medical trend rate—grading period Medical trend rate—ultimate 2004 6.00% 8.50% 4.00% 11.00% 6 years 5.00% 2003 7.00% 8.50% 4.00% 11.00% 5 years 6.00% Effect of a one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates ($ in millions) Effect on the total of service and interest cost components Effect on postretirement benefit obligation Selection of Expected Rate of Return on Assets For 2004 and 2003, the Company used an expected long- term rate of return assumption of 8.5% for the Company’s defined benefit pension plan. The Company had used 9% as the expected long-term rate of return on assets in 2002. The Company intends on further lowering the expected long- term rate of returns assumption to 8% for 2005. Investment Policy The plan’s goal is to maintain between 60% to 70% of its assets in equity portfolios, which are invested in funds that are expected to mirror broad market returns for equity secu- rities. The balance of the asset portfolio is invested in cor- porate bonds and bond index funds. 1% Point Increase $ 0.7 $10.3 1% Point Decrease $(0.6) $(9.6) Asset Information % of measurement date assets by asset categories Equity securities Debt securities Cash Total 2004 2003 70% 27% 3% 100% 61% 37% 2% 100% Expected Contributions While not statutorily required to make contributions to the plan for 2003, the Company contributed $10 million to the plan before December 31, 2003. The Company made no contributions in 2004. The Company anticipates there will be no statutory funding requirements for the defined benefit plan in 2005. 2004 Annual Report 49 Other Matters The Company recorded a curtailment gain in 2003 as a result of freezing the ongoing contributions to its Cash Balance Pension Plan effective December 31, 2003. The gain totaled $22.5 million ($14.6 million after tax, or $0.05 per share) and represents the unrecognized benefits associated with prior plan amendments were being amortized into income over the remaining service period of participating associates prior to freezing the plan. The Company will continue recording pension expense related to this plan, representing interest costs on the accumulated benefit obligation and amortization of actuarial losses. Due to declines in the equity markets in 2001 and 2002, the Company’s pension fund assets has the fair value of decreased below the accumulated benefit obligation due to the participants in the plan. After recording a minimum pension liability adjustment of $76.9 million (net of tax the benefit of $39.6 million) at December 31, 2002, Company increased the minimum pension liability to $114.1 million (net of tax benefit of $59.6 million) at December 31, 2003 as a result of changes in actuarial assumptions, includ- ing the impact of the plan curtailment noted above. The Company reduced the minimum pension liability to $107.2 million (net of tax benefit of $55.9 million) at December 31, 2004 as a result of change in actuarial assumptions and plan asset performance. Substantially all employees not covered by defined benefit plans are covered by defined contribution plans, which gener- ally provide funding based on a percentage of compensation. Pension expense for all plans, including the $22.5 mil- lion gain on curtailment in 2003, amounted to $63.0 million $22.9 million, and $45.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In addition to the plans discussed above, the Company maintains several smaller defined benefit plans in countries outside the United States. Select information regarding the significant plans is as follows (in millions): Service cost Interest cost Benefits paid Accumulated plan benefit obligation Assets available for benefits Funded status Actuarial (gains) losses and other Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost Discount rate Rate of compensation increase 2004 $ 2.0 5.0 $ 7.0 $ 5.4 $ 96.4 48.4 $(48.0) $ (1.5) $(49.5) 5.5% 2003 $ 2.4 4.0 $ 6.4 $ 2.5 $ 71.5 39.4 $(32.1) $ 0.4 $(31.7) 5.5% 2.9% 3.0% In May 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Staff Position No. 106-2 (“FSP 106-2”), “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Moderniza- tion Act of 2003” (the “Act”). The Act introduces a pre- scription drug benefit under Medicare (“Medicare Part D”) as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of post-retirement health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. FSP 106-2 super- sedes FSP 106-1, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003”, which was issued in Janu- ary 2004 and permitted a sponsor of a post-retirement health care plan that provides a prescription drug benefit to make a one-time election to defer accounting for the effects of the Act until more authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy was issued. The Company elected the one-time deferral allowed under FSP 106-1. FSP 106-2 pro- vides authoritative guidance on the accounting for the fed- eral subsidy and specifies the disclosure requirements for employers who have adopted FSP 106-2, including those who are unable to determine whether benefits provided under its plan are actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. FSP 106-2 was effective for the Company’s third quarter of 2004. Based on available information, the Company has formed a conclusion that its retiree medical plans provide benefits that are at least actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D. As a result, the accrued post-retirement benefit obli- gation was reduced by approximately $12 million and reduced the annual net periodic benefit cost was reduced by approximately $1 million. The reduction in the accrued ben- efits obligation has been included in “amendments and other” in the above reconciliation of the funded status of the plan. Detailed final regulations necessary to implement the Act have not been issued, including those that would specify the manner in which actuarial equivalency must be deter- mined, the evidence required to demonstrate actuarial equivalency, and the documentation requirements necessary to be entitled to the subsidy. Since final regulations have not been issued, the Company’s benefit recorded may change in future periods. (9) Leases and Commitments: The Company’s leases extend for varying periods of time up to 10 years and, in some cases, contain renewal options. Future minimum rental payments for all operating leases hav- ing initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year are $58 million in 2005, $46 million in 2006, $37 million in 2007, $28 million in 2008, $24 million in 2009 and $59 million thereafter. Total rent expense charged to income for all operating leases was $62 million, $56 million and $56 million, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. 50 2004 Annual Report The Company generally accrues estimated warranty costs at the time of sale. In general, manufactured products are warranted against defects in material and workmanship when properly used for their intended purpose, installed cor- rectly, and appropriately maintained. Warranty period terms depend on the nature of the product and range from 90 days up to the life of the product. The amount of the accrued warranty liability is determined based on historical informa- tion such as past experience, product failure rates or number of units repaired, estimated cost of material and labor, and in certain instances estimated property damage. The liability, shown in the following table, is reviewed on a quarterly basis and may be adjusted as additional information regarding expected warranty costs becomes known. In certain cases the Company will sell extended war- ranty or maintenance agreements. The proceeds from these agreements is deferred and recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement. The following is a roll forward of the Company’s war- ranty accrual for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 ($ in 000’s): Balance December 31, 2002 Accruals for warranties issued during period Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties Settlements made Additions due to acquisitions Balance December 31, 2003 Accruals for warranties issued during period Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties Settlements made Additions due to acquisitions Balance December 31, 2004 $ 61,235 51,441 10,853 (56,206) 3,142 70,465 56,712 3,395 (65,382) 14,916 $ 80,106 (10) Litigation and Contingencies: Certain of the Company’s operations are subject to environ- mental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, which impose limitations on the discharge of pol- lutants into the ground, air and water and establish standards for the generation, treatment, use, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. The Company must also comply with various health and safety regulations in both the United States and abroad in connection with its operations. The Company believes that it is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regula- tions. Compliance with these laws and regulations has not had and, based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position. In addition to environmental compliance costs, the Company may incur costs related to alleged environmental damage associated with past or current waste disposal prac- tices or other hazardous materials handling practices. For example, generators of hazardous substances found in dis- posal sites at which environmental problems are alleged to exist, as well as the owners of those sites and certain other classes of persons, are subject to claims brought by state and federal regulatory agencies pursuant to statutory authority. The Company has received notification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and from state and for- eign environmental agencies, that conditions at a number of sites where the Company and others disposed of hazardous wastes require clean-up and other possible remedial action and may be the basis for monetary sanctions, including sites where the Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party under federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The Company has projects underway at sev- eral current and former manufacturing facilities, in both the United States and abroad, to investigate and remediate envi- ronmental contamination resulting from past operations. In particular, Joslyn Manufacturing Company (“JMC”), a sub- sidiary of the Company acquired in September 1995 and the assets of which were divested in November 2004, previously operated wood treating facilities that chemically preserved utility poles, pilings, railroad ties and wood flooring blocks. These facilities used wood preservatives that included creo- sote, pentachlorophenol and chromium-arsenic-copper. All such treating operations were discontinued or sold by JMC prior to 1982. While preservatives were handled in accor- law now dance with then existing law, environmental imposes retroactive liability, in some circumstances, on per- sons who owned or operated wood-treating sites. JMC is remediating some of its former sites and will remediate other sites in the future. In connection with the divestiture of the assets of this business, JMC retained the environmental liabilities described above and agreed to indemnify the buyer of the assets with respect to certain environmental-related liabilities. The Company is also from time to time party to personal injury or other claims brought by private parties alleging injury due to the presence of or exposure to haz- ardous substances. The Company has made a provision for environmental remediation and environmental-related personal injury claims; however, there can be no assurance that estimates of these liabilities will not change. The Company generally makes an assessment of the costs involved for its remediation efforts based on environmental studies as well as its prior experience with similar sites. If the Company determines that it has potential remediation liability for properties cur- rently owned or previously sold, it accrues the total estimated costs, including investigation and remediation costs, associ- ated with the site. The Company also estimates its exposure for environmental-related personal injury claims and accrues for this estimated liability as such claims become known. While the Company actively pursues appropriate insurance recoveries as well as appropriate recoveries from other poten- tially responsible parties, it does not recognize any insurance recoveries for environmental liability claims until realized. The ultimate cost of site cleanup is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of the Company’s involvement in certain 2004 Annual Report 51 sites, uncertainties regarding the extent of the required cleanup, the availability of alternative cleanup methods, variations in the interpretation of applicable laws and regu- lations, the possibility of insurance recoveries with respect to certain sites and the fact that imposition of joint and several liability with right of contribution is possible under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and other environmental laws and regulations. As such, there can be no assurance that the Com- pany’s estimates of environmental liabilities will not change. In view of the Company’s financial position and reserves for environmental matters and based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, the Company believes that its liability, if any, related to past or current waste disposal practices and other hazardous mate- rials handling practices will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or cash flow. Certain of the Company’s products are medical devices that are subject to regulation by the FDA and by the coun- terpart agencies of the foreign countries where the products are sold, as well as federal, state and local regulations governing the storage, handling and disposal of radioactive materials. The Company believes that it is in substantial com- pliance with these regulations. The Company is also required to comply with various export control and economic sanc- tions laws. Non-United States governments have also imple- mented similar export control regulations, which may affect Company operations or transactions subject to their jurisdic- tions. The Company believes that it is in substantial compli- ance with applicable regulations governing such export control and economic sanctions laws. In June 2004, a federal jury in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut returned a liability finding against Raytek Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company, in a patent infringement action relating to sighting technology for infrared thermometers, finding that the sub- sidiary willfully infringed two patents and awarding the plaintiff, Omega Engineering Inc., approximately $8 million in damages. On October 26, 2004, the judge entered an order trebling the awarded damages and requiring the sub- sidiary to pay plaintiff ’s legal fees. The Company believes it has meritorious grounds to seek reversal of the order and is vigorously pursuing all available means to achieve reversal. The purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired the subsidiary in 2002 provides indemnification for the Company with respect to these matters and management does not expect these matters to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. Accu-Sort, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, is a defendant in a suit filed by Federal Express Corporation on May 16, 2001 and subsequently removed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee alleging breach of contract, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment and conversion. Plain- tiff engaged Accu-Sort to develop a scanning and dimen- that prior to becoming a sioning system, and alleges subsidiary of the Company Accu-Sort breached its contrac- tual obligations to, and misappropriated trade secrets of, plaintiff by developing dimensioning and scanning/ dimensioning products for other customers. Plaintiff seeks injunctive relief and monetary damages, including punitive damages. A trial date is currently scheduled for July 2005. At this time, the Company cannot predict the outcome of the case and, therefore, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or the range of potential losses that might result from an adverse judgment or settlement in this matter. The purchase agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired Accu-Sort in 2003 provides certain indemnifica- tion for the Company with respect to this matter. Manage- ment does not expect this matter to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition. In addition, the Company is, from time to time, subject to routine litigation incidental to its business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for damages arising out of the use of the Company’s products, allegations of patent and trade- mark infringement and trade secret misappropriation, and litigation and administrative proceedings involving employ- ment matters and commercial disputes. The Company may also become subject to lawsuits as a result of past or future acquisitions. Some of these lawsuits include claims for puni- tive as well as compensatory damages. While the Company maintains workers compensation, property, cargo, auto, product, general liability, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (and have acquired rights under similar policies in connection with certain acquisitions) that cover a portion of these claims, this insurance may be insufficient or unavailable to protect the Company against potential loss exposures. In addition, while management believes the Company is entitled to indemnification from third parties for some of these claims, these rights may also be insufficient or unavail- able to protect the Company against potential loss exposures. The Company believes that the results of these litigation matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the Com- pany’s financial condition or cash flows, even before taking into account any related insurance recoveries. The Company carries significant deductibles and self- insured retentions for workers’ compensation, property, automobile, product and general liability costs, and manage- ment believes that the Company maintains adequate accruals to cover the retained liability. Management determines the Company’s accrual for self-insurance liability based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company maintains the Company’s third party insur- ance policies up to certain limits to cover liability costs in excess of predetermined retained amounts. The Company’s Matco subsidiary has sold, with recourse, or provided credit enhancements for certain of its accounts receivable and notes receivable. Amounts outstand- ing under this program approximated $29 million, $75 mil- lion and $93 million as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company and the subsidiary account for such sales in accordance with SFAS No. 140, “Accounting 52 2004 Annual Report for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguish- ment of Liabilities—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 125.” A provision for estimated losses as a result of the recourse has been included in accrued expenses. No gain or loss arose from these transactions. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had no known probable but inestimable exposures that are expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations. (11) Income Taxes: The provision for income taxes for the years ended Decem- ber 31 consists of the following (in thousands): 2004 2003 2002 Federal: Current Deferred State and local Foreign Income tax provision $ 18,900 179,677 15,800 97,340 $311,717 $ — $ 163,944 18,000 78,257 $260,201 — 160,302 15,315 47,710 $223,327 Current deferred income tax assets are reflected in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Long-term deferred income tax liabilities are included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets. Deferred income taxes consist of the following (in thousands): Bad debt allowance Inventories Property, plant and equipment Pension and postretirement benefits Insurance, including self-insurance Basis difference in LYONs Notes Goodwill and other intangibles Environmental and regulatory compliance Other accruals and prepayments Deferred service income Tax credit and loss carryforwards All other accounts Net deferred tax liability 2004 $ 10,923 55,637 (48,573) 17,885 (25,120) (48,756) (251,163) 29,402 80,579 (131,156) 85,953 (8,840) (233,229) 2003 $ 13,918 31,246 (22,704) 47,686 26,410 (34,440) (111,683) 29,637 59,163 (133,247) 53,200 (32,004) $ (72,818) Deferred taxes associated with temporary differences resulting from timing of recognition for income tax purposes of fees paid for services rendered between consolidated entities are reflected as deferred service income in the above table. These fees are fully eliminated in consolidation and have no effect on reported revenue, income or reported income tax expense. The effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31 varies from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows: Statutory federal income tax rate Increase (decrease) in tax rate resulting from: Basis difference on sale of business State income taxes (net of Federal income tax benefit) Taxes on foreign earnings Research and experimentation credits and other Effective income tax rate Percentage of Pre-tax Earnings 2004 35.0% 0.6 1.0 (6.6) (0.5) 29.5% 2003 35.0% — 1.5 (3.0) (0.9) 32.6% 2002 35.0% — 1.5 (2.5) — 34.0% The Company made income tax payments of $126.9 million, $93.7 million and $98.8 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company recognized a tax benefit of approximately $16.5 million, $27.5 million and $28.3 mil- lion in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, related to the exer- cise of employee stock options, which has been recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. During 2003 and 2002, the Company made U.S. Federal payments of $65 mil- lion and $50 million, respectively, related to reviews of prior years’ tax return filings, which are included in the total tax payments for each year. Included in deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2004 are tax benefits for U.S. and non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards primarily associated with acquired businesses totaling approximately $21 million (net of applicable valu- ation allowances of approximately $50 million). Certain of the losses can be carried forward indefinitely and others can be carried forward to various dates through 2014. The 2004 Annual Report 53 recognition of any future benefit resulting from the reduc- tion of the valuation allowance will reduce goodwill of the acquired business. In addition, the Company also had general business and foreign tax credit carryforwards aggregating approximately $65 million at December 31, 2004 which are expected to reduce future taxes payable by the Company. The Company provides income taxes for unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not considered per- manently reinvested overseas. As of December 31, 2004, the approximate amount of earnings from foreign subsidiaries that the Company considers permanently reinvested and for which deferred taxes have not been provided was approxi- mately $1.6 billion. United States income taxes have not been provided on earnings that are planned to be reinvested indefinitely outside the United States and the amount of such taxes that may be applicable is not readily determinable given the various tax planning alternatives the Company could employ should it decide to repatriate these earnings. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) pro- vides the Company with an opportunity to repatriate up to $500 million of foreign earnings during 2005 at an effective US tax rate of 5.25%. At the present time, the Company has no intention to repatriate any foreign earnings under the provisions of the Act. The Company will continue to evalu- ate its position throughout the year, especially if there are changes or proposed changes in foreign tax laws or in the US taxation of international businesses. The Company’s legal and tax structure reflects both the number of acquisitions and dispositions that have occurred over the years as well as the multi-jurisdictional nature of the Company’s businesses. Management performs a comprehen- sive review of its global tax positions on an annual basis and accrues amounts for potential tax contingencies. Based on these reviews and the result of discussions and resolutions of matters with certain tax authorities and the closure of tax years subject to tax audit, reserves are adjusted as necessary. Reserves for these tax matters are included in “Taxes, income and other” in accrued expenses as detailed in Note 6 in the accompanying financial statements. In connection with the completion of a federal income tax audit in 2002, the Com- pany adjusted certain income tax related reserves established related to the sale of a previously discontinued operation and recorded a $30 million credit to its fourth quarter 2002 income statement. This credit has been classified separately below net earnings from continuing operations since the tax reserves related to a previously discontinued operation. (12) Earnings Per Share (EPS): Basic EPS is calculated by dividing earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the applicable period. Diluted EPS is calculated after adjusting the numerator and the denominator of the basic EPS calculation for the effect of all potential dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Information related to the calculation of earnings per share of common stock before the effect of the accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves related to a previously discontinued operation is summarized as follows: For the Year Ended December 31, 2004: (in thousands, except per share amounts) Basic EPS Adjustment for interest on convertible debentures Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options Incremental shares from assumed conversion of the convertible debenture Diluted EPS For the Year Ended December 31, 2003: Basic EPS Adjustment for interest on convertible debentures Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options Incremental shares from assumed conversion of the convertible debenture Diluted EPS For the Year Ended December 31, 2002: Basic EPS Adjustment for interest on convertible debentures Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options Incremental shares from assumed conversion of the convertible debenture Diluted EPS Net Earnings Before the Effect of the Accounting Change and Reduction of Income Tax Reserves (Numerator) $746,000 8,598 — Shares (Denominator) 308,964 — 6,699 Per Share Amount $2.41 — $754,598 $536,834 8,412 — — $545,246 $434,141 7,901 — — $442,042 12,038 327,701 306,792 — 4,286 12,062 323,140 300,448 — 4,454 12,062 316,964 $2.30 $1.75 $1.69 $1.45 $1.39 54 2004 Annual Report (13) Stock Transactions: On April 22, 2004, the company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one split of its common stock. The split was effected in the form of a stock dividend paid on May 20, 2004 to shareholders of record on May 6, 2004. All share and per share information presented in this Form 10-K has been retroactively restated to reflect the effect of this split. On July 1, 2002, the Company amended its certificate of incorporation to increase its authorized number of shares (in thousands, except per share data) Outstanding at December 31, 2001 (average $19.14 per share) Granted (average $31.19 per share) Exercised (average $11.19 per share) Cancelled (average $23.62 per share) Outstanding at December 31, 2002 (average $22.55 per share) Granted (average $35.82 per share) Exercised (average $15.39 per share) Cancelled (average $23.25 per share) Outstanding at December 31, 2003 (average $27.14 per share) Granted (average $ 48.85 per share) Exercised (average $ 21.10 per share) Cancelled (average $ 32.42 per share) Outstanding at December 31, 2004 (at $7.81 to $57.00 per share, average $30.80 per share) of common stock from 600 million to 1 billion shares. This amendment was approved by the Company’s shareholders at its May 7, 2002 annual meeting. On March 8, 2002, the Company completed the issu- ance of 13.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock for net proceeds to the Company of $467 million. Changes in stock options outstanding under the Amended and Restated Danaher Corporation 1998 Stock Option Plan were as follows: Number of Shares Under Option 20,046 3,048 (3,744) (550) 18,800 6,462 (2,120) (1,392) 21,750 3,702 (1,487) (456) 23,509 All options under the plan are granted at not less than existing market prices, expire ten years from the date of grant and generally vest ratably over a five-year period. As of December 31, 2004, options with a weighted average remaining life of 5 years covering 8.7 million shares were exercisable at $7.81 to $41.50 per share (average $22.62 per share) and options covering 3.2 million shares remain available to be granted. Options outstanding at December 31, 2004 are summarized below: Exercise Price $ 7.81 to $13.58 $14.85 to $20.72 $22.69 to $30.64 $31.85 to $41.74 $41.75 to $57.00 Shares (thousands) 1,869 589 9,611 7,779 3,661 Outstanding Average Exercise Price $11.14 16.08 25.01 35.46 48.51 Average Remaining Life 2 3 6 8 9 Exercisable Shares (thousands) 1,869 589 4,927 1,302 24 Average Exercise Price $11.14 16.11 24.42 34.65 52.37 Nonqualified options have been issued only at fair market value exercise prices as of the date of grant during the periods presented herein, and the Company does not recognize compensation costs for options of this type. The weighted-average grant date fair market value of options issued was $16 per share in 2004, $13 per share in 2003, and $14 per share in 2002. The weighted average costs of options granted in 2004 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and assuming a 3.95% risk-free interest rate, a 7-year life for the option, a 25% expected volatility and dividends at the current annual rate. 2004 Annual Report 55 The following table illustrates the pro-forma effect of net income and earnings per share if the fair value based method had been applied to all outstanding and unvested awards in each year ($ in thousands, except per share amounts): Net earnings before effect of accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves—as reported Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects Pro forma net earnings Earnings per share before effect of accounting change and reduction of income tax reserves Basic—as reported Basic—pro forma Diluted—as reported Diluted—pro forma 2004 2003 2002 $746,000 $536,834 $434,141 (28,487) $717,513 (26,755) $510,079 (20,960) $413,181 $ $ $ $ 2.41 2.32 2.30 2.22 $ $ $ $ 1.75 1.66 1.69 1.60 $ $ $ $ 1.45 1.38 1.39 1.33 In May 2003 and March 2004, the Company’s Board of Directors granted an aggregate of 1.1 million restricted share units to certain members of management. The Company expensed $8.1 million and $3.6 million in 2004 and 2003, respectively, in connection with these awards which were amounts equal to the expected ultimate fair value of the awards on the measurement date recorded ratably over the respective vesting periods. In August 2003, the Company amended its Executive Deferred Incentive Program available to certain of the Com- pany’s executives. In connection with this amendment, cer- During 2002, tain deferred compensation amounts, that previously could have been settled for cash, will be settled in Company stock. Due this change, approximately $14 million was reclassified as additional paid-in-capital from other liabilities in 2003. the Company issued approximately 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to a former officer of the Company pursuant to a previously existing employment contract, earned in prior years. These amounts are included as a component of common stock issued for options exercised in the Consolidated Statement of Stock- holders’ Equity. 56 2004 Annual Report (14) Segment Data: Beginning with this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Company realigned its segment reporting primarily due to significant acquisitions in 2004. The Company previously reported under two segments: Tools & Components and Process/ Environmental Controls. The Company currently reports under three segments: Tools & Components, Professional Instru- mentation, and Industrial Technologies. The Tools & Components segment is unchanged between the current year and prior year’s presentations. The Process/Environmental Controls segment has been realigned under Professional Instrumentation, comprising electronic test, environmental, and medical technology companies and Industrial Technologies, comprising motion, industrial controls, product identification and other niche companies. All prior year information has been restated to reflect this realignment. Operating profit represents total revenues less operating expenses, excluding other expense, interest and income taxes. The identifiable assets by segment are those used in each segment’s operations. Intersegment amounts are eliminated to arrive at consolidated totals. Detailed segment data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 is presented in the following table (in thousands): Total Sales: Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Operating Profit: Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Other Pension curtailment Identifiable Assets: Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Other Liabilities: Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Other Depreciation and Amortization: Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components Capital Expenditures, Gross Professional Instrumentation Industrial Technologies Tools & Components 2004 2003 2002 $2,915,690 2,667,354 1,306,257 $6,889,301 $ 544,005 393,521 198,251 (30,644) — $1,105,133 $4,116,244 3,472,246 768,659 136,744 $8,493,893 $1,092,456 854,321 315,406 1,612,028 $3,874,211 $ 66,390 60,576 29,162 $ 156,128 $ 46,217 51,104 18,585 $ 115,906 $1,916,014 2,180,672 1,197,190 $5,293,876 $ 357,529 316,814 173,821 (24,669) 22,500 $ 845,995 $1,889,934 3,423,881 786,949 789,286 $6,890,050 $ 534,359 781,048 313,224 1,614,710 $3,243,341 $ 42,093 62,529 28,814 $ 133,436 $ $ 21,534 46,755 12,054 80,343 $1,676,087 1,709,067 1,192,078 $4,577,232 $ 298,186 242,271 181,359 (20,694) — $ 701,122 $1,608,306 3,083,298 811,803 525,738 $6,029,145 $ 506,485 643,315 311,106 1,558,640 $3,019,546 $ 45,028 48,148 36,389 $ 129,565 $ $ 18,883 33,909 12,638 65,430 2004 Annual Report 57 2004 2003 2002 Operations in Geographical Areas Year Ended December 31 Total Sales: United States Germany United Kingdom Denmark All other Long-lived assets: United States Germany United Kingdom Denmark All other Sales outside the United States: Direct Sales Exports Sales by Major Product Group: (in thousands) Analytical and physical instrumentation Motion and industrial automation controls Mechanics and related hand tools Medical & dental products Product identification Aerospace and defense Power quality and reliability All other Total $4,461,389 773,163 250,627 263,238 1,140,884 $6,889,301 $3,509,695 545,021 256,315 784,055 480,117 $5,575,203 $2,427,912 686,000 $3,113,912 2004 $2,384,462 1,239,694 856,183 672,926 655,247 431,371 284,580 364,838 $6,889,301 $3,635,305 398,317 246,959 — 1,013,295 $5,293,876 $3,256,113 201,819 234,824 — 255,143 $3,947,899 $1,658,571 611,000 $2,269,571 2003 $2,023,821 1,098,222 787,678 — 472,888 311,921 264,708 334,638 $5,293,876 (15) Quarterly Data-Unaudited (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data): Net sales Gross profit Operating profit Net earnings Earnings per share: Basic Diluted Net sales Gross profit Operating profit Net earnings Earnings per share: Basic Diluted 1st Quarter $1,543,191 631,261 224,966 145,244 $ $ 0.47 0.45 1st Quarter $1,196,215 467,399 166,993 103,126 $ $ 0.34 0.33 2004 2003 2nd Quarter $1,621,245 685,709 272,242 182,233 $ $ 0.59 0.56 2nd Quarter $1,299,432 524,886 201,211 125,144 $ $ 0.41 0.39 3rd Quarter $1,745,285 739,993 291,921 200,793 $ $ 0.65 0.62 3rd Quarter $1,309,451 542,503 215,765 138,618 $ $ 0.45 0.44 $3,304,796 256,131 209,954 — 806,351 $4,577,232 $3,104,370 147,790 169,676 — 220,043 $3,641,879 $1,272,436 496,000 $1,768,436 2002 $1,784,955 869,820 760,533 — 285,857 278,066 251,783 346,218 $4,577,232 4th Quarter $1,979,580 835,702 316,004 217,730 $ $ 0.70 0.67 4th Quarter $1,488,778 604,279 262,026 169,946 $ $ 0.55 0.53 58 2004 Annual Report (16) New Accounting Pronouncements: (ESPPs). The statement eliminates In December, 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Statement 123R sets accounting requirements for “share-based” com- pensation to employees, including employee stock purchase plans the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and generally requires instead that such transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. Disclosure of the effect of expensing the fair value of equity compensation is currently required under existing literature (see Note 13). The statement also requires the tax benefit associated with these share based payments be classified as financing activities in the Statement of Cash Flows rather than operating activi- ties as currently permitted. The statement is effective for the company at the beginning of the Companies’ interim period beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is in the pro- cess of evaluating this statement however; at this time the Company anticipates it will begin recording an expense for the fair market value of options issued beginning in the third fiscal quarter of 2005. The full year pro forma impact of this change in accounting for 2004, 2003 and 2002 is included in Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (17) Subsequent Events—Acquisition In January 2005, the Company acquired, pursuant to a tender offer announced on October 6, 2004, approximately 99% of the outstanding shares of Linx Printing Technologies PLC, a publicly-held United Kingdom company operating in the product identification market. The Company intends to acquire the remaining outstanding shares through the com- pulsory acquisition provisions of the applicable UK Com- panies legislation. Once all of the outstanding shares are acquired, it is expected that the total consideration for such shares will be approximately $171 million in cash, including estimated transaction costs and net of cash acquired. Linx complements the Company’s product identification busi- nesses and has annual revenue of approximately $93 million. 2004 Annual Report 59 Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the under- signed, thereunto duly authorized. DANAHER CORPORATION By: /s/ H. LAWRENCE CULP, JR. H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer Date: March 7, 2005 /s/ H. LAWRENCE CULP, JR. H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. /s/ STEVEN M. RALES Steven M. Rales /s/ MITCHELL P. RALES Mitchell P. Rales /s/ WALTER G. LOHR, JR. Walter G. Lohr, Jr. /s/ DONALD J. EHRLICH Donald J. Ehrlich /s/ MORTIMER M. CAPLIN Mortimer M. Caplin /s/ JOHN T. SCHWIETERS John T. Schwieters /s/ ALAN G. SPOON Alan G. Spoon /s/ A. EMMET STEPHENSON, JR. A. Emmet Stephenson, Jr. President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Chairman of the Board Chairman of the Executive Committee Director Director Director Director Director Director /s/ PATRICK W. ALLENDER Patrick W. Allender Executive Vice President—Chief Financial Officer and Secretary /s/ ROBERT S. LUTZ Robert S. Lutz Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer 60 2004 Annual Report Exhibit 31.1 I, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Danaher Corporation; Certification 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and pro- cedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated sub- sidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our con- clusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial report- ing; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial report- ing which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report finan- cial information; and b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 7, 2005 By: /s/ H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. Name: H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. Title: President and Chief Executive Officer 2004 Annual Report 61 Exhibit 31.2 I, Patrick W. Allender, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K of Danaher Corporation; Certification 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and pro- cedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated sub- sidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our con- clusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial report- ing; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial report- ing which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report finan- cial information; and b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 7, 2005 By: /s/ Patrick W. Allender Name: Patrick W. Allender Title: Executive Vice President— Chief Financial Officer and Secretary 62 2004 Annual Report Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 I, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge, Danaher Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents in all material respects the financial con- dition and results of operations of Danaher Corporation. Date: March 7, 2005 By: /s/ H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. Name: H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. Title: President and Chief Executive Officer This certification accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that Danaher Corporation specifically incorporates it by reference. 2004 Annual Report 63 Exhibit 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 I, Patrick W. Allender, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge, Danaher Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that information contained in such Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly presents in all material respects the financial con- dition and results of operations of Danaher Corporation. Date: March 7, 2005 By: /s/ Patrick W. Allender Name: Patrick W. Allender Title: Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary This certification accompanies the Annual Report on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that Danaher Corporation specifically incorporates it by reference. 64 2004 Annual Report Directors Mortimer M. Caplin Founder and Senior Partner Caplin & Drysdale H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer Danaher Corporation Donald J. Ehrlich Chief Executive Officer Schwab Corporation Walter G. Lohr, Jr. Partner Hogan & Hartson Daniel A. Pryor Vice President – Strategic Development Daniel A. Raskas Vice President – Corporate Development Corporate Officers J. David Bergmann Vice President – Audit Brian E. Burnett Vice President – Corporate Procurement Mitchell P. Rales Chairman of The Executive Committee Danaher Corporation Alex A. Joseph Vice President – Corporate General Manager Fluke James A. Lico Fluke Networks Chris L. Odell Gilbarco Veeder-Root Gary A. Masse Hach/Lange Thomas P. Joyce, Jr. Hennessy Industries, Inc. Vincent E. Piacenti Hach Ultra Analytics Yves Ducommun Jacobs Vehicle Systems Scott W.Wine Steven M. Rales Chairman of The Board Danaher Corporation John T. Schwieters Vice Chairman Perseus, LLC Alan G. Spoon Managing General Partner Polaris Venture Partners A. Emmet Stephenson, Jr. Chairman of The Board StarTek, Inc. Executive Officers H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick W. Allender Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Philip W. Knisely Executive Vice President Steven E. Simms Executive Vice President Daniel L. Comas Senior Vice President - Finance and Corporate Development James H. Ditkoff Senior Vice President - Finance & Tax Robert S. Lutz Vice President - Chief Accounting Officer Thomas P. Joyce, Jr. Vice President and Group Executive KaVo Dr. Martin Rickert Kollmorgen Electro-Optical Michael J.Wall Matco Tools Corporation Thomas N.Willis Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company H. Kenyon Bixby Pacific Scientific Safety & Aviation Group Richard G. Knoblock Radiometer Peter Kürstein Sensors and Controls Steven E. Brietzka Trojan Technologies Marvin R. DeVries Videojet Technologies Craig B. Purse James A. Lico Vice President and Group Executive; Vice President, Danaher Business System Office Gary A. Masse Vice President and Group Executive Frank T. McFaden Vice President and Treasurer James F. O’Reilly Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary Craig B. Purse Vice President and Group Executive John S. Stroup Vice President and Group Executive Jeffrey A. Svoboda Vice President and Group Executive Frank Anders Wilson Vice President – Investor Relations Philip B.Whitehead Vice President – Managing Director Major Operating Company Presidents Accu-Sort Robert. E. Joyce Danaher Motion John S. Stroup Danaher Tool Group Consumer Tools John P. Constantine Shareholder Information www.danaher.com Account Questions: Our transfer agent can help you with a variety of shareholder related services including: — Change of address — Lost stock certificates — Transfer of stock to another person — Additional administrative services Additional inquiries may be directed to Investor Relations at: Danaher Corporation 2099 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 12th Floor Washington, DC 20006 Phone: 202.828.0850 Fax: 202.828.0860 Email: ir@danaher.com Contacting our Transfer Agent: Sun Trust Bank Stock Transfer Department Mail Code 258 P.O. Box 4625 Atlanta, Georgia 30302 Toll Free: 800.568.3476 Outside of the US: 404.588.7815 Fax: 404.332.3875 Investor Relations: This annual report along with a variety of other financial materials can be viewed at www.danaher.com. Annual Meeting: Danaher’s annual shareholder meeting will be held on May 4, 2005 in Washington, D.C. Shareholders who would like to attend the meeting should register with Investor Relations by calling 202.828.0850 or via e-mail at ir@danaher.com. Auditors: Ernst & Young LLP Baltimore, Maryland Stock Listing: Symbol: DHR New York and Pacific Stock Exchanges 2099 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 12th Floor Washington, DC 20006 202.828.0850 www.danaher.com