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Danaher

dhr · NYSE Healthcare
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FY2008 Annual Report · Danaher
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Z I D C U S T O M E R S
P G E L O Y M J A C L H
E R L S C L E W R N O A
K A I Z E N B D G C U R
P P V R C J H B I A J E
J W E F O C U S N S Y H
B E R P C R O D V H N O
E M Y T V O L A M F J L
G Q U A L I T Y A L S D
N B J S Z C K W B O K E
M R S L I S V D C W T R
I N N O V A T I O N R S     

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D H W W W p D

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D A N A H E R

t Y D o t W Z

F B C o m I K

2099 pennsylvania Avenue NW, 12th Floor    Washington, DC 20006    t: 202.828.0850

2 0 0 8   D A N A H E R
t
AN NuAl   REp oR

 
 
 
Z I D C U S T O M E R S H C F E R S

$3.72

$3.95

$1,869

$1,741

$1,859

$11,026

$12,697

FI V E-YE A R  C O M P O U N D E D
  AN N U A L  GR O W T H

P G E L O Y M J A C L H F O Z C L H
E R L S C L E M R N O A V X O N O A
K A I Z E N B D G C U R Z P L C U R
P P V R C G H B I A J E C Z A A J E
U Z E F O C U S N S Y H K A Q S Y H
C O R E P R O D V H N O B X D H N O
R T Y K V O L A M F J L L N Y F J L
G Q U A L I T Y A L S D J S P L S D
N B J S Z C K W P O K E C V P O K E
M R S L I S V D C W T R Y I A W T R
I N N O V A T I O N R S      U Z H N R S     
H N O B X D H N O T O M X R S H C F
F J L L N Y F J L M J A C L H F O Z
L S D J S P L S D E M R N O A V X O
O K E C V P O K E B D G C U R Z P L
O A V X O N Z P L C U R A V X O N O
U R Z P L C C Z A A J E R Z P L C U
J E C Z A A K A Q S Y H E C Z A A J
Y H K A Q S B X D H N O H K A Q S Y
N O B X D H L N Y F J L O B X D H N
J L L N Y F J S P L S D L L N Y F J
K E B D G C C V P F K E D J S P L S
R T Y K V O L A M F J L L N Y F J L

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 4% 

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 20%

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 19%

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 17%

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 17%

*From Continuing operations

04  05  06  07  08 

04  05  06  07  08 

04  05  06  07  08 

04  05  06  07  08 

04  05  06  07  08 

Operating Cash Flow*

Year End Share Price

Operating Income*

(in millions)  

(in millions)  

(in millions)  

$6,777

$56.61

$1,531

$1,699

$55.78

$1,019

$1,189

$57.41

$87.74

$72.44

$9,466

$7,871

$1,090

$1,248

$1,500

$2.72

$2.27

$3.44

Sales*

EPS*

S H A R E H O L D E R 
I N F O R M A T I O N 

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

Contacting our Transfer Agent
Computershare

PO Box 43078

Providence, RI  02940-3078

Toll Free: 800.568.3476

Additional inquiries may be directed  
to Investor Relations at:
Danaher

2099 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 12th Floor

Washington, DC  20006

Phone: 202.828.0850

Fax: 202.828.0860

Email: investor.relations@danaher.com

Annual Meeting
Danaher’s annual shareholder meeting will 

be held on May 5, 2009 in Washington, DC. 

Outside the U.S.: 312.588.4991

Shareholders who would like to attend the 

Investor Relations
This annual report along with a variety of  

other financial materials can be viewed at  

www.danaher.com.

meeting should register with Investor Relations 

by calling 202.828.0850 or via email at  

investor.relations@danaher.com.

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP, McLean, Virginia

Stock Listing
Symbol: DHR

New York Stock Exchange

WWW.DANAHER .Com

F O C U S

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Dear Fellow Shareholder:

danaher performed well in 2008. despite a global economic slowdown 

which accelerated through the second half of the year, our revenues 

increased 15% and our adjusted earnings per share grew 10.5%. several 

of our businesses were relatively unaffected by the slowing economy, 

while those closer to the gathering storm worked to increase market share. 

throughout the year, we adjusted our cost structure in preparation for the 

difficult days ahead while protecting our long-term growth investments.  

i was pleased with the way our team embraced the new operating realities 

head-on and delivered a strong performance in a softening environment.

2008 Financial Highlights

	 we delivered record revenues of $12.7 billion 
	 we exceeded $1.6 billion of free cash flow  
	  we generated a free cash flow to net income conversion ratio of 126%, representing the 17th consecutive 

year in which free cash flow exceeded net income

 
 

   we strengthened our balance sheet by paying down more than $1.1 billion of debt 

   we added 17 new companies and product lines, further strengthening our existing portfolio

Focus

the theme of this year’s annual report is Focus. in both good and bad times, the danaher business system (dbs) 

helps us focus on the “critical few” opportunities and challenges fundamental to each of our businesses’ future 

performance and success. our operating bias is to focus on a short to-do list, execute relentlessly and completely 

and then move on, rather than appear to be advancing across a broad front with only modest results. amid 

unprecedented economic uncertainty, strategic focus is even more critical and we can ill afford to waste a day on 

“b or c” priorities. simply, it is this focus that helped us to deliver our 2008 performance and will be critical as 

we seek to outperform in 2009 and beyond.  

Financial Operating HigHligHts 
(dollars in thousands except per share data and number of associates)

2008 

2007

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)  

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

12,697,456 
1,869,477 
1,317,631 
3.95 
1,859,029 
193,783 
1,665,246 
50,300 
17,490,128 
2,619,329 
9,808,562 
12,427,891 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

11,025,917
1,740,709
1,213,998
3.72
1,699,308
162,071
1,537,237
50,000
17,471,935
3,726,244
9,085,688
12,811,932

*From Continuing Operations

d s f g k

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d s f g k

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while each of our businesses has unique opportunities and challenges to address, across the 

company we have several “a” level priorities on which we are focused, including: 

	 building and strengthening our business portfolio;
	 maintaining a strong financial position; and
	 developing and retaining the best team.

Building Businesses

we continue to focus our efforts on building and strengthening our business portfolio.  

at radiometer, we aggressively have funded growth initiatives resulting in new products to meet 

the growing demand for point-of-care applications to treat critically ill patients. momentum 

continues to build for the aqt90 flex, radiometer’s entry point into the cardiac marker market, 

while demand for the new portable, cassette-based blood gas analyzer, the abl80 flex,  

is very encouraging.  

in 2008, leica’s revenues surpassed the $1 billion mark, more than double its 2005 revenue 

performance when we acquired the business. during the year, leica completed five acquisitions, 

further strengthening its leading position in the life sciences market.  

during the year, we recognized the one-year anniversary of the largest acquisition in our 

company’s history, tektronix. the team has embraced dbs and the collaboration among 

tektronix and fluke associates is going extremely well. we are very pleased with the integration 

activities to date.

videojet introduced a new line of small character ink jet printers, the cij 1510 and 1210, which 

are used in a wide variety of coding applications in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical 

markets. both printers provide customers with industry leading uptime and a more predictable 

maintenance schedule.  

our water quality businesses, hach-lange, trojanuv and chemtreat, grew at a high single digit 

rate in 2008, and we expect them to continue to outperform in their served markets. our best-in-

class product offerings combined with a world-class sales and service organization are expected 

to help us take share in 2009.

Strong Financial Position

we need to look no further than the current news headlines to see the turmoil in the global 

financial markets. rest assured, danaher remains on solid financial footing. our debt to total 

capital ratio at the end of the year was 21%. our conservative balance sheet supported by our 

a+/a2 investment grade credit rating sets us apart from many of our competitors and positions 

us well to capitalize on a growing number of investment opportunities. 

The Best Team Wins

i firmly believe danaher’s single most important asset is our associates. our talented leaders, many 

of whom were with us during the last downturn, remain focused on taking advantage of these 

difficult economic times through strengthening customer relationships, out-hustling the competition 

and ultimately gaining market share. “the best team wins” is a core value of our company.  

our success will depend upon our ability to continue to develop and retain this talented team.  

i thank them here for all they do for danaher. 

Final Thoughts

our crystal ball is no better than others. we harbor no illusions about the uncertainties ahead. 

yet we remain confident in the view that times like these are not only full of challenges but 

opportunities as well. customers will be looking for innovative solutions to new problems 

brought on by the economic downturn. talented scientists, salespeople and managers will seek 

employment with companies with strong cultures and stable balance sheets. companies with 

proprietary technologies and/or leading brands will be available at more reasonable prices. 

the danaher team, uniquely armed with dbs, is focused on seizing these opportunities while 

we manage the challenges of the current economic environment. as many of you know, we 

are committed to building a premier global enterprise and 2009 promises to be an unusually 

important year in our pursuit of that vision.

thank you for the continued confidence you have in us.

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. 

President and Chief Executive Officer

March 20, 2009

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Z i D c U s t O M e r s H c F e r s
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r t Y K V O l a M F J l l n Y F J l

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION  
Washington, D.C. 20549  

FORM 10-K  

(Mark One)  
⌧

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE 
ACT OF 1934 

(cid:2)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008  

OR  

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)

59-1995548
(I.R.S. Employer Identification number)

2099 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., 12th Floor 
Washington, D.C.
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

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 Each Exchange On Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  

NONE  
(Title of Class)  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 
Act.    Yes  

    No  

⌧

(cid:2)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 
Act.    Yes  

    No  

⌧

(cid:2)

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  

    No  

⌧

(cid:2)

    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
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  

(cid:2)

.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller 
reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of 
the Exchange Act. (Check one):  

  Accelerated filer

(cid:2)

(cid:2)

Large accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer  

⌧

(cid:2)

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

  Smaller reporting company 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange 
Act)    Yes  

            No  

⌧

(cid:2)

As of February 12, 2009, the number of shares of Registrant’s common stock outstanding was 318,701,106. The aggregate market 
value of common shares held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on June 27, 2008 was $19.3 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.  

EXHIBIT INDEX APPEARS ON PAGE 104  

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE  

Part III incorporates certain information by reference from the Registrant’s proxy statement for its 2009 annual meeting of 
stockholders to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after Registrant’s fiscal year end. With the exception of the 
sections of the 2009 Proxy Statement specifically incorporated herein by reference, the 2009 Proxy Statement is not deemed to be 
filed as part of this Form 10-K.  

  
  
    
INFORMATION RELATING TO FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

Certain information included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, written statements or other documents filed with or 
furnished by us to the SEC, in our press releases or in our communications and discussions through webcasts, conference calls and 
other presentations, 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 statements, including 
statements regarding: projections of revenue, profit, profit margins, expenses and cost-reduction activities, our effective tax rate, our 
tax provision and changes to our tax provision, tax audits, cash flows, pension and benefit obligations and funding requirements, our 
liquidity position or other financial measures; plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including 
statements relating to anticipated operating performance, new product and service developments, purchase commitments, potential 
acquisitions and synergies, potential public offerings of securities, our stock repurchase program and executive compensation; growth 
and other trends in markets we sell into; future economic conditions or performance; the impact of adopting new accounting 
pronouncements; the outcome of outstanding claims, legal proceedings or other contingent liabilities; assumptions underlying any of 
the foregoing; and any other statements that address activities, events or developments that Danaher Corporation (“Danaher,” “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,” “would,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “expects,” “estimates,” 
“projects,” “positioned,” “strategy,” and similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by 
our management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and 
other factors they believe to be appropriate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, 
including but not limited to the risks and uncertainties set forth under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report.  

Any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results, developments and business 
decisions may differ materially from those envisaged by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as 
of the date of the report, statement, document, press release, webcast, call or other presentation in which they are made. We do not 
assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.  

BUSINESS 

PART I  
ITEM 1.
General  
We derive our sales from the design, manufacture and marketing of professional, medical, industrial, commercial and consumer 
products, which are typically characterized by strong brand names, proprietary technology and major market positions. Our business 
consists of four segments: Professional Instrumentation, Medical Technologies, Industrial Technologies, and Tools & Components.  

We strive to create shareholder value through:  

•

•

•

  delivering sales growth, excluding the impact of acquired businesses, in excess of the overall market growth for our 
products and services;  
  upper quartile financial performance compared to our peer companies; and 

  upper quartile cash flow generation from operations compared to our peer companies. 

To accomplish these goals, we use 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. Within the DBS 
framework, we pursue a number of ongoing strategic initiatives intended to improve our performance, including initiatives relating to 
manufacturing improvement, idea generation, product development and commercialization and global sourcing of materials and 
services. To further these objectives we also acquire businesses that either strategically fit within our existing business portfolio or 
expand our portfolio into a new and attractive business area. We believe that many acquisition opportunities remain available within 
our target markets. The extent to which appropriate acquisitions are made and effectively integrated can affect our overall growth and 
operating results. We also continually assess the strategic fit of our existing businesses and may divest businesses that are deemed not 
to fit with our strategic plan or are not achieving the desired return on investment.  

3 

  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Danaher Corporation, originally DMG, Inc., was organized 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. We adopted the name Danaher in 1984 and were 
reincorporated as a Delaware corporation following the 1986 annual meeting of our shareholders.  

Operating Segments  
The table below describes the percentage of our total annual revenues attributable to each of our four segments over each of the last 
three fiscal years:  

Segment

Professional Instrumentation
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

For the Years Ended December 31
2007  

2008  

2006  

38%  
26%  
26%
10%  

32%  
27%  
29%  
12%  

31%
23%
32%
14%

Sales in 2008 by geographic destination were: North America, 50% (including 47% in the U.S.); Europe, 31%; Asia/Australia, 14%; 
and other regions, 5%. For additional information regarding our segments and sales by geography, please refer to Note 17 in the 
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.  

PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENTATION  
Businesses in our Professional Instrumentation segment offer professional and technical customers various products and services that 
are used to enable or enhance the performance of their work. The Professional Instrumentation segment encompasses two strategic 
lines of business: environmental and test and measurement. Sales for this segment in 2008 by geographic destination were: North 
America, 46%; Europe, 29%; Asia/Australia, 19%; and other regions, 6%.  

Environmental. The environmental businesses serve two main markets: water quality and retail/commercial petroleum. We entered 
the water quality sector in 1996 through the acquisition of American Sigma and have enhanced our geographical coverage and 
product and service breadth through subsequent acquisitions, including the acquisition of Dr. Lange in 1998, Hach Company in 1999, 
Viridor Instrumentation in 2002, Trojan Technologies Inc. in 2004 and ChemTreat, Inc. in 2007. Today, we are a worldwide leader in 
the water quality sector. Our water quality operations design, manufacture and market:  

•

•

•

  a wide range of analytical instruments, related consumables, and associated services that detect and measure chemical, 

physical, and microbiological parameters in drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, ocean bodies and ultrapure water; 
  ultraviolet disinfection systems; and  
  industrial water treatment solutions, including chemical treatment solutions and analytical services intended to address 

corrosion, scaling and biological growth problems in boiler, cooling water and industrial waste water applications. 

Typical users of our analytical instruments, related consumables and associated services, and our ultraviolet disinfection systems, 
include professionals in municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment plants, industrial process water and wastewater treatment 
facilities, third-party testing laboratories and environmental field operations. Typical users of our industrial water treatment solutions 
include professionals in industrial plants in a wide range of industries. Customers in these industries choose suppliers based on a 
number of factors including the customer’s existing supplier relationships, product performance and ease of use, the 
comprehensiveness of the supplier’s product offering and the other factors described under “—Competition.” Our water quality 
business provides products under a variety of well-known brands, including HACH, HACH/LANGE, TROJAN TECHNOLOGIES, 
CHEMTREAT and SEA BIRD. Manufacturing facilities are located in North America, Europe, and Asia. Sales are made through our 
direct sales personnel, independent representatives, independent distributors and e-commerce.  

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We have participated in the retail/commercial petroleum market since the mid-1980s through our Veeder-Root business, and have 
enhanced our geographic coverage and product and service breadth through various acquisitions including the acquisitions of Red 
Jacket in 2001, Gilbarco in 2002 and Autotank Ltd. in 2008. Today, we are a leading worldwide provider of products and services for 
the retail/commercial petroleum market. Through the Gilbarco Veeder-Root business, we design, manufacture, and market a wide 
range of retail/commercial petroleum products and services, including:  
  environmental 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 services, including compliance services, fuel system 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. Customers in this industry choose suppliers based on a number of factors 
including product features, performance and functionality, the supplier’s geographical coverage and the other factors described under 
“—Competition.” We market our retail/commercial petroleum products under a variety of brands, including GILBARCO, VEEDER-
ROOT, RED JACKET and GILBARCO AUTOTANK. Manufacturing facilities are located in North America, Europe, Asia and 
South America. Sales are generally made through independent distributors and our direct sales personnel.  

Test and Measurement. Our test and measurement business was created in 1998 through the acquisition of Fluke Corporation, and has 
since been supplemented by the acquisitions of a number of additional test and measurement businesses. We doubled the size of the 
test and measurement business with the acquisition of Tektronix, Inc. in November 2007. Our test and measurement business consists 
of four primary businesses.  

The Fluke businesses design, manufacture, and market a variety of compact professional test tools, as well as calibration equipment, 
for electrical, industrial, electronic, and calibration applications. These test products measure voltage, current, resistance, power 
quality, frequency, pressure, temperature and air quality. Typical users of these products include electrical engineers, electricians, 
electronic technicians, medical technicians, and industrial maintenance professionals. Products in this business are marketed under a 
variety of brands, including FLUKE, RAYTEK, FLUKE BIOMEDICAL and AMPROBE. Sales in the Fluke business are generally 
made through independent distributors as well as direct sales personnel.  

The Fluke Networks business provides software and hardware products used for testing, monitoring and analyzing local and wide 
area (“enterprise”) networks and the fiber and copper infrastructure of those networks. Typical users of these products include 
computer network engineers and technicians. Products in this business are primarily marketed under the FLUKE NETWORKS brand. 
Sales in the Fluke Networks business are generally made through direct sales personnel as well as independent distributors.  

The Tektronix Instruments business offers general purpose test products as well as a variety of video test, measurement and 
monitoring products. Tektronix’s general purpose products, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, signal sources and spectrum 
analyzers, are used to capture, display and analyze streams of electrical data. Typical users include research and development 
engineers who use these products to design, de-bug and manufacture electronic components, subassemblies and end-products in a 
wide variety of industries, including the communications, computer, consumer electronics, education, military/aerospace and 
semiconductor industries. Tektronix’s video test products include waveform monitors, video signal generators, compressed digital 
video test products and other test and measurement equipment used to help ensure delivery of the best possible video experience to 
the viewer. Typical users of these products include video equipment manufacturers, content developers and traditional television 
broadcasters. Products in this business are marketed under the TEKTRONIX and MAXTEK brands. Sales in the Tektronix 
Instruments business are generally made through direct sales personnel as well as independent distributors and resellers.  

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The Tektronix Communications business offers network management solutions, network diagnostic equipment and related support 
services for both fixed and mobile telecommunications networks. Network management tools continuously manage network 
performance and help optimize the service performance of the communications network. Network diagnostic equipment is used to test 
and monitor telecommunications networks. Typical users of these products include telecommunication network operators and 
technicians. Products in this business are marketed under the TEKTRONIX brand. Sales in the Tektronix Communications business 
are generally made through direct sales personnel as well as independent distributors and resellers.  

Test and measurement business manufacturing facilities are located in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our test and measurement 
businesses are leaders in their served market segments. The test and measurement industry continues to be competitive, both in the 
United States and abroad. We face competition from companies who compete with us in multiple product categories and from 
companies who compete with us in specialized areas of test and measurement. Competition in the Fluke businesses is based on a 
number of factors, including the performance, ruggedness, ease of use, ergonomics and aesthetics of the product and the other factors 
described under “—Competition.” Competition in the Tektronix businesses is also based on a number of factors, including product 
performance, technology and product availability as well as the other factors described under “—Competition.”  

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES  
Our Medical Technologies segment consists of businesses that offer research and clinical medical professionals various products and 
services that are used in connection with the performance of their work. Sales for this segment in 2008 by geographic destination 
were: Europe, 41%; North America, 39%; Asia/Australia, 15%; and other regions, 5%.  

We entered the medical technologies line of business in 2004 through the acquisitions of Kaltenbach & Voigt GmbH & Co KG 
(KaVo), Gendex, and Radiometer A/S. We have subsequently added to the medical technologies business through various 
acquisitions, most notably the acquisitions of Leica Microsystems in 2005 and Sybron Dental Specialties and Vision Systems Limited 
in 2006. The medical technologies businesses serve four main markets: dental, acute care, pathology and life sciences research.  

Dental. We are a leading worldwide provider of dental products. Through our dental products businesses we design, manufacture and 
market a variety of products used primarily in the dental field, including:  

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

  impression, bonding and restorative materials;  
  endodontic systems and related consumables;  
  infection control products;  
  orthodontic bracket systems and lab products;  
  implant systems;  
  air and electric handpieces; 
  treatment units; and  
  digital imaging and other visualization and magnification systems. 

Typical users of these products include dentists, orthodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, dental technicians, and other oral health 
professionals. Dental professionals choose dental products based on a number of factors, including product performance, the 
product’s capacity to enhance productivity and the other factors described under “—Competition.” Our dental products are marketed 
primarily under the KAVO, GENDEX, IMAGING SCIENCES INTERNATIONAL, PELTON & CRANE, MARUS, DEXIS, 
ORMCO, KERR, SYBRON ENDO, SYBRON IMPLANT SOLUTIONS, TOTAL CARE, ORASCOPTIC and PENTRON brands. 
Manufacturing facilities are located in Europe, North America and South America. Sales are generally made through independent 
distributors, with the exception of orthodontic, implants and endodontic products which are generally sold directly to the end user.  

Acute Care. Our acute care diagnostics business was created in 2004 through the acquisition of Radiometer and has since been 
supplemented by additional acquisitions. Our acute care diagnostics business is a leading worldwide provider of blood gas and 
immunochemistry instruments and related consumables and services. Sold under the  

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RADIOMETER brand, these instruments are used to rapidly measure critical immunochemistry parameters including blood gases and 
diagnostic protein levels. Typical users of Radiometer products include hospital central laboratories, intensive care units, hospital 
operating rooms, and hospital emergency rooms. Customers in this industry select products based on a number of factors, including 
the accuracy and speed of the product, the scope of tests that can be performed, the product’s ability to enhance productivity and the 
other factors described under “—Competition.” Manufacturing facilities are located in Europe and North America, and sales are made 
primarily through our direct sales personnel and through distributors in some countries.  

Pathology Diagnostics. Our pathology diagnostics business was created in 2005 through the acquisition of Leica Microsystems and 
has been expanded through subsequent acquisitions, including Vision Systems in 2006 and Surgipath Medical Industries, Inc. and 
CoreTech in 2008. Our pathology diagnostics business is a leading global provider of instrumentation and related consumables used 
throughout the workflow of a pathology laboratory. Our pathology diagnostics products include:  

•

•

•

•

  slide barcoding devices;  
  tissue embedding, processing and slicing (microtomes) instruments and related consumables;  
  chemical and immuno-staining instruments; and  
  protein and DNA detection chemistries.  

Typical users of our pathology diagnostic products include pathologists, lab managers and researchers. Customers in this industry 
select products based on a number of factors, including operational reliability, the product’s ability to produce consistent samples and 
the breadth of the offered reagent portfolio, as well as the other factors described under “—Competition.” We generally market our 
products under the LEICA BIOSYSTEMS and SURGIPATH brands. Manufacturing facilities are located in Europe and Australia. 
The businesses sell to customers through direct sales personnel.  

Life Sciences Instrumentation. Our life sciences instrumentation business was created in 2005 through the acquisition of Leica 
Microsystems and has been expanded through subsequent acquisitions. Our Leica business is a leading global provider of professional 
microscopes designed to manipulate, preserve and capture images of, and enhance the user’s visualization of, microscopic structures. 
Our life sciences products include:  

•

•

•

•

  laser scanning (confocal) microscopes;  
  compound microscopes and related equipment;  
  surgical and other stereo microscopes; and  
  specimen preparation products for electron microscopy. 

Typical users of our products include research, medical and surgical professionals operating in research and pathology laboratories, 
academic settings and surgical theaters. Customers in this industry select products based on a number of factors, including product 
performance and ergonomics, the product’s capacity to enhance productivity, and the other factors described under “—Competition.” 
We generally market our products under the LEICA MICROSYSTEMS brand. Manufacturing facilities are located in Europe, 
Australia, Asia and the United States. The businesses sell to customers through a combination of our direct sales personnel, 
independent representatives and independent distributors.  

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES  
Businesses in our Industrial Technologies segment manufacture products and sub-systems that are typically incorporated by 
customers and systems integrators into production and packaging lines as well as incorporated by original equipment manufacturers 
(OEMs) into various end-products. Many of the businesses also provide services to support their products, including helping 
customers integrate and install the products and helping ensure product uptime. Our Industrial Technologies segment encompasses 
two strategic lines of business, product identification and motion, and two focused niche businesses, aerospace and defense, and 
sensors and controls. Sales for this segment in 2008 by geographic destination were: North America, 52%; Europe, 34%; 
Asia/Australia, 10%; and other regions, 4%.  

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Product Identification. We entered the product identification market through the acquisition of Videojet in 2002, and have expanded 
our product and geographic coverage through various subsequent acquisitions, including the acquisitions of Willett International 
Limited and Accu-Sort Systems Inc. in 2003 and Linx Printing Technologies PLC in January 2005. We are a leader in our served 
product identification market segments. Our 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. Typical users of these products include 
food and beverage manufacturers, pharmaceutical manufacturers, retailers, package and parcel delivery companies, the United States 
Postal Service and commercial printing and mailing operations. Customers in this industry choose suppliers based on a number of 
factors, including printer speed and accuracy, equipment uptime and reliable operation without interruption, ease of maintenance, 
service coverage and the other factors described under “—Competition.” Our product identification products are marketed under a 
variety of brands, including VIDEOJET, ACCU-SORT, WILLETT, ZIPHER, ALLTEC and LINX. Manufacturing facilities are 
located in the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia. Sales are generally made through our direct sales personnel and 
independent distributors.  

Motion. We entered the motion control industry through the acquisition of Pacific Scientific Company in 1998, and have 
subsequently expanded our product and geographic breadth with 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. We are currently one of the leading worldwide providers of precision motion control equipment. Our businesses 
provide a wide range of products including:  

•

•

•

•

  standard and custom motors; 
  drives;  
  controls; and  
  mechanical components (such as ball screws, linear bearings, clutches/brakes, and linear actuators).  

These products are sold in various precision motion markets such as the markets for packaging equipment, medical equipment, 
robotics, circuit board assembly equipment, elevators and electric vehicles (such as lift trucks). Customers are typically systems 
integrators who use our products in production and packaging lines and OEMs that integrate our products into their machines and 
systems. Customers in this industry choose suppliers based on a number of factors, including the comprehensiveness of the supplier’s 
product offering, the geographical coverage offered by the supplier and the other factors described under “—Competition.” Our 
motion products are marketed under a variety of brands, including KOLLMORGEN, THOMSON, DOVER and PORTESCAP. 
Manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Sales are generally made through our 
direct sales personnel and independent distributors.  

Aerospace and Defense. Our aerospace and defense business designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of aircraft and defense 
equipment, including:  

•

•

•

•

•

•

  smoke detection and fire suppression systems;  
  energetic material systems;  
  electronic security systems; 
  linear actuators;  
  electrical power generation systems; and  
  submarine periscopes and related sensors.  

These product lines came principally from the acquisitions of Pacific Scientific in 1998 and Kollmorgen in 2000 and have been 
supplemented by several subsequent acquisitions. Typical users of these products include commercial and business aircraft 
manufacturers as well as defense systems integrators and prime contractors. Customers in this industry choose suppliers based on a 
number of factors, including the supplier’s experience with the particular technology or application in the aerospace and defense 
industry, product reliability and the other factors described under “—Competition.” Our aerospace and defense products are marketed 
under a variety of brands, including the PACIFIC SCIENTIFIC, SUNBANK, SECURAPLANE, KOLLMORGEN ELECTRO-
OPTICAL, ARTUS, CALZONI and OECO brands. Sales are generally made through our direct sales personnel.  

8 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sensors & Controls. Our 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. 
Certain businesses included in this group also make and sell instruments, controls and monitoring systems used by the electric utility 
industry to monitor their transmission and distribution systems. These products are marketed under a variety of brands, including 
DYNAPAR, HENGSTLER, PARTLOW, PREDYNE, WEST, NAMCO, GEMS SENSORS, SETRA, QUALITROL and 
HATHAWAY. Sales are generally made through our direct sales personnel and independent distributors.  

Manufacturing facilities of our Industrial Technologies focused niche businesses are located in the United States, Latin America, 
Europe, and Asia.  

TOOLS & COMPONENTS  
Our Tools & Components segment encompasses one strategic line of business, mechanics’ hand tools, and four focused niche 
businesses: Delta Consolidated Industries, Hennessy Industries, Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company and Jacobs Vehicle Systems. 
Sales for this segment in 2008 by geographic destination were: North America, 85%; Asia/Australia, 8%; Europe, 5%; and other 
regions, 2%.  

Mechanics’ Hand Tools. The mechanics’ hand tools business consists of several companies that do business as the Danaher Tool 
Group (“DTG”), and Matco Tools (“Matco”). DTG is one of the largest worldwide producers of general purpose mechanics’ hand 
tools, primarily ratchets, sockets, and wrenches, and specialized automotive service tools for the professional and “do-it-yourself” 
markets. DTG has been the principal manufacturer of Sears Holdings Corporation’s CRAFTSMAN line of mechanics’ hand tools for 
over 65 years. Matco manufactures and distributes professional tools, toolboxes and automotive equipment through independent 
mobile distributors, who sell primarily to professional mechanics under the MATCO brand. Professional and do-it-yourself 
mechanics typically select tools based on quality, brand, price, relevant innovative features and the other factors described under “—
Competition.”  

We market tool products under our own brand names and also private-label products for certain customers. The hand tools that we 
sell into the industrial and consumer markets are branded under the ARMSTRONG, ALLEN, GEARWRENCH and SATA names, 
while service tools for the automotive markets are branded under the K-D TOOLS name. Typical users of DTG products include 
professional automotive and industrial mechanics as well as “do-it-yourself” consumers. Manufacturing facilities are located in the 
United States and Asia. Sales are generally made through independent distributors and retailers.  

Delta Consolidated Industries. Delta is a leading manufacturer of automotive truckboxes and industrial gang boxes, which it sells 
primarily under the DELTA and JOBOX brands. These products are used by both commercial users, such as contractors, and 
individual consumers. Sales 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 automotive tire and repair shops. Sales are generally made through our direct sales personnel, independent 
distributors, retailers, and original equipment manufacturers.  

Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company. Jacobs designs, manufactures, and markets chucks and precision tool and work holding 
devices, primarily for the portable power tool industry, under the JACOBS brand. 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 our 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. Customers are primarily major manufacturers of class 2 through class 8 vehicles, and sales are typically made through our 
direct sales personnel.  

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Manufacturing facilities of our Tools & Components focused niche businesses are located in the United States and Asia.  

************************************  

The following discussions of Materials, Intellectual Property, Competition, Seasonal Nature of Business, Backlog, Working Capital, 
Employee Relations, Research and Development, Government Contracts, Regulatory Matters, International Operations and Major 
Customers include information common to all of our segments.  

Materials  
Our manufacturing operations employ a wide variety of raw materials, including steel, copper, cast iron, electronic components, 
aluminum, plastics and other petroleum-based products. Prices of oil and gas also significantly affect our costs for freight and utilities. 
We purchase raw materials from a large number of independent sources around the world. No single supplier is material, although for 
some of the components that we use that require particular specifications there may be a limited number of suppliers that can readily 
provide such components. We utilize a number of techniques, including the use of alternative materials and qualification of multiple 
sources of supply, to address potential disruption in our supply chain. There have been no raw material shortages that have had a 
material adverse effect on our business as a whole, although over the last three years the prices of raw materials have been volatile 
and for several types of raw materials prices increased substantially in 2007 and 2008 before declining late in 2008. For a further 
discussion of risks related to the materials and components required for our operations, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

Intellectual Property  
We own numerous patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and licenses to intellectual property owned by others. Although in 
aggregate our intellectual property is important to our operations, we do not consider any single patent or trademark to be of material 
importance to any segment or to the business as a whole. From time to time, however, we do engage in litigation to protect our 
intellectual property rights. For a discussion of risks related to our intellectual property, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” All 
capitalized brands and product names throughout this document are trademarks owned by, or licensed to, Danaher or its subsidiaries.  

Competition  
Although our businesses generally operate in highly competitive markets, our competitive position cannot be determined accurately in 
the aggregate or by segment since none of our competitors offer all of the same product lines or serve all of the same markets as we 
do. Because of the diversity of the products we sell and the variety of markets we serve, we encounter a wide variety of competitors, 
including well-established regional or specialized competitors, as well as larger companies or divisions of larger companies that have 
greater sales, marketing, research, and financial resources than we do. We are facing increased competition in a number of our served 
markets as a result of the entry of new, large companies into certain markets, the entry of competitors based in low-cost 
manufacturing locations, and increasing consolidation in particular markets. The number of competitors varies by product line. Our 
management believes that we have a market leadership position in many of the markets we serve. Key competitive factors vary 
among our businesses and product lines, but typically include the specific factors noted above with respect to each particular business, 
as well as price, quality, delivery speed, service and support, innovation, distribution network, and brand name. For a discussion of 
risks related to competition, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

Seasonal Nature of Business  
General economic conditions have an impact on our business and financial results, and certain of our 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, medical and capital equipment sales are often stronger in the fourth calendar quarter, sales to original equipment 
manufacturers are often stronger immediately preceding 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, we are not subject to material seasonality.  

10 

  
Working Capital  
We maintain an adequate level of working capital to support our business needs. There are no unusual industry practices or 
requirements relating to working capital items. In addition, our sales and payment terms are generally similar to those of our 
competitors.  

Backlog  
The table below provides the unfulfilled orders attributable to each of our four segments at the end of 2008 and 2007 ($ in millions):  

Segment

Professional Instrumentation
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

As of December 31
2007
2008   

$ 619  
176  
783  
58  

$ 597
235
811
66

We expect that a large majority of unfilled orders will be delivered to customers within 3 to 4 months. Given the relatively short 
delivery periods and rapid inventory turnover that are characteristic of most of our products and the shortening of product life cycles, 
we believe that backlog is indicative of short-term revenue performance but not necessarily a reliable indicator of medium or long-
term performance.  

Employee Relations  
At December 31, 2008, we employed approximately 50,300 persons, of which approximately 22,100 were employed in the United 
States. Of these United States employees, approximately 2,700 were hourly-rated, unionized employees. Outside the United States, 
we have government-mandated collective bargaining arrangements or union contracts in certain countries, particularly in Europe 
where many of our employees are represented by unions or works councils. While we generally have experienced satisfactory 
relations at our various locations, we are subject to potential work stoppages, union and works council campaigns and potential labor 
disputes, any of which could adversely impact our productivity and results of operations.  

Research and Development  
The table below describes our research and development expenditures over each of the last three years, by segment and in the 
aggregate ($ in millions):  

Segment
Professional Instrumentation * 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 
Total 

For the Years Ended December 31
2006
2007
2008

$

$

375  
190  
148  
12  
725  

$

$

272  
168  
150  
11  
601  

$

$

174
123
133
10
440

*

Included in 2007 research and development expenses for the Professional Instrumentation segment is a charge for $60 
million related to acquired in-process research and development in connection with the Tektronix acquisition. 

We conduct research and development activities for the purpose of developing new products, enhancing the functionality, 
effectiveness, ease of use and reliability of our existing products and expanding the applications for  

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which uses of our products are appropriate. Our research and development efforts include internal initiatives and those that use 
licensed or acquired technology. We anticipate that we will continue to make significant expenditures for research and development 
as we seek to provide a continuing flow of innovative products to maintain and improve our competitive position. For a discussion of 
the risks related to the need to develop and commercialize new products and product enhancements, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk 
Factors.”  

Government Contracts  
Although the substantial majority of our revenue in 2008 was from customers other than governmental entities, we have agreements 
relating to the sale of products to government entities, primarily involving products in the aerospace and defense, product 
identification, water quality, motion and mechanics’ hand tool businesses. As a result, we are subject to various statutes and 
regulations that apply to companies doing business with the government. For a discussion of risks related to government contracting 
requirements, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

Regulatory Matters  
We face comprehensive government regulation both within and outside the United States relating to the development, manufacture, 
sale and distribution of our products and services. The following sections describe certain of these regulations.  

Environmental Laws and Regulations  
Our operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, which impose limitations 
on the discharge of pollutants into the ground, air and water and establish standards for the use, generation, treatment, storage and 
disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. A number of our operations involve the handling, manufacturing, use or sale of 
substances that are or could be classified as hazardous materials within the meaning of applicable laws. We must also comply with 
various health and safety regulations in both the United States and abroad in connection with our operations. 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 our capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position, and we do not anticipate 
material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities. For a discussion of risks related to compliance with environmental 
and health and safety laws, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

In addition to environmental compliance costs, we from time to time incur costs related to alleged damages associated with past or 
current waste disposal practices or other hazardous materials handling practices. For example, generators of hazardous substances 
found in disposal 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. We have 
received notification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and from state and non-U.S. environmental agencies, that 
conditions at a number of sites where we and others previously disposed of hazardous wastes require clean-up and other possible 
remedial action, including sites where we have been identified as a potentially responsible party under U.S. federal and state 
environmental laws and regulations. We have projects underway at a number of current and former manufacturing facilities, in both 
the United States and abroad, to investigate and remediate environmental contamination resulting from past operations. We are 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.  

We have made a provision for environmental investigation and remediation and environmental-related personal injury claims with 
respect to sites owned or formerly owned by the Company and its subsidiaries. We generally make an assessment of the costs 
involved for our remediation efforts based on environmental studies as well as our prior experience with similar sites. If the Company 
determines that potential remediation liability for properties currently or previously owned is probable and reasonably estimable, it 
accrues the total estimated costs, including investigation and remediation costs, associated with the site. We also estimate our 
exposure for probable environmental-related personal injury claims and accrue for this estimated liability. While we actively pursue 
insurance recoveries as well as recoveries from other potentially responsible parties, we do not recognize any recoveries for 
environmental liability claims until realized.  

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The ultimate cost of site cleanup is difficult to predict given the uncertainties of our 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 regulations, 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. Please see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
information about the amount of our environmental provisions. All provisions have been recorded without giving effect to any 
possible future third party recoveries. For the reasons described above, we cannot assure you that our estimates of environmental 
liabilities will not change.  

In view of our financial position and provisions for environmental remediation matters and environmental-related personal injury 
claims and based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, we believe that our liability 
related to past or current waste disposal practices and other hazardous materials handling practices will not have a material adverse 
effect on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flow. For a discussion of risks related to past or future releases of, or 
exposures to, hazardous substances, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

Medical Devices  
Certain of our 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 non-U.S. countries where our products are sold. Some of the regulatory requirements 
of these foreign countries are different than those applicable in the United States.  

Pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the “FDCA”), the FDA regulates virtually all phases of the development, 
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 our operating subsidiaries are registered with the FDA as medical device manufacturing establishments. The FDA, as well 
as industrial standards bodies such as the International Standards Organization (ISO), regularly inspect our registered and/or certified 
facilities.  

We sell both Class I and Class II medical devices. A medical device, whether exempt from, or cleared pursuant to, the premarket 
notification requirements of the FDCA, or approved pursuant to a premarket approval application, is subject 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, quality system requirements and medical device (adverse 
event) reporting. For a discussion of risks related to our regulation by the FDA and counterpart agencies of other countries, please 
refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

Certain of our products utilize radioactive material, and we are subject to federal, state and local regulations governing the 
management, storage, handling and disposal of these materials.  

In addition, we are subject to various federal, state and local laws targeting fraud and abuse in the healthcare industry, including anti-
kickback and false claims laws.  

Export/Import Compliance  
We are required to comply with various export/import control and economic sanctions laws, including:  

•

•

  the International Traffic in Arms Regulations 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 (which are items specifically designed or adapted for a military application and/or listed on the United 
States Munitions List);  
  the Export Administration 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 software (which are items that potentially have both commercial and military applications);  

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•

  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 considerations; and  
  the import regulatory activities of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

•

Non-U.S. governments have also implemented similar export and import control regulations, which may affect our operations or 
transactions subject to their jurisdictions. For a discussion of risks related to export/import control and economic sanctions laws, 
please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

International Operations  
Our products and services are available worldwide, and our principal markets outside the United States are in Europe and Asia. We 
believe this geographic diversity allows us to draw on the skills of a worldwide workforce, provides stability to our operations, allows 
us to drive economies of scale, provides revenue streams that may help offset economic trends that are specific to individual 
economies and offers us an opportunity to access new markets for products. In addition, we believe that our future growth depends in 
part on our ability to develop products and sales models that target developing countries. The table below describes annual revenue 
derived outside the U.S. as a percentage of total annual revenue for each of the last three years, by segment and in the aggregate:  

Segment

Professional Instrumentation
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

Total percentage of revenue derived outside of the United States

Year Ended December 31
2007  

2008

2006  

57%  
64%  
51%  
19%  

53%  

55%  
63%  
50%  
17%  

51%  

53%
66%
50%
14%

49%

The table below describes long-lived assets located outside the United States as a percentage of total long-lived assets in each of the 
last three years, by segment and in the aggregate:  

Segment

Professional Instrumentation
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

Total percentage of long-lived assets located outside of the United States

Year Ended December 31
2007*  

2008  

2006  

28%  
58%  
18%  
8%  

37%  

26%  
60%  
18%  
6%  

37%  

43%
55%
24%
6%

42%

* Percentages presented for the year ended December 31, 2007 have been restated to reflect the finalization of the 

purchase accounting and associated allocation of long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets, to 
appropriate geographies related to the November 2007 acquisition of Tektronix. 

For additional information related to revenues and long-lived assets by country, please refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements and for information regarding deferred taxes by geography, please refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.  

The manner in which our products and services are sold outside the United States differs by business and by region. Most of our sales 
in non-U.S. markets are made by subsidiaries located outside the United States, though we also sell directly from the U.S. into non-
U.S. markets through various representatives and distributors. In countries with low sales volumes, we generally sell through 
representatives and distributors.  

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Financial information about our international operations is contained in Note 17 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and 
information about the possible effects of foreign currency fluctuations on our business is set forth in “Item 7. Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” For a discussion of risks related to our non-US 
operations and foreign currency exchange, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

Major Customers  
No customer accounted for more than 10% of consolidated sales in 2008, 2007 or 2006.  

Available Information  
We maintain an internet website at www.danaher.com. We make available free of charge on the website our annual reports on Form 
10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, filed or furnished pursuant 
to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material electronically with, or 
furnishing such material to, the SEC. Our Internet site and the information contained on or connected to that site are not incorporated 
by reference into this Form 10-K.  

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Committee Charters  
Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, the charters of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the 
Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors, and the Danaher Standards of Conduct (including code of ethics 
provisions that apply to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and other senior 
financial officers) are available in the “Investors – Corporate Governance” section of our website at www.danaher.com. Stockholders 
may request a free copy of these documents from:  
Danaher Corporation  
Attention: Corporate Secretary  
2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.  
12th Floor  
Washington, DC 20006  

Certifications  
We have filed certifications under Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In 
addition, our President and Chief Executive Officer submitted an annual CEO Certification to the New York Stock Exchange on 
May 7, 2008 in accordance with the NYSE listing standards.  

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with the information included elsewhere in this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents we file with the SEC. The risks and uncertainties described below are those that 
we have identified as material, but are not the only risks and uncertainties facing us. Our business is also subject to general risks and 
uncertainties that affect many other companies, such as the current global economic slowdown, disruption in the financial markets 
and other U.S. and non-U.S. economic and industry conditions, geopolitical events, changes in laws or accounting rules, fluctuations 
in interest rates, terrorism, international conflicts, major health concerns, natural disasters or other disruptions of expected 
economic or business conditions. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently believe are 
immaterial also may impair our business, including our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.  

Deteriorating general economic conditions and uncertainties in the global financial markets may adversely affect our operating 
results and financial condition.  

Our business is sensitive to changes in general economic conditions, both inside and outside the U.S. Financial markets in the United 
States and abroad have experienced extreme disruption in recent months, including, among other things, extreme volatility in security 
prices, severely diminished liquidity and credit availability and declining valuations of investments. These disruptions are likely to 
have an ongoing adverse effect on the world economy. A continuing economic downturn and financial market disruptions may:  
  reduce demand for our products and services, increase order cancellations and result in longer sales cycles and slower 

•

adoption of new technologies; 

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•

•

•

•

•

  increase the difficulty in collecting accounts receivable and the risk of excess and obsolete inventories;  
  increase price competition in our served markets;  
  result in supply interruptions, which could disrupt our ability to produce our products; 
  increase the risk of impairment of long-lived assets due to underutilized manufacturing capacity; and  
  increase the risk that counterparties to our contractual arrangements will become insolvent or otherwise unable to fulfill 
their contractual obligations which, in addition to increasing the risks identified above, could result in preference actions 
against us.  

In addition, although we were able to continue accessing the commercial paper markets throughout 2008, there can be no assurances 
that the commercial paper markets will remain available to us or that the lenders participating in our revolving credit facility will be 
able to provide financing in accordance with their contractual obligations. We cannot predict the ultimate outcome of these financial 
market and general economic developments and they could have a material adverse effect on our ability to draw on our revolving 
credit facility and borrow money in the credit markets or otherwise, or on the terms of such borrowings. 

We face intense competition and if we are unable to compete effectively, we may face decreased demand or price reductions for 
our products.  

Our businesses operate in industries that are intensely competitive. Because of the diversity of products we sell and the variety of 
markets we serve, we encounter a wide variety of competitors. We are facing increased competition in a number of our served 
markets as a result of the entry of new, large companies into certain markets, the entry of competitors based in low-cost 
manufacturing locations, and increasing consolidation in particular markets. In order to compete effectively, we must retain 
longstanding relationships with major customers and continue to grow our business by establishing relationships with new customers, 
continually developing new products and services designed to maintain our brand recognition and leadership position in various 
product categories and penetrating new markets, including in developing countries. Our failure to compete effectively may reduce our 
revenues, profitability and cash flow, and pricing pressures resulting from competition may adversely impact our profitability.  

Our growth depends in part on the timely development and commercialization, and customer acceptance, of new products and 
product enhancements based on technological innovation.  

We generally sell our products in industries that are characterized by rapid technological changes, frequent new product introductions 
and changing industry standards. If we do not develop new products and product enhancements based on technological innovation on 
a timely basis, our products will become technologically obsolete over time and our revenues, cash flow, profitability and competitive 
position will suffer. Our success will depend on several factors, including our ability to:  

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

  correctly identify customer needs and preferences and predict future needs and preferences;  
  allocate our research and development funding to products with higher growth prospects;  
  anticipate and respond to our competitors’ development of new products and technological innovations;  
  differentiate our offerings from our competitors’ offerings; 

  innovate and develop new technologies and applications, and acquire or obtain rights to third-party technologies that may 
have valuable applications in our served markets;  
  obtain adequate intellectual property rights;  
  successfully commercialize new technologies in a timely manner, price them competitively and manufacture and deliver 
new products in sufficient volumes on time; and  
  encourage customers to adopt new technologies.  

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In addition, if we fail to accurately predict future customer needs and preferences or fail to produce viable technologies, we may 
invest heavily in research and development of products that do not lead to significant revenue. Even if we successfully innovate and 
develop new products and product enhancements, we may incur substantial costs in doing so, and our profitability may suffer.  

Our growth rate could decline if the markets into which we sell our products decline or do not grow as anticipated.  

Our growth depends in part on the growth of the markets which we serve. Any decline or lower than expected growth in our served 
markets could result in diminished demand for our products and services, which would adversely affect our growth rate and 
profitability.  

Our acquisition of businesses could negatively impact our profitability and return on invested capital.  

As part of our business strategy we acquire businesses in the ordinary course, some of which may be material. During 2008, we 
acquired seventeen businesses for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $423 million (including transaction costs and net of 
cash acquired); during 2007, we acquired twelve businesses for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.6 billion (including 
transaction costs and net of cash acquired); and during 2006, we acquired eleven businesses for an aggregate purchase price of 
approximately $2.7 billion (including transaction costs and net of cash acquired). Our acquisitions involve a number of risks and 
financial, accounting, managerial and operational challenges, including the following, any of which could adversely affect our growth 
and profitability:  

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

  Any acquired business, technology, service or product could under-perform relative to our expectations and the price that 

we paid for it, or not perform in accordance with our anticipated timetable. 

  Acquisitions could cause our financial results to differ from our own or the investment community’s expectations in any 
given fiscal period, or over the long term.  
  Acquisition-related earnings charges could adversely impact operating results, particularly in light of the adoption of 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 141 (R), Business Combinations, which will apply to any 
acquisition completed in 2009 or later. Under SFAS No. 141(R), we will be required to expense a number of acquisition-
related items that under previous accounting rules did not impact our income statement. 

  Acquisitions could place unanticipated demands on our management, operational resources and financial and internal 
control systems.  
  We could experience difficulty in integrating personnel, operations and financial and other systems.  
  We may be unable to achieve cost savings or other synergies anticipated in connection with an acquisition.  
  We may assume by acquisition unknown liabilities, known contingent liabilities that become realized, known liabilities 

that prove greater than anticipated, or internal control deficiencies. The realization of any of these liabilities or deficiencies 
may increase our expenses, adversely affect our financial position or cause us to fail to meet our financial reporting 
obligations.  
  As a result of our acquisitions, we have recorded significant goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets on our 

balance sheet. If we are not able to realize the value of these assets, we may be required to incur charges relating to the 
impairment of these assets.  

Any inability to consummate acquisitions at our prior rate could negatively impact our growth rate.  

We may not be able to consummate acquisitions at similar rates to the past, which could adversely impact our growth rate. Promising 
acquisitions are difficult to identify and complete for a number of reasons, including high valuations, the recent tightening of the 
credit markets, competition among prospective buyers and the need for regulatory, including antitrust, approvals. Changes in 
accounting or regulatory requirements or further deterioration in the credit markets could also adversely impact our ability to 
consummate acquisitions. Our ability to grow at or above our historic rates depends in part upon our ability to identify and 
successfully acquire and integrate companies and businesses at appropriate prices and realize anticipated cost savings.  

17 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The indemnification provisions of acquisition agreements by which we have acquired companies may not fully protect us and may 
result in unexpected liabilities.  

Certain of the acquisition agreements by which we have acquired companies require the former owners to indemnify us against 
certain liabilities related to the operation of the company before we acquired it. In most of these agreements, however, the liability of 
the former owners is limited and certain former owners may not be able to meet their indemnification responsibilities. We cannot 
assure you that these indemnification provisions will fully protect us, and as a result we may face unexpected liabilities that adversely 
affect our profitability and financial position.  

Contingent liabilities from businesses that we have sold could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  

We have retained responsibility for some of the known and unknown contingent liabilities related to a number of businesses we have 
sold, such as lawsuits, tax liabilities, product liability claims and environmental matters, and have agreed to indemnify the purchasers 
of these businesses for certain known and unknown contingent liabilities. The resolution of these contingencies has not had a material 
adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition but we can not be certain that this favorable pattern will continue.  

Our indebtedness may limit our operations and our use of our cash flow.  

As of December 31, 2008, we had approximately $2.6 billion in outstanding indebtedness. In addition, we had the ability to incur an 
additional $826 million of indebtedness in the form of commercial paper or bank loans under our outstanding facilities and programs. 
We may also obtain additional long-term debt and lines of credit to meet future financing needs. Our debt level and related debt 
service obligations could have negative consequences, including:  

•

•

•

  requiring us to dedicate significant cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, which 
would reduce the funds we have available for other purposes such as acquisitions and stock repurchases;  
  reducing our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in our business and market conditions; and  
  exposing us to interest rate risk since a portion of our debt obligations are at variable rates.  

We may incur significantly more debt in the future. If we add new debt, the risks described above could increase.  

Our current revolving credit facility imposes restrictions on us, including certain restrictions on our ability to incur liens on our assets, 
and requires us to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated indebtedness plus 
shareholders’ equity) as of the last day of any fiscal quarter of 0.65 to 1.0 or less. In addition, our long-term debt obligations include 
covenants that may adversely affect our ability to incur certain secured indebtedness or engage in certain types of sale and leaseback 
transactions. Our ability to comply with these restrictions and covenants may be affected by events beyond our control. If we breach 
any of these restrictions or covenants and do not obtain a waiver from the lenders, then, subject to applicable cure periods, our 
outstanding indebtedness could be declared immediately due and payable.  

We may be required to recognize impairment charges for our long-lived assets.  

At December 31, 2008, the net carrying value of long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, goodwill, other intangible assets 
and other long term assets) totaled approximately $13.3 billion. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we 
periodically assess our long-lived assets to determine if they are impaired. Significant negative industry or economic trends, 
disruptions to our business, unexpected significant changes or planned changes in use of the assets, divestitures and market 
capitalization declines may result in impairments to goodwill and other long-lived assets. Future impairment charges could 
significantly affect our results of operations in the periods recognized.  

Foreign currency exchange rates may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  

Sales and purchases in currencies other than the U.S. dollar expose us to fluctuations in foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar. 
Increased strength of the U.S. dollar will increase the effective price of our products sold in U.S. dollars into other countries, which 
may have a material adverse effect on sales or require us to lower our prices, and also decrease our reported revenues or margins in 
respect of sales conducted in foreign currencies to the extent we are unable or determine not to increase local currency prices. 
Likewise, decreased strength of the U.S. dollar could have  

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a material adverse effect on the cost of materials and products purchased overseas. In addition, our sales and expenses are translated 
into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. The strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar could result in unfavorable translation 
effects as the results of transactions in foreign countries are translated into U.S. dollars.  

If we do not or cannot adequately protect our intellectual property, or if third parties infringe our intellectual property rights, we 
may suffer competitive injury or expend significant resources enforcing our rights.  

We own numerous patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and licenses to intellectual property owned by others, which in 
aggregate are important to our operations. The intellectual property rights that we obtain, however, may not provide us a significant 
competitive advantage. In addition, the steps that we and our licensors have taken to maintain and protect our intellectual property 
may not prevent it from being challenged, invalidated, circumvented or designed-around, particularly in countries where intellectual 
property rights are not highly developed or protected. In some circumstances, enforcement may not be available to us because an 
infringer has a dominant intellectual property position or for other business reasons. Our failure or inability to obtain intellectual 
property rights that convey competitive advantage, adequately protect our intellectual property or prevent circumvention or 
unauthorized use of such property, could adversely impact our competitive position and results of operations.  

Third parties may claim that we are infringing or misappropriating their intellectual property rights and we could suffer 
significant litigation expenses, losses or licensing expenses or be prevented from selling products or services.  

From time to time, we receive notices from third parties regarding intellectual property infringement or misappropriation. Our 
intellectual property portfolio may not be useful in asserting a counterclaim, or negotiating a license, in response to a claim of 
infringement or misappropriation. In the event of a successful claim against us, we could lose our rights to critical technology or be 
required to pay substantial damages or license fees with respect to the infringed rights, any of which could adversely impact our 
competitive position, revenues, profitability and cash flows. Even if we successfully defend against claims of infringement or 
misappropriation, we may incur significant costs and diversion of management attention and resources, which could adversely affect 
our profitability and cash flows.  

We are subject to a variety of litigation in the course of our business that could adversely affect our results of operations and 
financial condition.  

We are subject to a variety of litigation incidental to our business, including claims for damages arising out of the use of our products 
or services and claims relating to intellectual property matters, employment matters, commercial disputes, competition and sales and 
trading practices, environmental matters, personal injury, insurance coverage and acquisition-related matters. Some of these lawsuits 
include claims for punitive and consequential as well as compensatory damages. The defense of these lawsuits may divert our 
management’s attention, we may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits, and we may be required to pay damage 
awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies that could adversely affect our financial condition, operations and 
results of operations. Moreover, any insurance or indemnification rights that we may have may be insufficient or unavailable to 
protect us against potential loss exposures. In addition, developments in legal proceedings in any given period may require us to 
adjust the loss contingency estimates that we have recorded in our financial statements, which could adversely affect our results of 
operations in any period.  

Our operations, products and services expose us to the risk of environmental liabilities, costs, litigation and violations that could 
adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and reputation.  

Certain of our operations, products and services are subject to environmental laws and regulations, which impose limitations on the 
discharge of pollutants into the ground, air and water and establish standards for the use, generation, treatment, storage and disposal 
of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. We must also comply with various health and safety regulations in the U.S. and abroad in 
connection with our operations. We cannot assure you that we have been or will be at all times in substantial compliance with 
environmental and health and safety laws. Failure to comply with any of these laws could result in civil and criminal, monetary and 
non-monetary penalties and damage to our reputation. In addition, we cannot provide assurance that our costs of complying with 
current or future environmental protection and health and safety laws will not exceed our estimates or adversely affect our financial 
condition and results of operations.  

19 

  
In addition, we may incur costs related to remedial efforts or alleged environmental damage associated with past or current waste 
disposal practices or other hazardous materials handling practices. We are 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. For additional 
information regarding these risks, please refer to “Item 1. Business – Regulatory Matters.” We cannot assure you that our liabilities 
arising from past or future releases of, or exposures to, hazardous substances will not exceed our estimates or adversely affect our 
financial condition, results of operations and reputation or that we will not be subject to additional claims for personal injury or 
cleanup in the future based on our past, present or future business activities.  

Our businesses are subject to extensive regulation; failure to comply with those regulations could adversely affect our financial 
condition, results of operations and reputation.  

In addition to the environmental regulations noted above, our businesses are subject to extensive regulation by U.S. and non-U.S. 
governmental and self-regulatory entities at the federal, state and local levels, including the following:  

•

  We are required to comply with various import laws and export control and economic sanctions laws, which may affect our 
transactions with certain customers, business partners and other persons and dealings with or between our employees and 
subsidiaries. In certain circumstances, export control and economic sanctions regulations may prohibit the export of certain 
products, services and technologies, and in other circumstances we may be required to obtain an export license before 
exporting the controlled item. Compliance with the various import laws that apply to our businesses can restrict our access 
to, and increase the cost of obtaining, certain products and at times can interrupt our supply of imported inventory. 

•

  Certain of our products are medical devices and other products that are subject to regulation by the FDA, by counterpart 

agencies of other countries and by regulations governing the management, storage, handling and disposal of hazardous or 
radioactive materials. Violations of these regulations, efficacy or safety concerns or trends of adverse events with respect to 
our products can lead to warning letters, declining sales, recalls, seizures, injunctions, administrative detentions, refusals to 
permit importations, partial or total shutdown of production facilities or the implementation of operating restrictions, 
suspension or withdrawal of approvals and pre-market notification rescissions. In addition, we are subject to various 
federal, state and local laws targeting fraud and abuse in the healthcare industry, including anti-kickback and false claims 
laws.  
  We also have agreements relating to the sale of products to government entities and are 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 applicable to private contracts. Our agreements relating 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. Government contracts that have been awarded to us following a bid 
process could become the subject of a bid protest by a losing bidder, which could result in loss of the contract. We are also 
subject to investigation and audit for compliance with the requirements governing government contracts, including 
requirements related to procurement integrity, export control, employment practices, the accuracy of records and the 
recording of costs. A failure to comply with these requirements might result in suspension of these contracts and 
suspension or debarment from government contracting or subcontracting. 

In addition, failure to comply with any of these regulations could result in civil and criminal, monetary and non-monetary penalties, 
disruptions to our business, limitations on our ability to manufacture, import and export products and services, and damage to our 
reputation. Our products and operations are also often subject to the rules of industrial standards bodies such as the ISO, and failure to 
comply with these rules could result in withdrawal of certifications needed to sell our products and services and otherwise adversely 
impact our results of operations. For additional information regarding these risks, please refer to “Item 1. Business – Regulatory 
Matters.”  

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Our reputation and our ability to do business may be impaired by improper conduct by any of our employees, agents or business 
partners.  

We cannot provide assurance that our internal controls will always protect us from reckless or criminal acts committed by our 
employees, agents or business partners that would violate U.S. and/or non-U.S. laws, including the laws governing payments to 
government officials, bribery, competition, money laundering and data privacy. Any such improper actions could subject us to civil or 
criminal investigations in the U.S. and in other jurisdictions, could lead to substantial civil or criminal, monetary and non-monetary 
penalties against us or our subsidiaries, and could damage our reputation.  

Changes in our tax rates or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could affect our profitability. In addition, audits by tax 
authorities could result in additional tax payments for prior periods.  

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and in various non-U.S. jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate can be affected by changes in 
the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates (including as a result of business acquisitions and dispositions and 
tax planning strategies), changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, accruals related to contingent tax liabilities, the 
results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns and changes in tax laws. Any of these factors may adversely affect 
our tax rate and decrease our profitability in any period. The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by U.S. 
federal, state and local tax authorities and by non-U.S. tax authorities. If these audits result in assessments different from our reserves, 
our future results may include unfavorable adjustments to our tax liabilities.  

Our defined benefit pension plans are subject to financial market risks that could adversely affect our results of operations and 
cash flows.  

The performance of the financial markets (particularly the equity markets) and interest rates impact our funding obligations under our 
defined benefit pension plans. Significant changes in market interest rates, decreases in the fair value of plan assets and investment 
losses on plan assets may increase our funding obligations and adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows. The recent 
volatility in global capital markets has resulted in significant declines in the fair value of our pension plan assets during 2008.  

We have experienced and may continue to experience higher costs to produce our products as a result of rising prices for 
commodities.  

Our manufacturing operations employ a wide variety of raw materials, including steel, copper, cast iron, electronic components, 
aluminum, plastics and other petroleum-based products. Prices of oil and gas also significantly affect our costs for freight and utilities. 
Over the last three years, the prices of raw materials have been volatile. For several types of raw materials, prices increased 
substantially in 2007 and 2008 before declining late in 2008. Due to the highly competitive nature of the industries which we serve 
and the cost-containment efforts of our customers, we may be unable to fully pass along cost increases through higher prices. If we 
are unable fully to recover higher raw material costs through price increases or offset these increases through other cost reductions, 
we could experience lower margins and profitability and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could 
be materially and adversely affected.  

If we cannot adjust our purchases of materials, components and equipment required for our manufacturing activities to reflect 
changing market conditions or customer demand, our income and results of operations may suffer.  

We purchase materials, components and equipment from third parties for use in our manufacturing operations. Our income could be 
adversely impacted if we are unable to adjust our purchases to reflect changes in customer demand and market fluctuations. During a 
market upturn, suppliers may extend lead times, limit supplies or increase prices. If we cannot purchase sufficient products at 
competitive prices and quality and on a timely enough basis to meet increasing demand, we may not be able to satisfy market 
demand, product shipments may be delayed or our material or manufacturing costs may increase. Conversely, in order to secure 
supplies for the production of products, we sometimes enter into non-cancelable purchase commitments with vendors, which could 
impact our ability to adjust our inventory to reflect declining market demands. If demand for our products is less than we expect, we 
may experience additional excess and obsolete inventories and be forced to incur additional charges and our profitability may suffer.  

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In addition, some of our businesses purchase certain requirements from sole or limited source suppliers. If these or other suppliers 
encounter financial, operating or other difficulties or if our relationship with them changes, we could face manufacturing or sourcing 
interruptions, delays and inefficiencies.  

If we cannot adjust our manufacturing capacity to reflect the demand for our products, our income and results of operations may 
suffer.  

Because we cannot always immediately adapt our production capacity and related cost structures to changing market conditions, our 
manufacturing capacity may at times exceed our production requirements or fall short of our production requirements. Any or all of 
these problems could result in the loss of customers, provide an opportunity for competing products to gain market acceptance and 
otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results.  

Changes in governmental regulations may reduce demand for our products or increase our expenses.  

We compete in markets in which we or our customers must comply with federal, state, local and foreign regulations, such as health 
and safety, environmental and food and drug regulations and regulations governing communications. We develop, configure and 
market our products to meet customer needs created by these regulations. These regulations are complex, change frequently and have 
tended to become more stringent over time. Any significant change in any of these regulations could reduce demand for our products 
or increase our costs of producing these products.  

In addition, in certain of our markets our growth depends in part upon the introduction of new regulations. In these markets, the 
failure of governmental and other entities to adopt new regulations, or the adoption of new regulations which our products and 
services are not positioned to address, could adversely affect our growth rate. In addition, certain of our customers receive 
reimbursement from government insurance programs for some of the costs of the products that they purchase from us. A reduction in 
governmental support for healthcare services or adverse changes in legislation governing the delivery or pricing of healthcare services 
may cause healthcare-industry participants to purchase fewer of our products and services or to reduce the prices they are willing to 
pay.  

Work stoppages, union and works council campaigns, labor disputes and other matters associated with our labor force could 
adversely impact our results of operations and cause us to incur incremental costs.  

We have a number of U.S. collective bargaining units and various non-U.S. collective labor arrangements. We are subject to potential 
work stoppages, union and works council campaigns and potential labor disputes, any of which could adversely impact our 
productivity and results of operations.  

Adverse changes in our relationships with, or the financial condition or performance of, key distributors, resellers and other 
channel partners could adversely affect our results of operations.  

Certain of our businesses sell a significant amount of their products to key distributors, resellers and other channel partners that have 
valuable relationships with customers and end-users. Some of these distributors and other partners also sell our competitors’ products, 
and if they favor our competitors’ products for any reason they may fail to market our products effectively. Adverse changes in our 
relationships with these distributors and other partners, or adverse developments in their financial condition or performance, could 
adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows. For example, the recent economic downturn and financial market disruption 
has increased the possibility that one or more of our significant customers, or a group of less significant customers, could become 
insolvent, which could result in uncollectible accounts receivable in excess of established reserves, preference actions that would 
require us to repay to the bankruptcy estate payments recently received from such customer, increased obsolete inventory and 
impairment of long-lived assets due to underutilized manufacturing capacity. In addition, the consolidation of distributors in certain of 
our served industries, as well as the formation of large and sophisticated purchasing groups in industries such as healthcare, could 
adversely impact our profitability.  

22 

  
The inability to hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified officers and other employees could impede our ability to 
compete successfully.  

If we cannot hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified officers and other employees, we may not be able to:  
  effectively integrate acquired businesses and realize anticipated performance results from those businesses;  
  effectively implement the DANAHER BUSINESS SYSTEM throughout our organization and achieve the cost savings and 

•

•

other benefits that effective implementation of the DBS can achieve; and 
  otherwise profitably grow our business.  

•

International economic, political, legal and business factors could negatively affect our results of operations, cash flows and 
financial condition.  

In 2008, approximately 53% of our sales were derived outside the U.S. Since our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to 
further penetrate markets outside the U.S., we expect to continue to increase our sales outside the U.S., particularly in emerging 
markets. In addition, many of our manufacturing operations and suppliers are located outside the U.S. Our international business is 
subject to risks that are customarily encountered in non-U.S. operations, including:  

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

  interruption in the transportation of materials to us and finished goods to our customers; 

  changes in a specific country’s or region’s political or economic conditions; 

  trade protection measures and import or export licensing requirements; 
  unexpected changes in laws or regulatory requirements, including negative changes in tax laws;  
  limitations on ownership and on repatriation of earnings; 

  difficulty in staffing and managing widespread operations; 
  differing labor regulations;  
  differing protection of intellectual property; and  
  wars and terrorist activities and the U.S. and international response thereto. 

Any of these risks could negatively affect our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and growth.  

Cyclical economic conditions have affected and may continue to adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. 

Certain of our businesses operate in industries that have historically experienced periodic downturns, which have adversely impacted 
demand for the equipment and services that we manufacture and market. Any competitive pricing pressures, slowdown in capital 
investments or other downturn in these industries could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in any given 
period.  

If we suffer loss to our facilities, distribution systems or information technology systems due to catastrophe, our operations could 
be seriously harmed.  

Our facilities, distribution systems and information technology systems are subject to catastrophic loss due to fire, flood, terrorism or 
other natural or man-made disasters. If any of these facilities or systems were to experience a catastrophic loss, it could disrupt our 
operations, delay production and shipments and result in large expenses to repair or replace the facility.  

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 
None  

ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES 

Our corporate headquarters are located in Washington, D.C. in a facility that we lease. At December 31, 2008, we had 226 significant 
manufacturing and distribution locations worldwide, comprising approximately 21 million square feet, of which approximately 
13 million square feet are owned and approximately 8 million square feet are leased. Of  

23 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
these manufacturing and distribution locations, 117 facilities are located in the United States and 109 are located outside the United 
States, primarily in Europe and to a lesser extent in Asia, the rest of North America, Latin America and Australia. The number of 
manufacturing and distribution locations by business segment is:  

•

•

•

•

  Professional Instrumentation, 69; 
  Medical Technologies, 52;  
  Industrial Technologies, 69; and 
  Tools & Components, 36.  

We consider our facilities suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are used and do not anticipate difficulty in renewing 
existing leases as they expire or in finding alternative facilities. Please refer to Note 11 in the Consolidated Financial Statements 
included in this Annual Report for additional information with respect to our lease commitments.  

ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 

For a discussion of legal proceedings, please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations – Legal Proceedings”.  

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS 
ITEM 4.
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2008.  

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT  
Set forth below are the names, ages, positions and experience of our executive officers. All of our executive officers hold office at the 
pleasure of our Board of Directors.  

Name

Steven M. Rales

Mitchell P. Rales

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.

Daniel L. Comas

Philip W. Knisely

James A. Lico

Thomas P. Joyce, Jr.

William K. Daniel II

James H. Ditkoff

Jonathan P. Graham

Robert S. Lutz

Daniel A. Raskas

Age  

Position

Officer Since

57   

52   

45   

45   

54   

43  

48  

44   

62   

48   

51   

42   

Chairman of the Board

Chairman of the Executive Committee

Chief Executive Officer and President

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President

Senior Vice President – Finance and Tax

Senior Vice President – General Counsel

Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer

Vice President – Corporate Development

24 

1984

1984

1995

1996

2000

2002

2002

2006

1991

2006

2002

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 private and public business entities in the areas of manufacturing and film production. Mr. Rales is a brother of 
Mitchell P. Rales.  

Mitchell P. Rales has served as Chairman of the Executive Committee since 1990. In addition, during the past five years, he has been 
a principal in private and public business entities in the manufacturing area. Mr. Rales is a brother of Steven M. Rales.  

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 2001.  

Daniel L. Comas was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in April 2005. He served as Vice President-
Corporate Development from 1996 to April 2004 and as Senior Vice President-Finance and Corporate Development from April 2004 
to April 2005.  

William K. Daniel II joined Danaher as Vice President and Group Executive in July 2006 and was appointed Executive Vice 
President in July 2008. From 1987 until he joined Danaher he worked at ArvinMeritor, Inc., a supplier of motor vehicle systems and 
components, in a variety of general management positions, most recently as Senior Vice President.  

Philip W. Knisely has served as Executive Vice President since he joined Danaher in June 2000.  

James A. Lico was appointed Executive Vice President in September 2005. He has served in a variety of general management 
positions since joining Danaher in 1996, including most recently as President of Fluke Corporation from July 2000 until September 
2005, as Vice President and Group Executive of Danaher from December 2002 until September 2005, and as Vice President – 
Danaher Business Systems Office from September 2004 until September 2005.  

Thomas P. Joyce, Jr. was appointed Executive Vice President in May 2006. He has served in a variety of general management 
positions since joining Danaher in 1990, including most recently as Vice President and Group Executive of Danaher from December 
2002 until May 2006.  

James H. Ditkoff has served as Senior Vice President-Finance and Tax since December 2002.  

Jonathan P. Graham joined Danaher as Senior Vice President-General Counsel in July 2006. Prior to joining the company, he served 
as Vice President, Litigation and Legal Policy for General Electric Corporation, a diversified industrial company, from October 2004 
until June 2006. He practiced with the law firm of Williams & Connolly LLP, a law firm based in Washington, D.C., from 1988 until 
September 2004, most recently as partner from 1996 to September 2004.  

Robert S. Lutz has served as Vice President-Chief Accounting Officer since March 2003.  

Daniel A. Raskas was appointed Vice President – Corporate Development in November 2004. Prior to joining Danaher, 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.  

25 

  
PART II  
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES 

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DHR. As of February 12, 2009, there were 
approximately 3,059 holders of record of our 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 

2008

2007

High  

Low  

Dividends
Per Share  

High   

Low   

   $88.20   $67.76   $
   $82.62   $73.04   $
   $85.00   $68.37   $
   $70.59   $47.20   $

.03   $75.97   $69.11   $
.03   $76.09   $69.61   $
.03   $84.35   $72.90   $
.03   $89.22   $80.04   $

Dividends
Per Share
.02
.03
.03
.03

Our payment of dividends in the future will be determined by our Board of Directors and will depend on business conditions, our 
earnings and other factors.  

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities  
Repurchases of equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2008 are listed in the following table:  

Period
9/27/08– 10/31/08 
11/1/08– 11/30/08 
12/1/08– 12/31/08 

Total 

Total Number
of Shares 
Purchased   
656,593  
719,234  
—    

Average
Price Paid
per Share   
$ 55.04  
$ 52.81  
—    

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)

656,593  
719,234  
—    

2,696,800
1,977,566
1,977,566

1,977,566

1,375,827  

$ 53.87  

1,375,827  

(1) On April 21, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 10 million shares of the Company’s 
common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. There is no expiration date for the 
Company’s repurchase program. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined by the Company’s 
management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be suspended or 
discontinued at any time. Any repurchased shares will be available for use in connection with the Company’s equity 
compensation plans (or any successor plan) and for other corporate purposes. 

Recent Issuances of Unregistered Securities  
During the fourth quarter of 2008, holders of an aggregate of 33 Liquid Yield Option Notes (LYONs) ($1,000 of principal amount at 
maturity) converted the LYONs into an aggregate of 479 shares of Danaher common stock, par value $0.01 per share. The shares of 
common stock were issued solely to an existing security holder upon conversion of the LYONs pursuant to the exemption from 
registration provided under Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Exchange Act 1933, as amended.  

26 

  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 
ITEM 6.
(in thousands, except per share information)  

Sales 
Operating Profit 
Earnings from continuing operations 
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax 
Net earnings 
Earnings per share from continuing operations: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Earnings per share from discontinued operations: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Net earnings per share: 

Basic 
Diluted 
Dividends per share 
Total assets 
Total debt 

2008

2007

 $12,697,456  $11,025,917
    1,869,477    1,740,709 

2006

2005
 $ 9,466,056  $7,871,498  $6,776,505
    1,500,210    1,247,575    1,089,573

2004

1,317,631  
—    
1,317,631  

1,213,998 

155,906  (a)  

1,369,904

1,109,206   
12,823   
1,122,029   

885,609  
12,191  
897,800  

735,013
10,987
746,000

  $

  $

  $

4.13  $
3.95  

—    $
—    

4.13  $
3.95  

0.12  $

  $

3.90 
3.72 

3.60  $
3.44   

2.87  $
2.72  

0.50  (a)  $
0.47  (a)  

0.04  $
0.04   

0.04  $
0.04  

2.38
2.27

0.03
0.03

2.41
2.30

4.40  (a)  $
4.19  (a)  

0.11 

  $

3.64  $
3.48   

0.08  $

2.91  $
2.76  

0.07  $

0.058

  $17,490,128  $17,471,935 
  $ 2,619,329  $ 3,726,244 

  $12,864,151  $9,163,109  $8,493,893
  $ 2,433,716  $1,041,722  $1,350,298

(a)

Includes $211 million ($150 million after-tax or $0.45 per diluted share) gain on sale of the Company’s power quality business. 
Refer to Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information 

27 

  
  
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF 

OPERATIONS 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is designed to provide a reader of Danaher 
Corporation’s (“Danaher,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our”) financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of Company 
management. The Company’s MD&A is divided into four main sections:  

•

•

•

•

  Overview  
  Results of Operations  
  Liquidity and Capital Resources 

  Critical Accounting Policies 

OVERVIEW  
General  
We strive to create shareholder value through:  

•

•

•

  delivering sales growth, excluding the impact of acquired businesses, in excess of the overall market growth for our 
products and services;  
  upper quartile financial performance compared to our peer companies; and 

  upper quartile cash flow generation from operations compared to our peer companies. 

To accomplish these goals, we use a set of tools and processes, known as the DANAHER BUSINESS SYSTEM, which are designed 
to continuously improve business performance in critical areas of quality, delivery, cost and innovation. Within the DBS framework, 
we pursue a number of ongoing strategic initiatives intended to improve our performance, including initiatives relating to 
manufacturing improvement, idea generation, product development and commercialization and global sourcing of materials and 
services. To further these objectives we also acquire businesses that either strategically fit within our existing business portfolio or 
expand our portfolio into a new and attractive business area. We believe that many acquisition opportunities remain available within 
our target markets. The extent to which appropriate acquisitions are made and effectively integrated can affect our overall growth and 
operating results. We also continually assess the strategic fit of our existing businesses and may divest businesses that are deemed not 
to fit with our strategic plan or are not achieving the desired return on investment.  

Danaher is a multinational corporation with global operations. In 2008, approximately 53% of Danaher’s sales were derived outside 
the United States. As a global business, Danaher’s operations are affected by worldwide, regional and industry-specific economic and 
political factors. For example, in those industry segments where the Company is a capital equipment provider, revenues depend on the 
capital expenditure budgets and spending patterns of the Company’s customers, who may delay or accelerate purchases in reaction to 
changes in their businesses and in the economy. Danaher’s geographic and industry diversity, as well as the diversity of its product 
sales and services, typically helps limit the impact of any one industry or the economy of any single country on the consolidated 
operating results. However, the broad impact of the worldwide credit market turmoil and economic downturn have negatively 
impacted the growth rates of most of the Company’s businesses and resulted in the Company’s overall revenue from existing 
businesses contracting in the fourth quarter as compared to the prior year fourth quarter.  

Given the broad range of products manufactured and geographies served, management does not use any indices other than general 
economic trends to predict the overall outlook for the Company. The Company’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 revenue in the short term and thus a key measure of anticipated 
performance.  

Significant Acquisitions  
In November 2007, the Company significantly expanded its test and measurement business with the acquisition of all of the 
outstanding shares of Tektronix, Inc. for total cash consideration of approximately $2.8 billion, including transaction costs and net of 
cash and debt acquired. Tektronix is part of Danaher’s test and measurement business  

28 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
included in the Professional Instrumentation segment. The Company funded the purchase price of the Tektronix acquisition with 
proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper and the Company’s November 2007 common stock offering, and to a lesser extent 
from available cash.  

Business Performance  
While differences exist among the Company’s businesses, the Company experienced overall growth during 2008 as compared to 
2007. As a result of the deterioration in global economic conditions that occurred in the latter part of 2008, all of the year-over-year 
growth from existing businesses experienced by the Company occurred in the first nine months of the year. Demand weakened 
significantly in the fourth quarter resulting in a decline in revenue from existing businesses in the fourth quarter of 2008 as compared 
to the fourth quarter of 2007. Notwithstanding the fourth quarter decline, the Company’s full year growth was led by strength 
throughout the entire year in the Company’s environmental, acute care diagnostic and life sciences businesses. Growth from the test 
and measurement business during the first nine months of 2008 was partially offset by sales declines experienced in the fourth quarter 
due to weak demand. Sales growth was also impacted adversely in the fourth quarter 2008 due to weak demand in the Company’s 
industrial and consumer oriented businesses as demand slowed considerably in the dental technologies, product identification, 
enterprise network performance management and mechanics’ hand tools businesses.  

The Company continues to operate in a highly competitive business environment in most markets and geographies served. The 
Company’s future performance will depend on its ability to address a variety of challenges and opportunities in the markets and 
geographies served, including contraction in most of the world’s major economies, access to funding in the global capital markets, 
trends toward increased utilization of the global labor force, consolidation of competitors, the expansion of market opportunities in 
Asia and volatility in raw material costs. The Company regularly evaluates market needs and conditions with the objective of 
positioning itself to provide superior products and services to its customers in a cost efficient manner. Consistent with this approach, 
and in light of the worsening global economic environment, the Company initiated a series of restructuring actions during the fourth 
quarter of 2008 to better position the Company’s cost base for future periods. Please refer to “Results of Operations—Restructuring 
and Other Related Charges” below for additional discussion.  

Although the Company has a U.S. dollar functional currency for reporting purposes, a substantial portion of its sales and profits are 
generated in foreign currencies. Sales and profits generated by subsidiaries operating outside of the United States are translated into 
U.S. dollars using exchange rates effective during the respective period and as a result are affected by changes in exchange rates. 
With limited exceptions, the Company has accepted the exposure to exchange rate movements without using derivative 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, profit, and assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial 
statements. Please refer to “Financial Instruments and Risk Management” section below for additional information.  

On average, the U.S. dollar weakened against other major currencies during 2008, particularly during the first half of 2008. The 
U.S. Dollar strengthened against other major currencies in the second half of 2008 and, as of December 31, 2008, U.S. Dollar 
exchange rate levels were stronger than as of the end of 2007. Currency exchange rates increased reported sales for 2008 by 
approximately 2.0% as compared to 2007. Given the lower overall profit margins in the Company’s European businesses, currency 
rate changes lowered year-over-year comparisons of reported operating profit margins. If the exchange rates in effect as of 
December 31, 2008 prevail throughout 2009, currency exchange rates will adversely impact 2009 sales and operating results relative 
to the Company’s performance in 2008. Additional strengthening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies would further 
adversely impact the Company’s sales and results of operations. Any weakening of the U.S. dollar against other major currencies 
would benefit the Company’s sales and results of operations on an overall basis.  

29 

  
Outlook  
During the fourth quarter of 2008, worldwide credit markets and overall global economic conditions deteriorated significantly, 
resulting in a general decline in worldwide demand for the Company’s products and services. The economic uncertainties that 
continue to exist suggest that global demand will continue to contract, at least in the early months of 2009. While none of the 
Company’s businesses are insulated from the slowing demand, the contraction is anticipated to impact adversely certain of the 
Company’s businesses more than others. In particular, the Company’s industrial and consumer businesses are likely to be most 
impacted with the medical technologies and environmental businesses less affected. The Company expects further contraction in the 
industrial technologies and tools and components segments as well as portions of the test and measurement businesses. To minimize 
the impact of the recessionary economic conditions, as discussed below, the Company initiated restructuring actions in the fourth 
quarter of 2008, and will continue to assess market conditions and take actions as it deems necessary to appropriately position its 
businesses in light of the economic environment. The Company currently estimates additional pre-tax restructuring costs in the range 
of $40 to $60 million to be incurred during 2009. Consistent with past practice, the Company will also continue to actively manage 
working capital with a view to maximizing cash flow.  

Although recent distress in the financial markets has not had a significant impact on the Company’s financial position or liquidity as 
of the filing date of this Report, management continues to monitor the financial markets and general global economic conditions. If 
further changes in financial markets or other areas of the economy adversely affect the Company’s access to the commercial paper 
markets, the Company would expect to rely on a combination of available cash and existing committed credit facilities to provide 
short-term funding. Please refer to the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section for additional discussion.  

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  
Consolidated sales from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased 15.0% over the comparable period of 
2007. Sales from existing businesses contributed 2.5% growth, acquisitions contributed 10.5% growth and currency translation 
provided 2.0% growth. The majority of the growth related to currency translation occurred during the first nine months of 2008, as 
currency translation adversely impacted results in the fourth quarter of 2008. References in this report to sales from existing 
businesses include sales from acquired businesses starting from and after the first anniversary of the acquisition, but exclude currency 
effect.  

The growth in sales from acquisitions in the year ended December 31, 2008 is primarily attributable to the acquisitions of ChemTreat 
in July 2007 and Tektronix in November 2007, both of which are included in the Professional Instrumentation segment. The 
acquisitions of other, smaller businesses in the Medical Technologies, Professional Instrumentation and Industrial Technologies 
segments also contributed to the year-over-year growth. The Company acquired seventeen businesses and twelve businesses during 
the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  

Operating profit margins from continuing operations for the Company were 14.7% in the year ended December 31, 2008 as compared 
to 15.8% for the year ended December 31, 2007. Charges recorded related to the fourth quarter 2008 restructuring activities reduced 
the Company’s 2008 operating profit margins by 65 basis points. In addition, the dilutive impact of acquisitions reduced 2008 
operating profit margins by 80 basis points, including the adverse impact of $60 million ($45 million or $0.13 per diluted share, net of 
tax) of acquired inventory and acquired deferred revenue fair value charges recorded related to the acquisition of Tektronix. The 
Company also incurred Tektronix related charges in 2007 associated with acquired in-process research and development that affected 
year-over-year operating profit margin comparisons by 55 basis points. A gain recorded in the second quarter of 2007 from the 
collection of indemnification proceeds related to a lawsuit also affected year-over-year comparisons of operating profit margins by 10 
basis points.  

30 

  
Restructuring and Other Related Charges 

In light of the worsening global economic environment, the Company initiated a series of restructuring actions during the fourth 
quarter of 2008 to better position the Company’s cost base for future periods. As a result, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring 
and other related charges totaling $82.0 million ($61.5 million, net of tax or $0.18 per diluted share) as indicated in the following 
table ($ in thousands):  

Restructuring Charges 
Employee severance and related charges 
Facility exit and related charges

Total Restructuring Charges

Other Related Charges 
Property, plant & equipment impairment 
Inventory impairment 

Total Restructuring and Other Related Charges

Total

$72,257
  3,753
$76,010

$ 1,557
  4,398
$81,965

The restructuring and other related charges are intended to improve future operational efficiency through targeted workforce 
reductions and manufacturing facility consolidations and closures. Approximately 93% of the total pre-tax charges require cash 
payments, which are being funded with cash generated from operations. Through December 31, 2008, approximately $20 million of 
required cash payments had been made. The majority of the remaining cash expenditures are expected to occur in the first quarter of 
2009. As a result of these restructuring activities, the Company expects recurring pre-tax savings to exceed $100 million during 2009. 

The fourth quarter 2008 restructuring activities resulted in net workforce reductions of approximately 1,800 associates and thirteen 
facility closures, the majority of which have been completed as of December 31, 2008. Remaining workforce reductions and facility 
closure activities associated with the fourth quarter 2008 restructuring activities to be completed during 2009 are not significant. In 
conjunction with the closing of facilities, certain inventory was written off as unusable in future operating locations. This inventory 
consisted principally of component parts and raw materials, which were either redundant to inventory at the facilities being merged or 
were not economically feasible to relocate since the inventory was purchased to operate on equipment and tooling which was not 
being relocated. In addition, property, plant and equipment at closed facilities were evaluated based on expected future use and 
written down to fair value where impairments were identified.  

In the accompanying consolidated statement of earnings, the pre-tax restructuring and related charges, consisting of $76 million cash 
charges and $6 million non-cash charges, are reflected in the following captions ($ in thousands):  

Statement of Earnings Caption

Cost of sales 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 

Year Ended
December 31,
2008

$

$

33,130
48,835
81,965

The impact of these restructuring and related charges in each of the Company’s segments is discussed in the following analysis of the 
segment results of operations.  

31 

  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
Business Segments  
The table below summarizes sales by business segment for each of the periods indicated:  

Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 
Total 

For the Years Ended December 31
($ in millions)
2007
$ 3,537.9  
  2,998.0  
  3,153.4  
  1,336.6  
$11,025.9  

2008
$ 4,860.8  
3,277.0  
3,265.5  
1,294.2  
$12,697.5  

2006
$2,906.5
  2,220.0
  2,988.8
  1,350.8
$9,466.1

PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENTATION  
Businesses in the Company’s Professional Instrumentation segment offer professional and technical customers various products and 
services that are used to enable or enhance the performance of their work. The Professional Instrumentation segment encompasses 
two strategic lines of business: environmental, and test and measurement. These businesses produce and sell bench top and compact, 
professional electronic test tools and calibration equipment; a variety of video test and monitoring products, network management 
solutions, network diagnostic equipment and related services; water quality instrumentation and consumables and ultraviolet 
disinfection systems; industrial water treatment solutions; and retail/commercial petroleum products and services, including 
dispensers, payment systems, underground storage tank leak detection and vapor recovery systems.  

Professional Instrumentation Selected Financial Data  

Sales 
Operating Profit 
Depreciation and amortization 
Restructuring and other related charges
Operating profit as a % of sales 
Depreciation and amortization as a % of sales 
Restructuring and other related charges as a % of sales 

Components of Sales Growth  

Existing businesses 
Acquisitions 
Currency exchange rates 
Total 

For the Years Ended December 31 
($ in millions)
2007
$3,537.9 
709.5 
64.8 
  —   

2006
$2,906.5
625.6
48.8
  —  

2008

$4,860.8  
907.3  
130.4  
28.8  
18.7% 
2.7%
0.6% 

20.1% 
1.8% 

21.5%
1.7%

  —   

  —   

2008 
vs. 
2007  
4.0% 
32.0% 
1.5% 
37.5% 

2007 
vs. 
2006  
6.5%
12.0%
3.5%
22.0%

2008 COMPARED TO 2007  
Segment sales for Professional Instrumentation increased 37.5% for 2008 as compared to 2007. Sales growth was experienced in both 
of the segment’s strategic lines of business during the year, with the majority of the growth coming from acquisitions. Price increases 
accounted for approximately 2.0% sales growth which is reflected as a component of the sales from existing businesses.  

32 

  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth quarter 2008 restructuring activities adversely impacted operating profit margins in the Professional Instrumentation segment 
by 60 basis points in 2008 as compared to 2007. In addition, the dilutive impact of recently acquired businesses reduced 2008 
operating profit margins by 295 basis points, including the adverse impact of acquired inventory and acquired deferred revenue fair 
value charges recorded related to the acquisition of Tektronix (which charges will not recur in 2009). The Company also incurred 
Tektronix-related charges in 2007 associated with acquired in-process research and development that affected year-over-year 
operating profit margin comparisons by 170 basis points.  

Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of sales increased during 2008 as compared to 2007 primarily as a result of the 
increase in amortization expense associated with the intangible assets acquired in connection with the Tektronix acquisition.  

Overview of Businesses within Professional Instrumentation Segment  
Environmental. Sales from the Company’s environmental businesses, representing approximately 51% of segment sales for 2008, 
increased 15.5% in 2008 compared to 2007. Sales from existing businesses accounted for 6.5% growth while acquisitions accounted 
for 7.5% growth and currency translation accounted for 1.5% growth.  

The segment’s water quality businesses experienced high-single digit revenue growth from existing businesses in 2008 as compared 
to 2007. This growth was primarily a result of strong laboratory and process sales, reflecting in part the results of increased sales force 
investments and penetration into emerging markets. Growth in sales was experienced in all major geographic regions with particular 
strength in Asia where sales increased at a double digit rate. Also contributing to the year-over-year growth was increased demand by 
municipalities for the businesses’ ultraviolet disinfection water treatment product offerings which experienced a mid-teens sales 
growth rate.  

The retail petroleum equipment business experienced mid-single digit revenue growth from existing businesses in 2008 as compared 
to 2007. This growth was primarily driven by strong sales of payment and point of sale retail and payment solution product offerings 
offset by a decline in dispensing equipment sales primarily in North America and Europe. An increase in demand for the business’ 
vapor recovery products in North America also contributed to the year-over-year sales growth, primarily related to an enhanced vapor 
recovery product that received regulatory approval and launched during the fourth quarter of 2008.  

Test and Measurement. Sales from the Company’s test and measurement businesses, representing approximately 49% of segment 
sales for 2008, grew 70% compared to 2007. Sales from existing businesses were essentially flat while acquisitions accounted for 
68.0% growth and currency translation accounted for approximately 2.0% growth.  

Sales growth from existing businesses was driven primarily by performance during the first nine months of 2008 as a result of strong 
sales of the business’ thermography and precision measurement product offerings as well as strong growth from investments in 
emerging markets. While demand for the business’ thermography products continued to increase as compared to 2007 during the 
fourth quarter, demand slowed for the business’ traditional industrial digital hand-held instruments and precision measurement 
products resulting in a mid-single digit rate sales decline in the quarter and offsetting the growth experienced in the first nine months. 
In addition, the sales decline in the fourth quarter is a result of reductions of inventory in the distribution channel as well as the impact 
of currency exchange rate volatility on customer demand in certain emerging markets. Sales also declined throughout 2008 in the 
business’ enterprise network performance management line of business as a result of generally lower telecommunications demand 
and slower information technology spending by customers.  

2007 COMPARED TO 2006  
Segment sales for Professional Instrumentation increased 22.0% for 2007 compared to 2006. Sales from existing businesses increased 
in both of the segment’s strategic lines of business. Price increases accounted for approximately 1.5% sales growth and the impact of 
that increase is reflected in sales from existing businesses.  

33 

  
Operating profit margins were 20.1% in 2007 compared to 21.5% in 2006. Operating profit margin improvements of 135 basis points 
related to existing businesses were more than offset by the dilutive impact of lower operating profit margins of acquired businesses, 
which reduced segment operating profit margins by 260 basis points compared to 2006. Included in the dilutive impact on operating 
margins from acquired businesses is approximately $68 million (185 basis points) in charges associated with the acquisition of 
Tektronix, primarily related to acquired in-process research and development activities, acquired inventory and acquired deferred 
revenue. In addition, year over year comparisons are impacted by a gain on the sale of real estate during 2006 and recovery of certain 
previously written-off receivables during 2006 which increased that period’s operating profit margins by 15 basis points. Leverage on 
increased sales volume in 2008 contributed positively to overall Professional Instrumentation operating profit margins.  

Overview of Businesses within Professional Instrumentation Segment  
Environmental. Sales from the Company’s environmental businesses, representing approximately 60% of segment sales for 2007, 
increased 16.5% in 2007 compared to 2006. Sales from existing businesses accounted for 6.0% growth. Acquisitions accounted for 
7.0% growth and currency translation accounted for 3.5% growth.  

The Company’s water quality businesses experienced low-double digit revenue growth for 2007 compared to 2006, primarily as a 
result of strength in sales of laboratory and process instrumentation products in all major geographic regions. In addition, sales of the 
Company’s ultraviolet water treatment systems grew double-digit compared to 2006. Investment in sales forces and other growth 
initiatives, in addition to continued penetration of the Asian wastewater market, including a significant reclamation project in 
Australia, contributed to the growth. Sales growth from acquisitions primarily related to the acquisition of ChemTreat in July 2007.  

The retail petroleum equipment business experienced low-single digit revenue growth in 2007 compared to 2006. The business’ point 
of sale payment systems and service business enjoyed robust growth in 2007, primarily in Europe. In addition, the business 
experienced strong demand during 2007 in North America and China for its leak detection systems that were introduced during the 
period. These sales gains were offset by difficult prior year comparisons, a result of strong dispenser sales in 2006 due to extensive 
refurbishment activity in Europe and regulatory mandates in Mexico that did not repeat in 2007.  

Test and Measurement. Sales from the Company’s test and measurement businesses, representing approximately 40% of segment 
sales for 2007, grew 31.5% compared to 2006. Sales from existing businesses accounted for 8.0% growth. Acquisitions accounted for 
20.0% growth and currency translation accounted for approximately 3.5% growth.  

New product offerings in the thermography, power quality test and process calibration markets generated strong sales in the electrical 
and industrial channels in all major geographical areas during 2007. The network test business experienced mid-single digit revenue 
growth in 2007 compared to 2006. Large orders from telecommunications carriers in the United States during the first three quarters 
of 2007 and cable test equipment sales in Europe were the primary drivers of the network test growth. Acquisition growth was 
primarily related to the acquisition of Tektronix in addition to several smaller acquisitions throughout the year.  

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES  
The Medical Technologies segment consists of businesses that offer research and clinical medical professionals various products and 
services that are used in connection with the performance of their work.  

34 

  
Medical Technologies Selected Financial Data  

Sales 
Operating Profit 
Depreciation and amortization 
Restructuring and other related charges
Operating profit as a % of sales 
Depreciation and amortization as a % of sales 
Restructuring and other related charges as a % of sales 

Components of Sales Growth  

Existing businesses 
Acquisitions 
Currency exchange rates 
Total 

For the Years Ended December 31 
($ in millions)
2007
$2,998.0 
393.2 
119.7 
  —   

2006
$2,220.0
261.6
84.3
  —   

2008

$3,277.0  
370.5  
123.5
26.1 
11.3% 
3.8% 
0.8% 

13.1% 
4.0% 

11.8%
3.8%

  —   

  —  

2008
vs. 
2007 
4.5% 
2.0% 
3.0% 
9.5% 

2007 
vs. 
2006  
8.0%
22.0%
5.0%
35.0%

2008 COMPARED TO 2007  
Segment sales for Medical Technologies increased 9.5% for 2008 as compared to 2007. Sales growth was primarily driven by the 
segment’s acute care diagnostics, life sciences instrumentation and pathology diagnostics businesses. Price increases accounted for 
approximately 1.0% sales growth which is reflected as a component of the sales from existing businesses.  

The fourth quarter 2008 restructuring activities adversely impacted operating profit margins in the Medical Technologies segment by 
80 basis points in 2008 as compared to 2007. In addition, the dilutive impact of recently acquired businesses reduced 2008 operating 
profit margins by 40 basis points. A decline in demand for certain products in the dental technologies business, in addition to 
increased sales force investment and research and development costs within the life sciences business, also adversely impacted year-
over-year operating margin profit comparisons.  

Overview of Businesses within Medical Technologies Segment  
Revenues in the segment’s acute care diagnostics business grew at mid-single digit rate in 2008 as compared to 2007. The year-over-
year growth was primarily attributable to strong aftermarket consumables sales for the business installed base of acute care diagnostic 
instrumentation, sales of the business’ compact version of its blood gas analysis instrument as well as sales resulting from the launch 
of the business’ AQT cardiac marker during 2008. Sales growth was experienced in all major geographic regions during the year. 
Particularly strong growth in emerging markets during the first nine months of the year moderated during the fourth quarter as a result 
of currency exchange rate volatility and economic uncertainty.  

The segment’s life science instrumentation business experienced high-single digit revenue growth in 2008 as compared to 2007. 
Continued strong sales of the business’ pathology diagnostics instrumentation and consumables offerings as well as compound 
microscopy product offerings drove the majority of this growth. All major geographic regions experienced growth. The acquisition of 
Surgipath Medical Industries in the fourth quarter of 2008 is expected to provide additional sales and earnings growth opportunities 
for the pathology diagnostics business.  

35 

  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
The segment’s dental business’ revenue in 2008 was essentially flat as compared to 2007. Revenues in the dental technologies 
business grew at a mid-single digit rate through the first nine months of 2008 primarily driven by strong demand for imaging 
equipment. However, a significant decline in demand in the fourth quarter for the majority of the products in the dental technologies’ 
business, including imaging equipment, more than offset this earlier growth resulting in low-single digit sales declines for the year. 
The decline in demand is primarily attributable to customer decisions to cancel or delay capital spending as well as inventory 
reductions in certain distribution channels. Offsetting the 2008 sales declines in the dental technologies business was low-single digit 
growth in the dental consumables business. Sales growth in the dental consumables’ businesses was primarily due to strong sales of 
general dentistry consumables and increased demand for endodontic and infection control products, offset by lower demand in the 
orthodontia product line.  

2007 COMPARED TO 2006  
Segment sales increased 35% for 2007 compared to 2006. Price increases, which are included in sales from existing businesses, 
contributed 1.0% to overall sales growth in 2007 compared to 2006.  

Operating profit margin improvements in the segment’s existing businesses contributed 100 basis points to the overall operating 
margin improvement in 2007. Improvements in the operating profit margins of the dental consumable, acute care diagnostic and life 
sciences instrumentation businesses were partially offset by lower operating profit margins in the dental equipment businesses. 
Recently acquired businesses adversely impacted 2007 operating profit margins by 40 basis points as compared to 2006. In addition, 
on a comparative basis, 2007 operating margins benefited approximately 50 basis points from the adverse impact on 2006 operating 
margins that resulted from charges recorded associated with the fair value of acquired inventory related to the acquisition of Sybron.  

Overview of Businesses within Medical Technologies Segment  
The segment’s acute care diagnostics business experienced high-single digit revenue growth in 2007 compared to 2006. Increasing 
sales of diagnostic instruments in Europe (particularly Russia) in 2007 contributed to this sales growth. The North American and 
Asia/Pacific markets also contributed to the growth, although at somewhat lower rates than those experienced in the European 
markets. New product introductions resulting from the business’ continued research and development efforts also contributed to this 
growth.  

The segment’s life science instrumentation business experienced mid-teens revenue growth in 2007 compared to 2006. Robust 
microscopy demand, particularly confocal microscopes, in North America and Asia were the primary growth drivers. The integration 
of Vision with Leica Microsystems was completed in 2007 and generated incremental revenue growth, the majority of which has been 
included as a component of acquisition growth during 2007. Vision’s revenue grew approximately 30% in 2007 compared to 2006 
when it was a stand-alone company.  

The segment’s dental business experienced mid-single digit revenue growth in 2007 compared to 2006. The business experienced 
increased sales volumes in its restorative and orthodontia products as well as in the instrument and treatment unit product offerings 
across all major geographies. In addition, increased sales of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging products 
contributed to the revenue growth in the European market. This growth was partially offset by a decline in instrument and treatment 
unit sales to Asia reflecting a weak overall Japanese market and the need to re-register certain products with regulatory authorities in 
South Korea.  

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES  
Businesses in the Industrial Technologies segment manufacture products and sub-systems that are typically incorporated by 
customers and systems integrators into production and packaging lines as well as incorporated by original equipment manufacturers 
(OEMs) into various end-products. 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 Industrial Technologies segment encompasses 
two strategic lines of business, motion and product  

36 

  
identification, and two focused niche businesses, aerospace and defense, and sensors and controls. These businesses produce and sell 
product identification equipment and consumables; motion, position, speed, temperature, and level instruments and sensing devices; 
liquid flow and quality measuring devices; aerospace safety devices and defense articles; and electronic and mechanical counting and 
controlling devices. In the third quarter of 2007, the Company disposed of the power quality businesses that were part of this segment 
and all 2007 and 2006 results of the segment have been adjusted to exclude the results of these discontinued operations.  

Industrial Technologies Segment Selected Financial Data  

Sales 
Operating profit 
Depreciation and amortization 
Restructuring and other related charges
Operating profit as a % of sales 
Depreciation and amortization as a % of sales 
Restructuring and other related charges as a % of sales 

Components of Sales Growth  

Existing businesses 
Acquisitions 
Currency exchange rates 
Total 

For the Years Ended December 31 
($ in millions)
2007
$3,153.4 
532.5 
63.2 
  —   

2006
$2,988.8
467.7
61.1
  —   

2008

$3,265.5  
522.1  
64.4
23.1 
16.0% 
2.0% 
0.7% 

16.9% 
2.0% 

15.7%
2.0%

  —   

  —  

2008
vs. 
2007 
1.5% 

   —   

2.0% 
3.5% 

2007
vs. 
2006 
1.5%
0.5%
3.5%
5.5%

2008 COMPARED TO 2007  
Segment sales for Industrial Technologies increased 3.5% for 2008 as compared to 2007. Sales growth experienced for the majority 
of the year in the segment’s motion and niche aerospace and defense and sensors lines of business was partially offset by sales 
declines experienced in the segment’s product identification line of business, primarily in the second half of 2008. Price increases 
accounted for approximately 2.0% sales growth which is reflected as a component of the sales from existing businesses.  

The fourth quarter 2008 restructuring activities adversely impacted operating profit margins in the Industrial Technologies segment 
by 70 basis points in 2008 as compared to 2007. In addition, gains recorded in 2007 due to the collection of indemnification proceeds 
related to a lawsuit and from the sale of real estate adversely impacted year-over-year operating profit margin comparisons by 45 
basis points. Operating profit margin improvements during 2008, primarily relating to cost savings initiatives implemented beginning 
in late 2007, partially offset these adverse impacts.  

Overview of Businesses within Industrial Technologies Segment  
Motion Sales in the segment’s motion businesses, representing approximately 34% of segment sales in 2008, increased 4.0% over 
2007. Sales from existing businesses accounted for 1.0% growth while currency translation accounted for 3.0% growth during 2008. 
There were no acquisitions in the motion businesses in 2008 or 2007.  

37 

  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Sales growth from existing businesses during 2008 was primarily driven by demand for custom motors and drives, particularly in the 
elevator application, flat panel display and aerospace and defense end markets. Largely offsetting this growth was weakness in 
demand for the business’ standard motors and drives product offerings throughout the year, and in particular during the fourth quarter, 
primarily in North America and Europe. In addition, during the fourth quarter, demand for products supporting the semiconductor and 
electronic assembly end markets, as well as other industrial applications, declined at levels in excess of the declines experienced 
during the first nine months of the year.  

Product Identification. The product identification businesses accounted for approximately 27% of segment sales in 2008. Sales from 
the segment’s product identification businesses decreased 1.5% in 2008 compared to 2007. Sales from existing businesses accounted 
for a 3.5% decline in sales while currency translation contributed 1.5% to revenue growth and acquisitions contributed 0.5% to 
revenue growth in 2008.  

Through the first nine months of 2008, sales growth driven by increased demand for both consumable products and services 
associated with the installed base of marking and coding equipment had partially offset a decline in equipment sales. Further 
weakening of equipment demand during the fourth quarter, primarily in North America and Europe, resulted in double-digit year-
over-year declines in equipment sales during the quarter as customers cancelled or delayed purchases. The declines in equipment 
sales more than offset the sales growth from consumables and services experienced throughout the majority of 2008. In addition, sales 
in the integrated scanning system product line declined throughout 2008 due to lower capital expenditures by the United States Postal 
Service (USPS) and the timing of completion of various large projects for other large parcel post and retail customers.  

Focused Niche Businesses. Revenues in the segment’s existing niche businesses grew at a mid-single digit rate during 2008 as 
compared to 2007, driven primarily by high-single digit sales growth in the segment’s aerospace and defense businesses and low-
single digit sales growth in the segment’s sensors and controls businesses. Sales growth from the sensors and controls business 
primarily occurred during the first nine months of 2008 as demand weakened during the fourth quarter resulting in essentially flat 
segment sales for the fourth quarter of 2008 as compared to the comparable period of 2007.  

2007 COMPARED TO 2006  
Price increases contributed 1.5% of sales growth compared to 2006 which impact is reflected in sales from existing businesses.  

Operating profit margin improvements in the segment’s existing businesses contributed 85 basis points to the overall operating 
margin improvement for 2007 as compared to 2006. This margin improvement was driven in part by continued margin expansion in 
the motion businesses reflecting pricing and productivity initiatives as well as the impact of lower levels of lower-margin USPS sales 
in 2007 compared to 2006 within the product identification business. In addition, during 2007, the segment recorded a pre-tax gain of 
$12 million upon collection of indemnification proceeds related to a lawsuit, which improved operating profit margins by 40 basis 
points for 2007. These positive factors were partially offset by new acquisitions, restructuring activities, spending for product 
development and emerging market sales force initiatives.  

Overview of Businesses within Industrial Technologies Segment  
Motion Sales in the Company’s motion businesses, representing approximately 34% of segment sales in 2007, increased 2.5% over 
2006. Sales from existing businesses accounted for a 1.0% decrease in sales and currency translation accounted for 3.5% growth in 
sales during 2007. There were no acquisitions in the business in 2007 or 2006.  

During 2007, the motion business experienced sales growth primarily in the elevator markets as a result of global conversions to more 
energy efficient systems and new construction demand in Asia. Demand in OEM applications in Europe also contributed year-over-
year sales growth. These growth drivers, however, were more than offset by year-over-year sales declines resulting from weakness in 
certain technology end markets as well as declines in the miniature motors business reflecting reduced customer demand.  

38 

  
Product Identification. The product identification businesses accounted for approximately 28% of segment sales in 2007. Sales from 
the Company’s product identification businesses increased 3.5% in 2007 compared to 2006. Sales from existing businesses accounted 
for a 1.0% decline while currency translation contributed 3.5% to revenue growth and acquisitions contributed 1.0% to revenue 
growth in 2007.  

The 2007 decline in sales from existing operations resulted from the business completing several large systems installation projects 
with the USPS during 2006 which did not repeat in 2007. Sales for the business’ non-USPS marking products grew at a mid-single 
digit rates during 2007 compared to 2006. Strong equipment and after-market sales, particularly in China, Latin America and Europe, 
were the primary drivers of this growth facilitated by increased investments in the business’ sales force and new product launches in 
these regions.  

Focused Niche Businesses The segment’s niche businesses experienced a mid-single digit growth rate in 2007 compared to 2006. 
This growth was primarily driven by strong sales growth from existing businesses in the Company’s aerospace and defense 
businesses, partially offset by sales declines in the Company’s sensors and controls business, reflecting continued softness in the 
semi-conductor and electronic assembly markets.  

TOOLS & COMPONENTS  
The Tools & Components segment is one of the largest producers and distributors of general purpose and specialty mechanics’ hand 
tools. Other products manufactured by the businesses in this segment include toolboxes and storage devices; diesel engine retarders; 
wheel service equipment; drill chucks; and custom-designed fasteners and components.  

Tools & Components Selected Financial Data  

Sales 
Operating profit 
Depreciation and amortization 
Restructuring and other related charges
Operating profit as a % of sales 
Depreciation and amortization as a % of sales 
Restructuring and other related charges as a % of sales 

Components of Sales Growth  

Existing businesses 
Acquisition / Product line divestiture 
Currency exchange rates 

Total 

For the Years Ended December 31 
($ in millions)
2007
$1,336.6 
175.6 
20.8 
  —   

2006
$1,350.8
194.1
21.4
  —  

2008

$1,294.2  
157.7  
21.0  
4.0  
12.2%
1.6%
0.3% 

13.1% 
1.6% 

14.4%
1.6%

  —   

  —   

2008 
vs. 
2007 
(3.5)% 

   —   

0.5%  
(3.0)% 

2007 
vs. 
2006 
(0.5)%
(1.0)%
0.5%
(1.0)%

2008 COMPARED TO 2007  
Price increases accounted for approximately 2.0% sales growth on a year-over-year basis which is reflected as a component of the 
sales from existing businesses.  

39 

  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
The fourth quarter 2008 restructuring activities adversely impacted operating profit margins in the Tools and Components segment by 
30 basis points in 2008 as compared to 2007. Elevated commodity costs and lower overall sales volumes in the mechanics’ hand tools 
business also adversely impacted operating profit margins. A 2008 gain from the settlement of an insurance claim related to a 2007 
plant fire, coupled with the impact of charges recorded in 2007 associated with the fire, favorably impacted year-over-year operating 
profit margin comparisons by 50 basis points. Commodity costs declined significantly in the fourth quarter of 2008 and, assuming 
they remain at the current levels, will provide a benefit to the segment in 2009.  

Overview of Businesses within the Tools & Components Segment  
Mechanics’ hand tools sales, representing approximately 69% of segment sales in 2008, declined 5.5% in 2008 compared to 2007. 
Sales from existing businesses declined 6.0% during 2008, offset by a 0.5% positive impact as a result of foreign currency translation. 
The sales decline is primarily attributable to weak North American demand in both the retail, mobile and industrial hand tools end 
markets. Partially offsetting the weak North American demand was sales growth in the Asian market, primarily in the first half of 
2008, as the rate of growth in the region slowed during the second half of the year.  

The segment’s niche businesses experienced a modest sales increase during 2008 as compared to 2007. Higher customer demand in 
the segment’s engine retarder business, which rebounded from the impact of regulatory changes that resulted in reduced 2007 sales 
levels, were largely offset by lower demand in the segment’s other niche businesses during year, with particularly lower demand in 
the fourth quarter.  

2007 COMPARED TO 2006  
Sales from existing businesses for 2007 reflect the impact of certain regulatory requirements that became effective at the beginning of 
2007 which accelerated demand for the Company’s engine retarder products in 2006 and adversely impacted demand in 2007. Price 
increases partially offset the decline in sales and contributed approximately 2.5% of sales growth compared to 2006. The impact of 
that price increase is reflected in sales from existing businesses.  

Operating profit margins for the segment were 13.1% in 2007 compared to 14.4% in 2006. Costs associated with workforce 
reductions and adjustments to production levels to match demand in the engine retarder business decreased operating profit margins 
by 85 basis in 2007 compared with 2006. Lower sales volumes in the mechanics’ hand tool business with Sears/K-Mart and increased 
lead costs in the wheel weight business also had a negative impact on the 2007 operating margins. In addition, operating profit 
margins were adversely impacted by 40 basis points as a result of expenses incurred in connection with a fire in one of the business’ 
manufacturing facilities in China and costs incurred primarily in the fourth quarter of 2007 to close one facility and reduce headcount. 

Overview of Businesses within the Tools & Components Segment  
Mechanics’ hand tools sales, representing approximately 70% of segment sales in 2007, grew 1.0% in 2007 compared to 2006. The 
segment’s Matco business grew slightly during 2007 as the business benefited from recent product introductions and price increases 
which offset declines in distributor average purchase levels during 2007. The retail hand tool business experienced strength in China 
and in its export business to Europe, as well as certain of its retail channels. This performance, in large part, was offset by a decline in 
sales to Sears/K-Mart, the retail hand tools business’ largest customer. Year-over-year softness in same-store sales of hand tools at 
Sears/K-Mart also adversely impacted the business.  

The segment’s niche businesses experienced mid-single digit sales declines during 2007 as compared to 2006. The impact of the 
regulatory issue noted above was partially offset by improved sales performance in the segment’s wheel service business during 2007 
driven by price increases necessary to recover increased lead costs.  

40 

  
GROSS PROFIT  

Sales 
Cost of sales 
Gross profit 
Gross profit margin 

For the Years Ended December 31 
($ in millions)
2007
$11,025.9 
  5,985.0 
  5,040.9 

2006
$9,466.1
  5,269.0
  4,197.1

2008

$12,697.5  
6,757.3  
5,940.2  
46.8% 

45.7% 

44.3%

Gross profit margins from continuing operations for 2008 increased 110 basis points from 2007. Included in the 2008 gross profit 
margins is $33 million (25 basis points) of restructuring and other related costs. The increase in gross profit margins over 2007 is 
primarily a result of leverage on increased sales volume, particularly in higher-margin consumable oriented businesses, the impact of 
cost-saving initiatives that began in late 2007 and generally higher gross profit margins in businesses recently acquired, primarily 
Tektronix. The impact on gross margins of higher commodity costs prevalent through the majority of 2008 was partially mitigated by 
price increases implemented throughout the Company. These higher commodity costs have declined significantly in the fourth quarter 
of 2008 and, assuming the costs remain at the current levels, will provide a benefit to the Company in 2009 assuming sales volumes 
similar to those experienced by the Company during 2008.  

The increase in gross profit margins from continuing operations for 2007 as compared to 2006 resulted from leverage on increased 
sales volume, the on-going cost improvements in existing business units driven by our Danaher Business System processes and low-
cost region initiatives and generally higher gross profit margins in businesses recently acquired and increases in selling prices. Gross 
profit margins also improved due to lower-margin sales to USPS in the product identification business comprising a smaller 
proportion of sales during 2007 compared to 2006. The gross margins for 2007 also benefited from the inclusion of a full year of 
results from higher-margin Sybron business as compared to 2006 which only included seven months of Sybron results as a result of 
Sybron acquisition in May 2006. The improvements were partially offset by higher commodity costs incurred in 2007 for which full 
recovery in the form of price increases dilutes reported margins.  

OPERATING EXPENSES  

Sales 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Research and development expenses
SG&A as a % of sales 
R&D as a % of sales 

2008

For the Years Ended December 31 
($ in millions)
2007
$11,025.9 
  2,713.1 
601.4 

2006
$9,466.1
  2,273.2
440.0

$12,697.5  
3,345.3  
725.4

26.3% 
5.7% 

24.6% 
5.5% 

24.0%
4.6%

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales for 2008 increased 170 basis points from 2007. Included in the 
2008 selling, general and administrative expenses is $49 million (40 basis points) of restructuring and other related costs. Other 
increases in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales are primarily associated with recently acquired 
businesses and their higher relative operating expense structures. Increased spending to fund growth opportunities throughout the 
Company, particularly in emerging markets, also contributed to the growth as a percentage of sales.  

41 

  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased 60 basis points during 2007 as compared to 2006 
levels. The year-over-year increases resulted from recently acquired businesses (principally Sybron Dental and Vision) which 
generally have higher operating expense structures, compared to the Company’s other businesses, as well as increased investment in 
sales forces in emerging markets. These increases were partially offset by operating leverage from higher sales during 2007 as 
compared to 2006. In addition, the recovery of certain previously written-off indemnity receivable balances during 2007 favorably 
impacted selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales.  

Research and development expenses, consisting principally of internal and contract engineering personnel costs, as a percentage of 
sales were approximately 20 basis points higher in 2008 as compared to 2007. The 2007 charge for acquired in-process research and 
development related to the Tektronix acquisition, as described below, impacted year-over-year comparisons by 75 basis points. The 
relatively higher research and development cost structures of recently acquired businesses, primarily Tektronix, and higher 
investment in research and development in the Medical Technologies segment were the primary drivers of these year-over-year 
increases. The Company continues to invest in new product development within all of its businesses, with particular emphasis on the 
medical technologies, test and measurement, environmental and product identification businesses.  

Research and development expenses were approximately 90 basis points higher in 2007 as compared to 2006. In 2007, the Company 
expensed approximately $60.4 million of in-process research and development related to the Tektronix acquisition as compared to 
approximately $6.5 million of in-process research and development expensed in 2006 related to the Vision acquisition. Newly 
acquired companies and their higher, relative research and development cost structures also contributed to the year-over-year 
increase.  

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 $130 million in 2008 was approximately $20 million higher than 2007 as a result of higher average debt levels 
during 2008, primarily as a result of borrowings incurred in the fourth quarter 2007 to fund the acquisition of Tektronix. Interest 
expense of $110 million in 2007 was approximately $30 million higher than 2006. The increase is primarily due to higher average 
debt levels during 2007, due to borrowings incurred to fund the 2007 acquisitions of Tektronix and ChemTreat and the 2006 
acquisitions of Sybron and Vision.  

Interest income of $10 million, $6 million and $8 million was recognized in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Interest income 
during 2008 was higher than during 2007 as a result of higher average invested cash balances as less cash was employed in 
acquisitions during 2008. Interest income in 2007 was lower than 2006 as average invested cash balances were lower in 2007 
compared to 2006 due to employing cash balances to complete several acquisitions in late 2006 and throughout 2007 as well as to 
repurchase shares of Company common stock in 2007. In addition, lower interest rates prevailing during 2007 contributed to the 
decrease in interest income.  

INCOME TAXES  
General  
The Company’s effective tax rate can be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates 
(including as a result of business acquisitions and dispositions), changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, accruals 
related to contingent tax liabilities, the results of audits and examinations of previously filed tax returns (as discussed below), the 
implementation of tax planning strategies and changes in tax laws. The tax effect of significant unusual items or changes in tax 
regulations is reflected in the period in which they occur. The Company’s effective tax rate for 2008 differs from the United States 
federal statutory rate of 35% primarily as a result of lower effective tax rates on certain earnings from operations outside of the United 
States. No provisions for United States income taxes have been made with respect to earnings that are planned to be reinvested 
indefinitely outside the United States. The amount of United States income taxes that may be applicable to such  

42 

  
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, 2008, the total amount of earnings planned to be reinvested indefinitely outside the 
United States for which deferred taxes have not been provided was approximately $6.3 billion.  

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. Management performs a comprehensive review of its global tax positions on a quarterly basis and 
accrues amounts for contingent tax liabilities. Based on these reviews, the results 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. 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 amount of earnings and/or deductions realized in various jurisdictions in which the Company operates 
may differ from current estimates.  

Year-Over-Year Changes in Tax Provision and Effective Tax Rate  
The Company’s effective tax rate related to continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was 24.7%, 
25.8% and 22.4%, respectively.  

The Company’s 2008 effective tax rate of 24.7% includes the impact of approximately $9.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, 
related to gains from the net reduction of reserves associated with uncertain tax positions and discrete items recorded primarily during 
the second quarter. In addition, the effective tax rate reflects a full year benefit of approximately $10 million from research and 
experimentation credits which were reinstated with the enactment of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 in the fourth 
quarter of 2008. The effective tax rate also reflects the impact of the continued growth in earnings outside of the United States. Refer 
to Note 13 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.  

The Company’s 2007 effective tax rate from continuing operations of 25.8% reflects net discrete tax benefits of approximately $21 
million, or $0.07 per diluted share. New tax legislation that was signed into law in several taxing jurisdictions during 2007, most 
notably in Germany and Denmark, reduced income tax rates for 2008 and future periods which resulted in a reduction in the 
Company’s deferred tax liabilities and a like reduction in 2007 income tax expense as required under SFAS No. 109, Accounting for 
Income Taxes. The lower statutory rates are expected to be offset by other statutory changes in these jurisdictions, such that the 
Company’s effective tax rate in future years will not be materially reduced as a result of the legislation. Partially offsetting the benefit 
from the above tax rate reduction was the effect of establishing income tax reserves during the year related to uncertain tax positions 
in various taxing jurisdiction, net of the reduction of tax reserves associated with Sweden.  

The effective tax rate for 2009 is expected to be approximately 26%.  

INFLATION  
Market forces during the first nine months of 2008 resulted in generally higher average costs for raw materials, with prices of many 
raw materials reaching historic price levels early in the third quarter. These costs generally declined after reaching these historic 
levels. The Company passed along certain of these cost increases to its customers. The raw materials purchased at record high price 
levels have largely been consumed in the production process.  

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 addresses 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.  

43 

  
Interest Rate Risk  
The Company’s short-term debt obligations relate primarily to commercial paper borrowings. Refer to Note 8 for information 
regarding the Company’s outstanding commercial paper balances as of December 31, 2008. As these obligations mature, the 
Company anticipates issuing additional short-term commercial paper obligations to refinance all or part of these borrowings. Changes 
in market interest rates on commercial paper borrowings affect the Company’s results of operations. In 2008, a 100 percent increase 
in average market interest rates on the Company’s commercial paper borrowings would have increased the Company’s interest 
expense by approximately $29 million. A 100 percent hypothetical fluctuation is used as the Company’s actual commercial paper 
interest rates fluctuated near that amount during 2008.  

Based on a hypothetical, immediate 100 basis-point increase in interest rates at December 31, 2008, the fair value of the Company’s 
fixed-rate long-term debt, excluding the LYONs, would decrease by approximately $65 million (the LYONs have not been included 
in this calculation as the value of the convertible debt is primarily derived from the LYONs conversion feature). The Company 
currently has no plans to repurchase its outstanding fixed-rate instruments before their maturity and therefore, with respect to the 
fixed-rate long-term debt, fluctuations in market interest rates would not have an effect on the Company’s results of operations or 
stockholders’ equity.  

In connection with the maturity and repayment of the Company’s $250 million aggregate principal amount of 6.1% notes in October 
2008, the Company’s two associated interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional principal amount of $100 million 
matured. The swap agreements were accounted for as fair value hedges in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, and qualified as “effective” or “perfect” hedges.  

Currency Exchange Rate Risk 
Exchange rate risk arises from the Company’s investments in subsidiaries owned and operated in foreign countries, as well as from 
transactions with customers in countries outside the United States. The effect of a change in currency exchange rates on the 
Company’s net investment in international subsidiaries, net of the translation effect of the Eurobonds, is reflected in the “accumulated 
other comprehensive income” component of stockholders’ equity. A 10% depreciation in major currencies, relative to the U.S. dollar 
at December 31, 2008 (net of the translation effect of the Company’s Eurobond Notes, discussed below) would result in a reduction 
of stockholders’ equity of approximately $396 million.  

In addition, although the Company has a U.S. dollar functional currency for reporting purposes, it has manufacturing sites throughout 
the world and a substantial portion of its sales are generated in foreign currencies. Sales by subsidiaries operating outside of the 
United States are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates effective during the respective period. As a result, the Company is 
exposed to movements in the exchange rates of various currencies against the United States dollar. In particular, the Company has 
more sales in European currencies than it has expenses in those currencies. Therefore, when European currencies strengthen or 
weaken against the U.S. dollar, operating profits are increased or decreased, respectively. 

The Company has generally accepted the exposure to exchange rate movements without using derivative 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, profit, and assets and liabilities in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The 
Eurobond Notes described below (which as of December 31, 2008 had outstanding borrowings in principal amount equivalent to 
$699 million) and the Euro-denominated portion of the Company’s commercial paper program (which as of December 31, 2008 had 
no outstanding borrowings), provide a natural hedge to a portion of the Company’s European net asset position.  

In the fourth quarter of 2008, two wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts related 
to anticipated sales denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiaries entering the contracts. The 
forward contracts, having an aggregate notional amount of 3.4 billion Japanese Yen ($37.5 million) related to one subsidiary and an 
aggregate notional amount of 14.5 million Euro ($20.3 million) related to the second subsidiary, will be settled at various dates during 
the year ending December 31, 2009 in  

44 

  
accordance with their terms. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as 
amended, the Company accounts for these forward contracts as cash flow hedges. These instruments qualify as “effective” or 
“perfect” hedges. As of December 31, 2008, the aggregate fair value of the forward contracts was approximately $2 million.  

Credit Risk  
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist of cash and temporary 
investments, foreign currency forward contracts and trade accounts receivable. The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event 
of nonperformance by counter parties to its financial instruments. The Company places cash and temporary investments with various 
high-quality financial institutions throughout the world, and exposure is limited at any one institution. Although the Company does 
not obtain collateral or other security to secure these obligations, it does regularly monitor the third-party depository institutions that 
hold our cash and cash equivalents. Our emphasis is primarily on safety and liquidity of principal and secondarily on maximizing 
yield on those funds.  

In addition, concentrations of credit risk arising from trade accounts receivable are limited due to the diversity of the Company’s 
customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial conditions and obtains collateral or other 
security when appropriate. Notwithstanding these efforts, the current distress in the global economy may increase the difficulty in 
collecting accounts receivable.  

45 

  
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES  
Management assesses the Company’s liquidity in terms of its ability to generate cash to fund its operating, investing and financing 
activities.  

Although recent distress in the financial markets and the global economy in general has not had a significant impact on the 
Company’s liquidity as of the filing date of this Report, management continues to monitor the financial markets and general global 
economic conditions. The capital markets worldwide, including the United States, have been severely impacted by credit losses, asset 
write-downs and failures of some financial institutions. This disruption has impacted credit spreads and pricing on new securities 
issuances. The Company’s credit facility is predominately with institutions that, to date, appear to be relatively unaffected by the 
disruption. The Company’s ability to access the commercial paper market has also not, to date, been affected adversely by the capital 
markets’ disruption. The Company continues to generate substantial cash from operating activities and believes that its cash flow and 
other sources of liquidity, primarily its commercial paper program and committed credit facility, will be sufficient to allow it to 
continue investing in existing businesses and strategic acquisitions and maintain its capital structure on a short and long-term basis. 
For a discussion of risks related to the distress in the financial markets and the global economy in general, please refer to “Item 1A. 
Risk Factors.”  

Overview of Cash Flows and Liquidity  

($ in millions)

Operating cash flows from continuing operations 
Operating cash flows from discontinued operations 
Net cash flows from operating activities 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment 
Cash paid for acquisitions 
Cash paid for investment in acquisition target and other marketable 

securities 

Proceeds from sale of investment and divestitures 
Other sources 
Investing cash flows from continued operations 
Investing cash flows from discontinued operations 
Net cash used in investing activities 

Proceeds from the issuance of common stock 
Net debt (repayments) / borrowings
Purchase of treasury stock 
Payment of dividends 

Net cash (used in) / provided by financing activities

2008
$ 1,859.0  
—    

For the Years Ended December 31
2007
$ 1,699.3  
(53.5) 
  1,645.8  

2006
$ 1,530.8
16.5
  1,547.3

1,859.0

(193.8) 
(423.2)

—     
—    
49.6  
(567.4)
—     
(567.4) 

82.4  
(1,092.3) 
(74.2) 
(38.2) 
(1,122.3) 

(162.1) 
  (3,576.6) 

(136.4)
  (2,656.1)

(23.2) 
301.3  
15.5  
  (3,445.1) 
(0.7) 
  (3,445.8) 

733.0  
  1,131.0  
(117.5) 
(34.3) 
  1,712.2  

(84.1)
98.5
10.0
  (2,768.1)
(1.3)
  (2,769.4)

98.4
  1,145.0
—  
(24.6)
  1,218.8

•

•

  Operating cash flow from continuing operations, a key source of the Company’s liquidity, increased $160 million during 

2008, or approximately 9.5%, as compared to 2007. 

  Debt repayments constituted the most significant use of cash during 2008. The Company repaid approximately $1.1 billion 

of debt, net of new borrowings during this period. 

46 

  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
   
   
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•

•

  The Company acquired seventeen businesses during 2008. Total consideration paid for these acquisitions was 

approximately $423 million in cash, including transaction costs and net of cash acquired and $8.5 million of debt assumed. 

  As of December 31, 2008, the Company held $393 million of cash and cash equivalents. 

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 businesses, strategic acquisitions and managing its capital structure on a short and 
long-term basis. Cash flows from operating activities can fluctuate significantly from period to period as working capital needs and 
the timing of payments for items such as income taxes, pension funding decisions and other items impact reported cash flows.  

Operating cash flow from continuing operations, a key source of the Company’s liquidity, was approximately $1.9 billion for 2008, 
an increase of $160 million, or approximately 9.5% as compared to 2007. Earnings growth of $104 million in addition to an increase 
of approximately $39 million in contributions from operating working capital (which the Company defines as trade accounts 
receivable plus inventory less accounts payable) as compared to 2007 contributed to the overall year-over-year increase in operating 
cash flows. The 2008 operating working capital contribution increased primarily due to strong collections of accounts receivable. 
Operating cash flows during 2008 also benefited approximately $83 million from year-over-year increases in stock compensation, 
depreciation and amortization charges which do not require the use of cash. In addition, non-cash acquisition related charges incurred 
related to acquired inventory and acquired deferred revenue in connection with the 2007 acquisition of Tektronix had a positive 
impact on operating cash flow comparisons. Approximately $100 million of additional income tax payments made in 2008 related to 
continuing operations as compared to 2007 partially offset these positive factors.  

Investing Activities  
Cash flows relating to investing activities consist primarily of cash used for acquisitions and capital expenditures and cash flows from 
divestitures of businesses or assets. Net cash used in investing activities related to continuing operations was $567 million during 
2008 compared to $3.4 billion of net cash used in the comparable period of 2007. Gross capital spending increased $32 million from 
$162 million during 2007 to $194 million during 2008, due primarily to capital spending relating to newly acquired businesses and 
increased spending related to investments in the Company’s low-cost region sourcing initiatives, new products and other growth 
opportunities. Capital expenditures are made primarily for increasing capacity, replacing equipment, supporting new product 
development and improving information technology systems. In 2009, the Company expects capital spending to exceed $200 million, 
though actual expenditures will ultimately depend on business conditions.  

Net cash used in investing activities related to continuing operations was $3.4 billion in 2007 compared to approximately $2.8 billion 
in 2006. Gross capital spending increased $26 million in 2007 from 2006 levels to $162 million.  

As discussed below, the Company completed numerous business acquisitions and divestitures during 2008, 2007 and 2006. All of the 
acquisitions during this 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 resulting synergies these businesses are expected to bring to existing operations. 
For a discussion of other factors resulting in the recognition of goodwill see Notes 2 and 6 to the accompanying Consolidated 
Financial Statements.  

2008 Acquisitions  
The Company acquired seventeen companies or product lines during 2008 for consideration of approximately $423 million in cash, 
including transaction costs and net of cash acquired and $8.5 million of debt assumed. Each company acquired manufactures 
instrumentation and/or supply products in the life sciences, dental, product identification, environmental or test and measurement 
markets. These companies were acquired to complement  

47 

  
  
 
 
existing units of the Medical Technologies, Industrial Technologies or Professional Instrumentation segments. The aggregate annual 
sales of these seventeen acquired businesses at the time of their respective acquisitions, in each case based on the company’s revenues 
for its last completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition, were approximately $325 million.  

2007 Acquisitions and Divestiture  
In November 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Tektronix, Inc. for total cash consideration of 
approximately $2.8 billion, including transaction costs and net of cash and debt acquired. The Company initially financed the 
acquisition of Tektronix through the issuance of commercial paper and available cash (including proceeds from the underwritten 
public offering of 6.9 million shares of Danaher common stock completed on November 2, 2007). Subsequent to the acquisition, the 
Company issued $500 million of 5.625% senior notes due 2018 in an underwritten public offering and used the net proceeds from this 
offering to repay a portion of the commercial paper issued to finance the Tektronix acquisition.  

In July 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of ChemTreat for a cash purchase price of $425 million including 
transaction costs. No cash was acquired in the transaction. The Company financed the acquisition primarily with proceeds from the 
issuance of commercial paper and to a lesser extent from available cash.  

In addition, the Company acquired ten other companies or product lines during 2007 for consideration of approximately $273 million 
in cash, including transaction costs and net of cash acquired, and $4 million of debt assumed. Each company acquired manufactures 
instrumentation and/or supply products in the test and measurement, dental technologies, product identification, sensors and controls 
or environmental instruments markets. These companies were all acquired to complement existing units of the Professional 
Instrumentation, Medical Technologies or Industrial Technologies segments. The aggregate annual sales of these ten acquired 
businesses at the time of their respective acquisitions, in each case based on the company’s revenues for its last completed fiscal year 
prior to the acquisition, were $123 million.  

In addition to the ten acquisitions noted above, as discussed below, during the first quarter of 2007, the Company completed the 
acquisition of the remaining shares of Vision not owned by the Company as of December 31, 2006 for cash consideration of 
approximately $96 million.  

In July 2007, the Company completed the sale of its power quality business generating approximately $275 million of net cash 
proceeds. This business, which was part of the Industrial Technologies segment and designs and manufactures power quality and 
reliability products and services, had aggregate annual revenues of approximately $130 million in 2006. The Company used the 
proceeds from this sale for general corporate purposes, including debt reduction and acquisitions.  

2006 Acquisitions  
In May 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Sybron for total cash consideration of approximately $2 billion, 
including transaction costs and net of $94 million of cash acquired, and assumed approximately $182 million of debt. Sybron is a 
leading manufacturer of a broad range of products for the dental professional and had revenues of approximately $650 million in its 
last completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition. Substantially all of the assumed debt was repaid or refinanced prior to 
December 31, 2006. Danaher financed the acquisition of shares and the refinancing of the assumed debt primarily with proceeds from 
the issuance of commercial paper and to a lesser extent from available cash.  

In addition, in the last quarter of 2006 and first quarter of 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Vision for an 
aggregate cash purchase price of approximately $525 million, including transaction costs and net of $113 million of cash acquired and 
assumed $1.5 million of debt. Of this purchase price, $96 million was paid during 2007 to acquire the remaining shares of Vision that 
the Company did not own as of December 31, 2006 and for transaction costs. The Company financed the transaction through a 
combination of available cash and the issuance of commercial paper. Vision, based in Australia, manufactures and markets automated 
instruments, antibodies and biochemical reagents used for biopsy-based detection of cancer and infectious diseases, and had revenues 
of $86 million in its last completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition. The pairing of Vision with the Company’s existing  

48 

  
life science instrumentation business, Leica, has significantly broadened the Company’s product offerings in the anatomical 
pathology market and has expanded the sales and growth opportunities for both the Leica and Vision businesses. The Company 
believes that the pairing of Leica and Vision also created a broader base for the potential acquisition of complementary businesses in 
the life sciences industry.  

Total consideration for the other nine businesses acquired during 2006 was approximately $213 million in cash, including transaction 
costs and net of cash acquired. In general, each manufactures instrumentation and/or supply products in the test and measurement, 
acute care diagnostics, water quality, product identification or sensors and controls markets. These companies were all acquired to 
complement existing units of the Professional Instrumentation, Medical Technologies or Industrial Technologies segments. The 
aggregate annual revenues of these nine acquired businesses, at the date of their respective acquisitions, in each case based on the 
acquired company’s revenues for its last completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition, were approximately $140 million.  

In the first half of 2006, the Company purchased and subsequently sold shares of First Technology plc, a U.K.—based public 
company, in connection with the Company’s unsuccessful bid to acquire First Technology. First Technology also paid the Company a 
break-up fee of approximately $3 million. During the second quarter of 2006 the Company recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately 
$14 million ($8.9 million after-tax, or approximately $0.03 per diluted share) in connection with these matters, net of related 
transaction costs, which is included in “other expense (income), net” in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statement of 
Earnings.  

Financing Activities and Indebtedness  
Cash flows from financing activities consist primarily of proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper, common stock and notes, 
repayments of indebtedness, repurchases of common stock and payments of dividends to shareholders. Financing activities used cash 
of $1.1 billion during 2008 compared to $1.7 billion of cash provided during 2007. The year-over-year change was primarily due to 
repayment of a substantial portion of the commercial paper indebtedness incurred to finance the acquisitions of Tektronix and 
ChemTreat in 2007; the repurchase of shares of Danaher common stock pursuant to our stock repurchase program; repayment of the 
$250 million aggregate principal amount of 6.1% notes due 2008 (net of commercial paper issued to refinance such repayment); and 
dividends paid during 2008.  

Total debt was $2,619 million at December 31, 2008 compared to $3,726 million at December 31, 2007. The Company’s debt as of 
December 31, 2008 was as follows:  

•

•

•

•

•

  $624 million of outstanding U.S. dollar denominated commercial paper; 
  $699 million (€€ 500 million) aggregate principal amount of 4.5% guaranteed Eurobond Notes due 2013 (“Eurobond 
Notes”);  
  $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2018 (“2018 Notes”);  
  $620 million of zero coupon Liquid Yield Option Notes due 2021 (“LYONs”); and 

  $176 million of other borrowings. 

The Company does not have any credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity of a material amount of 
outstanding debt, except in connection with the change of control triggers described as follows. Under each of the Eurobond Notes 
and the 2018 Notes, if the Company experiences a change of control and a rating downgrade of a specified nature within a specified 
period following the change of control, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the 
principal amount plus accrued interest in the case of 2018 Notes, or the principal amount plus accrued interest in the case of Eurobond 
Notes. The Company’s outstanding indentures and comparable instruments also contain customary covenants including for example 
limits on the incurrence of secured debt and sale/leaseback transactions. None of these covenants are considered restrictive to the 
Company’s operations and as of December 31, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. For a discussion 
of the risks related to our indebtedness, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

49 

  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial Paper Program and Credit Facility  
The Company satisfies its short-term liquidity needs primarily through issuances of U.S. dollar and Euro commercial paper. Under 
the Company’s U.S. dollar and Euro commercial paper programs, the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, may 
issue and sell unsecured, short-term promissory notes in aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4.0 billion. Since the Credit 
Facility (described below) provides credit support for the program, the $1.45 billion of availability under the Credit Facility has the 
practical effect of reducing from $4.0 billion to $1.45 billion the maximum amount of commercial paper that the Company can issue 
under the program. Commercial paper notes are sold at a discount and have a maturity of not more than 90 days from the date of 
issuance. Borrowings under the program are available for general corporate purposes, including financing acquisitions. The Company 
classifies the borrowings under the commercial paper program as long-term borrowings in the accompanying Consolidated Balance 
Sheet as the Company has the intent and the ability, as supported by the availability of the Credit Facility, to refinance these 
borrowings for at least one year from the balance sheet date.  

Credit support for part of the commercial paper program is provided by an unsecured $1.45 billion multicurrency revolving credit 
facility (the “Credit Facility”) which expires on April 25, 2012. The Credit Facility can also be used for working capital and other 
general corporate purposes. Interest is based on, at the Company’s option, (1) a LIBOR-based formula that is dependent in part on the 
Company’s credit rating, or (2) a formula based on Bank of America’s prime rate or on the Federal funds rate plus 50 basis points, or 
(3) the rate of interest bid by a particular lender for a particular loan under the facility. The Credit Facility requires the Company to 
maintain a consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated indebtedness plus shareholders’ equity) 
as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of 0.65 to 1.00 or less. The availability of the Credit Facility as a standby liquidity facility to 
repay maturing commercial paper is an important factor in maintaining the existing credit ratings of our commercial paper program. 
We expect to limit any borrowings under the Credit Facility to amounts that would leave enough credit available under the facility so 
that we could borrow, if needed, to repay all of our outstanding commercial paper as it matures.  

During 2008, the Company utilized its commercial paper program to finance the repayment of the 6.1% notes due 2008. During 2007, 
the Company utilized its commercial paper program (as well as operating cash flow and the proceeds from the November 2007 
common stock offering and December 2007 offering of the 2018 Notes), to fund the acquisitions of ChemTreat and Tektronix. As of 
December 31, 2008, $624 million was outstanding under the Company’s U.S. dollar commercial paper program with a weighted 
average interest rate of 1.0% and an average maturity of approximately 13 days. As of December 31, 2008, there was no outstanding 
Euro-denominated commercial paper.  

Our ability to access the commercial paper market, and the related costs of these borrowings, is affected by the strength of our credit 
rating and market conditions. Any downgrade in the Company’s credit rating would increase the cost of borrowings under the 
Company’s commercial paper program and Credit Facility, and could limit or preclude the Company’s ability to issue commercial 
paper. We have not experienced difficulty in accessing the commercial paper market to date. If our access to the commercial paper 
market is adversely affected due to a change in market conditions or otherwise, we would expect to rely on a combination of available 
operating cash flow and our Credit Facility to provide short-term funding. In such event, the cost of borrowings under our Credit 
Facility could be higher than the cost of commercial paper borrowings.  

In connection with the financing of the Tektronix acquisition in November 2007, the Company entered into a $1.9 billion unsecured 
revolving bridge loan facility (the “Bridge Facility”), which provided additional credit support for the commercial paper program and 
was also available for working capital and other corporate purposes. In December 2007, Danaher reduced the amount of the Bridge 
Facility to $1.0 billion to minimize maintenance costs, and in May 2008 Danaher further reduced the facility to $0.5 billion. The 
Bridge Facility expired on November 11, 2008. There were no borrowings under either the Credit Facility or the Bridge Facility 
during 2008.  

Other Long-Term Indebtedness  
In December 2007, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% 
senior notes due 2018. The net proceeds, after expenses and the underwriters’ discount, were  

50 

  
approximately $493.4 million, which were used to repay a portion of the commercial paper issued to finance the acquisition of 
Tektronix. The Company may redeem the notes at any time prior to their maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of the 
principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and 
interest plus 25 basis points.  

On July 21, 2006, a financing subsidiary of the Company issued the Eurobond Notes in a private placement outside the U.S. Payment 
obligations under these Eurobond Notes are guaranteed by the Company. The net proceeds of the offering, after the deduction of 
underwriting commissions but prior to the deduction of other issuance costs, were €€ 496 million ($627 million based on exchange 
rates in effect at the time the offering closed) and were used to pay down a portion of the Company’s outstanding commercial paper 
and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. The Company may redeem the notes upon the occurrence of specified, 
adverse changes in tax laws or interpretations under such laws, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes to be 
redeemed.  

In 2001, the Company issued $830 million (value at maturity) in LYONs. The net proceeds to the Company were $505 million, of 
which approximately $100 million was used to pay down debt and the balance was used for general corporate purposes, including 
acquisitions. The LYONs carry a yield to maturity of 2.375% (with contingent interest payable as described below). Holders of the 
LYONs may convert each $1,000 of principal amount at maturity 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, 2008, an aggregate of approximately 68,000 shares of Danaher common stock had been issued upon 
conversion of LYONs. As of December 31, 2008, the accreted value of the outstanding LYONs was lower than the traded market 
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 at scheduled redemption prices. 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 
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 Company for cash.  

Under the terms of the LYONs, the Company will pay contingent interest to the holders of LYONs during any six month period from 
January 23 to July 22 and from July 23 to January 22 if the average market price of a LYON for a specified measurement period 
equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price and accrued original issue discount for such LYON. The amount of contingent 
interest to be paid with respect to any quarterly period is equal to the higher of either 0.0315% of the bonds’ average market price 
during the specified measurement period or the amount of the common stock dividend paid during such quarterly period multiplied by 
the number of shares issuable upon conversion of a LYON. The Company paid approximately $1.4 million of contingent interest on 
the LYONs for the year ended December 31, 2008. Except for the contingent interest described above, the Company will not pay 
interest on the LYONs prior to maturity.  

The $250 million of 6.1% notes due 2008 matured October 15, 2008 and were repaid from the proceeds of commercial paper 
borrowings.  

Shelf Registration Statement and Common Stock Offering  
The Company has a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 on file with the SEC that registers an indeterminate amount of debt 
securities, common stock, preferred stock, warrants, depositary shares, purchase contracts and units for future issuance.  

In November 2007, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of 6.9 million shares of Danaher common stock at a 
price to the public of $82.25 per share off the shelf registration statement. The net proceeds, after expenses and the underwriters’ 
discount, were approximately $550 million, which were used to partially fund the acquisition of Tektronix. In December 2007, the 
Company also issued the 5.625% Senior Notes due 2018 off the shelf registration statement.  

Stock Repurchase Program  
On April 21, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 10 million shares of the Company’s 
common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. There is no  

51 

  
expiration date for the Company’s repurchase program. The timing and amount of any shares repurchased will be determined by the 
Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be suspended 
or discontinued at any time. Any repurchased shares will be available for use in connection with the Company’s equity compensation 
plans and for other corporate purposes.  

During 2008, the Company repurchased 1.38 million shares of Company common stock in open market transactions at a cost of $74 
million. During 2007, the Company repurchased 1.64 million shares of Company common stock in open market transactions at a cost 
of $117 million. The 2008 and 2007 repurchases were funded from available cash and from proceeds from the issuance of 
commercial paper. At December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately 2 million shares remaining for stock repurchases under 
the existing Board authorization. The Company expects to fund any further repurchases using the Company’s available cash balances 
or proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper.  

Dividends  
The Company declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.03 per share that was paid on January 30, 2009 to holders of record on 
December 26, 2008. Aggregate cash payments for dividends during 2008 were $38 million.  

Cash and Cash Requirements  
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, pay dividends to shareholders and repurchase shares of the 
Company’s common stock. The Company generally intends to use available cash and internally generated funds to meet these cash 
requirements and may borrow under existing commercial paper programs or the Credit Facility or, subject to availability, access the 
capital markets as needed for liquidity. Subject to market conditions and management’s judgment, the Company intends to seek to 
publicly issue debt securities prior to the end of the first quarter of 2009, the proceeds of which would be used to repay a portion of 
our outstanding commercial paper and/or for other general, corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2008, the Company held $393 
million of cash and cash equivalents that were invested in highly liquid investment grade debt instruments with a maturity of 90 days 
or less. Of this amount, approximately $373 million was held outside the United States; repatriation of these amounts is either 
restricted or prohibited by local laws and/or would potentially trigger United States federal income taxes, less applicable foreign tax 
credits, as discussed below.  

The Company’s cash balances are generated and held in numerous locations throughout the world, including substantial amounts held 
outside the United States. 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. Wherever possible, cash management is centralized and intra-
company financing is used to provide working capital to the Company’s operations. Most of the cash balances held outside the United 
States could be repatriated to the United States, but, under current law, would potentially be subject to United States federal income 
taxes, less applicable foreign tax credits. Repatriation of some foreign balances is restricted or prohibited by local laws. Where local 
restrictions prevent an efficient intra-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 provisions of the U.S. Pension Protection Act of 2006, enacted in August 2006 changed the minimum funding requirements for 
the Company’s U.S. pension plan beginning in 2009. During 2009, the Company’s cash contribution requirements for its U.S. 
pension plan are not expected to be significant. Funding requirements for the U.S. pension may become more significant commencing 
in the year ended December 31, 2010; however, the ultimate amounts to be contributed are dependent upon, among other things, 
underlying asset returns and the impact of recent legislative activity associated with pension funding obligations. Cash contributions 
during 2009 related to the Company’s non-U.S. pension plans are expected to be approximately $30 million.  

52 

  
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, 2008 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. The amounts presented in the table below do not reflect $536 
million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, the timing of which is uncertain. Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for additional information on unrecognized tax benefits.  

Debt & Leases: 

Long-Term Debt Obligations (a)(b)
Capital Lease Obligations (b) 

Total Long-Term Debt 
Interest Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (c)
Operating Lease Obligations (d) 
Other: 
Purchase Obligations (e) 
Other Long-Term Liabilities Reflected on the Company’s Balance Sheet Under 

GAAP (f) 

Total 

Less 
Than 
One 
Year   

Total

1-3 
Years   
($ in millions)

3-5 Years   

More 
Than
5 Years

   $2,590.7   $ 65.1   $

28.6  
2,619.3  
269.1  
345.8  

1.1  
66.2  
11.7  
109.8  

9.2   $1,383.9   $1,132.5
22.1
3.0  
2.4  
1,154.6
  1,386.9  
  11.6  
220.7
17.7  
  19.0  
54.2
59.5  
  122.3  

426.0  

  398.3  

  10.6  

1.8  

15.3

1,817.5   —    

1,267.8
  296.5  
   $5,477.7   $586.0   $460.0   $1,719.1   $2,712.6

253.2  

(a) As described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
(b) Amounts do not include interest payments. Interest on long-term debt and capital lease obligations is reflected in a separate line 

(c)

in the table. 
Interest payments on long-term debt are projected for future periods using the interest rates in effect as of December 31, 2008. 
Certain of these projected interest payments may differ in the future based on changes in market interest rates. 

(f)

(d) As described in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
(e) Consist of agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on the Company and that specify 
all significant terms, including fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and 
the approximate timing of the transaction. 
Primarily consist of obligations under product service and warranty policies and allowances, performance and operating costs 
guarantees, estimated environmental remediation costs, self-insurance and litigation claims, post-retirement benefits, certain 
pension obligations, deferred tax liabilities and deferred compensation obligations. The timing of cash flows associated with 
these obligations are based upon management’s estimates over the terms of these arrangements and are largely based upon 
historical experience. 

53 

  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS  
The following table sets forth, by period due or year of expected expiration, as applicable, a summary of off-balance sheet 
commercial commitments of the Company.  

Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period

Standby Letters of Credit and Performance Bonds 
Guarantees 
Contingent Acquisition Consideration 
Total 

Less 
Than 
One 
Year   

More
Than
5 Years

Total 
Amounts
Committed  

4-5 
Years   

1-3 
Years   
($ in millions)
   $ 255.1   $120.9   $85.5   $17.1   $ 31.6
80.6
19.6
  $ 499.6   $245.9   $98.4   $23.5   $131.8

  84.9  
  40.1  

  5.3  
  7.6  

172.1  
72.4  

  1.3  
  5.1  

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 components for manufacture and for performance under specific manufacturing agreements. 
Guarantees are generally issued in connection with certain transactions with vendors, suppliers, and financing counterparties and 
governmental entities.  

In connection with five acquisitions, the Company has entered into agreements with the respective sellers to pay certain amounts in 
the future as additional purchase price. The Company enters into these types of arrangements to help bridge differences of opinion 
that the Company and the sellers may have over the appropriate value of the acquired business. The Company could pay nothing in 
the aggregate pursuant to these agreements, or a maximum of up to $72.4 million over the next 15 years depending on the 
performance of the respective businesses during the specified performance period.  

Other Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements  
The Company has from time to time divested certain of its businesses and assets. In connection with these divestitures, the Company 
often provides representations, warranties and/or indemnities to cover various risks and unknown liabilities, such as claims for 
damages arising out of the use of products or relating to intellectual property matters, commercial disputes, environmental matters or 
tax matters. 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 representations, 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 operations pursuant to acquisitions, restructuring plans or otherwise, 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 sub-lessors is individually and in the aggregate not material to the Company’s financial position, results of operations or 
liquidity.  

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 serving at the request of the Company as a director or officer of any other entity, subject to limited 
exceptions. Danaher’s Amended and Restated By-laws provide for similar indemnification rights. In addition, Danaher intends to 
execute with each of its directors and executive officers an indemnification agreement with Danaher which will provide for 
substantially similar indemnification rights and under which Danaher will agree to pay expenses in advance of the final disposition of 
any such indemnifiable proceeding. While the Company maintains insurance for this type of liability, a significant deductible applies 
to this coverage and any such liability could exceed the amount of the insurance coverage.  

54 

  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
Except as described above, as of December 31, 2008 the Company has not entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements 
and has no unconsolidated special purpose entities.  

Legal Proceedings  
Please refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report for information regarding certain 
litigation matters.  

In addition to the litigation matters noted under “Item 1. Business – Regulatory Matters – Environmental, Health & Safety”, the 
Company is, from time to time, subject to a variety of litigation incidental to its business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for 
damages arising out of the use of the Company’s products and services and claims relating to intellectual property matters, 
employment matters, commercial disputes, competition and sales and trading practices, personal injury and insurance coverage. The 
Company may also become subject to lawsuits as a result of past or future acquisitions or as a result of liabilities retained from, or 
representations, warranties or indemnities provided in connection with, divested businesses. Some of these lawsuits include claims for 
punitive and consequential as well as compensatory damages. While the Company maintains workers compensation, property, cargo, 
automobile, aviation, crime, fiduciary, product, general liability, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (and has acquired 
rights under similar policies in connection with certain acquisitions) that it believes cover a portion of these claims, this insurance 
may be insufficient or unavailable to cover such losses. 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 unavailable to cover such losses. Based upon the 
Company’s experience, current information and applicable law, it does not believe that these proceedings and claims will have a 
material adverse effect on its cash flows, financial position, or results of operations.  

The Company maintains third party insurance policies up to certain limits to cover certain liability costs in excess of predetermined 
retained amounts. For general liability risk (which includes product liability) and most other insured risks, the Company purchases 
outside insurance coverage only for severe losses (“stop loss” insurance) and must establish and maintain reserves with respect to 
amounts within the self-insured retention. These reserves consist of specific reserves for individual claims and additional amounts for 
anticipated developments of these claims as well as for incurred but not yet reported claims. The specific reserves for individual 
known claims are quantified with the assistance of outside risk insurance professionals for product liability. In addition, outside risk 
insurances professionals assist in the determination of reserves for incurred but not yet reported claims through evaluation of the 
Company’s specific loss history, actual claims reported, and industry trends among statistical and other factors. While the Company 
actively pursues financial recoveries from insurance providers for claims paid associated with these risks, it does not recognize any 
recoveries until realized or until such time as a sustained pattern of collections is established related to historical matters of a similar 
nature and magnitude. The Company believes the liability recorded for such risk insurance reserves as of December 31, 2008 is 
adequate, but due to judgments inherent in the reserve process it is possible the ultimate costs will differ from this estimate. If the risk 
insurance reserves established are inadequate, the Company would be required to incur an expense equal to the amount of the loss 
incurred in excess of the reserves, which would adversely affect the Company’s net earnings. Please see Note 7 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for information about the amount of our accruals for self-insurance and litigation liability.  

For a discussion of additional risks related to existing and potential legal proceedings, please refer to “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”  

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 estimates and judgments that affect the 
reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure 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 
circumstances, 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.  

55 

  
The Company believes the following critical accounting policies are most critical to an understanding of its financial statements 
because they inherently involve significant judgments and uncertainties. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and 
other accounting policies, refer to 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 inherently 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. Recent deterioration in 
overall global economic conditions and worldwide credit markets heightens the uncertainties related to customers’ ability to pay and 
may increase the difficulty in collecting accounts receivable. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to 
deteriorate 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 value. 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, technological advances and pricing competition in many of the Company’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 projected by management, the Company could 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 typically 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 Company 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. The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using various valuation 
techniques with the initial estimate being calculated using a market based approach where fair value is estimated based on EBITDA 
multiples determined by available precedent transactions of comparable businesses. In evaluating the estimates derived by the market 
based approach, management assesses the relevance and reliability of the precedent transaction EBITDA multiples by considering 
factors unique to its reporting units, including recent operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash 
flows, and other market data. To the extent the fair value as estimated by the market based approach exceeds the carrying value of a 
reporting unit by less than 30%, management performs an analysis using the income approach to estimate fair value utilizing a 
discounted cash flow analysis related to that reporting unit. Once completed, the results of the income and market approaches are 
reconciled and compared. The discounted cash flow model requires judgmental assumptions about projected revenue growth, future 
operating margins, discount rates and terminal values. There are inherent uncertainties related to these assumptions and 
management’s judgment in applying them to the analysis of goodwill impairment. While the Company believes it has made 
reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of its reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur. If 
actual results are not consistent with management’s estimates and assumptions, goodwill and other intangible assets may be 
overstated and a charge would need to be taken against net earnings.  

The Company’s annual goodwill impairment analysis, as described above, did not result in an impairment charge. The excess of the 
estimated fair value over carrying value (expressed as a percentage of carrying value for the respective reporting unit) for each of the 
Company’s reporting units as of the first day of the Company’s fiscal fourth quarter, the annual testing date, ranged from 
approximately 1.4% to approximately 421%. 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 values of each reporting unit. The results (expressed as 
a percentage of carrying value for the  

56 

  
respective reporting unit) from this hypothetical 10% decrease in fair value ranged from a short fall of approximately 9% to an excess 
of approximately 369% for each of the Company’s reporting units. The carrying value of the Company’s individual reporting units 
ranges from approximately $13 million to approximately $2.5 billion.  

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 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 realize 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 economic 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.  

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 (EITF No. 95-3), the Company accrues estimates for certain of the integration costs anticipated at the 
date of acquisition, including personnel reductions and facility closures or restructurings. Adjustments to these estimates are made up 
to 12 months from the acquisition date as plans are finalized. The Company establishes 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 information on the fair value of the assets and liabilities of the acquired business as well as the 
uncertainty of the cost to execute the restructuring plans for the business. If the accruals established by the Company are insufficient 
to account for all of the activities required to restructure the acquired entity, the Company would be required to incur an expense, 
which would adversely affect the Company’s net earnings. 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. As a result of the 
implementation of SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” that became effective January 1, 2009, the provisions of 
EITF 95-3 will not be applicable to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 1, 2009. Acquisitions completed prior to 
December 31, 2008 will continue to apply the provisions of EITF 95-3. Refer to “New Accounting Standards” below for additional 
information.  

Environmental. The Company has made a provision for environmental remediation and environmental-related personal injury claims 
with respect to sites owned or formerly owned by the Company and its subsidiaries. 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 potential remediation liability for properties currently or previously owned is probable and reasonably 
estimable, it accrues the total estimated costs, including investigation and remediation costs, associated with the site. We also estimate 
our exposure for probable environmental-related personal injury claims and accrue for this estimated liability. While the Company 
actively pursues insurance recoveries as well as recoveries from other potentially responsible parties, it does not recognize any 
insurance recoveries for environmental liability claims until realization is deemed probable.  

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 regulations, 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 
Company’s estimates of environmental liabilities will not change. Refer to Note 12 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for additional information. If the environmental reserves established by the Company are inadequate, the Company would 
be required to incur an expense equal to the amount of the loss incurred in excess of the reserves, which would adversely affect the 
Company’s net earnings.  

57 

  
Contingent Liabilities. As discussed above, the Company is, from time to time, subject to a variety of litigation incidental to its 
business. The Company recognizes a liability for any contingency that is probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable. The 
Company periodically assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes for these matters, as well as potential amounts or 
ranges of probable losses, and if appropriate, recognizes a liability for these contingencies with the assistance of legal counsel and, if 
applicable, other professionals. These assessments require judgments concerning matters such as the anticipated outcome of 
negotiations, the number and cost of pending and future claims, and the impact of evidentiary requirements. Because most 
contingencies are resolved over long periods of time, liabilities may change in the future due to new developments or changes in the 
Company’s settlement strategy. For a discussion of these contingencies, including management’s judgment applied in the recognition 
and measurement of specific liabilities, refer to Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. If the reserves established 
by the Company with respect to these contingent liabilities are inadequate, the Company would be required to incur an expense equal 
to the amount of the loss incurred in excess of the reserves, which would adversely affect the Company’s net earnings.  

As discussed above under “—Legal Proceedings”, the Company maintains third party insurance policies up to certain limits to cover 
certain liability costs in excess of predetermined retained amounts for these liabilities and must establish and maintain reserves with 
respect to amounts within the self-insured retention. Please see “—Legal Proceedings” for a discussion of how reserves are 
established for self-insurance and litigation liability. The Company believes the liability recorded for such risk insurance reserves as 
of December 31, 2008 is adequate, but due to judgments inherent in the reserve process it is possible the ultimate costs will differ 
from this estimate. If the risk insurance reserves established are inadequate, the Company would be required to incur an expense equal 
to the amount of the loss incurred in excess of the reserves, which would adversely affect the Company’s net earnings.  

Revenue Recognition: The Company derives revenues primarily from the sale of professional, industrial, medical 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 customer must be fixed and determinable 
and collectibility of the balance must be reasonably assured. The Company’s standard terms of sale are FOB Shipping Point and, as 
such, the Company principally records revenue for product sale 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 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, Revenue 
Recognition When Right of Return Exists. Customer allowances and rebates, consisting 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, Accounting for Consideration Given by a 
Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of a Vendor’s Products). Product returns, customer allowances and rebates are estimated 
based on historical experience and known trends. Revenue related to maintenance agreements is recognized as revenue over the term 
of the agreement as required by FASB Technical Bulletin 90-1, Accounting for Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product 
Maintenance Contracts.  

Revenues for contractual arrangements with multiple elements are allocated pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-21, 
Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. In the case of arrangements that include more than incidental 
software, the provisions of AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, as amended by SOP 98-9, 
Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, With Respect to Certain Transactions, are applied. Revenues are 
recognized for the separate elements when the product or services have value on a stand-alone basis, fair value of the separate 
elements exist (or in the case of software related products, vendor specific objective evidence of fair value) and, in arrangements that 
include a general right of refund relative to the delivered element, performance of the undelivered element is considered probable and 
substantially in the Company’s control. While determining fair value and identifying separate elements require judgment, generally 
fair value and the separate elements are identifiable as those elements are also sold unaccompanied by other elements.  

Share-Based Compensation: The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, which requires the Company to measure the cost of 
employee services received in exchange for all equity awards granted, including stock options,  

58 

  
RSUs and restricted shares, based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date. Under the fair value recognition provisions of 
SFAS No. 123R, the Company recognizes equity-based compensation expense net of an estimated forfeiture rate and recognizes 
compensation cost for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.  

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards require the input of 
subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the share-based payment awards and stock price volatility. The assumptions 
used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve 
inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, 
our equity-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, we are required to estimate the 
expected forfeiture rate and recognize expense only for those shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially 
different from our estimate, the equity-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in 
the current period.  

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits: Certain of the Company’s employees and retired employees are covered by defined 
benefit pension plans (pension plans) and certain eligible retirees are provided health care and life insurance benefits under 
postretirement benefit plans (postretirement plans). The Company accounts for its pension and postretirement plans in accordance 
with SFAS No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions; SFAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other 
Than Pensions; and SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an 
amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). SFAS No. 87 and SFAS No. 106 require that the amounts the 
Company records, including the expense or income, associated with the pension and postretirement plans is computed using actuarial 
valuations.  

Calculations of the amount of pension and other postretirement benefits costs and obligations depend on the assumptions used in the 
actuarial valuations. These include assumptions the Company makes relating to financial market and other economic conditions. 
Changes in key economic indicators can result in changes in the assumptions used by the Company. The assumptions used in the 
actuarial valuation 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 assumptions 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. For the United States plan, the Company used a 6.25% discount rate 
in computing the amount of the minimum pension liability to be recorded at December 31, 2008, which represents an increase of 25 
basis points in the discount rate from December 31, 2007. For non-U.S. plans, rates appropriate for each plan are determined based on 
investment grade instruments with maturities approximately equal to the average expected benefit payout under the plan. A 25 basis 
point reduction in the discount rate used for the plans would have increased the U.S. and non-U.S. net obligation by $58 million ($38 
million on an after tax basis) from the amount recorded in the financial statements at December 31, 2008.  

For 2008, the expected long-term rate of return assumption applicable to assets held in the United States plan was estimated at 8% 
which is the same as the rate used in 2007. 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 U.S. plan targets to invest between 60% and 70% of its assets
in equity portfolios which are invested in funds that are expected to mirror broad market returns for equity securities or in assets with 
characteristics similar to equity investments. The balance of the asset portfolio is generally invested in corporate bonds and bond 
index funds. Pension benefit for the U.S. plan for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $5 million (or $3 million on an after-tax 
basis), compared with pension expense of $13 million (or $8 million on an after-tax basis) for this plan in 2007. If the expected long-
term rate of return on plan assets was reduced by 0.5%, pension expense for 2008 would have increased $6 million (or $4 million on 
an after-tax basis). The Company made no contributions to the U.S. plan in 2008. The Company’s non-U.S. plan assets are comprised 
of various insurance contracts, equity and debt securities as determined by the administrator of each plan. The estimated long-term 
rate of return for the non-U.S. plans was determined on a plan by plan basis based on the nature of the plan assets and ranged from 
1.5% to 8.25% for 2008 and ranged from 0.75% to 7.5% for 2007.  

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement 
Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).” This statement requires a  

59 

  
company to (a) recognize in its statement of financial position an asset for a plan’s over funded status or a liability for a plan’s under 
funded status; (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end of the employer’s fiscal 
year, and (c) recognize changes in the funded status of a defined postretirement plan in the year in which the changes occur (reported 
in comprehensive income). The requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and the disclosure requirements were 
effective and adopted by the Company as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. The adoption of the recognition provisions of 
the standard reduced the amount of pension and other post-retirement liabilities as of December 31, 2006 by approximately $23 
million and increased stockholders equity by approximately $15.6 million due to the recognition of previously unrecognized, over-
funded positions in certain of the Company’s non-US pension plans and due to the recognition of actuarially determined prior service 
credits associated with the Company’s U.S. based retiree benefit program.  

The requirement to measure the plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year–end statement of 
financial position was effective and adopted by the Company as of the year ended December 31, 2008. Prior to adoption of the 
measurement date provisions, the majority of the Company’s pension and postretirement plans used a September 30 measurement 
date. The adoption of the measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158 increased long-term liabilities by approximately $6 million 
and decreased stockholders’ equity by approximately $4 million. There was no effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash 
flows.  

The provisions of the U.S. Pension Protection Act of 2006, enacted in August 2006 changed the minimum funding requirements for 
the Company’s U.S. pension plan beginning in 2009. During 2009, the Company’s cash contribution requirements for its U.S. 
pension plan are not expected to be significant. Funding requirements for the U.S. pension may become more significant commencing 
in the year ending December 31, 2010; however, the ultimate amounts to be contributed are dependent upon, among other things, 
underlying asset returns and the impact of recent legislative activity associated with pension funding obligations. Cash contributions 
during 2009 related to the Company’s non-U.S. pension plans are expected to be approximately $30 million.  

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS  
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R) and SFAS No. 160, 
“Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and 
requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities 
assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS No. 141R also establishes disclosure 
requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 160 clarifies the 
classification of noncontrolling interests in the financial statements and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the 
reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. SFAS No. 141R and SFAS No. 160 are effective for financial statements 
issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and impacts the accounting for acquisitions completed after January 1, 
2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 141R will likely have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of 
operations, however, the magnitude of that impact is dependent on the frequency and relative size of the acquisitions completed by 
the Company. In general, more frequent acquisition activity and relatively larger acquisitions will have a more significant impact. The 
adoption of SFAS No. 160 on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations is not expected to be 
significant.  

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 provides guidance 
for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. It also responds to investors’ requests for expanded information about the extent 
to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value 
measurements on earnings. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at 
fair value, and does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances. SFAS No. 157 was effective for financial statements 
issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material effect on the 
Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.  

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — 
Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 expands the use of fair value accounting but 
does not affect existing standards that require assets or liabilities to be carried at fair  

60 

  
value. Under SFAS No. 159, a company may elect to use fair value to measure accounts and loans receivable, available-for-sale and 
held-to-maturity securities, equity method investments, accounts payable, guarantees and issued debt. Other eligible items include 
firm commitments for financial instruments that otherwise would not be recognized at inception and non-cash warranty obligations 
where a warrantor is permitted to pay a third party to provide the warranty goods or services. If the use of fair value is elected, any 
upfront costs and fees related to the item must be recognized in earnings and cannot be deferred, such as debt issuance costs. The fair 
value election is irrevocable and generally made on an instrument-by-instrument basis, even if a company has similar instruments that 
it elects not to measure based on fair value. At the adoption date, unrealized gains and losses on existing items for which fair value 
has been elected are reported as a cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 
No. 159, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. SFAS No. 159 was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years 
beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated 
financial position and results of operations.  

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48) “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation 
of FASB Statement No. 109”, to clarify certain aspects of accounting for uncertain tax positions, including issues related to the 
recognition and measurement of those tax positions. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required. As a result of 
the implementation, the Company recognized a decrease of $63 million in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was 
accounted for as an increase to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.  

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

The information required by this item is included under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations.”  

61 

  
  
ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 

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 Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934.  

The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2008. 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 concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is 
effective.  

The Company’s independent auditors have issued an audit report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting. This report dated February 23, 2009 appears on page 63 of this Form 10-K.  

62 

  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Danaher Corporation:  
We have audited Danaher Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, 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 management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over 
financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the 
accompanying Report of Management on Danaher Corporation’s Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on 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, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of 
internal control based on the assessed risk, 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 reliability 
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 dispositions 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 expenditures 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, Danaher Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 
December 31, 2008, 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, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of 
earnings, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 and our report dated 
February 23, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.  

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

McLean, Virginia
February 23, 2009

63 

  
  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Danaher Corporation:  
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Danaher Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 
and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the 
period ended December 31, 2008. 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 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 the financial statements are 
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the 
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 position of 
Danaher Corporation and subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles.  

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, in 2008 the Company adopted the measurement date provisions of 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other 
Postretirement Plans.” As discussed in Note 13, in 2007 the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) 
Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB No. 109.” Also as discussed in Note 1, 
in 2006 the Company adopted the recognition provisions of SFAS No. 158.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Danaher 
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated 
February 23, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.  

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

McLean, Virginia
February 23, 2009

64 

  
  
DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS  

Year Ended December 31 ($ in thousands, except per share data)

Sales 
Operating costs and expenses: 

Cost of sales 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Research and development expenses
Other (income) expense 

Total operating expenses 

Operating profit 

Interest expense 
Interest income 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes 
Income taxes 

Earnings from continuing operations 
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 

Net earnings 

Earnings per share from continuing operations: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Earnings per share from discontinued operations: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Net earnings per share: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Average common stock and common equivalent shares outstanding (in thousands):

Basic 
Diluted 

2008

2007

2006

   $12,697,456    $11,025,917    $9,466,056 

6,757,262   
3,345,274   
725,443   
—     
10,827,979   

  5,985,022   
  2,713,097   
601,424   
(14,335) 
  9,285,208   

  5,268,996
  2,273,227
440,002
(16,379)
  7,965,846

1,869,477   
(130,174) 
10,004   

  1,740,709   
(109,702) 
6,092   

  1,500,210
(79,375)
8,008

1,749,307   

  1,637,099   

  1,428,843

(431,676) 

(423,101) 

(319,637)

1,317,631   

  1,213,998   

  1,109,206

—     

155,906   

12,823 

   $ 1,317,631    $ 1,369,904    $1,122,029

   $
   $

4.13    $
3.95    $

3.90    $
3.72    $

3.60
3.44 

—      $
—      $

0.50    $
0.47    $

  $
   $

4.13    $
3.95    $

4.40    $
4.19    $

0.04
0.04

3.64
3.48

319,361   
335,863   

311,225   
329,459   

307,984
325,251

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

65 

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  

As of December 31 ($ and shares in thousands) 

ASSETS 
Current Assets: 

Cash and equivalents 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $120,730 and $108,781, 

respectively 

Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
Total current assets 

Property, plant and equipment, net 
Other assets 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets, net 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
Current Liabilities: 

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt 
Trade accounts payable 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Total current liabilities 

Other long-term liabilities 
Long-term debt 
Stockholders’ equity: 

Common stock - $0.01 par value, 1 billion shares authorized; 354,487 and 352,608 issued; 

318,380 and 317,984 outstanding, respectively 

Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 

Total stockholders’ equity 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

2008

2007

   $

392,854    $

239,108

  1,894,585   
  1,142,309   
757,371   
  4,187,119   

  1,108,653   
464,353   
  9,210,581   
  2,519,422   

  1,984,384
  1,193,615
632,660
  4,049,767

  1,108,634
507,550
  9,241,011
  2,564,973

   $17,490,128    $17,471,935

   $

66,159    $

  1,108,961   
  1,569,977   
  2,745,097   

330,480
  1,125,600
  1,443,773
  2,899,853

  2,383,299   
  2,553,170   

  2,090,630
  3,395,764

3,544   
  1,812,963   
  8,095,155   
(103,100) 
  9,808,562   

3,526
  1,718,716
  6,820,756
542,690
  9,085,688

   $17,490,128    $17,471,935

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

66 

  
  
  
 
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

Year Ended December 31 ($ in thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Net earnings 

Less: earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net earnings from continuing operations 
Non-cash items, net of the effect of discontinued operations:

Depreciation 
Amortization 
Stock compensation expense

Change in deferred income taxes
Change in trade accounts receivable, net 
Change in inventories 
Change in accounts payable 
Change in prepaid expenses and other assets 
Change in accrued expenses and other liabilities 

Total operating cash flows from continuing operations
Total operating cash flows from discontinued operations

Net cash flows from operating activities

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 
Cash paid for investment in acquisition target and other marketable securities   
Proceeds from sale of investment and divestitures 
Proceeds from refundable escrowed purchase price 

Total investing cash flows from continuing operations
Total investing cash flows from discontinued operations

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities: 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock 
Payment of dividends 
Purchase of treasury stock 
Net (repayments) proceeds of borrowings (maturities of 90 days or less)
Proceeds of borrowings (maturities longer than 90 days)
Repayments of borrowings (maturities longer than 90 days)

Net cash (used in) generated by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents 

Net change in cash and equivalents 

Beginning balance of cash and equivalents
Ending balance of cash and equivalents

2008

2007

2006

$ 1,317,631   
—     
1,317,631   

$ 1,369,904   
155,906   
  1,213,998   

$ 1,122,029
12,823
  1,109,206

193,997   
145,290   
86,000   
27,691   
71,403   
33,119   
3,713   
(4,773) 
(15,042) 
1,859,029   
—     
  1,859,029   

(193,783) 
1,088   
(423,208) 
—     
—     
48,504   
(567,399) 
—     
(567,399) 

82,430   
(38,259) 
(74,165) 
(905,567) 
72,652   
(259,344) 
(1,122,253) 

(15,631) 
153,746   

239,108   
392,854   

$

173,942   
94,550   
73,347   
29,870   
(72,555) 
38,094   
103,800   
38,601   
5,661   
  1,699,308   
(53,533) 
  1,645,775   

(162,071) 
15,537   
  (3,576,562) 
(23,219) 
301,278   
—     
  (3,445,037) 
(722) 
  (3,445,759) 

733,028   
(34,275) 
(117,486) 
647,761   
493,705   
(10,563) 
  1,712,170   

9,112   
(78,702) 

317,810   
239,108   

$

151,524
64,173
67,191
24,154 
(48,255)
3,683
75,927
(14,962)
98,088
  1,530,729
16,522
  1,547,251 

(136,411)
9,988
  (2,656,035)
(84,102)
98,485
—  
  (2,768,075)
(1,295)
  (2,769,370)

98,415
(24,589)
—  
846,897
757,490
(459,372)
  1,218,841

5,537 
2,259

315,551
317,810

$

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

67 

  
  
 
  
   
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES  
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  

($ and shares in thousands)  

Accumulated 
Other 

Balance, January 1, 2006 

Net earnings for the year 
Dividends declared 
Common stock based award activity
Increase from translation of foreign financial 

statements 

Adjustment for adoption of SFAS No. 158 

(net of tax expense of $7,414 )
Minimum pension liability (net of tax 

expense of $1,289) 

Common Stock

Shares

  Amount  

   338,547   $3,385   $

  Additional Paid-
in Capital

Comprehensive    Comprehensive
Income (Loss)    
861,875    $4,324,369    $ (109,279) 

Retained    
Earnings

Income

—     —    
—     —    
27  

2,676  

—    
—    
165,579  

1,122,029   
(24,589) 
—     

—      $ 1,122,029
—  
—     
—  
—     

—     —    

—    

  —    

—     —    

—    

—     

—    

—     

284,413   

284,413

—     

—     

15,629   

—   

1,222   

1,222
191,985    $ 1,407,664

Balance, December 31, 2006 

   341,223   $3,412   $ 1,027,454

$5,421,809    $

Cumulative impact of change in accounting 
for uncertainties in income taxes (FIN 48 
– see Note 13) 

Net earnings for the year 
Dividends declared 
Common stock issuance 
Common stock issued in connection with 

LYONs’ conversion 

Common stock based award activity 

(including 310 thousand restricted shares 
issued in connection with Tektronix 
acquisition) 

Treasury stock purchase (1.64 million shares)   
Increase from translation of foreign financial 

statements 

—     —    
—    
  —    
—     —    
69  

6,900  

—  
—     
—    
550,433  

63,318   
  1,369,904   
(34,275) 
—     

—     
—      $ 1,369,904 
—  
—     
—  
—     

49  

1  

2,487  

—     

—     

—  

4,436  

44  
—     —    

255,828  
(117,486) 

—     
—     

—     
—     

—  
—  

—     —    

—    

—     

305,758   

305,758

Unrecognized pension and postretirement 
plan costs (net of tax expense of $22 
million) 

Balance, December 31, 2007 

—    

  —    

—     

—     

   352,608   $3,526   $ 1,718,716   $6,820,756    $

44,947   

44,947 
542,690    $ 1,720,609

Cumulative impact of change in measurement 

date for post - employment benefit 
obligations, net of taxes (SFAS No. 158 – 
see Note 9) 

Net earnings for the year 
Dividends declared 
Common stock based award activity
Common stock issued in connection with 

LYON’s conversion 

Treasury stock purchase (1.38 million shares)   
Unrecognized pension and postretirement 
plan costs (net of tax benefit of $155 
million) 

Decrease from translation of foreign financial 

statements 
Balance, December 31, 2008 

—     —    
—     —    
  —    
—    
18  
1,861  

18   —    
—     —    

—  
—  
—     
167,427  

985  
(74,165) 

(4,973) 
1,317,631   
(38,259) 
—     

978    $
—     
—     
—     

978
  1,317,631
—   
—  

—     
—     

—     
—     

—  
—  

—    

  —    

—     —    

—     

—    

—     

(287,248) 

(287,248)

—     

(359,520) 

(359,520)
671,841

   354,487   $3,544   $ 1,812,963

$8,095,155    $ (103,100)  $

See the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

68 

  
  
 
  
  
   
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1) BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: 

Business—Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures and markets professional, medical, industrial, commercial and consumer 
products and services which are typically characterized by strong brand names, proprietary technology and major market positions in 
four business segments: Professional Instrumentation, Medical Technologies, Industrial Technologies and Tools & Components. 
Businesses in the Professional Instrumentation segment offer professional and technical customers various products and services that 
are used to enable or enhance the performance of their work. The Professional Instrumentation segment encompasses two strategic 
lines of business—environmental and test and measurement. These businesses produce and sell bench top and compact, professional 
electronic test tools and calibration equipment, a variety of video test and monitoring products, network management solutions, 
network diagnostic equipment and related services; water quality instrumentation and consumables and ultraviolet disinfection 
systems; and retail/commercial petroleum products and services, including underground storage tank leak detection and vapor 
recovery systems. The Medical Technologies segment consists of businesses that offer research and clinical medical professionals 
various products and services that are used in connection with the performance of their work. Businesses in the Industrial 
Technologies segment manufacture products and sub-systems that are typically incorporated by customers and systems integrators 
into production and packaging lines as well as incorporated by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) into various end-products. 
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 Industrial Technologies segment encompasses two strategic lines of business—product 
identification and motion, and two focused niche businesses, aerospace and defense and sensors & controls. These businesses produce 
and sell product identification equipment and consumables; motion, position, speed, temperature, and level instruments and sensing 
devices; liquid flow and quality measuring devices; aerospace safety devices and defense articles; and electronic and mechanical 
counting and controlling devices. The Tools & Components segment is one of the largest producers and distributors of general 
purpose and specialty mechanics’ hand tools. Other products manufactured by the businesses in this segment include toolboxes and 
storage devices; diesel engine retarders; wheel service equipment; drill chucks and custom-designed fasteners and components.  

Accounting Principles—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All 
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.  

Use of Estimates—The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the 
United States requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues 
and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases these estimates on historical experience, 
current economic environment and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 
However, uncertainties associated with the continuing economic downturn and disruption in financial markets increases the 
possibility that actual results may differ from these estimates. For example, if one or more of our significant customers, or a group of 
less significant customers, becomes insolvent, the Company may be faced with uncollectible accounts receivable in excess of 
established reserves, preference actions that could require us to repay to the bankruptcy estate payments recently received from such 
customers, increased obsolete inventory and/or impairment of long-lived assets due to underutilized manufacturing capacity.  

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.  

Inventory Valuation—Inventories include the costs of material, labor and overhead. Depending on the business, domestic inventories 
are stated at either the lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out method (LIFO) or the lower of cost or market using the first-
in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories held outside the United States are primarily stated at the lower of cost or market using the 
FIFO method.  

Property, Plant and Equipment—Property, plant and equipment 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, other investments, and capitalized costs associated with 
obtaining financings which are amortized over the term of the related debt.  

69 

  
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 available, 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 Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 142, amortization of recorded goodwill 
balances ceased effective January 1, 2002. However, amortization of certain identifiable intangible assets continues over the 
estimated useful lives of the identified asset. Refer to Notes 2 and 6 for additional information.  

Revenue Recognition—As described above, the Company derives revenues primarily from the sale of professional, medical, 
industrial, commercial 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 
customer must be fixed and determinable and collectibility of the balance must be reasonably assured. The Company’s standard terms 
of sale are FOB Shipping Point and, as such, the Company principally records revenue for product sales 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 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, Revenue Recognition When Right of Return Exists. Customer allowances and rebates, consisting 
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, 
Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (including a Reseller of a Vendor’s Products). Product returns, 
customer allowances and rebates are estimated based on historical experience and known trends. Revenue related to maintenance 
agreements is recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement as required by FASB Technical Bulletin 90-1, Accounting for 
Separately Priced Extended Warranty and Product Maintenance Contracts.  

Revenues for contractual arrangements with multiple elements are allocated pursuant to Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-21, 
Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. In the case of arrangements that include more than incidental 
software, the provisions of AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, as amended by SOP 98-9, 
Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, With Respect to Certain Transactions, are applied. Revenues are 
recognized for the separate elements when the product or services have value on a stand-alone basis, fair value of the separate 
elements exists (or in the case of software related products, vendor specific objective evidence of fair value) and, in arrangements that 
include a general right of refund relative to the delivered element, performance of the undelivered element is considered probable and 
substantially in the Company’s control. While determining fair value and identifying separate elements require judgment, generally 
fair value and the separate elements are identifiable as those elements are also sold unaccompanied by other elements.  

Shipping and Handling—Shipping and handling costs are included as a component of cost of sales. Shipping and handling costs 
billed to customers are included in sales.  

Research and Development—The Company conducts research and development activities for the purpose of developing new 
products, enhancing the functionality, effectiveness, ease of use and reliability of the Company’s existing products and expanding the 
applications for which uses of the Company’s products are appropriate. Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.  

Income Taxes—The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Refer to 
Note 13 for additional information.  

Restructuring— the Company periodically initiates restructuring activities to appropriately position the Company’s cost base for 
prevailing economic conditions and associated customer demand. The Company accounts for these restructuring activities in 
accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for the Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” Refer to 
Note 16 for additional information.  

70 

  
Foreign Currency Translation—Exchange rate adjustments resulting from foreign currency transactions are recognized in net 
earnings, whereas adjustments resulting from the translation of financial statements are reflected as a component of accumulated other 
comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. Net foreign currency transaction gains or losses were not material in any of the 
years presented.  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)—The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are 
summarized below. Foreign currency translation adjustments are generally not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite 
investments in non-US subsidiaries ($ in millions).  

Balance, January 1, 2006 

Current-period change 
Adoption of SFAS No. 158 

Balance, December 31, 2006 
Current-period change 
Balance, December 31, 2007 
Current-period change 
Adoption of SFAS No. 158 

Balance, December 31, 2008 

Foreign Currency
Translation 
Adjustment

Minimum 
Pension Liability
Adjustment

$

$

$

6.7  
284.5  
—  
291.2  
305.8  
597.0  
(359.5) 
—    

237.5

$

$

$

(116.0) 
1.2  

114.8

—    
—    
—    
—    
—    
—  

Unrecognized 
Pension and Post- 
Retirement Costs, 
Net of Income Tax   
—     
$
—     
(99.2) 
(99.2) 
44.9   
(54.3) 
(287.2) 
0.9   
(340.6) 

$

$

Total Accumulated
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss)

$

$

$

(109.3)
285.7
15.6
192.0
350.7
542.7
(646.7)
0.9
(103.1)

See Notes 9 and 10 for additional information related to the minimum pension liability and unrecognized pension and post-retirement 
cost components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  

Accounting for Stock Options— The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 (revised 
2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123R), which requires the Company to measure the cost of employee services received in 
exchange for all equity awards granted, including stock options, RSUs and restricted shares, based on the fair market value of the 
award as of the grant date. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, the Company recognizes equity-based 
compensation expense net of an estimated forfeiture rate and recognizes compensation cost for only those shares expected to vest on a 
straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award.  

Pension & Post Retirement Benefit Plans—In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for 
Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R).” This 
statement requires a company to (a) recognize in its statement of financial position an asset for a plan’s over funded status or a 
liability for a plan’s under funded status; (b) measure a plan’s assets and its obligations that determine its funded status as of the end 
of the employer’s fiscal year, and (c) recognize changes in the funded status of a defined postretirement plan in the year in which the 
changes occur (reported in comprehensive income). The requirement to recognize the funded status of a benefit plan and the 
disclosure requirements were effective and adopted by the Company as of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. The adoption of 
the recognition provisions of the standard reduced the amount of pension and other post-retirement liabilities as of December 31, 
2006 by approximately $23 million and increased stockholders equity by approximately $15.6 million due to the recognition of 
previously unrecognized, over-funded positions in certain of the Company’s non-US pension plans and due to the recognition of 
actuarially determined prior service credits associated with the Company’s U.S. based retiree benefit program.  

The requirement to measure the plan assets and benefit obligations as of the date of the employer’s fiscal year–end statement of 
financial position was effective and adopted by the Company as of the year ended December 31, 2008. Prior to adoption of the 
measurement date provisions, the majority of the Company’s pension and postretirement plans used a September 30 measurement 
date. The adoption of the measurement date provisions of SFAS No. 158 increased long-term liabilities by approximately $6 million 
and decreased stockholders’ equity by approximately $4 million. There was no effect on the Company’s results of operations or cash 
flows.  

71 

  
  
 
  
   
   
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Accounting Pronouncements—See Note 19.  

(2) ACQUISITIONS: 

The Company has completed a number of acquisitions during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 that either 
strategically fit within the Company’s existing business portfolio or expand the Company’s portfolio into a new and attractive 
business area. All of these acquisitions 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 purchase 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 factors at 
which similar businesses have been purchased by other acquirers; the competitive nature of the process by which the Company 
acquired the business; and the complementary 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 information 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 purchase 
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 acquisition date. The Company has reflected the impact of any significant pre-
acquisition contingencies (as contemplated by SFAS No. 38, Accounting for Preacquisition Contingencies of Purchased Enterprises) 
related to its 2007 acquisitions in the final purchase price allocation for these acquisitions. The Company is continuing to evaluate 
certain pre-acquisition contingencies associated with certain of its 2008 acquisitions and will make appropriate adjustments to the 
purchase price allocation prior to the one-year anniversary of the acquisition, as required.  

The following briefly describes the Company’s acquisition and divestiture activity for the three years ended December 31, 2008.  

The Company acquired seventeen companies or product lines during 2008 for consideration of approximately $423 million in cash, 
including transaction costs and net of cash acquired and $8 million of debt assumed. Each company acquired manufactures 
instrumentation and/or supply products in the life sciences, dental, product identification, environmental or test and measurement 
markets. These companies were acquired to complement existing units of the Medical Technologies, Industrial Technologies or 
Professional Instrumentation segments. The aggregate annual sales of these seventeen acquired businesses at the time of their 
respective acquisitions, in each case based on the company’s revenues for its last completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition, were 
approximately $325 million. The Company has recorded a preliminary estimate of goodwill related to these acquisitions of $265 
million reflecting the strategic fit and revenue and earnings growth potential of these businesses. The Company will make appropriate 
adjustments to the purchase price allocation prior to the one-year anniversary of the acquisition, as required.  

In November 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Tektronix, Inc. (Tektronix) for total cash consideration of 
approximately $2.8 billion including transaction costs and net of cash and debt acquired. The Company initially financed the 
acquisition of Tektronix through the issuance of commercial paper and available cash (including proceeds from the underwritten 
public offering of 6.9 million shares of Danaher common stock completed on November 2, 2007 – refer to Note 15). Subsequent to 
the acquisition, the Company issued $500 million of 5.625% senior notes due 2018 in an underwritten public offering (refer to Note 
8) and used the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of the commercial paper issued to finance the Tektronix acquisition. 
Tektronix is a leading supplier of test, measurement, and monitoring products, solutions and services for the communications, 
computer, consumer electronics, and education industries – as well as military/aerospace, semiconductor, and a broad range of other 
industries worldwide and had revenues of $1.1 billion in its most recent completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition. Tektronix is 
part of the Company’s test and measurement business and its results are reported within the Professional Instrumentation segment. 
The $1.9 billion of goodwill recorded related to the acquisition of  

72 

  
  
Tektronix arose primarily due to the strategic fit of Tektronix with existing operations, the worldwide leadership position of Tektronix 
in its served markets and the revenue and earnings growth potential of this business. In addition, the Company allocated $60.4 million 
of the purchase price to in-process research and development reflecting the estimated fair value of this acquired intangible asset. This 
amount was immediately expensed in 2007.  

In July 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of ChemTreat, Inc. (ChemTreat) for a cash purchase price of $425 
million including transaction costs. No cash was acquired in the transaction. The Company financed the acquisition primarily with 
proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper and to a lesser extent from available cash. ChemTreat is a leading provider of 
industrial water treatment products and services, and had annual revenues of $200 million in its most recent completed fiscal year 
prior to the acquisition. ChemTreat is part of the Company’s environmental business and its results are reported within the 
Professional Instrumentation segment. The Company recorded $331 million of goodwill related to the acquisition of ChemTreat 
which arose primarily due to the expected revenue and earnings growth of this business.  

In addition to completing the acquisitions of Tektronix and ChemTreat, the Company acquired ten other companies or product lines 
during 2007. Total consideration for these ten acquisitions was approximately $273 million in cash, including transaction costs and 
net of cash acquired, and $4 million of debt assumed. Each company acquired manufactures instrumentation and/or supply products 
in the test and measurement, dental technologies, product identification, sensors and controls or environmental instruments markets. 
These companies were all acquired to complement existing units of the Professional Instrumentation, Medical Technologies or 
Industrial Technologies segments. The Company recorded an aggregate of $250 million of goodwill related to these acquired 
businesses reflecting the strategic fit and revenue and earnings growth potential of these businesses. The aggregate annual sales of 
these ten acquired businesses at the time of their respective acquisitions, in each case based on the company’s revenues for its last 
completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition, were $123 million.  

In the first quarter of 2007 and the last quarter of 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Vision Systems 
Limited (Vision) for an aggregate cash purchase price of approximately $525 million, including transaction costs and net of $113 
million of cash acquired, and assumed debt of $1.5 million. Of this purchase price, $96 million was paid during 2007 to acquire the 
remaining shares of Vision that the Company did not own as of December 31, 2006 and for transaction costs. The Company financed 
the transaction through a combination of available cash and the issuance of commercial paper. Vision, based in Australia, 
manufactures and markets automated instruments, antibodies and biochemical reagents used for biopsy-based detection of cancer and 
infectious diseases, and had revenues of $86 million in its most recent completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition. The Vision 
acquisition resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $432 million, of which $76 million was recorded in 2007. Goodwill associated 
with this acquisition primarily relates to Vision’s future revenue growth and earnings potential.  

In May 2006, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc. (Sybron Dental) for total 
consideration of approximately $2 billion, including transaction costs and net of approximately $94 million of cash acquired, and 
assumed approximately $182 million of debt. Substantially all of the assumed debt was subsequently repaid or refinanced prior to 
December 31, 2006. Danaher financed the acquisition of shares and the refinancing of the assumed debt primarily with proceeds from 
the issuance of commercial paper and to a lesser extent from available cash. The Sybron acquisition resulted in the recognition of 
goodwill of $1.5 billion primarily related to Sybron’s future earnings and cash flow potential and the world-wide leadership position 
of Sybron in many of its served markets.  

In addition to Sybron Dental and Vision, the Company acquired nine other companies and product lines in 2006 for total 
consideration of approximately $213 million in cash, including transaction costs and net of cash acquired. In general, each company 
manufactures instrumentation and/or supply products in the test and measurement, acute care diagnostics, water quality, product 
identification, or sensors and controls markets. These companies were all acquired to complement existing units of the Professional 
Instrumentation, Medical Technologies or Industrial Technologies segments. The Company recorded an aggregate of $130 million of 
goodwill related to these acquired businesses reflecting the strategic fit and revenue and earnings growth potential of these businesses. 
The aggregated annual sales of these nine acquired businesses at the dates of their respective acquisitions, in each case based on the 
acquired company’s revenues for its last completed fiscal year prior to the acquisition, were approximately $140 million.  

73 

  
In January 2006, the Company commenced an all cash tender offer for all of the outstanding ordinary shares of First Technology plc, 
a U.K. - based public company. In connection with the offer, the Company acquired an aggregate of 19.5% of First Technology’s 
issued share capital for $84 million. A competing bidder subsequently made an offer that surpassed the Company’s bid, and as a 
result the Company allowed its offer for First Technology to lapse. The Company tendered its shares into the other bidder’s offer and 
on April 7, 2006 received proceeds of $98 million from the sale of these shares, in addition to a $3 million break-up fee paid by First 
Technology to the Company. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain of approximately $14 million ($8.9 million after-tax, or $0.03 per 
diluted share) upon the sale of these securities including the related break-up fee, net of related transaction costs during the year ended 
December 31, 2006, which is included in “other (income) expense, net” in the accompanying Statement of Earnings.  

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for 
all acquisitions consummated during 2008, 2007, and 2006 and the individually significant acquisitions in 2007 and 2006 discussed 
above ($ in thousands):  

Overall
Accounts receivable 
Inventory 
Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets, primarily customer relationships, trade names and patents
In-process research and development 
Refundable escrowed purchase price 
Accounts payable 
Other assets and liabilities, net 
Assumed debt 
Net cash consideration 

2008

2006

2007
   $ 43,788    $ 200,199    $ 143,441
136,855
116,388 
  2,009,826
865,449
6,500
—  
(50,057)
(389,200)
(183,167)
   $423,208    $3,576,562    $2,656,035

207,336   
202,203   
  2,455,473   
884,263   
60,400   
48,504   
(57,617) 
(420,418) 
(3,781) 

56,370   
  30,139   
264,557   
88,668   
—     
—     
(16,112) 
(35,921) 
(8,281) 

Significant 2007 Acquisitions
Accounts receivable 
Inventory 
Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets, primarily customer relationships, trade names and 

patents 

In-process research and development 
Refundable escrowed purchase price 
Accounts payable 
Other assets and liabilities, net 
Assumed debt 
Net cash consideration 

Tektronix     ChemTreat    All Others    

Total

  $ 149,315

181,753   
185,567  
1,874,578  

$ 33,982    $ 16,902    $ 200,199
207,336 
  19,042   
202,203
5,981   
  2,455,473
  250,048   

6,541   
10,655   
330,847   

720,000  
60,400  
48,504
(35,919) 
(401,308) 
—    

  $2,782,890

72,000   
—     
—     
  (11,468) 
(17,891) 
—     

884,263
  92,263   
60,400
—     
48,504
—     
(57,617)
  (10,230) 
(420,418)
(1,219) 
(3,781)
(3,781) 
$424,666    $369,006    $3,576,562

74 

  
  
  
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant 2006 Acquisitions
Accounts receivable 
Inventory 
Property, plant and equipment 
Goodwill 
Other intangible assets, primarily customer relationships, trade names and 

patents 

In-process research and development 
Accounts payable 
Other assets and liabilities, net 
Assumed debt 
Net cash consideration 

Vision

    All Others    

  Sybron Dental
   $ 103,335    $ 24,165    $ 15,941    $ 143,441 
136,855
116,388
  2,009,826

108,777  
91,769  
1,523,348  

3,369   
3,916   
  129,511   

24,709   
20,703   
356,967   

Total

686,900  

—  

(31,744) 
(286,090) 
(181,671) 

  $ 2,014,624

102,003   
6,500   
(8,816) 
(96,189) 
(1,496) 

865,449
6,500
(50,057)
(389,200)
(183,167)
$428,546    $212,865    $2,656,035

  76,546   
—     
(9,497) 
(6,921) 
—     

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 purposes 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):  

Net sales 
Net earnings from continuing operations 

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

2008
$12,909,456  

2007
$12,482,042

$ 1,323,749  

$ 1,219,658

$

3.97  

$

3.66

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 
acquisition, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a 
Purchase Business Combination.” Adjustments 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, reducing recorded goodwill balances. Costs incurred in excess of the recorded accruals are expensed as incurred. The Company 
is still finalizing its restructuring plans with respect to certain of its 2008 acquisitions and will adjust current accrual levels to reflect 
such restructuring plans as such plans are finalized. As referenced in Note 19, under SFAS No. 141R, all restructuring costs 
associated with transactions that close in 2009 will be expensed as incurred rather than included as a component of the purchase price 
of the business.  

75 

  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
Accrued liabilities associated with these exit activities include the following ($ in thousands): 

Planned Headcount Reduction:
Balance, January 1, 2006 

Headcount related to 2006 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided headcount estimates
Headcount reductions in 2006

Balance, December 31, 2006 

Headcount related to 2007 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided headcount estimates
Headcount reductions in 2007

Balance, December 31, 2007 

Headcount related to 2008 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided headcount estimates
Headcount reductions in 2008

Balance, December 31, 2008 

Employee Termination Benefits:
Balance, January 1, 2006 

Accrual related to 2006 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided reserves 
Costs incurred in 2008 
Balance, December 31, 2006 

Accrual related to 2007 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided reserves 
Costs incurred in 2007 
Balance, December 31, 2007 

Accrual related to 2008 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided reserves 
Costs incurred in 2008 
Balance, December 31, 2008 

Facility Closure and Restructuring Costs: 
Balance, January 1, 2006 

Accrual related to 2006 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided reserves 
Costs incurred in 2006 
Balance, December 31, 2006 

Accrual related to 2007 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided reserves 
Costs incurred in 2007 
Balance, December 31, 2007 

Accrual related to 2008 acquisitions 
Adjustments to previously provided reserves 
Costs incurred in 2008 
Balance, December 31, 2008 

Tektronix    

All Others    

Total

—  

  —     
—    
—    
—  

  —     
—    
—    
—  
—  
878   
(513) 
365  

$ —    

—  

  —     
—    
—    
—    
—  

  —     
—    
—    

71,345
  (48,338) 
$ 23,007  

$ —    
—    
—    
—  
—    
—    
—    
—  
—    
—    
2,713  
(286)
$ 2,427  

696  
201  
(150) 
(282) 
465  
61  
(133) 
(64) 
329  
81  
(231) 
(94) 
85  

$ 27,888  
  14,824  
(1,069) 
  (17,228) 
  24,415  
1,181  
(2,224) 
  (14,068) 
9,304  
3,812  
(6,193) 
(2,518) 
$ 4,405  

$ 22,578  
6,820  
858  
(8,308) 
  21,948  
521  
288  
(9,462) 
  13,295  
1,282  
(4,053) 
(4,270) 
$ 6,254  

696
201 
(150)
(282)
465
61 
(133)
(64)
329
81
647 
(607)
450

$ 27,888
  14,824
(1,069)
  (17,228)
  24,415
1,181
(2,224)
  (14,068)
9,304
3,812
  65,152
  (50,856)
$ 27,412

$ 22,578
6,820
858
(8,308)
  21,948
521
288
(9,462)
  13,295
1,282
(1,340)
(4,556)
$ 8,681

The adjustments to previously provided reserves reflect finalization of the restructuring plans. All adjustments to the previously 
provided reserves resulted in adjustments to goodwill in accordance with EITF 95-3. 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 other accrued expenses. Refer to Note 7.  

76 

  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 

In July 2007, the Company completed the sale of its power quality business for a sale price of $275 million in cash, net of transaction 
costs, and recorded an after-tax gain of $150 million ($0.45 per diluted share). The power quality business designs, makes and sells 
power quality and reliability products and services, and prior to the sale was part of the Company’s Industrial Technologies segment. 
The Company has reported the power quality business as a discontinued operation in this Form 10-K in accordance with SFAS 
No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. Accordingly, the results of operations for all periods 
presented have been reclassified to reflect the power quality business as a discontinued operation. The Company allocated a portion of 
the consolidated interest expense to discontinued operations in accordance with EITF 87-24, Allocation of Interest to Discontinued 
Operations.  

The key components of income from discontinued operations related to the power quality business for the years ended December 31 
were as follows ($ in thousands):  

Net sales 
Operating expense 
Allocated interest expense 
Earnings before taxes 
Income taxes 
Earnings from discontinued operations 
Gain on sale, net of $61,369 of related income taxes
Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

INVENTORY: 

(4)
The classes of inventory as of December 31 are summarized as follows ($ in thousands):  

Finished goods 
Work in process 
Raw material 

2007
$ 81,141   
72,239   
351   
8,551   
(2,279) 
6,272   
149,634   
$155,906   

2006
$130,348
  112,565
454
  17,329 
(4,506)
  12,823
—  
$ 12,823

2008
$ 543,996  
211,353  
386,960  
$1,142,309  

2007
$ 547,742
195,332
450,541
$1,193,615

If the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method had been used for inventories valued at LIFO cost, such inventories would have been $24 
million and $18 million higher at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  

77 

  
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
(5) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: 
The classes of property, plant and equipment as of December 31 are summarized as follows ($ in thousands):  

Land and improvements 
Buildings 
Machinery and equipment 

Less accumulated depreciation

$

2008
106,472   
691,766   
1,793,617   
2,591,855   
(1,483,202) 
$ 1,108,653   

$

2007
105,096
679,575
  1,726,426
  2,511,097
  (1,402,463)
$ 1,108,634

(6) GOODWILL & OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS: 

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. In making its assessment of goodwill impairment, management 
relies on a number of factors including operating results, business plans, economic projections, anticipated future cash flows, and 
transactions and market place data. The Company’s annual impairment test was performed in the fourth quarters of 2008, 2007 and 
2006 and no impairment was identified. The factors used by management in its impairment analysis are inherently subject to 
uncertainty, particularly in light of the recent deterioration in overall global economic conditions and worldwide credit markets, and 
may affect the carrying value of goodwill.  

The following table shows the rollforward of goodwill reflected in the financial statements resulting from the Company’s acquisition 
activities for 2006, 2007, and 2008 ($ in millions).  

Balance January 1, 2006 

Attributable to 2006 acquisitions
Adjustments due to finalization of purchase price allocations
Effect of foreign currency translation 

Balance December 31, 2006 

Attributable to 2007 acquisitions
Adjustments due to finalization of purchase price allocations
Effect of foreign currency translation 

Balance December 31, 2007 

Attributable to 2008 acquisitions
Adjustments due to finalization of purchase price allocations
Effect of foreign currency translation 

Balance December 31, 2008 

$4,439
  2,010 
(38)
149
$6,560
  2,455 
(12)
238
$9,241
265 
(20)
(275)
$9,211

The carrying value of goodwill by segment as of December 31 is summarized as follows ($ in millions):  

Segment
Professional Instrumentation
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

78 

2008   
$3,802  
  3,242  
  1,973  
194  
$9,211  

2007
$3,797
  3,244
  2,006
194
$9,241

  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
Intangible assets are amortized over their legal or estimated useful life. The following summarizes the gross carrying value and 
accumulated amortization for each major category of intangible asset ($ in thousands):  

Finite – Lived Intangibles 
Patents & technology 
Other intangibles (primarily customer relationships) 

Total finite – lived intangibles 
Indefinite – Lived Intangibles 

Trademarks & trade names 

December 31, 2008

December 31, 2007

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount

Accumulated 
Amortization   

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization 

   $ 494,047   $ (142,850)  $ 460,976   $ (84,669)
(185,113)
(269,782)

  1,268,820  
  1,729,796  

1,237,702  
1,731,749  

(247,984) 
(390,834) 

1,178,507  

—  
   $2,910,256   $ (390,834)  $2,834,755   $ (269,782)

  1,104,959  

—     

Total intangible amortization expense in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $145 million, $95 million and $64 million, respectively. Based on 
the intangible assets as of December 31, 2008, amortization expense is estimated to be $146 million during 2009, $139 million during 
2010, $132 million during 2011, $125 million during 2012 and $119 million during 2013.  

(7) ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES: 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities as of December 31 include the following ($ in thousands):  

Compensation and benefits 
Claims, including self-insurance and litigation 
Pension and postretirement benefits 
Environmental and regulatory compliance
Taxes, income and other 
Sales and product allowances 
Warranty 
Other, individually less than 5% of current or total liabilities 

2008

Current

Current

  Non-Current   

2007
   Non-Current
   $ 583,175   $ 196,336   $ 509,049   $ 233,166
70,184
408,000
79,299
1,261,233
15,085
12,500
11,163
   $1,569,977   $2,383,299   $1,443,773   $2,090,630

77,144  
833,325  
76,506  
1,145,737  
29,517  
12,000  
12,734  

94,770  
35,175  
44,571  
244,407  
298,990  
95,910  
172,979  

88,787  
35,000  
47,537  
237,458  
250,393  
98,200  
177,349  

Approximately $255 million of accrued expenses and other liabilities were guaranteed by standby letters of credit and performance 
bonds as of December 31, 2008. Refer to Note 13 for further discussion of the Company’s income tax obligations.  

79 

  
  
  
  
 
  
   
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
(8) FINANCING: 
The components of the Company’s debt as of December 31 were as follows ($ in thousands):  

2008

2007

Euro-denominated commercial paper 
U.S. dollar-denominated commercial paper
4.5% guaranteed Eurobond Notes due 2013 (€€ 500 million) 
6.1% notes due 2008 
Zero-coupon Liquid Yield Option Notes due 2021 (LYONs) 
5.625% Senior Notes due 2018 
Other 

Less – currently payable 

   $

—     $ 239,715
1,311,211
729,600
250,000
605,938
500,000
89,780
  3,726,244
330,480
   $2,553,170   $3,395,764

623,728  
699,400  
—    
619,757  
500,000  
176,444  
  2,619,329  
66,159  

The Company satisfies its short-term liquidity needs primarily through issuances of U.S. dollar and Euro commercial paper. Under 
the Company’s U.S. dollar and Euro commercial paper programs, the Company or a subsidiary of the Company, as applicable, may 
issue and sell unsecured, short-term promissory notes in aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4.0 billion. Since the Credit 
Facility (described below) provides credit support for the program, the $1.45 billion of availability under the Credit Facility has the 
practical effect of reducing from $4.0 billion to $1.45 billion the maximum amount of commercial paper that the Company can issue 
under the program. Commercial paper notes are sold at a discount and have a maturity of not more than 90 days from the date of 
issuance. Borrowings under the program are available for general corporate purposes, including financing acquisitions. The Company 
classifies the borrowings under the commercial paper program as long-term borrowings in the accompanying Consolidated Balance 
Sheet as the Company has the intent and the ability, as supported by the availability of the Credit Facility, to refinance these 
borrowings for at least one year from the balance sheet date.  

Credit support for part of the commercial paper program is provided by an unsecured $1.45 billion multicurrency revolving credit 
facility (the “Credit Facility”) which expires on April 25, 2012. The Credit Facility can also be used for working capital and other 
general corporate purposes. Interest is based on, at the Company’s option, (1) a LIBOR-based formula that is dependent in part on the 
Company’s credit rating, or (2) a formula based on Bank of America’s prime rate or on the Federal funds rate plus 50 basis points, or 
(3) the rate of interest bid by a particular lender for a particular loan under the facility. The Credit Facility requires the Company to 
maintain a consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of consolidated indebtedness to consolidated indebtedness plus shareholders’ equity) 
as of the last day of each fiscal quarter of 0.65 to 1.00 or less. The availability of the Credit Facility as a standby liquidity facility to 
repay maturing commercial paper is an important factor in maintaining the existing credit ratings of the commercial paper program. 
The Company expects to limit any borrowings under the Credit Facility to amounts that would leave enough credit available under the 
facility so that it could borrow, if needed, to repay all of the outstanding commercial paper as it matures.  

During 2008, the Company utilized its commercial paper program to finance the repayment of the 6.1% notes due 2008. During 2007, 
the Company utilized its commercial paper program (as well as operating cash flow and the proceeds from the November 2007 
common stock offering and December 2007 offering of the 2018 Notes), to fund the acquisitions of ChemTreat and Tektronix. As of 
December 31, 2008, borrowings outstanding under the Company’s U.S. dollar commercial paper program had a weighted average 
interest rate of 1.0% and an average maturity of approximately 13 days. As of December 31, 2008, there was no outstanding Euro-
denominated commercial paper.  

In connection with the financing of the Tektronix acquisition in November 2007, the Company entered into a $1.9 billion unsecured 
revolving bridge loan facility (the “Bridge Facility”), which provided additional credit support for the commercial paper program and 
was also available for working capital and other corporate purposes. In December 2007, Danaher reduced the amount of the Bridge 
Facility to $1.0 billion to minimize maintenance costs, and in May 2008 Danaher further reduced the facility to $0.5 billion. The 
Bridge Facility expired on November 11, 2008. There were no borrowings under either the Credit Facility or the Bridge Facility 
during 2008.  

80 

  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
In December 2007, the Company completed an underwritten public offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.625% 
senior notes due 2018 “(2018 Senior Notes”). The net proceeds, after expenses and the underwriters’ discount, were approximately 
$493.4 million, which were used to repay a portion of the commercial paper issued to finance the acquisition of Tektronix. The 
Company may redeem the notes at any time prior to their maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of the principal amount 
of the notes to be redeemed, or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest plus 25 
basis points. As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of the 2018 Senior Notes approximated their carrying value.  

On July 21, 2006, a financing subsidiary of the Company issued the Eurobond Notes in a private placement outside the U.S. Payment 
obligations under these Eurobond Notes are guaranteed by the Company. The net proceeds of the offering, after the deduction of 
underwriting commissions but prior to the deduction of other issuance costs, were €€ 496 million ($627 million based on exchange 
rates in effect at the time the offering closed) and were used to pay down a portion of the Company’s outstanding commercial paper 
and for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions. The Company may redeem the notes upon the occurrence of specified, 
adverse changes in tax laws or interpretations under such laws, at a redemption price equal to the principal amount of the notes to be 
redeemed. As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of the Eurobond Notes was approximately $596 million.  

In 2001, the Company issued $830 million (value at maturity) in LYONs. The net proceeds to the Company were $505 million, of 
which approximately $100 million was used to pay down debt and the balance was used for general corporate purposes, including 
acquisitions. The LYONs carry a yield to maturity of 2.375% (with contingent interest payable as described below). Holders of the 
LYONs may convert each $1,000 of principal amount at maturity 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, 2008, an aggregate of approximately 68,000 shares of Danaher common stock had been issued upon 
conversion of LYONs. As of December 31, 2008, the accreted value of the outstanding LYONs was lower than the traded market 
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 at scheduled redemption prices. 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 
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 Company for cash.  

Under the terms of the LYONs, the Company will pay contingent interest to the holders of LYONs during any six month period from 
January 23 to July 22 and from July 23 to January 22 if the average market price of a LYON for a specified measurement period 
equals 120% or more of the sum of the issue price and accrued original issue discount for such LYON. The amount of contingent 
interest to be paid with respect to any quarterly period is equal to the higher of either 0.0315% of the bonds’ average market price 
during the specified measurement period or the amount of the common stock dividend paid during such quarterly period multiplied by 
the number of shares issuable upon conversion of a LYON. The Company paid approximately $1.4 million of contingent interest on 
the LYONs for the year ended December 31, 2008. Except for the contingent interest described above, the Company will not pay 
interest on the LYONs prior to maturity. As of December 31, 2008, the fair value of the LYONs was approximately $620 million.  

The Company does not have any credit rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity of a material amount of 
outstanding debt, except in connection with the change of control triggers described as follows. Under each of the Eurobond Notes 
and the 2018 Senior Notes, if the Company experiences a change of control and a rating downgrade of a specified nature within a 
specified period following the change of control, the Company will be required to offer to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 
101% of the principal amount plus accrued interest in the case of 2018 Notes, or the principal amount plus accrued interest in the case 
of Eurobond Notes. The Company’s outstanding indentures and comparable instruments also contain customary covenants including, 
for example, limits on the incurrence of secured debt and sale/leaseback transactions. None of these covenants are considered 
restrictive to the Company’s operations and as of December 31, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. 

81 

  
The minimum principal payments during the next five years are as follows: 2009 - $66 million; 2010 - $8 million; 2011 - $4 million; 
2012 - $628 million, 2013 - $758 million and $1,155 million thereafter.  

The Company made interest payments of approximately $72 million, $95 million and, $48 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, 
respectively.  

(9) PENSION BENEFIT PLANS: 

The Company has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans which cover certain of its U.S. employees. Benefit accruals under 
most of these plans have ceased. The Company also has noncontributory defined benefit pension plans which cover certain of the its 
non-U.S. employees, and under certain of these plans, benefit accruals continue. The following sets forth the funded status of the U.S. 
and non-U.S. plans as of the most recent actuarial valuations using a measurement date of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 
2007. The Company acquired Tektronix in November 2007, including its pension plan. The September 30, 2007 funded status in the 
table below includes the impacts of the Tektronix pension plans acquired as measured on the date of acquisition:  

($ in millions)

Change in pension benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Adoption of SFAS No. 158 measurement provision 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Employee contributions 
Amendments and other 
Benefits paid and other 
Acquisitions 
Actuarial loss (gain) 
Foreign exchange rate impact 
Benefit obligation at end of year 
Change in plan assets 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Adoption of SFAS No. 158 measurement provision 
Actual return on plan assets 
Employer contributions 
Employee contributions 
Plan settlements 
Benefits paid and other 
Acquisitions 
Foreign exchange rate impact 
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 
Funded status 
Accrued contribution 
Accrued benefit cost 

82 

U.S. Pension Benefits
2007
2008

Non-U.S. Pension Benefits  

2008

2007

   $1,276.8    $ 695.6    $

(0.5) 
7.3  
72.7  
—    
—    
(85.5)
15.5   
(11.2) 
—    

1,275.1

—     
3.0   
44.7   
—     
—     
(47.4) 
563.7   
17.2   
—     
1,276.8   

659.6    $
5.6   
14.9   
32.0   
3.0   
(1.1)  
(35.0)  
—     
0.8   
(72.2)  
607.6   

532.3 
—  
14.0
24.4
2.5
(0.8)
(30.8)
114.9 
(36.6)
39.7
659.6

1,200.5  
(0.1) 
(294.5) 
0.6  
—    
—  
(85.5) 
—    
—    

315.1
—  
20.6
23.9
2.5
—  
(30.8)
61.4
18.8
411.5
(248.1)
9.7
   $ (454.1)  $ (76.3)  $ (292.0)   $ (238.4)

581.3   
—     
78.5   
0.7   
—     
—     
(47.4) 
587.4   
—     
1,200.5   
(76.3) 
—     

411.5   
1.4   
(53.1)  
39.2   
3.0   
(0.8)  
(35.0)  
—     
(50.6)  
315.6   
(292.0)  
—     

821.0
(454.1) 
—    

  
  
  
  
   
 
  
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at date of measurement:  

Discount rate 
Rate of compensation increase 

($ in millions)

Components of net periodic pension cost
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Expected return on plan assets 
Amortization of prior service credit 
Amortization of net (gain) loss 
Curtailment and settlement (gains) / losses recognized 
Net periodic pension (benefit) cost 

U. S. Plans

Non-U.S. Plans

December 31,
2008

September 30,
2007

December 31,
2008

September 30,
2007

6.25% 
4.00% 

6.00% 
4.00% 

5.15% 
3.10% 

5.15%
3.20%

U. S. Pension Benefits    
2008

2007

Non-U.S. Pension Benefits  

2008

2007

   $

7.3  
72.7  
(89.4)
  —     
4.1  
—    
(5.3)

  $

$

3.0   
44.7   
(48.6) 
  —     
14.0   
—     
$ 13.1   

$

$

14.9   
32.0   
(23.8)  
(0.3)  
(0.8)  
—     
22.0   

$

$

14.0
24.4
(18.6)
(0.2)
1.4
0.1
21.1

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost at date of measurement:  

Discount rate 
Expected long-term return on plan assets 
Rate of compensation increase 

U. S. Plans

2008  

2007  

  6.00% 5.75% 
8.00% 
   8.00% 
4.00% 
   4.00% 

Non-U.S. Plans  
2007  
2008  
4.35%
5.15% 
5.55%
5.95% 
2.95%
3.20% 

Included in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2008 are the following amounts that have not yet been 
recognized in net periodic pension cost: unrecognized prior service credits of $3.0 million ($2.0 million, net of tax) and unrecognized 
actuarial losses of $527.0 million ($343.1 million, net of tax). The unrecognized losses and prior service costs, net, is calculated as the 
difference between the actuarially determined projected benefit obligation and the value of the plan assets less accrued pension costs 
as of December 31, 2008. The prior service credits and actuarial loss included in accumulated comprehensive income and expected to 
be recognized in net periodic pension costs during the year ending December 31, 2009 is $0.3 million ($0.2 million, net of tax) and 
$39.5 million ($25.7 million, net of tax), respectively. No plan assets are expected to be returned to the Company during the year 
ending December 31, 2009.  

Selection of Expected Rate of Return on Assets  
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, the Company used an expected long-term rate of return assumption of 8.0% 
for the Company’s U.S. defined benefit pension plan. The Company intends on using an expected long-term rate of return assumption 
of 8.0% for 2009 for its U.S. plan. The expected long-term rate of return assumption for the non-U.S. plans was determined on a plan-
by-plan basis based on the composition of assets and ranged from 1.50% to 8.25% in 2008 with a weighted average rate of return 
assumption of 5.95%.  

83 

  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
   
   
   
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
Asset Information 
(% of assets by asset categories at measurement date) 

Equity securities 
Debt securities 
Other investments similar to equity 
Cash 
Total 

U. S. Pension Benefits
2008  

2007  

Non-U.S. Pension Benefits
2007
2008

50%  
32%  
15%  
3%  
100%  

66% 
34% 
—  
—  
100% 

32%  
51%  
15%  
2%  
100%  

41%
42%
16%
1%
100%

Investment Policy  
In connection with the acquisition of Tektronix in November 2007, the Company acquired approximately $589 million of assets 
associated with Tektronix’ existing U.S. pension plans and merged those assets with the assets included in the Company’s U.S. 
pension plan. Included in the Tektronix assets merged were investments in real estate, absolute return funds and private equity 
partnerships with similar characteristics to equity investments. The fair value of these investments at December 31, 2008 of 
approximately $125 million has been estimated by management based upon information supplied to the Company by the fund 
managers or the general partners, in the absence of readily determinable market values that are available on publicly traded securities. 
The merged Tektronix assets were not included in the in the 2007 investment allocation in the above table as the acquisition and 
associated merger of plan assets occurred subsequent to the 2007 measurement date of September 30, 2007.  

The U.S. plan’s goal is to maintain between 60% and 70% of its assets in equity portfolios, which are invested in funds that are 
expected to mirror broad market returns for equity securities or in assets with characteristics similar to equity investments. Asset 
holdings are periodically rebalanced when equity holdings are outside this range. The balance of the asset portfolio is invested in 
corporate bonds and bond index funds. Non-U.S. plan assets are invested in various insurance contracts, equity and debt securities as 
determined by the administrator of each plan. The value of the plan assets directly affects the funded status of the Company’s U.S. 
pension plan recorded in the financial statements.  

Expected Contributions  
The Company was not statutorily required to make contributions to the U.S. plan for 2008 or 2007. The Company contributed 
approximately $39 million to the non-U.S. plans during 2008. During 2009, the Company’s cash contribution requirements for its 
U.S. pension plan are not expected to be significant. Funding requirements for the U.S. pension may become more significant 
commencing in the year ended December 31, 2010; however, the ultimate amounts to be contributed are dependent upon, among 
other things, underlying asset returns and the impact of recent legislative activity associated with pension funding obligations. The 
Company expects to contribute approximately $30 million in employer contributions and unfunded benefit payments to the non-U.S. 
plans in 2009.  

The following table sets forth benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, expected to be paid by the plans 
in the periods indicated.  

($ in millions)
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014-2018 

U.S. Pension
Plans

$

105.9  
94.3  
96.4  
94.6  
98.3  
556.7  

Non-U.S. 
Pension Plans  
29.7  
$
31.4  
32.2  
32.8  
32.7  
171.2  

All Pension
Plans
$ 135.6
125.7
128.6
127.4
131.0
727.9

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Other Matters  
Substantially all employees not covered by defined benefit plans are covered by defined contribution plans, which generally provide 
for Company funding based on a percentage of compensation.  

Expense for all defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans amounted to $97 million, $105 million and, $88 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.  

(10) OTHER POST RETIREMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS: 

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for some of its retired 
employees in the United States. Certain employees may become eligible for these benefits as they reach normal retirement age while 
working for the Company. The following sets forth the funded status of the domestic plans as of the most recent actuarial valuations 
using a measurement date of December 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007:  

($ in millions)

Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year 
Adoption of SFAS No. 158 measurement provision
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Amendments and other 
Actuarial loss (gain) 
Acquisitions 
Retiree contributions 
Benefits paid 
Benefit obligation at end of year
Change in plan assets 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning and end of year
Funded status 
Accrued contribution 
Accrued benefit cost 

Post Retirement 
Medical Benefits

2008

2007

$ 131.2   
(1.7) 
1.3   
7.1   
(6.3) 
2.3   
  —     
1.5   
(13.0) 
  122.4   

  —     
  (122.4) 
  —     
$(122.4) 

$ 112.3
  —  
1.2
6.5
(0.3)
1.1
20.8
1.9
(12.3)
  131.2

  —  
  (131.2)
2.9
$(128.3)

At December 31, 2008, $109.5 million of the total underfunded status of the plan was recognized as long-term accrued post 
retirement liability since it is not expected to be funded within one year.  

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at date of measurement:  

Discount rate 
Medical trend rate – initial 
Medical trend rate – grading period
Medical trend rate – ultimate 

2008

6.25% 
8.80% 

2007  
6.00%
9.00%

20 years 

5 years

4.00% 

5.00%

The medical trend rate used to determine the post retirement benefit obligation was 8.8% for 2008. The rate decreases gradually to an 
ultimate rate of 4.0% in 2029, and remains at that level thereafter. The trend is a significant factor in determining the amounts 
reported.  

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The following table sets forth benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, expected to be paid in the 
periods indicated.  

($ in millions)
2009 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 
2014-2018 

Amount
$ 12.9
  12.9
  12.8
  12.5
  12.1
  56.8

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 post retirement medical benefit obligation 

Components of net periodic benefit cost ($ in millions)
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Amortization of loss 
Amortization of prior service credit 
Net periodic benefit cost

1% 
Point 
Increase  
0.7  
$
7.1  

1% 
Point 
Decrease 
$ (0.6)
(6.3)

Post Retirement 
Medical 
Benefits

2008    

2007  

$ 1.3   
  7.1   
  2.8   
  (7.2) 
$ 4.0   

$ 1.2 
  6.5 
  3.6 
  (7.2)
$ 4.1 

Included in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2008 are the following amounts that have not yet been 
recognized in net periodic pension cost: unrecognized prior service credits of $35.7 million ($23.2 million, net of tax) and 
unrecognized actuarial losses of $31.4 million ($20.4 million, net of tax). The unrecognized losses and prior service costs, net, is 
calculated as the difference between the actuarially determined projected benefit obligation and the value of the plan assets less 
accrued pension costs as of December 31, 2008. The prior service credits and actuarial loss included in accumulated comprehensive 
income and expected to be recognized in net periodic pension costs during the year ending December 31, 2009 is $7.9 million ($5.1 
million, net of tax) and $3.2 million ($2.1 million, net of tax), respectively.  

(11) LEASES AND COMMITMENTS: 

The Company’s operating 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 having initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year are 
$110 million in 2009, $72 million in 2010, $51 million in 2011, $34 million in 2012, $26 million in 2013 and $54 million thereafter. 
Total rent expense charged to income for all operating leases was $110 million, $103 million and, $84 million, for the years ended 
December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.  

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 correctly, 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 information 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.  

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In certain cases the Company will sell extended warranty or maintenance agreements. The proceeds from these agreements is deferred 
and recognized as revenue over the term of the agreement.  

The following is a rollforward of the Company’s warranty accrual for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 ($ in thousands): 

Balance December 31, 2006

Accruals for warranties issued during period
Changes in estimates related to pre-existing warranties
Settlements made
Additions due to acquisitions 

Balance December 31, 2007

Accruals for warranties issued during period
Settlements made
Additions due to acquisitions 

Balance December 31, 2008

$ 97,378 
98,808 
1,709 
  (104,974)
17,779 
  110,700 
98,080 
  (101,143)
273 
$ 107,910 

The Company selectively uses derivative financial instruments to manage currency exchange risk and does not hold derivatives for 
trading purposes. In the fourth quarter of 2008, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company entered into foreign currency forward 
contracts related to anticipated sales denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiaries entering the 
contracts. The forward contracts, having an aggregate notional amount of 3.4 billion Japanese Yen ($37.5 million) related to one 
subsidiary and an aggregate notional amount of 14.5 million Euro ($20.3 million) related to the second subsidiary, will be settled at 
various dates during the year ending December 31, 2009 in accordance with their terms. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, 
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, the Company accounts for these forward contracts as 
cash flow hedges. These instruments qualify as “effective” or “perfect” hedges. As of December 31, 2008, the aggregate fair value of 
the forward contracts was approximately $2 million.  

(12) LITIGATION AND CONTINGENCIES: 

Accu-Sort, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company, was a defendant in a suit filed by Federal Express Corporation on May 16, 2001. On 
March 9, 2006 Accu-Sort settled the case with Federal Express for an amount which the Company believes is not material to its 
financial position, which amount was reflected in the Company’s results of operations in 2005. The purchase agreement pursuant to 
which the Company acquired Accu-Sort in 2003 provides certain indemnification for the Company with respect to this matter, and an 
arbitrator ordered the former owners of Accu-Sort to pay the Company a portion of the losses incurred by the Company in connection 
with this litigation. In April 2007, the Company received this payment from the former owners and recorded a pre-tax gain of $12 
million ($7.8 million after-tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) which is included in “Other (income) expense” in the accompanying 
Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2007. 

The Company is, from time to time, subject to a variety of litigation incidental to its business. These lawsuits primarily involve claims 
for damages arising out of the use of the Company’s products and services and claims relating to intellectual property matters, 
employment matters, commercial disputes, competition and sales and trading practices, personal injury and insurance coverage. The 
Company may also become subject to lawsuits as a result of past or future acquisitions or as a result of liabilities retained from, or 
representations, warranties or indemnities provided in connection with, divested businesses. Some of these lawsuits include claims for 
punitive and consequential as well as compensatory damages. While the Company maintains workers compensation, property, cargo, 
automobile, aviation, crime, fiduciary, product, general liability, and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (and has acquired 
rights under similar policies in connection with certain acquisitions) that it believes cover a portion of these claims, this insurance 
may be insufficient or unavailable to cover such losses. 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 unavailable to cover such losses.  

87 

  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
The Company recognizes a liability for any contingency that is probable of occurrence and reasonably estimable. The Company 
periodically assesses the likelihood of adverse judgments or outcomes for these matters, as well as potential amounts or ranges of 
probable losses, and if appropriate recognizes a liability for these contingencies with the assistance of legal counsel and, if applicable, 
other professionals. Based upon the Company’s experience, current information and applicable law, it does not believe that these 
proceedings and claims will have a material adverse effect on its cash flows, financial position, or results of operations.  

The Company maintains third party insurance policies up to certain limits to cover certain liability costs in excess of predetermined 
retained amounts. For general liability risk (which includes product liability) and most other insured risks, the Company purchases 
outside insurance coverage only for severe losses (“stop loss” insurance) and must establish and maintain reserves with respect to 
amounts within the self-insured retention. These reserves consist of specific reserves for individual claims and additional amounts for 
anticipated developments of these claims as well as for incurred but not yet reported claims. The specific reserves for individual 
known claims are quantified with the assistance of outside risk insurance professionals for product liability. In addition, outside risk 
insurance professionals assist in the determination of reserves for incurred but not yet reported claims through evaluation of the 
Company’s specific loss history, actual claims reported, and industry trends among statistical and other factors. While the Company 
actively pursues financial recoveries for claims paid from insurance providers associated with these risks, it does not recognize any 
recoveries until realized or until such time as a sustained pattern of collections is established related to historical matters of a similar 
nature and magnitude. The Company believes the liability recorded for such risk insurance reserves as of December 31, 2008 is 
adequate, but due to judgments inherent in the reserve process it is possible the ultimate costs will differ from this estimate.  

In addition, the Company’s operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate, 
which impose limitations on the discharge of pollutants into the ground, air and water and establish standards for the use, generation, 
treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. A number of the Company’s operations involve the handling, 
manufacturing, use or sale of substances that are or could be classified as hazardous materials within the meaning of applicable laws. 
The Company must also comply with various health and safety regulations in both the United States and abroad in connection with 
our operations. 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, and the Company does not anticipate material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.  

In addition to environmental compliance costs, the Company from time to time incurs costs related to alleged damages associated 
with past or current waste disposal practices or other hazardous materials handling practices. For example, generators of hazardous 
substances found in disposal 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 non-U.S. environmental 
agencies, that conditions at a number of sites where the Company and others previously disposed of hazardous wastes require clean-
up and other possible remedial action, including sites where the Company has been identified as a potentially responsible party under 
U.S. federal and state environmental laws and regulations. The Company has projects underway at a number of current and former 
manufacturing facilities, in both the United States and abroad, to investigate and remediate environmental contamination resulting 
from past operations. 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 remediation and environmental-related personal injury claims with respect to 
sites owned or formerly owned by it and its subsidiaries. The Company generally makes an assessment of the costs involved for 
remediation efforts based on environmental studies as well as its prior experience with similar sites. If the Company determines that 
potential remediation liability for properties currently or previously owned is probable and reasonably estimable, it accrues the total 
estimated costs, including investigation and remediation costs, associated with the site. The Company also estimates its exposure for 
probable environmental-related personal injury claims and accrues for this estimated liability. While the Company actively pursues 
insurance recoveries as well as recoveries from other potentially responsible parties, it does not recognize any recoveries for 
environmental liability claims until realized.  

88 

  
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 regulations, 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. All provisions have been recorded without 
giving effect to any possible future third party recoveries. For the reasons described above, the Company cannot assure that its 
estimates of environmental liabilities will not change.  

In view of the Company’s financial position and provisions for environmental remediation matters and environmental-related 
personal injury claims and based on current information and the applicable laws and regulations currently in effect, the Company 
believes that its liability related to past or current waste disposal practices and other hazardous materials handling practices will not 
have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, financial condition or cash flow.  

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 serving at the request of the Company as a director or officer of any other entity, subject to limited 
exceptions. The Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws provide for similar indemnification rights. While the Company 
maintains insurance for this type of liability, a significant deductible applies to this coverage and any such liability could exceed the 
amount of the insurance coverage.  

(13) INCOME TAXES: 

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations for the years ended December 31 consists of the following ($ in 
thousands):  

Current: 

Federal U.S. 
Other than U.S. 
State and local 

Deferred: 

Federal U.S. 
Other than U.S. 
State and Local 
Income tax provision 

2008

2007

2006

$207,025   
  180,401   
16,560   

$263,078   
  103,511   
  26,642   

$141,085
  133,827 
  20,571

90,065   
(65,423) 
3,048   
$431,676   

  70,953   
  (44,876) 
3,793   
$423,101   

  29,604
  (12,982)
7,532
$319,637

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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
Stock compensation expense
Tax credit and loss carryforwards 
All other accounts 
Net deferred tax liability

2008
$ 31,179   
84,154   
(50,843) 
230,134   
(26,596) 
(122,999) 
(849,414) 
29,712   
227,725   
(193,635) 
67,575   
203,202   
14,394   
$(355,412) 

2007
$ 25,812 
80,040 
(50,486)
87,921 
(29,636)
  (103,768)
  (845,914)
32,310 
  194,879 
  (181,886)
50,093 
  221,244 
283 
$(519,108)

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. Deferred taxes at 
December 31, 2008 associated with U.S. entities consisted of net deferred tax liabilities of approximately $479 million and deferred 
taxes associated with non-U.S. entities consisted of net deferred tax assets of approximately $124 million.  

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: 
State income taxes (net of Federal income tax benefit)
Taxes on foreign earnings 
German tax credit 
Foreign tax credit valuation allowances 
In-process research and development 
Research and experimentation credits and other 
Effective income tax rate 

Percentage of Pre-Tax 
Earnings
2007  
35.0% 

2008  
35.0% 

2006  
35.0%

0.7  
(11.1)  
—  
—   
—  
0.1  
24.7% 

1.2 
(10.6)  
—   
—   
1.3 
(1.1)  
25.8% 

1.5 
(8.9)
(1.4)
(2.4)
  —   
(1.4)
22.4%

The effective tax rate for 2008 of 24.7% reflects net discrete tax benefits of approximately $9.5 million, or $0.03 per diluted share. 
The discrete benefit is primarily associated with the reduction of valuation allowances related to net operating losses in Germany and 
Switzerland. The valuation allowances were reduced as it has become more likely than not that the net operating losses will be 
realized. Partially offsetting the benefit from the reduction of valuation allowances was the net effect of income tax reserves during 
the year related to uncertain tax positions in various jurisdictions.  

The Company made income tax payments of $390 million, $335 million, and $204 million in 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively. The 
Company recognized a tax benefit of $5 million, $66 million, and $36 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, related to the 
exercise of employee stock options, which vested prior to the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 123R and for which no expense was 
recognized. This benefit has been recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital.  

90 

  
  
  
 
 
   
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2008 are tax benefits for U.S. and non-U.S. net operating loss carryforwards 
totaling $89 million (net of applicable valuation allowances of $136 million). Certain of the losses can be carried forward indefinitely 
and others can be carried forward to various dates through 2028. In addition, the Company had general business and foreign tax credit 
carryforwards of $65 million at December 31, 2008 and also has recorded a deferred tax asset for foreign credits of $49 million 
related to the indirect impact of certain unrecognized tax benefits (see below).  

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 
2007. As a result of the implementation of Interpretation No. 48, the Company recognized a decrease in the liability for unrecognized 
tax benefits of $63 million, which was accounted for as an increase to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. As of 
December 31, 2007, gross unrecognized tax benefits totaled $475 million ($408 million, net of offsetting indirect tax benefits and 
including $81 million associated with potential interest and penalties). As of December 31, 2008, gross unrecognized tax benefits 
totaled $447 million ($426 million, net of offsetting indirect tax benefits and including $89 million associated with potential interest 
and penalties). Upon adoption of SFAS No 141R effective January 1, 2009 (see Note 19) all unrecognized tax benefits at 
December 31, 2008 (including accrued interest and penalties) will impact the effective rate if ultimately recognized. Unrecognized tax 
benefits and associated accrued interest and penalties are included in “Taxes, income and other” in accrued expenses as detailed in 
Note 7.  

The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax positions within its global 
operations in income tax expense. The Company recognized approximately $19 million and $24 million in potential interest and 
penalties associated with uncertain tax positions during 2008 and 2007, respectively. To the extent interest and penalties are not 
assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income 
tax provision.  

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding amounts accrued for potential interest 
and penalties, is as follows ($ in thousands):  

Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
Additions for tax positions of prior years 
Reductions for tax position of prior years 
Acquisitions 
Lapse of statute of limitations 
Settlements 
Effect of foreign currency translation

Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year

2008

2007

   $475,107    $331,701
35,871
63,315
(37,075)
62,122
(673)
(2,043)
21,889
   $446,892    $475,107

  48,588   
  25,095   
  (47,567) 
—     
(2,772) 
  (26,384) 
  (25,175) 

The Company and its subsidiaries are routinely examined by various taxing authorities. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has 
initiated examinations of certain of the Company’s Federal income tax returns for the years 2006 and 2007. In addition, the Company 
has subsidiaries in Germany, Canada, France, and various other states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years 
ranging from 2001 through 2007. To date, there have been no adjustments associated with in-process or recently settled audits that 
would have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  

The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction and in many state 
and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for years 
before 2004 and is no longer subject to state, local and foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2001.  

91 

  
  
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management estimates that it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may be reduced up to $150 million 
within twelve months as a result of resolution of worldwide tax matters, tax audit settlements and/or statute expirations.  

The Company provides income taxes for unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are not considered permanently reinvested 
overseas. As of December 31, 2008, the approximate amount of earnings from foreign subsidiaries that the Company considers 
permanently reinvested and for which deferred taxes have not been provided was approximately $6.3 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.  

(14) 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. For the year ended December 31, 2008, approximately 10.3 million 
options to purchase shares were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation as the impact of their inclusion would have 
been anti-dilutive. Information related to the calculation of earnings from continuing operations per share of common stock is 
summarized as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):  

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008:
Basic EPS 
Adjustment for interest on convertible debentures 
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options and RSUs
Incremental shares from assumed conversion of the convertible debentures
Diluted EPS 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2007:
Basic EPS 
Adjustment for interest on convertible debentures 
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options and RSUs
Incremental shares from assumed conversion of the convertible debentures
Diluted EPS 

92 

Net earnings 
from 
continuing 
operations 
(Numerator)   
$1,317,631  
10,369  
—    
—    
$1,328,000  

Net earnings 
from 
continuing 
operations 
(Numerator)   
$1,213,998  
10,033  
—    
—    
$1,224,031  

Shares 
(Denominator)  
319,361  
—    
4,531  
11,971  
335,863  

Shares 
(Denominator)  
311,225  
—    
6,245  
11,989  
329,459  

Per 
Share
Amount
$ 4.13

$ 3.95

Per 
Share
Amount
$ 3.90

$ 3.72

  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006:
Basic EPS 
Adjustment for interest on convertible debentures 
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of dilutive options and RSUs
Incremental shares from assumed conversion of the convertible debentures
Diluted EPS 

Net earnings 
from 
continuing 
operations 
(Numerator)   
$1,109,206  
9,343  
—    
—    
$1,118,549  

Shares 
(Denominator)  
307,984  
—    
5,229  
12,038  
325,251  

Per 
Share
Amount
$ 3.60

$ 3.44

(15) STOCK TRANSACTIONS: 

On May 15, 2007, the Company’s shareholders voted to approve an amendment to Danaher’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase 
the number of authorized shares of common stock of Danaher to a total of one billion shares, $.01 par value. Danaher’s Certificate of 
Incorporation was amended to reflect this change on May 16, 2007.  

On November 7, 2007, the Company completed the public offering of 6.9 million shares of its common stock at a price to the public 
of $82.25 per share. The net proceeds, after expenses and the underwriter’s discount, were $550 million. The proceeds were used, in 
part, to fund the 2007 acquisition of Tektronix (refer to Note 2).  

Pursuant to the stock repurchase program authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors on April 21, 2005, during 2008, the 
Company repurchased 1.38 million shares of Company common stock in open market transactions at a cost of $74 million. During 
2007, the Company repurchased 1.64 million shares of Company common stock in open market transactions at a cost of $117 million. 
The 2008 and 2007 repurchases were funded from available cash and from proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper. At 
December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately 2 million shares remaining for stock repurchases under the existing Board 
authorization. The Company expects to fund any further repurchases using the Company’s available cash balances or proceeds from 
the issuance of commercial paper.  

Stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) have been issued to directors, officers and other employees under the Company’s 
Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Option Plan and the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, and RSUs have been issued to the Company’s 
CEO pursuant to an award approved by shareholders in 2003. In addition, in connection with the November 2007 Tektronix 
acquisition, the Company assumed the Tektronix 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and the Tektronix 2002 Stock Incentive Plan and 
assumed certain outstanding stock options, restricted stock and RSUs that had been awarded to Tektronix employees under the plans. 
These plans operate in a similar manner to the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and 1998 Stock Option Plan. No further equity 
awards will be issued under the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the Tektronix 2005 Stock Incentive Plan or the Tektronix 2002 Stock 
Incentive Plan. The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan provides for the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, restricted 
stock or any other stock based award.  

Stock options granted under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1998 Stock Option Plan, the Tektronix 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and 
the Tektronix 2002 Stock Incentive Plan generally vest pro-rata over a five-year period and terminate ten years from the issuance 
date, though the specific terms of each grant are determined by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors 
(Compensation Committee). The Company’s executive officers and certain other employees have been awarded options with different 
vesting criteria. Option exercise prices for options granted by the Company under these plans equal the closing price on the NYSE of 
the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Option exercise prices for the options outstanding under the Tektronix 2005 Stock 
Incentive Plan and the Tektronix 2002 Stock Incentive Plan were based on the closing price of Tektronix common stock on the date 
of grant. In connection with the Company’s assumption of these options, the number of shares underlying each option and exercise 
price of each option were adjusted to reflect the substitution of Danaher stock for the Tektronix stock underlying these awards.  

93 

  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
RSUs issued under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan and the 1998 Stock Option Plan provide for the issuance of a share of the 
Company’s common stock at no cost to the holder. They are generally subject to performance criteria determined by the 
Compensation Committee, as well as time-based vesting such that, in general, 50% of the RSUs granted vest (subject to satisfaction 
of the performance criteria) on each of the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. Certain of the Company’s executive 
officers and other employees have been awarded RSUs with different vesting criteria. Prior to vesting, RSUs do not have dividend 
equivalent rights, do not have voting rights and the shares underlying the RSUs are not considered issued and outstanding.  

Restricted shares issued under the Tektronix 2005 Stock Incentive Plan were granted subject to certain time-based vesting restrictions 
such that the restricted share awards are fully vested after a period of five years. Holders of restricted shares have the right to vote 
such shares and receive dividends. The restricted shares are considered issued and outstanding at the date the award is granted.  

The options, RSUs and restricted shares generally vest only if the employee is employed by the Company on the vesting date or in 
other limited circumstances and unvested options and RSUs are forfeited upon retirement before age 65 unless the Compensation 
Committee of the Board of Directors determines otherwise. To cover the exercise of options and vesting of RSUs, the Company 
generally issues new shares from its authorized but unissued share pool. At December 31, 2008, approximately 7 million shares of the 
Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance under the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.  

The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 
No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, which requires the Company to measure the cost of employee services received in 
exchange for all equity awards granted, including stock options, RSUs and restricted shares, based on the fair value of the award as of 
the grant date.  

The estimated fair value of the options granted during 2008 and prior years was calculated using a Black-Scholes Merton option 
pricing model (Black-Scholes). The following summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes models for the years ended 
December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:  

Risk-free interest rate 
Weighted average volatility 
Dividend yield 
Expected years until exercise

2008

Years Ended December 31,
2007

2.75 - 3.80% 
27% 
0.2%

6 - 9.5 

3.68 - 4.77% 
22% 
0.1 - 0.2% 
7.5 - 9.5 

2006
4.39 - 5.1%
22%
0.1%

7.5 - 9.5 

The Black-Scholes model incorporates assumptions to value stock-based awards. The risk-free rate of interest for periods within the 
contractual life of the option is based on a zero-coupon U.S. government instrument over the expected term of the equity instrument. 
Expected volatility is based on implied volatility from traded options on the Company’s stock and historical volatility of the 
Company’s stock. To estimate the option exercise timing to be used in the valuation model, in addition to considering the vesting 
period and contractual term of the option, the Company analyzes and considers actual historical exercise data for previously granted 
options. At the time of grant, the Company estimates the number of options that it expects will be forfeited based on the Company’s 
historical experience. Separate groups of employees that have similar behavior with regard to holding options for longer periods and 
different forfeiture rates are considered separately for valuation and attribution purposes.  

94 

  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
The following table summarizes the components of the Company’s stock-based compensation program recorded as expense ($ in 
thousands):  

Restricted Stock Units & Restricted Shares: 

Pre-tax compensation expense
Tax benefit 

Restricted stock unit and restricted share expense, net of tax

Stock Options: 

Pre-tax compensation expense
Tax benefit 

Stock option expense, net of tax 

Total Share-Based Compensation:
Pre-tax compensation expense
Tax benefit 

Total share-based compensation expense, net of tax 

Years Ended December 31,
2007

2008

2006

$ 25,109   
(8,789) 
$ 16,320  

$ 18,708  
(6,548) 
$ 12,160  

$ 12,561 
(4,396)
$ 8,165

$ 60,891  
(16,834) 
$ 44,057   

$ 54,639  
  (15,253) 
$ 39,386  

$ 54,630
  (15,941)
$ 38,689 

$ 86,000  
(25,623)
$ 60,377  

$ 73,347  
  (21,801) 
$ 51,546  

$ 67,191
  (20,337)
$ 46,854

Stock based compensation has been recognized as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying 
Consolidated Financial Statements as payroll costs of the employees receiving the rewards are recorded in selling, general and 
administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2008, $56 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs and 
restricted shares is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2 years. Unrecognized compensation 
cost related to stock options totaling $180 million as of December 31, 2008 is expected to be recognized over a weighted average 
period of approximately 3 years.  

Option activity under the Company’s stock option plans as of December 31, 2008 and changes during the three years ended 
December 31, 2008 were as follows (in thousands; except exercise price and number of years):  

Outstanding at January 1, 2006 
Granted 
Exercised 
Cancelled 
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 
Granted 
Exercised 
Cancelled 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 
Granted 
Exercised 
Cancelled 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 
Vested and Expected to Vest at December 31, 2008 
Exercisable at December 31, 2008 

95 

Weighted
Average 
Option 
Price
$ 34.14  
$ 62.60  
$ 23.07  
$ 50.20  
$ 39.65  
$ 74.04  
$ 27.60  
$ 52.85  
$ 46.27  
$ 77.90  
$ 37.83  
$ 58.94  
$ 50.49  
$ 49.79  
$ 37.48  

Options    
23,392

4,057  
(2,676) 
(814) 

23,959

3,106  
(4,126) 
(711) 

22,228

3,020  
(1,789) 
(1,375) 
22,084  
21,393  
12,722

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual
Term 
(in Years)   

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

6  
6  
4  

$264,897
$264,661
$256,673

  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 are summarized below: 

Exercise Price
$20.73 to $30.64 
$30.65 to $41.74 
$41.75 to $57.14 
$57.15 to $72.84 
$72.85 to $83.39 

Outstanding
Average
Exercise
Price   
$24.94  
$35.78  
$52.17  
$63.17  
$77.28  

Shares 
(thousands)  
5,022  
4,183  
4,187  
3,550  
5,142  

Exercisable

Average 
Remaining
Life

2.0  
4.0  
6.0  
8.0  
9.0  

Shares 
(thousands)  
4,994  
4,182  
2,365  
784  
397  

Average
Exercise
Price
$24.91
$35.78
$51.90
$63.62
$76.16

The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on 
the last trading day of 2008 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received 
by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2008. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value 
will change based on the fair market value of the Company’s stock.  

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $64 million, $201 
million and $110 million, respectively. Exercise of options during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 resulted in 
cash receipts of $63 million, $113 million, and $60 million, respectively. The Company recognized a tax benefit of approximately 
$20 million, $66 million, and $36 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively related to the exercise of employee stock options, 
which has been recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital.  

The following table summarizes information on unvested restricted stock units and restricted shares activity during the three years 
ended December 31, 2008:  

Unvested at January 1, 2006 

Forfeited 
Vested 
Granted 

Unvested at December 31, 2006

Forfeited 
Vested 
Granted 

Unvested at December 31, 2007

Forfeited 
Vested 
Granted 

Unvested at December 31, 2008

96 

Number of
RSUs / 
Restricted 
Shares (in 
thousands)   
1,091   
(30) 
—     
536   
1,597   
(48) 
—     
532   
2,081   
(110) 
(136) 
229   
2,064   

Weighted-
Average
Grant-
Date Fair
Value
$ 49.94
  56.70

  62.13
  54.14
  66.63

  79.18
  59.96
  71.61
  67.51
  75.54
$ 60.57

  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
(16) RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER RELATED CHARGES: 

The Company initiated a series of restructuring actions during the fourth quarter of 2008 to better position the Company’s cost base 
for future periods. As a result, the Company recorded pre-tax restructuring and other related charges totaling $82.0 million ($61.5 
million, net of tax or $0.18 per diluted share) as indicated in the following table ($ in thousands):  

Restructuring Charges 
Employee severance and related 
Facility exit and related 

Total Restructuring 

Other Related Charges 
Property, plant & equipment impairment 
Inventory impairment 

Total Restructuring and Other Related Charges 

Total 
Expense   

Paid / 
Settled    

Accrued as of
December 31,
2008

$72,257  
3,753  
$76,010  

$(19,526) 
(1,167) 
$(20,693) 

$

$

52,731
2,586
55,317

$ 1,557  
4,398  
$81,965  

The restructuring and other related charges are intended to improve future operational efficiency through targeted workforce 
reductions and manufacturing facility consolidations and closures. The fourth quarter 2008 restructuring activities resulted in net 
workforce reductions of approximately 1,800 associates and thirteen facility closures, the majority of which have been completed as 
of December 31, 2008. Remaining workforce reductions and facility closure activities associated with the fourth quarter 2008 
restructuring activities to be completed during 2009 are not significant.  

Severance benefits related to workforce reductions were accrued in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 146, “Accounting 
for the Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” The majority of severance benefits will be paid within twelve months of 
accrual. The severance benefits for affected employees were provided under a special-benefit arrangement; applicable union 
agreements; or local statutory requirements, as appropriate.  

In conjunction with the closing of facilities, certain inventory was written off as unusable in future operating locations. This inventory 
consisted principally of component parts and raw materials, which were either redundant to inventory at the facilities being merged or 
were not economically feasible to relocate since the inventory was purchased to operate on equipment and tooling which was not 
being relocated. In addition, asset impairment charges have been recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the 
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, to reduce the carrying amount of the long-lived asset that will be sold or disposed of to 
their estimated fair values. Charges for the asset impairment reduce the carrying amount of the long-lived assets to their estimated 
salvage value in connection with the decision to dispose of such assets.  

The nature of the restructuring and related activities were broadly consistent throughout the Company’s reportable segments and 
resulted in the pre-tax charges during the year ended December 31, 2008 as reflected in the table below ($ in thousands):  

Segment
Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

Restructuring
Charges

$

$

26,786  
23,047  
22,199  
3,978  
76,010  

Other 
Related 
Charges  
$2,027  
  3,034  
894  
  —    
$5,955  

Total 
Restructuring
and Other 
Related 
Charges

$

$

28,813
26,081
23,093
3,978
81,965

The restructuring and other related charges, consisting of $76 million cash charges and $6 million non-cash charges, are reflected in 
the following captions in the accompanying consolidated statement of earnings ($ in thousands):  

Statement of Earnings Caption
Cost of sales 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 

97 

Year Ended
December 31,
2008
33,130
48,835
81,965

$

$

  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
(17) SEGMENT DATA: 

The Company currently operates in four reportable segments: Professional Instrumentation, Medical Technologies, Industrial 
Technologies and Tools & Components.  

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. Inter-segment amounts are not significant and are 
eliminated to arrive at consolidated totals.  

Detailed segment data for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 is presented in the following table ($ in thousands):  

2008

2007

2006

Total Sales: 

Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

Operating Profit: 

Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 
Other 

Identifiable Assets: 

Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 
Other 

Liabilities: 

Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 
Other 

Depreciation and Amortization: 

Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

   $ 4,860,764    $ 3,537,912   $ 2,906,464
  2,219,976
  2,988,820
  1,350,796
   $12,697,456    $11,025,917   $ 9,466,056

  2,997,986  
  3,153,377  
  1,336,642  

3,277,026   
3,265,451   
1,294,215   

   $

907,254    $
370,473   
522,112   
157,673   
(88,035) 

625,577
261,604
467,737
194,063
(48,771)
   $ 1,869,477    $ 1,740,709   $ 1,500,210

709,502   $
393,230  
532,477  
175,634  
(70,134) 

   $ 6,585,262    $ 6,692,014   $ 2,691,045
  5,534,139
  3,623,745
824,408
190,814 
   $17,490,128    $17,471,935   $12,864,151

  6,160,557  
  3,536,156  
801,117  
282,091  

6,189,622   
3,394,792   
787,469   
532,983   

   $ 1,295,015    $ 1,286,739   $

784,195
  1,482,332
832,452
238,740
  2,881,772 
   $ 7,681,566    $ 8,386,247   $ 6,219,491

  1,489,739  
828,963  
214,784  
  4,566,022  

1,521,717   
835,226   
227,003   
  3,802,605   

   $

   $

130,427    $
123,481   
64,358   
21,021   
339,287    $

64,802   $

119,673  
63,206  
20,811  
268,492   $

48,830
84,284
61,163
21,420
215,697

98 

  
  
 
  
   
   
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures, Gross 

Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 
Other 

Operations in Geographical Areas  
Year Ended December 31  

($ in thousands)
Total Sales: 

United States 
Germany 
China 
United Kingdom 
All other 

Long-lived assets*: 
United States 
Germany 
United Kingdom 
All other 

   $ 40,941   $ 39,010   $ 34,478
31,609
44,706
25,618
—  
   $193,783   $162,071   $136,411

  61,725  
  41,548  
  24,375  
  25,194  

  47,618  
  48,024  
  20,908  
6,511  

2008

2007

2006

   $ 6,646,609   $ 5,928,296   $5,108,477
1,460,199
320,053
362,648
  2,214,679
   $12,697,456   $11,025,917   $9,466,056

1,799,397  
771,881  
485,823  
  2,993,746  

  1,294,624  
397,246  
517,495  
  2,888,256  

   $ 8,393,908   $ 8,511,540   $5,471,426
1,494,135
604,496
1,856,162
   $13,303,009   $13,422,168   $9,426,219

  1,430,396  
658,388  
  2,821,844  

1,553,787  
467,860  
2,887,454  

* Amounts presented for the year ended December 31, 2007 have been restated to reflect the finalization of the purchase accounting 
and associated allocation of long-lived assets, including goodwill and other intangible assets, to appropriate geographies related to 
the November 2007 acquisition of Tektronix. 

2008

2007

2006

Sales Originating outside the US: 
Professional Instrumentation 
Medical Technologies 
Industrial Technologies 
Tools & Components 

Sales by Major Product Group:  
Year Ended December 31  

($ in thousands)
Analytical and physical instrumentation
Medical & dental products 
Motion and industrial automation controls
Mechanics and related hand tools 
Product identification 
Aerospace and defense 
All other 
Total 

99 

   $2,758,463   $1,935,506   $1,542,370
1,465,328
1,464,208
182,997
   $6,760,857   $5,621,745   $4,654,903

  1,884,520  
  1,579,805  
221,914  

2,102,900  
1,653,193  
246,301  

2008

2007

2006

   $ 4,925,171   $ 3,561,375   $2,917,806
2,219,976
1,596,713
935,574
854,033
560,691
381,263
   $12,697,456   $11,025,917   $9,466,056

  2,997,986  
  1,652,947  
941,647  
886,080  
638,145  
347,737  

3,277,026  
1,720,696  
891,269  
872,417  
695,559  
315,318  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
(18) QUARTERLY DATA-UNAUDITED ($ in thousands, except per share data): 

2008

Net sales 
Gross profit 
Operating profit 
Net earnings 
Earnings per share: 
Basic 
Diluted 

Net sales 
Gross profit 
Operating profit 
Earnings from continuing operations 
Net earnings 
Earnings per share from continuing operations: 

Basic 
Diluted 
Earnings per share: 
Basic 
Diluted 

1st Quarter   

3rd Quarter   

2nd Quarter   

4th Quarter
   $3,028,874   $3,283,895   $3,208,181   $3,176,506
1,451,609
423,651
305,686

  1,510,570  
522,140  
371,992  

1,417,716  
413,222  
276,505  

1,560,299  
510,464  
363,448  

   $
   $

0.87   $
0.83   $

1.14   $
1.09   $

1.16   $
1.11   $

0.96
0.92

2007

1st Quarter   

3rd Quarter   

2nd Quarter   

4th Quarter
   $2,521,704   $2,631,885   $2,731,151   $3,141,177
1,450,530
464,770
320,225
320,225

  1,249,211  
462,934  
334,501  
483,721  

1,139,903  
370,117  
251,616  
254,804  

1,201,251  
442,888  
307,656  
311,154  

   $
   $

  $
   $

0.80   $
0.77   $

1.00   $
0.95   $

1.08   $
1.03   $

0.81   $
0.78   $

1.01   $
0.96   $

1.56   $
1.48   $

1.02
0.97

1.02
0.97

(19) NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (SFAS No. 141R) and SFAS No. 160, 
“Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and 
requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities 
assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS No. 141R also establishes disclosure 
requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 160 clarifies the 
classification of noncontrolling interests in the financial statements and the accounting for and reporting of transactions between the 
reporting entity and holders of such noncontrolling interests. SFAS No. 141R and SFAS No. 160 are effective for financial statements 
issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and impact the accounting for acquisitions completed after January 1, 2009. 
The adoption of SFAS No. 141R will likely have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of 
operations; however, the magnitude of that impact is dependent on the frequency and relative size of the acquisitions completed by 
the Company. In general, more frequent acquisition activity and relatively larger acquisitions will have a more significant impact. The 
adoption of SFAS No. 160 on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations is not expected to be 
significant.  

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 provides guidance 
for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. It also responds to investors’ requests for expanded information about the extent 
to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the  

100 

  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
information used to measure fair value and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other 
standards require (or permit) assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value, and does not expand the use of fair value in any new 
circumstances. SFAS No. 157 was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The 
adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.  

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — 
Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 expands the use of fair value accounting but 
does not affect existing standards that require assets or liabilities to be carried at fair value. Under SFAS No. 159, a company may 
elect to use fair value to measure accounts and loans receivable, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities, equity method 
investments, accounts payable, guarantees and issued debt. Other eligible items include firm commitments for financial instruments 
that otherwise would not be recognized at inception and non-cash warranty obligations where a warrantor is permitted to pay a third 
party to provide the warranty goods or services. If the use of fair value is elected, any upfront costs and fees related to the item must 
be recognized in earnings and cannot be deferred, such as debt issuance costs. The fair value election is irrevocable and generally 
made on an instrument-by-instrument basis, even if a company has similar instruments that it elects not to measure based on fair 
value. At the adoption date, unrealized gains and losses on existing items for which fair value has been elected are reported as a 
cumulative adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 159, changes in fair value are 
recognized in earnings. SFAS No. 159 was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 
2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of 
operations.  

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48) “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation 
of FASB Statement No. 109”, to clarify certain aspects of accounting for uncertain tax positions, including issues related to the 
recognition and measurement of those tax positions. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007, as required. As a result of 
the implementation, the Company recognized a decrease of $63 million in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was 
accounted for as an increase to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.  

101 

  
ITEM 9.

None  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL 
DISCLOSURE 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Our management, with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15
(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our President 
and Chief Executive Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that, as of the end of such 
period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  

Management’s annual report on our internal control over financial reporting and the independent registered public accounting firm’s 
audit report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting are included in our financial statements for the year 
ended December 31, 2008 included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the headings “Report of Management on 
Danaher Corporation’s Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting”, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.  

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent completed fiscal 
quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., Danaher’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and a limited liability company of which Mr. Culp is the 
sole member (the “LLC”) and which holds certain of Mr. Culp’s outstanding stock options, on or before February 28, 2009 will enter 
into pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and Danaher’s 
policy with respect to the adoption of 10b5-1 plans. The plans are intended to allow Mr. Culp and the LLC to spread stock trades 
relating to expiring options over an extended period of time on pre-arranged dates.  

Under the plans, Mr. Culp and the LLC may sell in the open market at prevailing prices on specified dates (subject to minimum price 
thresholds set forth in his plan) an aggregate of up to 2,000,000 shares to be acquired upon exercise of stock options that were granted 
to Mr. Culp in 2000 and are scheduled to expire in July 2010. Any sales will be made during the period from April 2009 until the 
plans terminate in December 2009. The transactions under the plans will be disclosed publicly through Form 144 and Form 4 filings 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

Certain other officers and directors of Danaher may from time to time enter into trading plans established in accordance with Rule 
10b5-1. Except to the extent required by law, Danaher does not undertake to report Rule 10b5-1 plans that may be adopted by any 
officers or directors in the future or to report any modifications or terminations of any publicly announced trading plan.  

102 

  
  
  
PART III  
Code of Ethics  
We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics 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 “Investors – Corporate Governance” section of our 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  

We intend 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 of our other executive officers, in the 
“Investors – Corporate Governance” section of our website, at www.danaher.com, within four business days following the date of 
such amendment or waiver.  

ITEMS 10 THROUGH 14.  
The information required under Items 10 through 14 is incorporated herein by reference to such information included in our Proxy 
Statement for our 2009 annual meeting, and to the information under the caption “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, 
hereof.  

PART IV  
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 

a)

The following documents are filed as part of this report. 

(1) Financial Statements. The financial statements are set forth under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of 

this report on Form 10-K. 

(2) Schedules. An index of Exhibits and Schedules is on page 104 of this report. Schedules other than those listed below have been 
omitted from this Annual Report because they are not required, are not applicable or the required information is included in the 
financial statements or the notes thereto. 

(3) Exhibits. The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this report. 

103 

  
  
  
  
  
  
DANAHER CORPORATION  
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, SUPPLEMENTARY DATA AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES  

Schedules: 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Schedule
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 

Page Number in
Form 10-K

112

113

Exhibit 
Number
  2.1

EXHIBIT INDEX  

Description

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 14, 
2007, among Danaher Corporation, Raven Acquisition 
Corp. and Tektronix *

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the 
Commission on October 15, 2007.

  3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Danaher 
Corporation

  3.2

Amended and Restated By-laws of Danaher Corporation

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
September 12, 2007

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 10, 
2008.

  4

10.1

10.2

Danaher is a party to multiple long-term debt instruments 
under which, in each case, the total amount of securities 
authorized does not exceed 10% of the total assets of 
Danaher and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. 
Pursuant to paragraph 4(iii)(A) of Item 601(b) of 
Regulation S-K, Danaher agrees to furnish a copy of such 
instruments to the Securities and Exchange Commission 
upon request.

Danaher Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, as 
amended**

Danaher Corporation Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred 
Compensation Plan, as amended, a sub-plan under the 2007 
Stock Incentive Plan

104 

  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

Amended Form of Election to Defer under the Danaher 
Corporation Non-Employee Directors’ Deferred 
Compensation Plan

Danaher Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Stock 
Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors

Danaher Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Stock 
Option Agreement for U.S. Employees**

Danaher Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan Stock 
Option Agreement for non-U.S. Employees, as amended**  

Danaher Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan RSU 
Agreement for U.S. Employees, as amended**

Danaher Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan RSU 
Agreement for non-U.S. Employees, as amended**

Amended and Restated Danaher Corporation 1998 Stock 
Option Plan**

Form of Grant Acceptance Agreement under Amended and 
Restated Danaher Corporation 1998 Stock Option Plan**

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Statement under 1998 
Stock Option Plan (U.S. Participants)**

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Statement under 1998 
Stock Option Plan (non-U.S. Participants)**

Danaher Corporation & Subsidiaries Amended and Restated 
Executive Deferred Incentive Program**

Danaher Corporation 2007 Executive Cash Incentive 
Compensation Plan, as amended **

10.15

  Danaher Corporation Senior Leader Severance Pay Plan**  

105 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 28, 2007.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended June 29, 2007.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
2004

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended June 30, 2006.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
September 29, 2006.

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

Employment Agreement by and between Danaher 
Corporation and H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., dated as of July 18, 
2000 and amended as of December 30, 2008**

Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement dated as of March 
26, 2003 by and between Danaher Corporation and H. 
Lawrence Culp, Jr.**

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 
26, 2003

Danaher Corporation Share Award Agreement dated as of 
March 26, 2003 by and between Danaher Corporation and 
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.**

Incorporated by reference to Annex C to Danaher 
Corporation’s 2003 Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed 
with the Commission on April 1, 2003

Offer letter dated as of May 4, 2000 by and between 
Danaher Corporation and Philip W. Knisely**

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
2002

Form of Noncompetition Agreement for Named Executive 
Officers (including schedule of parties)***

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2, 2004

Consulting Agreement by and between Danaher 
Corporation and Steven E. Simms dated March 11, 2008

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report 
on Form 8-K filed on March 14, 2008

Description of compensation arrangements for non-
management directors**

Credit Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2006, among the 
lenders referred to therein, Banc of America Securities LLC 
and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as Joint Lead Arrangers 
and Joint Book Managers, Bank of America, N.A., as 
Administrative Agent and Swing Line Lender, Citibank, 
N.A., as Syndication Agent, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi 
UFJ, Ltd., New York Branch, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. 
and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as 
Documentation Agents (“2006 Credit Agreement”)

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(1) to the Sybron 
Dental Specialties Schedule TO-T/A filed on April 26, 2006

10.24

First Amendment to 2006 Credit Agreement

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2007

106 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.25

Credit Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2007, among 
Danaher Corporation, Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., 
as Administrative Agent, Sole Lead Arranger and Book 
Manager, UBS Securities LLC, as Senior Managing Agent, 
and the lenders referred to therein (“2007 Credit 
Agreement”).

10.26

First Amendment to 2007 Credit Agreement

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
November 15, 2007

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter 
ended September 26, 2008

10.27

10.28

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

10.33

10.34

Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement between Danaher 
Corporation, as Issuer, and Goldman, Sachs & Co., as 
Dealer, dated May 5, 2006

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 
2006.

Commercial Paper Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement by 
and between Danaher Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust 
Company Americas, dated May 5, 2006

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 
2006.

Dealer Agreement between Danaher European Finance 
S.A., as Issuer, Danaher Corporation, as Guarantor, and 
Lehman Brothers International (Europe), as Dealer and 
Arranger, dated May 8, 2006

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 
2006.

Issuing and Paying Agency Agreement among Danaher 
European Finance S.A., Danaher Corporation and Deutsche 
Bank AG, London Branch dated May 8, 2006

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 11, 
2006.

Management Agreement dated February 15, 2007 by and 
between FJ900, Inc. and Joust Capital, LLC****

Interchange Agreement dated February 15, 2007 by and 
between Danaher Corporation and Joust Capital, LLC*****

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
February 20, 2007.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Danaher 
Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on 
February 20, 2007.

Form of Proprietary Interest Agreement for Named 
Executive Officers (with severance) ***

Form of Proprietary Interest Agreement for Named 
Executive Officers

107 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.35

  Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement

12.1

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

*

**
***

  Calculation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges

  Subsidiaries of Registrant

  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 
Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to 
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 
Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to 
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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

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

Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Danaher undertakes to furnish 
supplemental copies of any of the omitted schedules and exhibits upon request by the U.S. Securities and Exchange 
Commission. 
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. 
Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement. In addition, in accordance with Instruction 2 to 
Item 601(a)(4) of Regulation S-K, Danaher has entered into or will enter into an 

108 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
agreement with each Named Executive Officer named in the exhibit that is substantially identical in all material respects to the 
form of agreement attached, except as to the name of the counterparty. 

**** In accordance with Instruction 2 to Item 601(a)(4) of Regulation S-K, FJ900, Inc. has entered into a management agreement 

that is substantially identical in all material respects to the form of agreement attached as Exhibit 10.31, except as to the name 
of the counterparty (Joust Capital II, LLC). 

***** In accordance with Instruction 2 to Item 601(a)(4) of Regulation S-K, Danaher Corporation has entered into an interchange 

agreement that is substantially identical in all material respects to the form of agreement attached as Exhibit 10.32, except as to 
the name of the counterparty (Joust Capital II, LLC). 

109 

  
 
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 undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.  

SIGNATURES 

Date: February 24, 2009

  DANAHER CORPORATION

By: /s/ H. LAWRENCE CULP, JR. 

  H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.
  President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this annual report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:  

Name, Title and Signature

Date

/s/ H. LAWRENCE CULP, JR. 
H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

/s/ STEVEN M. RALES 
Steven M. Rales
Chairman of the Board

/s/ MITCHELL P. RALES 
Mitchell P. Rales
Chairman of the Executive Committee

/s/ WALTER G. LOHR, JR. 
Walter G. Lohr, Jr.
Director

/s/ DONALD J. EHRLICH 
Donald J. Ehrlich
Director

/s/ MORTIMER M. CAPLIN 
Mortimer M. Caplin
Director

/s/ JOHN T. SCHWIETERS 
John T. Schwieters
Director

  February 24, 2009

  February 24, 2009

  February 24, 2009

February 24, 2009

  February 24, 2009

  February 24, 2009

  February 24, 2009

110 

  
  
  
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ ALAN G. SPOON 
Alan G. Spoon
Director

/s/ LINDA P. HEFNER 
Linda P. Hefner
Director

/s/ DANIEL L. COMAS 
Daniel L. Comas
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

/s/ ROBERT S. LUTZ 
Robert S. Lutz
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

  February 24, 2009

  February 24, 2009

  February 24, 2009

February 24, 2009

111 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Danaher Corporation:  
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Danaher Corporation as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and for each of the 
three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, and have issued our report thereon dated February 23, 2009 (included elsewhere 
in this Form 10-K). Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15 of this Form 10-K. This schedule is the 
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.  

In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken 
as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.  

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

McLean, Virginia
February 23, 2009

112 

  
  
DANAHER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES 
SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS  

Classification
Year Ended December 31, 2008 
Allowances deducted from asset account:
Allowance for doubtful accounts: 
Year Ended December 31, 2007 
Allowances deducted from asset account:
Allowance for doubtful accounts: 
Year Ended December 31, 2006 
Allowances deducted from asset account:
Allowance for doubtful accounts: 

Balance at
Beginning
of Period   

Charged
to Costs
& Expenses  

Charged 
to other 
Accounts  

Write Offs, 
Write Downs 
& Deductions  

Balance at
End of Period

  $108,781   $ 34,957   $ 1,920   (a)  $

24,928   $ 120,730

   $102,369   $ 23,165   $ 5,340   (a)  $

22,093   $ 108,781

   $ 89,994   $ 22,999   $ 6,728   (a)  $

17,352   $ 102,369

Notes: (a)—Amounts related to businesses acquired, net of amounts related to businesses disposed.  

113 

  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
Exhibit 31.1 

I, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., certify that:  
1. I have reviewed this annual 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 procedures 
(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 subsidiaries, 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 conclusions 

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 reporting; 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 reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 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: February 24, 2009

  /s/ H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.

  By:
Name: H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.
  Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer

  
Exhibit 31.2 

I, Daniel L. Comas, certify that:  
1. I have reviewed this annual 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 procedures 
(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 subsidiaries, 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 conclusions 

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 reporting; 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 reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 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: February 24, 2009

  /s/ Daniel L. Comas

  By:
Name: Daniel L. Comas
  Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  
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, 2008 
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 condition and results of operations of 
Danaher Corporation.   

Date: February 24, 2009 

/s/ H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.  

By: 
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. 

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 

Exhibit 32.2 

I, Daniel L. Comas, 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, 2008 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 condition and results of operations of Danaher 
Corporation.  

Date: February 24, 2009     

/s/ Daniel L. Comas  

By:     
Name:   Daniel L. Comas 
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial 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. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Z i D c U s t O M e r s H c F e r s

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Supplemental reconciliation of non-GAAP financial information to corresponding financial information 
presented in accordance with GAAP

reconciliation of diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (gaap) to  
adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (non-gaap):

                                         years ended

december 31, 2008 december 31, 2007

% change

diluted earnings per share from  

continuing operations per gaap

after-tax charges for purchased in-process 
research and development and fair value 
adjustments to recorded inventory and 
deferred revenue balances related to the 
acquisition of tektronix ($59.5 million 
pre-tax for the year ended december 31, 
2008, and $68.2 million for the year ended 
december 31, 2007)

after-tax charge related to fourth quarter 
2008 restructuring actions and related 
charges ($82.0 million pre-tax)

gains from net reduction in income tax 
reserves and discrete tax benefits

after-tax gain on indemnity proceeds related to 

litigation matter ($12.5 million pre-tax)

adjusted diluted earnings per share from  

continuing operations (non-gaap)

$      3.95

$     3.72

6.2%

     0.13

0.20

0.18

(0.03)

—

—

(0.07)

(0.02)

$      4.23

$     3.83

10.4%

reconciliation of operating cash flows from continuing operations (gaap) to  
free cash flow from continuing operations (non-gaap):

($ in 000’s)

operating cash flows from 

december  
31, 2004

december  
31, 2005

december  
31, 2006

december  
31, 2007

december  
31, 2008

continuing operations (gaap)

 $  1,019,474 

 $  1,189,267 

 $  1,530,729 

 $  1,699,308 

 $  1,859,029 

payments for property,  
plant & equipment  
(capital expenditures)

 $  (114,580)

 $   (119,733)

 $   (136,411)

 $   (162,071)

 $   (193,783)

free cash flow (non-gaap)

$    904,894

 $  1,069,534 

 $  1,394,318 

 $  1,537,237 

 $  1,665,246 

ratio of free cash flow to net earnings from continuing operations:

($ in 000’s)

december  
31, 2004

december  
31, 2005

december  
31, 2006

december  
31, 2007

december  
31, 2008

free cash flow (from above)

$    904,894

 $  1,069,534 

 $  1,394,318 

 $  1,537,237 

 $  1,665,246 

net earnings from  

continuing operations

$    735,013

$     885,609

$  1,109,206

 $  1,213,998

 $  1,317,631

free cash flow to net  

earnings / conversion ratio

1.23

1.21

1.26

1.27

1.26

 
 
the following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return in danaher 

common stock during the five years ended december 31, 2008 with the cumulative total return on the s&p 500 

index (the equity index) and the s&p 500 industrial index (the peer index). the comparison assumes $1.00 was 

invested on december 31, 2003 in danaher common stock and in both of the above indices with reinvestment of 

dividends. this graph is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the sec or subject to the sec’s 

proxy rules or to the liabilities of section 18 of the securities exchange act of 1934, except to the extent that danaher 

specifically requests that such information be treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporates it by reference 

into a filing under the securities act or the securities exchange act.

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return
Among Danaher Corporation, S&P 500 Index and S&P 500 Industrial Index

Danaher Corporation

S&P 500 (Equity Index)

S&P 500 Industrial Index (Peer Index)

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0.0

12/31/03 

12/31/04 

12/31/05 

12/31/06 

12/31/07 

12/31/08

12/31/03

12/31/04

12/31/05

12/31/06

12/31/07

12/31/08

danaher corporation

s&p 500  
(equity index)

s&p 500 industrial index 
(peer index)

1.00

1.26

1.22

1.60

1.93

1.21

1.00

1.09

1.13

1.28

1.33

0.80

1.00

1.17

1.17

1.30

1.43

0.82

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Directors

Mortimer M. Caplin 
Founder and Member 
Caplin & drysdale

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. 
President and Chief 
executive Officer 
danaher Corporation

Donald J. Ehrlich 
retired

Linda P. Hefner 
executive Vice President  
and General Manager – 
home division, Wal-Mart 
Stores, Inc. 

Walter G. Lohr, Jr. 
Partner 
hogan & hartson

Mitchell P. Rales 
Chairman Of The  
executive Committee 
danaher Corporation

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

Executive Officers

Steven M. Rales 
Chairman of the Board

Mitchell P. Rales 
Chairman of the  
executive Committee

H. Lawrence Culp, Jr. 
President and Chief 
executive Officer

Daniel L. Comas   
executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer

William K. Daniel II 
executive Vice President

Thomas P. Joyce, Jr. 
executive Vice President 

Philip W. Knisely  
executive Vice President

James A. Lico 
executive Vice President

James H. Ditkoff   
Senior Vice President – 
Finance & Tax

Jonathan P. Graham 
Senior Vice President – 
General Counsel

Robert S. Lutz  
Vice President – Chief 
accounting Officer

Daniel A. Raskas 
Vice President – Corporate 
development

Corporate Officers

Gregory H. Beason 
Vice President and  
Group executive

Steven L. Breitzka 
Vice President and  
Group executive

Jonathan O. Clark 
Vice President and  
Group executive

Daniel E. Even 
Vice President and  
Group executive

Martin Gafinowitz 
Vice President and  
Group executive

Barbara B. Hulit 
Vice President and 
Group executive

Alex A. Joseph 
Vice President and 
Group executive

Kevin E. Layne 
Vice President and  
Group executive

David R. Martyr 
Vice President and  
Group executive

Richard D. McBee 
Vice President and  
Group executive

Craig B. Purse 
Vice President and  
Group executive

J. David Bergmann 
Vice President – audit

Brian E. Burnett 
Vice President – danaher 
Business System Office

Gary A. Farha 
Vice President –  
Growth and Innovation

William H. King 
Vice President – Strategic 
development 

Frank T. McFaden 
Vice President – Treasurer 

James F. O’Reilly 
associate General Counsel 
and Secretary 

Henk van Duijnhoven 
Vice President –  
human resources

Philip B. Whitehead 
Vice President –  
Managing director

Frank Anders Wilson 
Vice President –  
Investor relations

Frances B. L. Zee 
Vice President – regulatory 
affairs / Quality assurance

Major Operating 
Company Presidents

ChemTreat 
John a. nygren

Danaher Tool Group 
Consumer Tools 
John P. Constantine

Fluke 
Barbara B. hulit

Fluke Networks 
Paul J. Caragher

Gilbarco Veeder-Root 
Martin Gafinowitz

Hach-Lange 
Jonathan O. Clark

Hennessy Industries, Inc.
Michael J. Schulte

Jacobs Vehicle Systems 
robert M. Tykal

KaVo 
henk van duijnhoven

Kerr 
Steven M. Paskin 

Kollmorgen 
Kevin e. Layne

Kollmorgen Electro-Optical 
Michael J. Wall

Leica Biosystems 
anne de Greef-Safft

Leica Microsystems 
david r. Martyr

Matco Tools Corporation 
Thomas n. Willis

Ormco 
donald L. Tuttle

Pacific Scientific Energetic 
Materials Company 
h. Kenyon Bixby

Pacific Scientific  
Aerospace 
Gregory h. Beason

Radiometer 
Peter Kürstein

Tektronix  
James a. Lico

Tektronix Communications 
richard d. McBee

Thomson 
ronald n. Meyer

Trojan Technologies 
Marvin r. deVries

Veeder-Root 
Jason r. Wilbur

Videojet Technologies 
Matthew L. Trerotola

Z I D C U S T O M E R S H C F E R S

$3.72

$3.95

$1,741

$1,869

$1,859

$11,026

$12,697

FI V E-YE A R  C O M P O U N D E D
  AN N U A L  GR O W T H

P G E L O Y M J A C L H F O Z C L H
E R L S C L E M R N O A V X O N O A
K A I Z E N B D G C U R Z P L C U R
P P V R C G H B I A J E C Z A A J E
U Z E F O C U S N S Y H K A Q S Y H
C O R E P R O D V H N O B X D H N O
R T Y K V O L A M F J L L N Y F J L
G Q U A L I T Y A L S D J S P L S D
N B J S Z C K W P O K E C V P O K E
M R S L I S V D C W T R Y I A W T R
I N N O V A T I O N R S      U Z H N R S     
H N O B X D H N O T O M X R S H C F
F J L L N Y F J L M J A C L H F O Z
L S D J S P L S D E M R N O A V X O
O K E C V P O K E B D G C U R Z P L
O A V X O N Z P L C U R A V X O N O
U R Z P L C C Z A A J E R Z P L C U
J E C Z A A K A Q S Y H E C Z A A J
Y H K A Q S B X D H N O H K A Q S Y
N O B X D H L N Y F J L O B X D H N
J L L N Y F J S P L S D L L N Y F J
K E B D G C C V P F K E D J S P L S
R T Y K V O L A M F J L L N Y F J L

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 4% 

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 20%

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 17%

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 19%

Five-Year 
Compounded 
Annual Growth 
Rate 17%

*From Continuing operations

04  05  06  07  08 

04  05  06  07  08 

04  05  06  07  08 

04  05  06  07  08 

04  05  06  07  08 

Operating Cash Flow*

Year End Share Price

Operating Income*

(in millions)  

(in millions)  

(in millions)  

$6,777

$56.61

$1,699

$1,189

$1,019

$87.74

$55.78

$1,531

$72.44

$57.41

$7,871

$9,466

$1,090

$1,248

$1,500

$2.72

$2.27

$3.44

Sales*

EPS*

S H A R E H O L D E R 
I N F O R M A T I O N 

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

Contacting our Transfer Agent
Computershare

PO Box 43078

Providence, RI  02940-3078

Toll Free: 800.568.3476

Additional inquiries may be directed  
to Investor Relations at:
Danaher

2099 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 12th Floor

Washington, DC  20006

Phone: 202.828.0850

Fax: 202.828.0860

Email: investor.relations@danaher.com

Annual Meeting
Danaher’s annual shareholder meeting will 

be held on May 5, 2009 in Washington, DC. 

Outside the U.S.: 312.588.4991

Shareholders who would like to attend the 

Investor Relations
This annual report along with a variety of  

other financial materials can be viewed at  

www.danaher.com.

meeting should register with Investor Relations 

by calling 202.828.0850 or via email at  

investor.relations@danaher.com.

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP, McLean, Virginia

Stock Listing
Symbol: DHR

New York Stock Exchange

WWW.DANAHER .Com

F O C U S

0

2

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Z I D C U S T O M E R S
P G E L O Y M J A C L H
E R L S C L E W R N O A
K A I Z E N B D G C U R
P P V R C J H B I A J E
J W E F O C U S N S Y H
B E R P C R O D V H N O
E M Y T V O L A M F J L
G Q U A L I T Y A L S D
N B J S Z C K W B O K E
M R S L I S V D C W T R
I N N O V A T I O N R S     

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F B C o m I K

2099 pennsylvania Avenue NW, 12th Floor    Washington, DC 20006    t: 202.828.0850

2 0 0 8   D A N A H E R
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