Danaher Nears $9.9 Billion Acquisition of Masimo Corp.
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 17 2026
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Should l Buy DHR?
Source: Benzinga
- Acquisition Progress: Danaher is reportedly nearing a $9.9 billion acquisition of Masimo, representing a notable premium over Masimo's nearly $7 billion market cap, with an announcement expected as early as Tuesday, barring any last-minute complications.
- Governance Changes Context: This acquisition follows significant governance changes at Masimo driven by activist investors, leading to the removal of founder Joe Kiani as board chair, who retains about a 5% stake, highlighting the strong influence of investors on corporate strategy.
- Financial Performance Comparison: Danaher reported fourth-quarter 2025 sales of $6.84 billion, up 4.5% year-over-year and beating market expectations, while Masimo anticipates fiscal 2025 sales of approximately $1.523 billion, indicating a disparity in market performance between the two companies.
- Market Reaction: Following the acquisition news, Danaher's shares fell 5.22% in premarket trading, while Masimo's shares surged 34.51%, reflecting differing market expectations regarding the potential impact of the acquisition.
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Analyst Views on DHR
Wall Street analysts forecast DHR stock price to rise
18 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 180.620
Low
240.00
Averages
266.18
High
310.00
Current: 180.620
Low
240.00
Averages
266.18
High
310.00
About DHR
Danaher Corporation is a global life sciences and diagnostics innovator. The Company operates through three segments: Biotechnology, Life Sciences and Diagnostics. The Biotechnology segment includes the bioprocessing and discovery and medical businesses and offers a range of equipment, consumables and services that are primarily used by customers to advance and accelerate the research, development, manufacture and delivery of biological medicines. The Life Sciences segment offers a broad range of instruments, consumables, services and software that are primarily used by customers to study the basic building blocks of life, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), nucleic acid, proteins, metabolites and cells. The Diagnostics segment offers clinical instruments, consumables, software and services that hospitals, physicians' offices, reference laboratories and other critical care settings use to diagnose disease and make treatment decisions.
About the author

Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Historical Performance Review: Since its founding in 1969, Danaher has achieved over 52,700% stock returns; however, following the COVID-19 pandemic, shares have dropped 36%, leading investors to question its future performance.
- Strategic Significance of Masimo Acquisition: Danaher is acquiring pulse oximetry leader Masimo for $9.9 billion, expected to add $530 million in EBITDA by 2027, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the diagnostics sector.
- Financial Recovery Signs: Revenue began to rebound in mid-2024, with first-quarter non-GAAP earnings growing 9.5% year-over-year, surpassing Wall Street expectations, indicating the company's potential for market recovery.
- Future Growth Expectations: Analysts project Danaher to grow earnings by 8% to 9% annually over the next three to five years, and with a current P/E ratio of 22, the stock appears attractive for long-term investment.
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- Financial Recovery: Danaher reported revenue growth mid-2024, with first-quarter non-GAAP earnings rising 9.5% year-over-year, exceeding Wall Street expectations and indicating a strong post-pandemic recovery.
- Attractive Valuation: Currently, Danaher trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 22, significantly lower than its historical average of 32 over the past decade, suggesting that the stock is undervalued and may attract long-term investors.
- Future Growth Potential: Analysts project Danaher to grow earnings by 8% to 9% annually over the next three to five years, coupled with strong free cash flow and potential acquisition opportunities, indicating sustained competitiveness and growth potential in the industry.
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- Lawsuit Background: Investors alleged that Danaher issued false and misleading statements regarding its bioprocessing business in 2022 and 2023, claiming sustainable demand for its products, which led to multiple declines in stock price, reflecting the company's missteps in market communication.
- Court Proceedings Update: The settlement agreement was filed with the US District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday, and if approved, it will become the largest securities class action settlement handled by that court since the relevant law took effect in 1996, highlighting the case's broad implications.
- Company's Position: While agreeing to the settlement, Danaher denied any wrongdoing, stating that this move will allow the company to avoid burdensome litigation and stay focused on addressing the world's most critical health challenges, reflecting its strategic emphasis on future business development.
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- Profitability Improvement: The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $5.44, exceeding the analysts' estimate of $5.24, indicating improvements in cost control and operational efficiency, which bolsters investor confidence.
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