Danaher (NYSE: DHR) reported Q4 EPS of $1.28, $0.01 better than the analyst estimate of $1.27. Revenue for the quarter came in at $5.36 billion versus the consensus estimate of $5.32 billion.

• Non-GAAP adjusted diluted net earnings per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2018 were $1.28. This represents a 7.5% increase over the comparable 2017 period. For the fourth quarter 2018, revenues increased 5.5% year-over-year to $5.4 billion, with non-GAAP core revenue growth of 5.5%.
• For the full year 2018, net earnings were $2.7 billion, or $3.74 per diluted share, representing a 7.0% year-over-year increase. Non-GAAP adjusted diluted net earnings per share for 2018 was $4.52 per share, which represents a 12.0% increase over the comparable 2017 amount. Revenues for the full year 2018 increased 8.5% to $19.9 billion, with non-GAAP core revenue growth of 6.0%. The Company generated operating cash flow of $4.0 billion for the full year 2018, which represents a 15.5% year-over-year increase.
• For the first quarter of 2019, the Company anticipates that diluted net earnings per share will be in the range of $0.78 to $0.81 and non-GAAP adjusted diluted net earnings per share will be in the range of $1.00 to $1.03.
• For the full year 2019, the Company anticipates that diluted net earnings per share will be in the range of $3.85 to $3.95. The Company continues to expect its 2019 non-GAAP adjusted diluted net earnings per share to be in the range of $4.75 to $4.85.

Thomas P. Joyce, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are very pleased with our fourth quarter results which wrapped up a tremendous 2018. During the year, we delivered strong revenue growth and operating margin expansion, leading to double-digit adjusted earnings per share and free cash flow growth. We believe we gained share in many of our businesses, driven by a combination of new product innovation and enhanced commercial execution. In addition, we closed over $2 billion in strategic acquisitions, and we believe we are well positioned for significant capital deployment in our attractive end-markets."

Joyce continued, "Over the past several years, through a combination of organic and inorganic initiatives, we have transformed Danaher into a higher growth, higher margin, and higher recurring revenue company with strong footholds in attractive, fast-growing end-markets. Our portfolio today — combined with the power of the Danaher Business System — positions us well as we focus on delivering long-term shareholder value in 2019 and beyond."

GUIDANCE:

Danaher sees FY2019 EPS of $4.75-$4.85, versus the consensus of $4.82.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Danaher (DHR) click here.