WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Danaher Corp. (DHR) said its fourth-quarter net earnings were up to $570.71 million from $473.86 million a year ago. On a per share basis, earnings were $0.80, up from $0.69 in the prior-year quarter. Earnings per share from continuing operations rose to $0.79 from $0.66 last year. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.81, up from $0.64 in the same quarter last year. On average, 21 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.78 per share. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Sales grew to $4.72 billion from the prior year's $3.43 billion. Analysts estimated revenues of $4.75 billion. Core revenues increased 4% in the quarter. Lawrence Culp, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, '...We believe our continued investments in growth and the structural cost actions undertaken in the fourth quarter of 2011 position us well for another year of superior financial performance.' Looking ahead to the first quarter, the company anticipates that net earnings per share will be in the range of $0.66 to $0.71. Analysts expect the company to earn $0.71 per share. The company also reaffirmed full year 2012 net earnings per share guidance of $3.20 to $3.35. Analysts expect the company to earn $3.29 per share.
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