UPDATE: Danaher Posts Rise In Q3 Profit, Lowers 2012 Forecast

Danaher DHR reported a 4.8% rise in its third-quarter profit. For the year, the company lowered its earnings forecast to $3.14 to $3.19 per share, versus its July forecast of $3.19 to $3.26 per share. Danaher's quarterly profit surged to $548.7 million, or $0.77 per share, from $523.4 million, or $0.74 per share, in the year-ago period. Danaher in July expected a profit of $0.74 to $0.79 per share. Its revenue fell 0.7% to $4.42 billion. However, analysts were expecting revenue of $4.51 billion. Danaher's gross margin rose to 51.6% from 49.1%, while input costs declined 5.5%. Danaher shares closed at $56.10 yesterday.