Danaher Corporation reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2017. For the quarter, the company's sales were $5,085.7 million compared to $4,584.3 million a year ago. Operating profit was $946.1 million compared to $728.6 million a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were $979.0 million compared to $696.4 million a year ago. Net earnings from continuing operations were $856.6 million compared to $747.0 million a year ago. Net earnings were $856.6 million compared to $747.0 million a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.21 compared to $1.07 a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share were $1.21 compared to $1.07 a year ago. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.19 compared to $1.05 a year ago.

For the full year, the company's sales were $18,329.7 million compared to $16,882.4 million a year ago. Operating profit was $3,021.2 million compared to $2,750.9 million a year ago. Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were $2,938.8 million compared to $2,611.3 million a year ago. Net earnings from continuing operations were $2,469.8 million compared to $2,153.4 million a year ago. Net earnings were $2,492.1 million compared to $2,553.7 million a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.50 compared to $3.08 a year ago. Diluted net earnings per share were $3.53 compared to $3.65 a year ago. Net cash provided by operating activities was $3,477.8 million compared to $3,521.8 million a year ago. Payments for additions to property, plant and equipment was $619.6 million compared to $589.6 million a year ago. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $4.03 compared to $3.61 a year ago.
For the first quarter of 2018, the company anticipates that diluted net earnings per share will be in the range of $0.71 to $0.74 and non-GAAP adjusted diluted net earnings per share will be in the range of $0.90 to $0.93.

For the full year 2018, the company anticipates that diluted net earnings per share will be in the range of $3.50 to $3.60. The company continues to expect its 2018 non-GAAP adjusted diluted net earnings per share to be in the range of $4.25 to $4.35.