BUZZ - Danaher shares tumble as market concerns grow over potential slowdown in fourth-quarter growth

October 21 - ** Shares of diagnostic equipment manufacturer Danaher (DHR.N) fell 4.8% in pre-market trading to $213.50.

** The company expects its adjusted core revenue, excluding respiratory business income, to grow by 4% to 5% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, compared to a 5.5% increase in the third quarter.

** Barclays stated that this guidance assumes a considerable degree of conservatism, but pointed out that management needs to be prudent with the basic assumptions to reassure investors that the slower growth reflects a cautious stance rather than actual signs of a slowdown in the core business.

** The company expects full-year adjusted earnings per share to be between $8.57 and $8.62, previously forecast at $8.45 to $8.60.

** Third-quarter revenue was $6.6 billion, in line with market expectations.

** Barclays added that this performance in line with expectations was slightly below market forecasts, particularly in terms of biotech business growth.

** As of the close of the previous trading day, the stock had declined 2% so far this year.

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