Solid Q1 and Guidance Underlines Why Danaher Corporation (DHR) is one of Steve Cohen’s Large-Cap Stock Picks

Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is one of billionaire Steve Cohen’s large-cap stock picks with the highest upside potential. On May 11, Masimo Corporation reported first‑quarter earnings, likely one of its last standalone results before being acquired by Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) in a $9.9 billion cash deal at $180 per share. Analysts expected $1.43 EPS on $398.65 million revenue, marking a turnaround from the prior quarter’s loss. While revenue dipped slightly due to seasonality, profitability was seen as a key signal of operational stability during the merger review period.

Solid Q1 and Guidance Underlines Why Danaher Corporation (DHR) is one of Steve Cohen’s Large-Cap Stock Picks

For investors, the focus is squarely on Danaher. The acquisition, approved by Masimo shareholders on May 1, is set to close in the second half of 2026 pending regulatory clearance. Danaher values Masimo’s technologies highly, seeing strong strategic benefits in merging its pulse oximetry and patient monitoring solutions with Danaher’s diagnostics portfolio.

A clean quarter strengthens confidence that Masimo will integrate smoothly into Danaher’s Diagnostics segment, while any operational missteps could raise concerns about execution risk. Ultimately, the deal highlights Danaher’s push to expand its healthcare technology footprint with high‑margin, innovative monitoring solutions.

On April 21, Danaher Corp delivered solid first-quarter 2026 results and issued guidance that signals continued growth momentum in the year.

Revenue in the quarter was up 3.5% year over year to $6 billion, as net earnings came in at $1 billion, or $1.45 per diluted share. Adjusted earnings per diluted share grew 9.5% to $2.06. The better-than-expected results came as the team executed well at the back of a steady recovery in Bioprocessing and better-than-expected performance in Life Sciences.

For the second quarter, Danaher Corp. management expects non-GAAP core revenue growth in the low single digits, with full-year growth between 3% and 6%. The company has also increased its adjusted diluted earnings per common share guidance to $8.35 to $8.55, up from its previous guidance of $8.35 to $8.50.

The company is also looking to acquire Masimo Corporation to further strengthen its prospects in mission-critical pulse oximetry and patient monitoring solutions in acute care settings.

Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) is a global science and technology innovator that designs, manufactures, and markets products in life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental & applied solutions. They serve industries such as biotechnology, healthcare, and water quality with tools including analytical instruments, consumables, reagents, and diagnostic software.

While we acknowledge the risk and potential of DHR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than DHR and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.

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