Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) reported Q3 EPS of $4.98, $0.16 better than the analyst estimate of $4.82. Revenue for the quarter came in at $5.06 billion versus the consensus estimate of $5.07 billion.

"Datacenter demand is driving strong growth in more than 50 percent of our consolidated revenue," said Hock Tan, President and CEO of Broadcom Inc. "Through the strength of our franchise business model, we delivered another quarter of sustained revenues and strong free cash flows."

"During the quarter, we repurchased 24 million shares, returning approximately $5.38 billion to our stockholders," said Tom Krause, CFO of Broadcom. "Consistent with our stated capital allocation plan, we intend to return to stockholders 50 percent of the prior fiscal year free cash flow in the form of cash dividends. With the balance of our free cash flow, we have the financial flexibility to fund a combination of share repurchases and future acquisitions to expand earnings capacity."

GUIDANCE:

Broadcom sees Q4 2018 revenue of $5.325-5.475 billion, versus the consensus of $5.35 billion.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Broadcom (AVGO) click here.