10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2003

BECTON DICKINSON & CO Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Dec 31, 2002

Filed February 13, 2003For Securities:BDX

Summary

Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX) reported a solid first quarter for fiscal year 2003, with revenues increasing 11% year-over-year to $1.052 billion. This growth was driven by strong performance in both the Medical Systems and Clinical Laboratory Solutions segments, bolstered by increased sales of safety-engineered products and prefillable drug delivery devices. The Biosciences segment showed modest growth. The company also reported a net income of $113.6 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, representing an increase from the prior year's quarter. Management highlighted a focus on optimizing manufacturing efficiencies and investing in new product development. While the company is managing ongoing restructuring initiatives and potential impacts from a supplier issue, its financial position remains strong with robust operating cash flow and available credit facilities. Investors should note the company's continued emphasis on safety-engineered products and its ongoing investments in business systems upgrades.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 11% to $1.052 billion for the three months ended December 31, 2002, compared to the prior year period.
  • 2BD Medical Systems segment revenue grew 14% to $572 million, driven by safety-engineered products and prefillable drug delivery devices.
  • 3BD Clinical Laboratory Solutions segment revenue increased 13% to $332 million, also benefiting from safety-engineered products and diagnostic systems.
  • 4Net income rose to $113.6 million ($0.43 per diluted share) from $99.7 million ($0.37 per diluted share) in the same period last year.
  • 5Gross profit margin improved slightly to 47.7% due to higher sales of higher-margin safety-engineered products.
  • 6The company is managing ongoing restructuring initiatives, with expected future cost savings from programs initiated in 2000 and 1998.
  • 7A subsequent event involving a supplier's plant explosion is expected to cause a short-term shift in earnings per share from Q2 to the second half of fiscal 2003, without otherwise impacting full-year financial results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by increased sales of safety-engineered products in the Medical Systems and Clinical Laboratory Solutions segments, as well as strong performance in prefillable drug delivery devices and diagnostic systems.

BD is continuing to implement restructuring programs initiated in prior years (2002, 2000, and 1998) to optimize manufacturing efficiencies and reduce costs. These programs involve employee terminations and facility adjustments, with expected future cost savings.

An explosion at a key supplier's plant is expected to cause a short-term shift of up to $0.02 in diluted earnings per share from the second quarter to the latter half of the fiscal year. The company anticipates minimal overall impact on fiscal 2003 financial results and is implementing action plans to manage supply.

BD reported strong operating cash flow, though it decreased slightly compared to the prior year due to changes in working capital. The company maintains access to significant credit facilities to support its commercial paper program and other general corporate needs, and its debt-to-capital ratio remains manageable.