10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2003

BECTON DICKINSON & CO Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Mar 31, 2003

Filed May 14, 2003For Securities:BDX

Summary

Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX) reported strong financial results for the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2003. Revenue increased by 12% year-over-year to $1.134 billion for the quarter and $2.186 billion for the six months, driven by growth across its Medical, Clinical Lab, and Biosciences segments. Net income rose to $142 million ($0.54 diluted EPS) for the quarter and $256 million ($0.97 diluted EPS) for the six months, demonstrating improved profitability. The company also saw a healthy increase in cash from operations, providing ample liquidity and supporting its strategic initiatives, including share repurchases and capital expenditures. The company's strong revenue growth and profitability underscore its solid operational performance and market position.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues increased by 12% to $1.134 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2003, and by 12% to $2.186 billion for the six months ended March 31, 2003.
  • 2Net income grew to $142.0 million ($0.54 per diluted share) for the three months ended March 31, 2003, compared to $129.2 million ($0.48 per diluted share) in the prior year.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share for the six months ended March 31, 2003, were $0.97, an increase from $0.85 in the prior year.
  • 4The Medical segment reported a 13% increase in revenues for the quarter, driven by safety-engineered products and prefillable drug delivery devices.
  • 5The Clinical Lab Solutions segment saw a 12% revenue increase, supported by safety-engineered devices and diagnostic systems, including its molecular diagnostic platform.
  • 6Cash provided by operating activities remained strong at $292.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2003.
  • 7The company repurchased $106 million of its common stock during the first six months of fiscal 2003 and had authorization for an additional 10 million shares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by increases across Becton Dickinson's three main business segments: Medical, Clinical Laboratory Solutions, and Biosciences. Specific contributors included safety-engineered products, prefillable drug delivery devices in the Medical segment, and diagnostic systems in the Clinical Lab segment.

Profitability improved year-over-year. Net income increased to $142.0 million for the quarter and $255.7 million for the six months. Diluted earnings per share also saw a notable increase, reaching $0.54 for the quarter and $0.97 for the six months.

The company generated strong cash flow from operating activities, with $292.8 million reported for the first six months of fiscal 2003, which was consistent with the prior year. This provided ample liquidity for operations and strategic initiatives.

The company is involved in various legal proceedings, including latex glove claims and environmental matters. While management believes these claims, upon resolution, should not have a material adverse effect, they acknowledge that unforeseen charges could impact future results. The company is actively defending these matters.