10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2005

BECTON DICKINSON & CO Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Mar 31, 2005

Filed May 10, 2005For Securities:BDX

Summary

Becton Dickinson and Company (BDX) reported strong financial performance for the six months ended March 31, 2005, with revenues growing by 9% year-over-year to $2.65 billion. Net income from continuing operations increased by 31.5% to $380.9 million, reflecting improved operating income across its Medical, Diagnostics, and Biosciences segments. The company saw a notable increase in diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to $1.45, up from $1.10 in the prior year period. BDX demonstrated solid cash flow generation, with net cash provided by continuing operations at $450 million. The company also improved its financial leverage, with the debt-to-capitalization ratio decreasing to 25.5% from 28.1%. Management highlighted continued growth driven by its core business, expansion into new products, and improving operating efficiency. The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) for share-based compensation resulted in a reported expense, impacting diluted EPS by $0.08 for the six-month period, a factor investors should consider when evaluating earnings trends.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2005, increased by 9% to $2.65 billion, compared to $2.44 billion in the prior year period.
  • 2Net income from continuing operations rose significantly by 31.5% to $380.9 million for the six-month period.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations improved to $1.45 from $1.10 year-over-year.
  • 4Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was robust at $450 million for the first six months of fiscal 2005.
  • 5The company reduced its debt-to-capitalization ratio to 25.5% as of March 31, 2005, down from 28.1% at September 30, 2004, indicating improved financial leverage.
  • 6BDX recorded $28.1 million in share-based compensation expense under SFAS No. 123(R) for the six-month period, which reduced diluted EPS by $0.08.
  • 7The company is strategically focused on growth in its three core segments: Medical, Diagnostics, and Biosciences, with all segments showing revenue increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Becton Dickinson and Company (BDX) demonstrated strong performance with a 9% increase in total revenues to $2.65 billion for the six months ended March 31, 2005. Net income from continuing operations grew by 31.5% to $380.9 million, and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations rose to $1.45 from $1.10 in the prior year period. The company also improved its balance sheet by reducing its debt-to-capitalization ratio.

Effective October 1, 2004, BDX adopted SFAS No. 123(R), requiring the recognition of share-based compensation expense using a fair-value method. For the six months ended March 31, 2005, this resulted in $28.1 million in share-based compensation expense, which reduced diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by $0.08. Prior periods were not restated.

Revenue growth is being driven by several factors including the continued transition to safety-engineered devices across its Medical and Diagnostics segments, expansion of sales of its products globally, and the development of new products and services. Favorable foreign currency translation, particularly with the Euro, also provided a positive impact on international revenue growth.

BDX maintains a strong liquidity position with $450 million in net cash provided by continuing operations for the first six months of fiscal 2005. The company has a $900 million commercial paper program and a syndicated credit facility, indicating ample access to short-term and long-term financing. Capital expenditures for the period were $108 million, and the company expects to spend between $300 million and $325 million for the full fiscal year 2005.