10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2005

BECTON DICKINSON & CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jun 30, 2005

Filed August 9, 2005For Securities:BDX

Summary

Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX) reported strong financial performance for the third quarter and the first nine months of fiscal year 2005. Revenues increased by 11% year-over-year for the quarter, reaching $1.381 billion, driven by growth across all three segments: Medical, Diagnostics, and Biosciences. This growth was partially aided by a favorable foreign currency translation impact of approximately 3%. Net income for the quarter was $189.7 million, a significant increase from $109.4 million in the prior year period, leading to diluted EPS of $0.73, up from $0.41. For the nine-month period, revenues grew 9.6% to $4.035 billion, and net income rose to $573.2 million from $400.0 million, with diluted EPS improving to $2.19 from $1.51. The company also highlighted its continued focus on strategic growth initiatives, including the transition to safety-engineered devices and geographic expansion. While the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) for share-based compensation introduced new expense recognition, the underlying operational performance remained robust. Management expressed confidence in the company's financial position, citing strong operating cash flow and a stable debt-to-capitalization ratio, and anticipates continued growth driven by innovation and market penetration.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 increased by 11% to $1.381 billion, compared to $1.243 billion in the prior year period.
  • 2Net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 was $189.7 million, a substantial increase from $109.4 million in the same period of fiscal 2004.
  • 3Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the third quarter were $0.73, up from $0.42 in the prior year quarter.
  • 4For the nine months ended June 30, 2005, revenues reached $4.035 billion, a 9.6% increase year-over-year, with net income rising to $573.2 million.
  • 5The company is experiencing significant growth in safety-engineered devices, with U.S. sales up 9% and international sales up 39% in the third quarter for these products.
  • 6BD adopted SFAS No. 123(R) for share-based compensation effective October 1, 2004, leading to new expense recognition but reflecting a shift towards fair-value accounting for equity awards.
  • 7Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $778 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005, demonstrating strong cash generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth is driven by increases across all three business segments: BD Medical, BD Diagnostics, and BD Biosciences. Specific drivers include the continued transition to safety-engineered devices in the U.S. and internationally, strong sales in Diabetes Care and Pharmaceutical Systems units within the Medical segment, and growth in molecular diagnostic platforms within the Diagnostics segment.

Effective October 1, 2004, Becton Dickinson adopted SFAS No. 123(R), requiring the recognition of share-based compensation expense using a fair-value method. This resulted in the recording of share-based compensation expense in the financial statements, which was not significantly recognized under the previous intrinsic value method when options were granted at market price. This adoption impacts reported net income and earnings per share, although prior periods were not restated.

Becton Dickinson has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Clontech unit, part of the BD Biosciences segment, for approximately $60 million. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2005. Clontech's results are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

The company maintains a strong financial position with robust operating cash flow. Net cash provided by continuing operations was $778 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2005. BD has a $900 million commercial paper program and a $900 million syndicated credit facility, providing ample liquidity. The debt-to-capitalization ratio remained stable at approximately 28%.