10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2006

BECTON DICKINSON & CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jun 30, 2006

Filed August 8, 2006For Securities:BDX

Summary

Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX) reported its third-quarter and nine-month results for fiscal year 2006, showcasing solid revenue growth and improved profitability across its key segments. For the three months ended June 30, 2006, the company generated $1.48 billion in revenue, a 7% increase year-over-year, driven by robust performance in the Medical, Diagnostics, and Biosciences segments. Net income for the quarter rose to $206.4 million, or $0.81 per diluted share, up from $189.7 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, in the prior year period. The nine-month period reflected continued growth, with revenues reaching $4.35 billion and net income at $578.3 million, or $2.25 per diluted share. The company highlighted strategic acquisitions, including GeneOhm Sciences, Inc., which expanded its presence in molecular diagnostics, although this acquisition contributed a significant charge for in-process research and development. BD demonstrated strong operational effectiveness, with improved gross profit margins and controlled selling and administrative expenses, further supported by an increase in research and development investments focused on innovation.

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues for the third quarter increased by 7% to $1.48 billion, driven by growth across all three segments (Medical, Diagnostics, Biosciences).
  • 2Net income for the third quarter grew to $206.4 million, resulting in diluted EPS of $0.81, up from $0.73 in the prior year quarter.
  • 3Nine-month revenues reached $4.35 billion, a 7.7% increase over the same period in 2005.
  • 4The company successfully integrated the acquisition of GeneOhm Sciences, Inc., strengthening its position in molecular diagnostics, though this included a $53 million charge for in-process R&D.
  • 5Gross profit margin improved to 50.6% for the third quarter (51.2% for nine months) compared to 50.3% (50.5% for nine months) in the prior year, driven by higher-margin product sales and productivity gains.
  • 6Operating income increased in the Medical and Biosciences segments, reflecting strong execution and product mix, while the Diagnostics segment was impacted by the GeneOhm acquisition.
  • 7The company maintained a strong balance sheet, with a decreasing debt-to-capitalization ratio of 25.8% at June 30, 2006, and significant cash flow from operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth in the third quarter was primarily driven by strong performance across all three business segments: BD Medical, BD Diagnostics, and BD Biosciences. This growth was supported by increased sales volumes and the ongoing conversion to safety-engineered products in the US and internationally.

The acquisition of GeneOhm Sciences, Inc. expanded BD's presence in molecular diagnostics. However, it resulted in a significant charge of $53 million for acquired in-process research and development, which impacted the reported income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share for the nine-month period. It also slightly reduced the Diagnostics segment's operating income as a percentage of revenue.

BD expects its gross profit margin to improve by approximately 50 to 60 basis points in fiscal year 2006 on a reported basis. This expectation is based on continued sales of higher-margin products and ongoing productivity improvements, which are expected to offset some of the increased costs from raw materials and share-based compensation.

The company's balance sheet remains strong. The debt-to-capitalization ratio decreased to 25.8% at June 30, 2006, from 27.3% at September 30, 2005. BD generates substantial cash flow from operations and has a commercial paper borrowing program and a syndicated credit facility to support its financing needs. The company also continued its share repurchase program, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders.