10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2007

BECTON DICKINSON & CO Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jun 30, 2007

Filed August 8, 2007For Securities:BDX

Summary

Becton Dickinson & Co. (BDX) reported strong performance in its third quarter of fiscal year 2007, with revenues reaching $1.63 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year, driven by a 9% volume increase and a 3% favorable foreign currency impact. The company saw robust growth across its Medical, Diagnostics, and Biosciences segments, with notable strength in pharmaceutical systems and safety-engineered products. Net income for the quarter was $244.8 million, translating to $1.00 per diluted share, a significant increase from the prior year's $0.84. The company's financial position remains strong, with operating cash flow of $875 million for the nine-month period and a reduced debt-to-capitalization ratio of 20.7%. Key strategic moves included the acquisition of TriPath Imaging for $362 million, bolstering its cancer diagnostics capabilities, and the divestiture of its blood glucose monitoring product line. Despite facing ongoing legal proceedings, including antitrust class actions and a new patent infringement claim, management expressed confidence in its defenses and business outlook. The company continues to invest in research and development and has expanded its share repurchase program, signaling confidence in future growth and shareholder value.

Key Highlights

  • 1Q3 FY2007 revenues increased 12% to $1.63 billion, driven by 9% volume growth and 3% favorable foreign currency impact.
  • 2Net income grew to $244.8 million ($1.00 diluted EPS) from $206.4 million ($0.84 diluted EPS) in the prior year's quarter.
  • 3Acquired TriPath Imaging for $362 million to enhance its cancer diagnostics offerings.
  • 4Divested the blood glucose monitoring product line, realizing a gain and simplifying its business portfolio.
  • 5Operating cash flow for the nine months ended June 30, 2007, was strong at $875 million.
  • 6Debt-to-capitalization ratio improved to 20.7% from 25.8% in the prior year.
  • 7The company repurchased $412 million of its common stock during the nine-month period and announced an additional 10 million share repurchase authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Revenue growth was primarily driven by a 9% increase in sales volume and a favorable foreign currency translation impact of approximately 3%. Growth was observed across all three segments: Medical, Diagnostics, and Biosciences, with specific strength in Pharmaceutical Systems and safety-engineered products.

The acquisition of TriPath Imaging for $362 million was completed in December 2006 and added $27 million in revenue in the third quarter of 2007 for the Diagnostics segment. The acquisition also resulted in a significant charge of $115 million for acquired in-process research and development, which impacted net income and diluted EPS.

BD is involved in several legal proceedings, including antitrust class actions and a new patent infringement lawsuit filed by Retractable Technologies, Inc. Management believes it has meritorious defenses for these claims and intends to vigorously defend them. The company notes that the outcome of litigation is uncertain and could potentially have a material adverse effect on results of operations and cash flows.

BD maintains a strong balance sheet, evidenced by its reduced debt-to-capitalization ratio of 20.7%. The company actively repurchases its common stock, having spent $412 million in the first nine months of FY2007, and has an ongoing share repurchase program. Additionally, the company paid dividends of $0.245 per common share in the third quarter.