Will Becton, Dickinson Beat These Analyst Estimates?

Becton, Dickinson (NYSE: BDX  ) is expected to report Q1 earnings around Feb. 5. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Becton, Dickinson's revenues will drop -1.3% and EPS will grow 2.5%.

The average estimate for revenue is $1.86 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.24.

Revenue details
Last quarter, Becton, Dickinson reported revenue of $1.97 billion. GAAP reported sales were 1.1% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.99 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Last quarter, non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.42. GAAP EPS of $1.43 for Q4 were 5.1% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.36 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 50.9%, 30 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 19.8%, 130 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 14.7%, 40 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $7.94 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.65.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,141 members out of 1,162 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 394 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 391 give Becton, Dickinson a green thumbs-up, and three give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Becton, Dickinson is hold, with an average price target of $79.63.

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