We still like their prospects

Article Excerpt

Becton spun off its diabetes products business as embecta in 2022. Since then, the former parent is down 14%, while the new company has dropped 54%. However, both firms are taking steps that we expect to spur their earnings. BECTON DICKINSON & CO. $221 is a buy. The company (New York symbol BDX; Manufacturing sector; Shares outstanding: 289.1 million; Market cap: $63.9 billion; Dividend yield: 1.9%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.bd.com) makes a variety of medical devices, including stents, catheters, needles and surgical tools. In September 2024, Becton acquired the Critical Care product group of Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (New York symbol EW) for $3.9 billion. This business makes equipment to monitor the vital signs of patients in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. The new operations help lift Becton’s revenue in its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter, ended September 30, 2024, by 6.9%, to $5.44 billion from $5.09 billion a year earlier. Earnings gained 11.4%, to $3.81 a share from $3.42. For fiscal 2025, earnings per share should…