Earnings Preview: Becton, Dickinson and Company EPS, Revenue Expected to Rise from Previous Quarter

Becton, Dickinson and Company BDX releases its next round of earnings this Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Here's Benzinga's advanced look at Becton, Dickinson and's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.43 per share and revenues of $1.99 billion. Investors will be keen to see how this quarter's numbers stack up against the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of $1.29 per share on revenues of $1.88 billion. We'll know on Tuesday whether Becton, Dickinson and Company has managed the estimated 10.9% increase in EPS and 5.9% rise in revenues on a year-over-year basis.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Stock Performance:

As of July 27, 2011, Becton, Dickinson and Company's current share price was $83.49. Shares are down 0.2% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 12.2%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Becton, Dickinson and Company is a Hold. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Wondering how Becton, Dickinson and Company compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• C.R. Bard BCR: Hold with a $1.57 recent quarter EPS
• Bio-Rad Laboratories BIO: Moderate Buy with a $1.30 recent quarter EPS
• Covidien COV: Moderate Buy with a $1.01 recent quarter EPS
• Gen-Probe GPRO: Hold with a $0.54 recent quarter EPS

The medical/dental supplies company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 1.5% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Becton, Dickinson & Co offers laboratory equipment, medical supplies, devices and diagnostic products used by healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories and individual consumers.

Take Action:

Now that you're fully prepared, get ready to take quick action if the company reports any numbers significantly different from those listed above. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and what-to-do-next guide.

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