BDX vs. MMSI: Which Stock Should Value Investors Buy Now?

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Medical - Dental Supplies sector should consider Becton Dickinson (BDX) and Merit Medical (MMSI) for potential value investment opportunities [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Outlook - Becton Dickinson has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while Merit Medical has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - The Zacks Rank system favors stocks with positive revisions to earnings estimates, suggesting BDX has an improving earnings outlook [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - BDX has a forward P/E ratio of 17.73, significantly lower than MMSI's forward P/E of 25.96 [5] - BDX's PEG ratio is 2.02, while MMSI's PEG ratio is higher at 2.41, indicating BDX may be more favorably valued considering expected earnings growth [5] - BDX's P/B ratio stands at 2.60, compared to MMSI's P/B of 4.02, further suggesting BDX is undervalued relative to its book value [6] Group 3: Value Grades - BDX has a Value grade of B, while MMSI has a Value grade of C, indicating that BDX is perceived as a better value investment [7]