Becton, Dickinson(US:BDX)2025-08-07 13:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew 8.5% to $5.5 billion, with 3% organic growth and new BD organic growth at 4% [7][24] - Adjusted gross margin reached 54.8%, up 50 basis points year over year, while adjusted operating margin increased to 25.8%, up 60 basis points year over year [7][31] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $3.68, exceeding expectations with a growth of 5.1% [7][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharm Systems improved sequentially to nearly 5% growth, with double-digit growth in Biologics [9][25] - APM delivered 13% pro forma growth, driven by strong commercial execution and new product innovation [26] - BD Life Sciences saw a low single-digit decrease in Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions, but significant sequential positive momentum of approximately 250 basis points [28][30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total company organic growth was led by performance in the U.S. and Greater Asia outside of China, partially offset by challenges in China [24] - Research instruments improved in the U.S. and EMEA by approximately 40-80%, driven by the launch of FaxDiscover 88 [29] - BackTech utilization increased over 20 percentage points sequentially, exiting the quarter at over 80% of historic levels [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a definitive agreement to separate its Biosciences and Diagnostics business, which is expected to unlock significant shareholder value [6][11] - Focus on enhancing capital allocation with an emphasis on share buybacks and competitive dividends [12] - Continued investment in innovation and commercial execution, particularly in areas like UCC and new product launches [40][85] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate market headwinds and maintain organic growth [6][33] - Anticipated continued positive momentum in Q4, driven by APM's organic growth and improvements in BackTech [33] - The company expects to achieve its goal of a 25% operating margin by 2025, despite ongoing tariff impacts [34][60] Other Important Information - The company plans to use at least half of the $4 billion cash distribution from Waters for share buybacks [12] - BD Excellence operating system has significantly improved manufacturing productivity and reduced waste by over 35% [22] - The company is on track to complete a $1 billion share buyback by September, ahead of the original commitment [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth outlook for RemainCo business - Management is pleased with performance across various segments and expects continued growth in mid-single digits for RemainCo [36][38] Question: Operating margin guidance for Q4 - Management indicated a slight sequential step down in operating margins due to timing of investments, but overall performance remains strong [44][46] Question: Insights on fiscal 2026 margins and EPS growth - Management expects healthy margins post-separation and anticipates a better outlook for tariffs in 2026, with a projected impact of around $275 million [60][62] Question: Trends in urology and interventional business - Urology growth is driven by ongoing trends and innovation, with no one-time factors affecting performance [78][80] Question: Increased SG&A investment in Q4 - Management confirmed that increased investments are aimed at supporting innovation and commercial execution, setting up for future growth [84][86]