Becton, Dickinson(US:BDX)2025-09-03 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 9.5% EPS growth at the midpoint, driven by margin expansion despite macroeconomic challenges impacting revenue [8][10] - Total return to shareholders for the year is approximately $2.2 billion, with $1 billion through share buybacks and $1.2 billion through dividends [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The new BD grew about 4% in Q3, with expectations for mid-single digit growth for the full year [11][12] - BD Interventional saw double-digit growth in UCC and strong mid-single digit growth across other businesses [30] - Aleris is gaining market share and is expected to continue contributing positively to growth [45][46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates a decline in China operations by high single digits this year, stabilizing thereafter as 90% of the portfolio will have gone through value-based procurement (VBP) by the end of next year [42][43] - The Biosciences segment is expected to see sequential growth improvements as it transitions to Waters [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The primary focus for the next twelve months includes completing the separation from the Life Science business, executing a commercial strategy, and continuing margin expansion through BD Excellence [6][8] - The company is committed to utilizing at least half of the $4 billion cash from the separation for share buybacks [9][10] - The innovation pipeline is robust, with new products expected to drive growth in biologic drug delivery and AI solutions [12][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges, emphasizing the importance of productivity improvements for customers facing tighter funding environments [73][75] - The company is taking a prudent approach to guidance for FY 2026, recognizing the dynamic macro environment while maintaining a mid-single digit growth outlook [58][60] Other Important Information - The company has completed a $1 billion share buyback for the year, contributing to a total capital return of $2.2 billion to shareholders [10] - The new AI-enabled Pyxis Pro system is expected to enhance medication management and improve operational efficiencies [47][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the growth algorithm for the new BD? - The new BD is expected to grow mid-single digits, supported by a strong innovation pipeline and market positioning [11][12] Question: How does the company define similar margin profiles post-separation? - Management indicated that the operating margin post-separation would be similar, within 50 to 100 basis points [23][24] Question: What are the drivers for the acceleration in Q4 guidance? - The acceleration is driven by strong performance in BD Interventional and the organic growth of APM, which is expected to contribute over a point to growth [29][32] Question: How is the company addressing macroeconomic challenges? - The company is focusing on productivity improvements and forming partnerships with customers to navigate tighter funding environments [73][75] Question: What is the expected impact of pricing on growth? - Pricing is currently flattish but is expected to return as a tailwind as the company maintains pricing discipline globally [66]