Becton Dickinson Dividend Stock Analysis

How Long Will Lower Becton Dickinson Dividend Growth Last?

I’d like to work through a Becton Dickinson stock analysis and dividend review today.

Becton Dickinson is also known as “BD”. And the company has a long history as a dividend growth stock.

With an emphasis on dividend growth.  Rather than the current dividend yield. But recently, dividend increases have been noticeably smaller. 

As a result, let’s see what is going on. Certainly, I will have some thoughts on the recent Becton Dickinson dividend growth, safety, and more.

Furthermore, BD is a holding in the Dividends Deluxe model portfolio. Be sure to check out some of the other dividend stocks held there.

With that brief introduction out of the way. Let’s dive in.

Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Becton Dickinson Stock Analysis & Dividend Review: Key Takeaways

1. Becton Dickinson stock has a low dividend yield. But is a Dividend Aristocrat with a long history of dividends. Increasing them every year.

2. However, in more recent years, dividend growth has not met my expectations.

3. Rather, the company has placed a priority on growth through acquisitions.

4. Looking forward, a return to higher dividend increases looks possible.

With those key points taken care of. Let’s dig into all of the research findings.

Because doing your investment research is a critical part of good money management.

And I manage my investment and total financial picture for free. Using Personal Capital.

You can too. Since Personal Capital is free to sign up and use.

Becton Dickinson Company Background

BD is a global medical technology company.

They are engaged in the development, manufacture, and sale of a broad range of health care products. These products include medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products.

Their products are used throughout the healthcare industry. Customers include hospitals, doctors, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry, and the general public.

Source: Becton Dickinson – About The Company

Becton Dickinson Business Segments

BD operates 3 worldwide business segments:

• Medical – Devices & related technologies
• Life Sciences – Diagnostic testing & the study of diseases
• Interventional – One-time use surgical & specialty devices

Revenue breaks down by segment with medical being the largest followed by life sciences, then interventional.

Growth Strategy

In recent years, BD has made 2 large acquisitions: Care Fusion and C.R. Bard. The company continues the process of integrating and realizing the synergies from these mergers.

The C.R. Bard acquisition brought with it the move into the interventional business segment. This segment has a higher growth potential than the more mature medical and life sciences segments. But also requires higher spending on research and development to fuel that growth.

Becton Dickinson Stock Symbol

Finally, Becton Dickinson stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange. It uses the stock ticker symbol BDX (NYSE: BDX).

Next up, let’s move into the Becton Dickinson dividend review portion of the stock analysis.

Does BDX Pay Dividends?

Yes. Becton Dickinson is a great stock that pays dividends.

The company has a long, rich history. As a high-quality dividend growth stock.

So, let’s review everything we need to know about BD’s stock dividend.

Becton Dickinson Dividend Rate Per Share

BDX stock pays an annual forward dividend. Just like every other high-quality dividend stock, I know of.

What does “annual forward dividend” mean?

It is the most recently approved quarterly dividend rate per share. Multiplied by the number of times the stock pays dividends each year.

Finally, the forward dividend divided by the stock price gives us dividend yield…

Becton Dickinson Dividend Yield

First of all, this is a stock with a pretty low dividend yield for my liking.

Furthermore, when I own a stock with a dividend yield of less than 2%, I like to see more dividend payments growth.

We will get to dividend growth in a moment. But first, more facts and figures regarding Becton Dickinson’s dividend.

How Often Does Becton Dickinson Pay Dividends?

Becton Dickinson pays dividends every 3 months or 4 times per year. Each of these regular dividend payments is one-fourth of the annual rate.

When Are Becton Dickinson’s Dividends Paid?

First of all, BD makes regular and routine dividend payments in March, June, September, and December. Furthermore, the dividend is paid on the last business day of these months.

Becton Dickinson’s Ex-Dividend Date

As a potential new shareholder or one looking to make an add-on buy, you may want to receive the next BDX stock dividend payment. To do so, you must complete your investment before the ex-dividend date.

Becton Dickinson’s ex-dividend date typically falls at the end of the first week during the month in which its dividends are paid. Said another way, the ex-dividend date is about 3 weeks prior to the dividend payable date.

These are the general ex-dividend calendar dates to remember. But since the dates can vary by a day or two each quarter. It’s a good idea to check the exact dates on the company’s investor relations website if they are important to you.

Otherwise, buy and hold long-term. Then, sit back and get paid quarterly dividends each time the company declares them.

Becton Dickinson Dividend History

Becton Dickinson has increased its dividend every year since 1972.

An accomplishment that makes this company a Dividend Aristocrat. Dividend Aristocrats are those companies that have increased their dividends for at least 25 years in a row.

We can now call BD a newly crowned Dividend King too. Since a Dividend King has increased its dividends annually for at least 50 consecutive years.

But how does the dividend growth rate stack up? As promised let’s look at that topic next. Since it is one of the important points about dividend stocks.

Becton Dickinson Dividend Growth Rate

From my perspective, dividend growth has been moderate.

But there has been a glimmer of hope for faster dividend growth. Since the company picked up the pace a little.

An increasing growth trend is a positive sign. But I still want more dividend income growth from such a low dividend yield stock like BDX.

Becton Dickinson Dividend Policy

It doesn’t appear that BD publicly communicates its dividend policy. But with so many consecutive years of dividend increases, it’s clear that they have one.

But without a dividend policy statement, I will have to make some judgments. In order to make a dividend growth forecast.

More on that topic in a bit. Next, I want to look at some of the business fundamentals. That will help in forecasting dividend growth.

Becton Dickinson Revenue Trend

Revenue growth has been partly due to acquisitions.

In 2015 BD acquired CareFusion for $12 billion.  And then in 2018, they acquired C.R. Bard for $24 billion.

Looking forward. I expect the company to deliver mid-single-digit percentage gains. On an annual basis.

Becton Dickinson Dividend Payout Ratio Based On Earnings

Due to the aforementioned acquisitions, BD’s accounting earnings are complex and challenging to interpret.  They include many non-cash charges related to the acquisitions.

Those charges cloud the underlying business fundamentals.  As a result, the company chooses to report an “adjusted” earnings number.

Based on my reviews, adjusted earnings typically show the dividend to be well covered.

However, I’m always a little skeptical when a company reports large adjustments to its accounting earnings.  So let’s double-check the dividend coverage against free cash flow.

Cash is cash. It can not be adjusted.

And after all, our dividends are paid from cash. And there are no complex accounting adjustments to interpret.

Becton Dickinson Dividends & Cash Flow

Once again, upon reviewing cash flows, the dividend payout ratio checks out fine at a very reasonable level.

And cash flows have been mostly steady to rising. This is a good sign the company has a healthy and safe dividend.

In general, a lower dividend payout ratio is usually better.  It shows the company has ample room to raise the dividend in the coming years.  Or, is able to handle an earnings drop and not need to reduce the dividend.

Finally, the company uses its remaining cash to reduce debt, build its cash position, or repurchases shares of its stock.

Speaking of debt, let’s look to see how secure BD’s financial position is.

Becton Dickinson Financial Position

I judge a company’s financial position by looking at its capital structure. And credit ratings.

A company’s capital structure is the combination of debt and equity used to purchase the assets required to run the business.

If they finance their business with large amounts of debt. That can be a bad sign if the company runs into financial difficulties.

BD Debt To Equity

However, debt to equity looks healthy to me.

Another sign of a productive company and a safe dividend.

Becton Dickinson Credit Rating

Knowing a company’s credit rating is important.  Furthermore, it is critical when a company needs to borrow money to fund its operations.

A corporation’s credit rating is similar to how your personal credit score works.  Higher ratings mean lower risk to those who lend the company money.  Put another way, higher ratings mean lenders will be more likely to get their loans paid back.

You can check your credit score for free. With Credit Karma.

While you do that, I will check Becton Dickinson’s creditworthiness measured by its credit ratings.

As provided by Moody’s and S&P.

Credit Rating Evaluation Grid

BD has a credit rating that is investment grade. But, at the lower end of that tier. And the ratings have been lower than ratings of other high-quality dividend-paying companies.

Why? Because BD took on more long-term debt to finance the C.R. Bard acquisition.  Also, they issued shares of stock in exchange for cash from the public.

The additional debt has pressured the companies credit rating.  The additional shares outstanding have required the company to pay more in dividends to the new shareholders.

In my opinion, these factors caused the company to reduce its recent dividend increases to conserve cash. And protect its credit rating.

Dividend Increases & Acquisitions Do Not Always Mix Well Together

Here is the timeless lesson to take from BD’s situation. Looking at it from a dividend growth investor’s perspective…

Dividend growth took a back seat to acquisitions and the need to finance those acquisitions.  Hopefully, this has passed and dividend increases will return to former levels. As the company integrates, grows, and benefits financially from the mergers.

So I will be patient and give this company and its management the benefit of the doubt for the time being. The business fundamentals and dividend metrics still look strong to me.

That said. Let’s talk about BD’s dividend safety next.

Becton Dickinson Dividend Safety

I base my evaluation of dividend safety on a number of factors discussed so far. They include:

• Business fundamentals
• Dividend payout ratios
• Dividend yield
• Cash flow generation
• Credit ratings
• Financial position

The low-ish credit ratings give me a reason to pause. However, I believe the Becton Dickinson dividend is very safe from a potential reduction for the foreseeable future.

Why? Cash flows are strong. Dividends as a percentage of cash flow are reasonable. And the company operates in sectors with steady demand.

So the dividend looks safe. What about the potential for better dividend growth?

Becton Dickinson Dividend Growth Projection

In order to plan for the income from my consistent-paying dividend stocks, I make a dividend growth forecast for each one of my holdings. My dividend forecast also helps in valuing the stock.

The forecast is based on:

• Historical dividend growth
• Dividend payout ratios
• Stated dividend policy when management provides one
• Business fundamentals
• Business growth strategy

Usually, it is easy to come up with a reasonable dividend growth projection. But, Becton Dickinson is a more difficult situation.

Why? Because past dividend growth has been erratic.

So, I have to ask myself if the company will return to higher dividend growth. Or, remain with the lower increases passed on to investors for some time.

My conclusion? Well, it may take some time, but I believe dividend growth will return to a higher level. 7-9% annually, in my opinion. However, realize this is an aggressive dividend growth forecast.

How do I support my opinion?

First, my dividend forecast method corresponds with management’s long-term expectations for profit growth.

Furthermore, increases in health care spending and higher profits from acquisition savings.

Next, this Becton Dickinson stock analysis would not be complete without assessing the stock valuation. Let’s do that before we wrap up.

Becton Dickinson Stock Valuation

Thus, checking valuation using a couple of different methods.

To see if the stock represents good value. Or, not.

Becton Dickinson Dividend Discount Model

The single-stage dividend discount model (also called The Gordon Growth model) takes into account several factors we have discussed so far.

• The current annual dividend payment
• Projected annual dividend growth

Plus my desired annual rate of return on investment.

Using these assumptions, the dividend discount model suggests the stock is overvalued.

Not a surprise. Given the low dividend yield.

Simply Investing Report Valuation Judgment

I subscribe to the Simply Investing Report. It provides a selection of recommendations on quality dividend stocks each month. And coverage of many more.

All part of Simply Investing’s interactive stock evaluation platform. Where you can get the most up-to-date dividend metrics. In addition to a current call on stock valuation.

Using some pretty strict valuation measures. Simply Investing currently believes Becton Dickinson stock to be overvalued.

Is BDX Stock A Buy?

Like most dividend stocks, they tend to trade at premium prices. Unless something is seriously going wrong at the company. Or, the stock market as a whole is down.

So, the stock might be overvalued. But, I think BD is a good long-term buy-and-hold investment.

Certainly, suitable for making smaller incremental purchases over time. Also known as dollar-cost averaging.

And realize that valuation metrics can change quickly. That’s a big reason I like the latest information from Simply Investing.

As always, I will be looking for other stocks to buy. While keeping an eye on BD as a long-term hold in my portfolio.

Finally, if you decide to make a purchase. Make sure to trade your stocks fast and free.

I use the Webull app to do so. You can too!

Becton Dickinson Dividend Stock Analysis Wrap Up

With its aggressive acquisition strategy in recent years, BD is not your typical dividend stock.  Its low dividend yield and slowing dividend growth may not be a fit for every dividend stock investor.

Right now, I look at BD as a growth company. And BDX stock happens to pay a dividend.

Not a typical dividend stock, but I am okay with that. The dividend appears safe and I believe it will grow more rapidly in the future.

BD holds a smaller size position in my dividend stock portfolio.  I will hold. But do not intend to add to the position at this time.

Other Health Care Sector Dividend Stock Reviews

• Medtronic for high dividend growth
• Abbott Labs for steady investment performance
• AbbVie for high yield and dividend growth
• Johnson & Johnson, a Dividend King!

My Favorite Dividend Investing And Finance Resources

• Trade stocks for free with the Webull app
• Get stock research from Morningstar
• And stock analysis from Motley Fool
• Or dividend stock recommendations from Simply Investing
• Manage your finances for free with Personal Capital
• And check your credit score for free too!

Author Bio, Disclosure, & Disclaimer: Please join me (Tom) as I try to achieve my goals, find my next place to live, and make the most of my money. But understand, I am not a licensed investment adviser, financial adviser, real estate agent, or tax professional. I’m a 50-something-year-old guy, CPA, retired finance professional, and part-time business school teacher with 40+ years of DIY investing experience. I’m just here because I enjoy sharing my findings and research on important topics. However, nothing published on this site should be considered individual investment advice, financial guidance, or tax counsel. Because this website’s only purpose is general information & entertainment. As a result, neither I nor Dividends Diversify can be held liable for any losses suffered by any party because of the information published on this blog. Finally, all written content is the property of Dividends Diversify LLC. Unauthorized publication elsewhere is strictly prohibited.

I own Becton Dickinson stock and collect the Becton Dickinson dividend.