BD first quarter revenues increase 2.5% to $1.888 billion

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX), a leading global medical technology company, today reported quarterly revenues of $1.888 billion for the first fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011, representing an increase of 2.5 percent from the prior-year period, or 2.4 percent on a foreign currency-neutral basis.  

"We are pleased with our solid start to fiscal year 2012 given the challenging macroeconomic climate," said Vincent A. Forlenza, Chief Executive Officer and President.  "Our operating results reflect our increased investments in high-growth areas. We will continue to drive efficiency throughout the Company and we remain committed to delivering value to our customers and shareholders."  

First Quarter Earnings

As expected, reported diluted earnings per share for the first quarter were $1.21, compared with $1.35 in the prior-year period, representing a 10.4 percent decrease. This decline was due to difficult pricing comparisons, higher raw material costs and higher expenses from recent acquisitions.  On a foreign currency-neutral basis, diluted earnings per share for the first quarter decreased by 9.6 percent.  For the quarter, reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations included an approximate $0.04 tax benefit primarily relating to various tax settlements in multiple jurisdictions. This benefit was reflected in our previous full fiscal year 2012 guidance.

Segment Results

In the BD Medical segment, worldwide revenues for the quarter were $950 million, representing an increase of 2.6 percent compared with the prior-year period, on both a reported and a currency-neutral basis. The segment's revenue growth reflects solid sales in the Diabetes Care unit and international safety-engineered products.

In the BD Diagnostics segment, worldwide revenues for the quarter were $621 million, representing an increase of 3.2 percent compared with the prior-year period, or an increase of 3.3 percent on a foreign currency-neutral basis. The segment's growth was primarily driven by Preanalytical Systems safety-engineered products, and solid sales in Women's Health and Cancer.

In the BD Biosciences segment, worldwide revenues for the quarter were $317 million, representing an increase of 0.9 percent compared with the prior-year period, or an increase of 0.3 percent on a foreign currency-neutral basis.  Segment growth was primarily driven by clinical reagent sales in the Cell Analysis unit.

Geographic Results

First quarter revenues in the U.S. of $829 million were flat when compared with the prior-year period, due to a challenging research spending environment and difficult pricing comparisons. Revenues outside of the U.S. were $1.059 billion, representing an increase of 4.5 percent compared with the prior-year period, or an increase of 4.4 percent on a foreign currency-neutral basis. International revenues reflected continued strength in emerging markets and strong sales of safety-engineered products.

Fiscal 2012 Outlook for Full Year

We are reaffirming our previously communicated revenue growth guidance of 2 to 4 percent on a foreign currency-neutral basis. The Company estimates reported revenue growth for the full fiscal year 2012 to be about flat versus our previously disclosed revenue growth guidance of 1 to 3 percent. The Company expects reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for fiscal year 2012 to be between $5.60 and $5.70 which reflects the impact of the strengthening U.S. dollar versus our previously disclosed guidance of $5.75 to $5.85. The Company uses recent spot rates for all foreign currencies when projecting reported growth rates and earnings per share.  In line with our previously disclosed guidance, the Company plans to repurchase, subject to market conditions, $1.5 billion of its common stock in fiscal year 2012.