Becton Dickinson is the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of medical surgical products, such as needles, syringes, and sharps-disposal units... Show more
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX), a leading medical technology firm, maintains a robust quarterly dividend policy. The current quarterly dividend stands at $1.05 per share, annualizing to $4.20 and yielding roughly 2.8% based on recent stock prices. This positions BDX as a dividend growth stock rather than a high-yield play, appealing to investors seeking reliable income paired with moderate appreciation potential. The company has paid dividends consistently since 1909, with rare interruptions, underscoring its commitment to shareholder returns. Recent increases reflect confidence in ongoing cash generation from its medical devices and diagnostics segments.
BDX has raised its dividend for 54 consecutive years, a testament to its financial discipline and earning power. Over the past five years, the dividend has grown at an average annual rate of about 5.65%, from lower bases to the current $4.20 annualized. Historical data shows steady quarterly payments without cuts, even through economic cycles. The board recently declared the latest increase, maintaining momentum in its long-term strategy of balancing growth investments with shareholder payouts. This consistency has earned BDX a spot among S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats.
The dividend's sustainability is bolstered by a payout ratio of approximately 68%, leaving ample room for reinvestment and resilience against downturns. Earnings per share comfortably cover the payout, with forward estimates suggesting even stronger coverage around 30-36%. Free cash flow, which reached $2.67 billion in fiscal 2025, provides robust support, with a cash payout ratio under 50%. Moderate debt levels and steady revenue from essential healthcare products further enhance stability, positioning the dividend as secure for the foreseeable future.
In the medical devices sector, BDX's 2.8% yield is competitive. Peer MDT (Medtronic) offers a slightly higher ~2.9-3% yield, while SYK (Stryker) yields around 1%. BDX stands out with its superior growth streak compared to many peers, though some like MDT also maintain aristocrat status. Overall, BDX provides an above-average yield for the industry, balancing income with quality growth prospects.
Tickeron’s AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener is particularly useful for identifying dividend stocks, income-focused investments, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. Explore the AI Screener to streamline your research today.
BDX appeals to dividend growth investors valuing long-term consistency over sky-high yields. Its 54-year increase streak and moderate 2.8% yield suit those building portfolios for compounding income, especially in defensive healthcare. Conservative investors may appreciate the earnings and free cash flow coverage, providing a buffer in volatile markets. Income seekers in the medical devices space will find BDX reliable, though it may not excite high-yield chasers. Long-term holders benefit from the company's essential products and innovation pipeline, potentially supporting future raises. Balanced portfolios often include such aristocrats for stability without aggressive risk.
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer. Disclaimers and Limitations
a manufacturer of medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products
Industry PharmaceuticalsOther