Becton Dickinson Stock Up 15.8% Over Three Months, Below 52-Week High
Becton Dickinson shares have rallied 15.8% over three months and trade 5.8% below their Feb. 24, 52-week high of $187.35. Q4 revenue rose 1.6% to $5.3 billion and adjusted EPS hit $2.91, topping estimates, while management warned of macro and regulatory headwinds.
1. Strong Recent Performance
Becton Dickinson holds a $50.3 billion market cap and has outperformed the Dow, rallying 15.8% over the past three months versus the Dow’s 3.3% gain. The stock trades 5.8% below its Feb. 24 high of $187.35, is up 15.7% year to date versus the Dow’s 1.9%, and has remained above its 200-day and 50-day moving averages since late November and mid-November, respectively.
2. Q4 Results and Investor Reaction
On February 9, the company reported Q4 revenue of $5.3 billion, a 1.6% year-over-year increase, and adjusted EPS of $2.91, exceeding analyst expectations of $2.82. Despite the beat, shares fell 1.3% after management highlighted persistent macroeconomic and regulatory challenges, particularly in China and vaccine demand.
3. Analyst Outlook and Valuation
Fourteen analysts maintain a Moderate Buy consensus on the stock, with a mean price target of $194.08, implying roughly 10% upside from current levels. Analysts cite the company’s leadership in biologic drug delivery, automated medication management and patient monitoring as drivers for continued growth.