Becton Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:BDX) recently released its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, revealing adjusted earnings per share of $2.91, which surpassed analyst estimates of $2.81. The company also recorded revenues totaling $5.25 billion, slightly outpacing the consensus estimate of $5.15 billion.
Despite this positive start, Becton Dickinson officially lowered its full-year adjusted earnings guidance for fiscal 2026. Previously, the company forecast earnings between $14.75 and $15.05 per share. The revised guidance now projects a range of $12.35 to $12.65, falling short of the market consensus of $14.72.
This adjustment corresponds with the company's strategic transformation involving the separation of its Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions segments, coupled with the integration of Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT). The transition has led market participants and analysts to reassess the company's outlook amid ongoing business realignments.
Analyst Reactions and Updated Price Targets
RBC Capital Markets recently revised its price target for Becton Dickinson shares from $210 down to $172, citing fiscal year 2026 as a period of transition for the company. The revised forecast accounts for the effects of the transaction involving Waters Corporation, predicting organic revenue growth of 2.5% for fiscal 2026 and 2.4% in the subsequent year. Earnings per share are expected to grow by 6.0% and 6.9% in fiscal years 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Analyst Shagun Singh noted that although the company provided a second-quarter earnings guidance that fell short of expectations, the fiscal 2026 earnings forecast remained unchanged. Singh identified headwinds totaling approximately 250 basis points stemming from challenges in three key areas: the China market, Vaccines, and the Alaris business unit. These factors contribute to the label of fiscal 2026 as a transition year for the company.
For the second quarter, Becton Dickinson projects adjusted earnings to fall between $2.72 and $2.82 per share. Despite the challenges, Singh expressed cautious optimism regarding the first-quarter performance, emphasizing that most business units are maintaining moderate growth rates. Singh reiterated a Sector Perform rating on the stock.
RBC further highlighted the company's strategic focus on smaller, accretive acquisitions—so-called tuck-in mergers and acquisitions—with management demonstrating a robust pipeline of such transactions rather than large transformational deals.
Additional Analyst Perspectives
Wells Fargo retained an Equal-Weight rating on Becton Dickinson shares but lowered its price target from $184 to $157. Piper Sandler maintained a Neutral rating, adjusting its price target from $205 down to $170. Citigroup continued to recommend a Buy rating, yet slightly decreased its price target from $233 to $232.
Market Performance and Business Overview
On the trading day following the earnings release, Becton Dickinson's stock experienced a significant decline, dropping approximately 17.44% to trade near $171.23. This price movement reflects investor uncertainty regarding the company’s current challenges and the expected year of transition.
Approximately 90% of Becton Dickinson’s business units are currently delivering mid-single-digit growth. However, the company has yet to demonstrate a sustained recovery to mid-single-digit rates across the broader portfolio, a factor contributing to cautious investor sentiment.
With a business transformation underway and an integration process involving the Waters Corporation acquisition in progress, Becton Dickinson faces a complex environment in fiscal 2026. Market watchers are closely observing the company’s ability to navigate headwinds and realize growth prospects amid this period of transition.