Becton, Dickinson and Co. - BDX

Becton, Dickinson and Company, stock ticker BDX, is a global medical technology company engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of medical devices, instrument systems and reagents used by health care institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. BD’s operations consist of three business segments: BD Medical, BD Diagnostics and BD Biosciences.

On November 19, 2009, BD acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of HandyLab, Inc. (HandyLab), a company that develops and manufactures molecular diagnostic assays and automation platforms. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, BDX sold their Ophthalmic Systems unit, as well as their surgical blades, critical care and extended dwell catheter product platforms of the Medical Surgical Systems unit.

In August 2011, the Company acquired Carmel Pharma, AB. In February 2012, the Company acquired KIESTRA Lab Automation BV.

BDX Current Statistics:

52 week $69.59 - $89.75
Mkt cap $15.71B
P/E 13.68
Dividend/Dividend Yield $0.45/2.41%
EPS 5.47
Shares 210.10M
Beta 0.59
Inst. own 81%

BDX is a stable business. Great ROE, good profit margins and a fairly valued stock. Also, with a very obvious fantastic long term growth rate. Becton Dickinson looks cheap to me at $74.79 cents per share (closing price as of April 13th, 2012. I could see this one going to around $80.00-$85.00 within the next few months.

BDX has been consistent in the past and their present price does not reflect that combined with a growth profile heading forward. This is a great buy if you can get it below $70.00. BDX should be a core position in your Roth IRA portfolio. The dividend is pretty sweet! They have increased the dividend consistently over the past 28 years. They currently yield 2.41% and pay out $1.80 per year. I am in love with BDX's dividend. Yes, I confess!

Trading at 13.68 times 2013 earnings, BDX is pretty cheap. Their projected 10% earnings growth for 2013 is modest. Buying BDX both as short-term defensive and long-term growth prospect is a safe play. Aren't we all looking for some safety during our retirement years? BDX is well positioned to grow in emerging markets, but must adjust product costs to truly compete - which they will do!

I'm betting on BDX management to figure it all out and resume their historic consistent growth. BDX is a dividend aristocrat but more importantly a slow winner. Almost like a tortoise versus the rabbit. Put your money on the tortoise!! Like a giant tortoise, it may be big and slow, but it has a hard shell and can swim far. Far far away to support your retirement portfolio.

Please visit the BDX Investor Relations web page, here as well as visit their "About Us" web page, here. Check out the videos below and have a great investing week! Make smart decisions and watch your money work for you!