BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, today reported quarterly revenues of $1.878 billion for the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2010, representing an increase of 3.2 percent from the prior-year period, or 3.9 percent on a foreign currency-neutral basis.
“We are pleased with our results this quarter, with each of our three segments contributing to our growth. We delivered earnings per share from continuing operations of $1.29, which is in line with the Company’s expectations,” said Edward J. Ludwig, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Despite the challenging global economy, we expect to deliver bottom-line growth of approximately 9 percent foreign-currency neutral, which is in line with our previously communicated range of 8 to 10 percent for the full fiscal year 2010. Profits and cash flows continue to improve as a result of operational efficiencies. We are also pleased to announce that we are increasing our share repurchases to $700 million from $550 million, which supports our ongoing commitment to return value to shareholders."
Update on the Sale of Certain Assets in the BD Medical Segment
In May 2010, the Company signed agreements to sell certain assets of its BD Medical segment, including the Ophthalmic Systems unit as well as the surgical blades, critical care and extended dwell catheter product platforms of the Medical Surgical Systems unit. For the full fiscal year 2010, revenues and earnings per share associated with these asset groups were estimated at $200 million and $0.20, respectively. The results of operations associated with these asset groups have not been classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial tables as the criteria for such classification were not met in the third fiscal quarter 2010. The Company expects to record a gain on the sale in the fourth fiscal quarter 2010, when the transaction is expected to be completed.
Third Quarter and Nine-Month Fiscal Year 2010 Operating Results
Reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the third quarter were $1.29, compared with $1.38 in the prior-year period, representing a 6.5 percent decrease. The prior-year period included a $20 million, or $0.08 per share, tax benefit related to various tax settlements in multiple jurisdictions. Excluding this item, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.30. On a foreign currency-neutral basis, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the third quarter increased by 6.9 percent.
For the nine-month period ending June 30, 2010, reported diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.81, compared with $3.67 in the prior-year period, representing an increase of 3.8 percent. Current year-to-date results include a non-cash charge of $8.9 million, or $0.04 per share from continuing operations related to healthcare reform impacting Medicare Part D reimbursements, and the prior-year period included the aforementioned tax benefit of $0.08 and a litigation charge of $45 million, or $0.11 per share. Excluding these items, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased by 4.1 percent to $3.85, compared with $3.70 adjusted earnings per share in the prior-year period. On a foreign currency-neutral basis, adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the nine-month period increased 11.4 percent.
