Becton, Dickinson (NYSE: BDX) reported earnings on Feb. 5. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q1), Becton, Dickinson beat slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew slightly and GAAP earnings per share grew significantly.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Becton, Dickinson reported revenue of $1.90 billion. The 17 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected revenue of $1.86 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 0.7% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.89 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 EPS came in at $1.35. The 21 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $1.24 per share. GAAP EPS of $3.13 for Q1 were 159% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.21 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 52.9%, 200 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.6%, 160 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 32.9%, 1,900 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.97 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.36.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $7.94 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.65.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,141 members out of 1,162 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 400 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 398 give Becton, Dickinson a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Becton, Dickinson is hold, with an average price target of $78.72.

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