Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, medical-device maker Becton, Dickinson and Co.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Becton Dickinson's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.
Becton Dickinson facts
| Headquarters (Founded) | Franklin Lakes, N.J. (1897) |
| Market Cap | $16.0 billion |
| Industry | Health-care equipment |
| Trailing-12-Month Revenue | $7.8 billion |
| Management | CEO Vincent Forlenza (since October 2011) CFO David Elkins (since December 2008) |
| Return on Equity (Average, Past 3 Years) | 23.3% |
| Cash/Debt | $1.6 billion / $2.7 billion |
| Dividend Yield | 2.5% |
| Competitors |
Abbott Labs Baxter International Covidien |
Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.
On CAPS, 98% of the 1,125 members who have rated Becton Dickinson believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.
Just last month, one of those Fools, THemler, highlighted the stock as a solid all-purpose play:
Bought [Becton Dickinson] both as short-term defensive & long-term growth prospect. The upside/downside ratio is favorable at current levels. Company is well positoned to grow in emerging markets, but must adjust product costs to truly compete. I'm betting on [Becton Dickinson] management to figure it al out and resume their historic consistant growth.
What do you think about Becton Dickinson, or any other stock for that matter? If you want to retire rich, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future, and on Motley Fool CAPS, thousands of investors are working every day to find them. CAPS is 100% free, so get started!
Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the new TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.
