Based on the aggregated intelligence of 125,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, medical device maker Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX) has earned a coveted five-star ranking. Our data has shown that five-star stocks outperform the market by a significant margin; conversely, one-star stocks woefully lag the market average.

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, New Jersey (1897)

Market Cap

$17.18 billion

Industry

Health-care equipment

TTM Revenue

$7.16 billion

Management

CEO Edward Ludwig (since January 2000)

CFO David Elkins (since December 2008)

Return on Equity (average, last three years)

22.7%

Dividend Yield

1.9%

Competitors

Abbott Labs (NYSE:ABT)
Baxter International (NYSE:BAX)

CAPS members bullish on BDX also bullish on:

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)
Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG)

CAPS members bearish on BDX also bearish on:

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM)
FPL Group (NYSE:FPL)

Sources: Capital IQ, a division of Standard & Poor's, and Motley Fool CAPS. TTM = trailing 12 months.

Over on CAPS, 439 of the 450 members who have rated Becton Dickinson -- 97.6% -- believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward. These bulls include SIP08PSU and CAPS All-Star Alex1963.

Last week, Alex1964 pointed out several of the stock's positives: "Great dividend history, solid mgt & margin #s, Great P/B. Low debt. 16B cap. P/E of 15 at today's price of $68."

In a pitch from one day later, SIP08PSU shares that attitude, listing even more reasons Fools need to stay bullish on Becton, Dickinson:

[The] purchase is based on the company’s diversified products portfolio, high exposure to international markets, new segments with high growth rates, a management team with extensive experience in managing operations and expertise in generating organic growth through in-house R&D, acquisitions, and alliances strategies.

What do you think about Becton, Dickinson, or any other stock for that matter? Make your voice heard on Motley Fool CAPS today. More than 125,000 investors are waiting to hear what you have to say. CAPS is 100% free, so simply click here to get started. 

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