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

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

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

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
Becton, Dickinson and chalked up revenue of $1.89 billion. The 14 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated a top line of $1.88 billion. Sales were 2.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.84 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.17. The 18 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $1.17 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $1.21 for Q1 were 11% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.36 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Figures may be non-GAAP to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 50.9%, 210 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 19.0%, 340 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 13.9%, 330 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.96 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.42.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $7.98 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.82.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,114 members out of 1,133 rating the stock outperform, and 19 members rating it underperform. Among 390 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 386 give Becton, Dickinson a green thumbs-up, and four give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Becton, Dickinson is outperform, with an average price target of $80.73.

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