Becton, Dickinson (NYSE: BDX) is expected to report Q4 earnings on Nov. 7. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
 Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Becton, Dickinson's revenues will shrink -4.3% and EPS will grow 0.7%.

The average estimate for revenue is $1.96 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.40.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Becton, Dickinson reported revenue of $1.98 billion. GAAP reported sales were 1.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.95 billion.

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

EPS details
 Last quarter, non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.52. GAAP EPS of $1.59 for Q3 were 3.2% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.54 per share.

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

Recent performance
 For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 52.2%, 50 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 22.7%, 20 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 16.5%, 110 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $7.71 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.38.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,130 members out of 1,151 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 356 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 354 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 $80.69.

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