Thanks to an expanding product portfolio, increasing healthcare spending, and explosive growth in the emerging markets, the healthcare industry has been growing at a stellar rate lately. Medical supplies and equipment providers are benefiting the most, as they serve the global healthcare industry. One of the most prominent beneficiaries has been Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:BDX), which has recorded an appreciation of 45% over the last year. But, despite the recent rally, a couple of reasons suggest its shares could still head north.
Retaining growth momentum
Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:BDX) operates in over 50 countries with over 30,000 employees. Since it manufactures medical supplies (like syringes) and medical equipment, without venturing into drug manufacturing, its top line is much more stable (and less volatile) than other healthcare companies. According to FY11 estimates, its global market share stood at 3.6%, which was comparable to Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX)’s 4.4%, but lower than Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)’s 6.6%.
But, the point to note here is that its R&D expenses have consistently increased over the last two years. This suggests that either Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:BDX) is hemorrhaging cash in failed trials (which is less likely), or its product pipeline is still going strong. Its management recently stated that it will gradually unveil a wide range of new products in FY13, suggesting that Becton, Dickinson and Co. (NYSE:BDX) will most likely retain its growth momentum.
Capturing growth abroad
Besides that, its U.S segment generates nearly 40% of its overall revenue, while the rest is accounted for by its international revenue. Though this indicates a well diversified revenue mix, it also partly points towards its tremendous growth potential. Its revenue from emerging markets accounts for just 23% of its overall revenue, which its management aims to increase to 50%, as a part of its long-term goals. This is an aggressive goal, but by no means, overly optimistic.
For the recent quarter, its U.S-based revenue crawled up 1.6%, while its international revenue grew 11.1% YoY, on a constant currency basis. Its international growth was mainly bolstered by China’s revenue growth of 30% YoY, which is also driving up its sales from emerging markets. Its management recently stated that revenue from emerging markets could continue to grow at a low double-digit rate, which would be mainly driven by China’s estimated 20% plus revenue growth rate.
Comparable peers
On the other hand, shares of Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) have also risen an impressive 37% over the last year. Apart from manufacturing medical supplies and equipment, Baxter is also involved in the manufacturing of medical drugs. This not only gives it diversity, but also makes it more volatile. Shares of Baxter crashed shortly after its Phase – III trials of Alzheimer’s drug failed. And as a result, its shares have largely remained flat over the last six months.
