Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) vs Waters Corporation (WAT)
A side-by-side comparison of Becton, Dickinson and Company and Waters Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
BDX
Becton, Dickinson and Company
$176.80HealthcareDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
WAT
Waters Corporation
$425.21HealthcareDelayed quote: Oct 2, 2026, 3:59 PM EDT
Total return — BDX vs WAT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yBDX +55.4% (+4.5%/yr)WAT +171.1% (+10.5%/yr)WAT compounded faster over this window
BDX WAT
BDX vs WAT: by the numbers
- •BDX is the larger company ($48.72B vs $41.75B market cap).
- •BDX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (53.25 vs 106.04 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •BDX converts more revenue to profit (4.52% vs 3.58% net margin).
- •WAT grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.70% vs 1.22% CAGR).
- •BDX pays a dividend (2.25% yield), while WAT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | BDX | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 53.25 | 106.04 |
| Forward P/E | 13.35 | 29.18 |
| PEG ratio | 3.22 | 20.47 |
| P/S ratio | 2.34 | 8.99 |
| P/B ratio | 2.00 | 2.75 |
| EV / EBITDA | 11.77 | 50.07 |
| FCF yield | 5.35% | 0.95% |
Profitability
| Metric | BDX | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 46.12% | 50.78% |
| Operating margin | 9.83% | 28.22% |
| Net margin | 4.52% | 3.58% |
| ROE | 3.85% | 1.09% |
| ROIC | 3.72% | 1.34% |
Dividends
| Metric | BDX | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.25% | N/A |
| Payout ratio | 119.73% | N/A |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | BDX | WAT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 1.22% | 11.70% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 16.26% | 5.16% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -9.10% | -9.10% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 0.64% | 3.63% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, BDX or WAT?
- BDX has the lower trailing P/E: BDX trades at 53.25 and WAT at 106.04. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, BDX or WAT?
- Over the past five years, WAT grew revenue faster — BDX at a 1.22% CAGR versus WAT at 11.70%.
- Does BDX or WAT pay a bigger dividend?
- BDX pays a dividend (2.25% yield), while WAT is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
- Is BDX or WAT more profitable?
- BDX runs the higher net margin — BDX at 4.52% versus WAT at 3.58%.
- How have BDX and WAT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, BDX delivered 4.17% and WAT delivered 10.37% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Becton, Dickinson P/E ratioWaters P/E ratioBecton, Dickinson dividend yieldBecton, Dickinson ROEWaters ROEBecton, Dickinson operating marginWaters operating marginBecton, Dickinson revenue growthWaters revenue growthBecton, Dickinson free cash flowWaters free cash flow
Becton, Dickinson & Waters appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 4, 2026.