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.

Compare

Total return — BDX vs WAT

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
BDX +55.4% (+4.5%/yr)WAT +171.1% (+10.5%/yr)WAT compounded faster over this window
100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$155$271
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

MetricBDXWAT
P/E ratio53.25106.04
Forward P/E13.3529.18
PEG ratio3.2220.47
P/S ratio2.348.99
P/B ratio2.002.75
EV / EBITDA11.7750.07
FCF yield5.35%0.95%

Profitability

MetricBDXWAT
Gross margin46.12%50.78%
Operating margin9.83%28.22%
Net margin4.52%3.58%
ROE3.85%1.09%
ROIC3.72%1.34%

Dividends

MetricBDXWAT
Dividend yield2.25%N/A
Payout ratio119.73%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricBDXWAT
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.

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.