Should Becton Dickinson Stock Holders Look At Boston Scientific Instead

Investors hold Becton Dickinson (BDX) and Boston Scientific (BSX) for newer products that grow faster than the rest of their sales. Becton Dickinson sells everyday hospital supplies such as syringes, with faster-growing lines that include PureWick and biologic drug delivery. Boston Scientific sells cardiology devices such as WATCHMAN. Boston Scientific stock trades at 18.0 times earnings, compared with 55.7 for Becton Dickinson. You gain from that lower price only if the slowdown in WATCHMAN ends. So is Boston Scientific's growth coming back yet?

Boston Scientific Has Lowered Its Growth Forecast

Not yet. Boston Scientific lowered its fiscal 2026 revenue growth forecast to 6.0% at the midpoint in its July 29, 2026 release, down from 7.8% in its April release. Management said the U.S. market for WATCHMAN had slowed sharply and that rivals were taking share from its electrophysiology business in the U.S. In September, the company said a cyberattack that disrupted manufacturing and shipments is likely to have a material impact on its third-quarter and full-year 2026 results.

Becton Dickinson's news went the other way. On its August 6, 2026 call, management raised the midpoint of its adjusted EPS forecast for fiscal 2026, saying revenue growth should land toward the high end of its low single-digit range. The plan is slower, though. Management expects low single-digit revenue growth again in fiscal 2027, with a drag of 200 basis points from its Alaris business.

So Boston Scientific cut a fast plan, while Becton Dickinson raised a slow one.

Whichever of the two you favor, holding a large amount of one stock ties your plan to a single company. See how to protect a concentrated position.

Which Company Earns More And Owes Less?

Boston Scientific's margin lead is holding so far. The company recorded an operating margin of 21.0% over the four quarters to June 30, 2026, compared with 14.4% for Becton Dickinson. Boston Scientific's debt equals 19.1% of its market value, against 32.1% for Becton Dickinson.

Becton Dickinson management wants to bring that debt lower. The company put net leverage at about 2.9 times and said it remains committed to a long-term target of 2.5 times.

Boston Scientific management expects its operating margin to come under pressure. The company sees limited EPS growth in 2027, and management said improving operating margins will be a challenge because of gross margin pressure from WATCHMAN, electrophysiology and the first effects of its Penumbra deal.

Is Becton Dickinson Stock As Expensive As It Looks?

Not on sales. Becton Dickinson's high multiple of earnings comes from thin earnings. Its net margin was 4.0% over the latest twelve months, a period that included a loss in fiscal Q2 2026. Measured against sales, Becton Dickinson stock trades at 2.3 times, while Boston Scientific trades at 3.2 times.

A switch also costs you income. Becton Dickinson stock yields 2.2% in dividends, and Boston Scientific pays none.

Where Each Company Comes Out Ahead

Boston Scientific leads on four measures. Revenue grew 16.2% on average over the last three twelve-month periods, compared with 7.1% for Becton Dickinson. It also leads on margin, debt, and earnings multiple.

Becton Dickinson is ahead on the direction of its latest forecast, its price against sales and its dividend.

Boston Scientific's wider margin is holding for now, while its growth forecast is still moving down. Boston Scientific's revenue growth for fiscal Q3 2026 is the number to watch in the report expected on or around October 28, 2026. The company issued its July guide of 3% to 5% growth for the third quarter before the September cyberattack warning.

Is Too Much Of Your Wealth Riding On One Stock?

Choosing between Becton Dickinson and a rival settles one position in a portfolio. When one position grows into a large part of your wealth, a sharp fall can hurt your whole plan, and selling to spread the money out can bring a large tax bill. Our partner advisory firm offers a free strategy review of ways to protect a concentrated position and unwind it with less tax.

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