PORTIONS OF 1998 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
Published on December 16, 1998
EXHIBIT 13
Financial Table of Contents
35 Financial Review
43 Seven-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data
44 Summary by Business Segment
45 Summary by Geographic Area
46 Report of Management
47 Report of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors
48 Consolidated Statements of Income
49 Consolidated Balance Sheets
50 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
51 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Becton Dickinson is a medical technology company that manufactures and sells a
broad range of supplies, devices and systems for use by health care
professionals, medical research institutions, industry and the general public.
The Company focuses strategically on achieving growth in two worldwide business
segments -- the Medical Supplies and Devices Segment ("Medical") and the
Diagnostic Systems Segment ("Diagnostic"). The Company's financial results and
the operating performance of the segments are discussed below. The following
references to years relate to the Company's fiscal year, which ends on
September 30.
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Stock Split and Per-Share Data
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In August 1998, the Company distributed shares to effect a
two-for-one stock split to shareholders of record on August 10, 1998. In
December 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 128 "Earnings per Share", which requires presentation of both basic
and diluted earnings per share in the income statement. Share and per-share data
presented in the Financial Review for all periods have been restated to reflect
the stock split and to conform to the SFAS No. 128 requirements.
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Special and Other Charges
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During the third quarter of 1998, the Company recorded special charges of $91
million, primarily associated with the restructuring of certain manufacturing
operations and the write-down of impaired assets. The Company's plan for
restructuring its manufacturing operations includes the closure of a surgical
blade plant in the United States and the consolidation of certain other
production functions. The write-down of assets includes an impairment loss
related primarily to goodwill associated with prior acquisitions in the manual
microbiology business. The sustained decline in sales volume of this business,
combined with the Company's increased focus on new and developing alternative
technologies, created an impairment indicator that required a reassessment of
recoverability.
The Company also recorded $22 million of charges in 1998, primarily in the third
and fourth quarters, associated with the reengineering of business processes
relating to the enterprise-wide program to upgrade the Company's business
systems. The majority of these charges are included in selling and
administrative expense. This program will develop a platform of common business
practices for the Company and will coordinate the installation of a global
software system to provide more efficient access to worldwide business
information. Over the next three years, the Company expects to spend
approximately $154 million associated with this program, primarily relating to
hardware and software-related costs which will be substantially capitalized. For
additional discussion of the above charges, see Note 5 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Acquisitions
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During 1998, the Company acquired six businesses, primarily in the Medical
segment, for an aggregate of $546 million in cash and up to 595,520 shares of
the Company's common stock, pending the resolution of certain post-closing
matters. These acquisitions include the purchase of the Medical Devices Division
("MDD") of The BOC Group for approximately $457 million in cash, subject to
certain post-closing adjustments. The Company recorded a charge of $30 million
for purchased in-process research and development in connection with this
acquisition. Last year, the Company acquired two businesses in the Diagnostic
Segment, for an aggregate of $217 million in cash. The Company recorded a charge
of $15 million last year for purchased in-process research and development in
connection with these acquisitions. All acquisitions were recorded under the
purchase method of accounting and the results of operations of the acquired
companies are included in the consolidated results of the Company from their
respective acquisition dates. For additional discussion of acquisitions, see
Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company continues
to seek acquisitions that complement its existing businesses and geographic
presence, as well as contribute to the acceleration of revenue growth.
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Revenues and Earnings
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Worldwide revenues rose 11% to $3.1 billion. Excluding the estimated impact of
unfavorable foreign currency translation, worldwide revenues grew 14%, with
acquisitions contributing 7%. The growth in the underlying businesses (which as
used herein excludes the effects of foreign currency translation and
acquisitions in 1998 and 1997) resulted primarily from volume increases and an
improved product mix in both segments.
Health care cost containment remains an important factor in many of the markets
served by the Company. By improving manufacturing and administrative
productivity and leveraging the Company's worldwide presence and capabilities,
the Company's cost to serve its customers has continued to decline. Health care
35
providers have increasingly demonstrated their preference to enter into
comprehensive purchasing arrangements with the Company to take full advantage of
logistic efficiencies and the aggregation of their buying power. Although such
arrangements typically increase pricing pressures, they ultimately contribute to
manufacturing and administrative efficiencies for the Company.
Medical revenues of $1.7 billion increased 14%. Excluding the estimated impact
of unfavorable foreign currency translation, Medical revenues grew 16%, with
acquisitions contributing 8%. Revenue growth of the underlying businesses was
led by strong sales of infusion therapy and hypodermic products due to market
share gains, and increased sales of prefillable syringes to pharmaceutical
companies. Diabetes health care products also exhibited strong sales growth.
Medical operating income of $320 million decreased 8% compared to 1997.
Excluding special and other charges, the estimated unfavorable impact of foreign
currency translation, and the impact of acquisitions, including related charges
of $30 million recorded in 1998 for purchased in-process research and
development, Medical operating income increased 19%. This performance was
primarily due to revenue growth, improved sales mix and productivity
improvements.
Diagnostic revenues of $1.4 billion increased 8%. Excluding the estimated impact
of unfavorable foreign currency translation, Diagnostic revenues grew 11%, with
acquisitions contributing 7%. Revenue growth of the underlying businesses was
led by continued strong sales of sample collection devices, fueled by the
continued conversion of the market to higher value, lower cost-in-use safety-
engineered products. Sales of FACS brand flow cytometry systems continued to
grow from market share gains and new product introductions. Although overall
revenues of infectious disease products increased as a result of a prior year
acquisition, the growth rate of this business continues to be adversely affected
by cost containment in testing.
Diagnostic operating income of $193 million was about the same as last year.
Excluding special and other charges, the estimated impact of unfavorable foreign
currency translation, and the impact of acquisitions, including related charges
of $15 million recorded in 1997 for purchased in-process research and
development, Diagnostic operating income increased 22%. This performance was
primarily due to an improved sales mix and manufacturing productivity.
On a geographical basis, revenues outside the United States of $1.4 billion
increased 8%. Excluding the estimated impact of unfavorable foreign currency
translation, revenues outside the United States grew 14%, with acquisitions
contributing 8%. Revenue growth of the underlying businesses was led by strong
sales of injection systems products, sample collection devices and FACS brand
flow cytometry systems, particularly in Europe and Latin America. Revenue growth
in the Asia Pacific region, while in excess of 10% excluding the estimated
impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation, was adversely affected by
the continuing slow down of economic growth in this region.
Revenues in the United States were $1.7 billion, an increase of 14%, with
acquisitions contributing 7%. Revenue growth of the underlying businesses was
led by strong increases in sales of sample collection devices, infusion therapy
products and diabetes health care products. FACS brand flow cytometry systems
also exhibited strong sales growth, reflecting market share gains and new
product introductions. As mentioned earlier, sales of infectious disease
products continued to be negatively affected by cost containment in testing.
Gross profit margin was 50.6%, compared with 49.7% last year, reflecting the
Company's continued success in improving manufacturing efficiency, as well as a
more profitable mix of products sold.
Selling and administrative expense of $862 million was 27.6% of revenues.
Excluding the effects of the reengineering charges related to the enterprise-
wide program to upgrade the Company's business systems and the impact of the MDD
acquisition, selling and administrative expense would have been 26.7% of
revenues, compared with last year's ratio of 27.3%. This ratio reflects savings
achieved through the Company's tight spending controls and productivity
improvements.
Investment in research and development increased to $218 million or 7.0% of
revenues, including the $30 million charge for purchased in-process research and
development related to the MDD acquisition. In 1997, the Company recorded a
charge of $15 million for purchased in-process research and development
associated with two acquisitions. Excluding the effect of purchased in-process
research and development in both years, investment in research and development
remained at 6% of revenues, or an increase of 13% over 1997. This increase
includes additional funding directed toward emerging new platforms, such as DNA
probe technology and other new diagnostic platforms, to support the Company's
efforts to accelerate its rate of revenue growth.
Operating income in 1998 of $405 million decreased from last year's $451
million. Excluding the incremental impact of acquisitions and special and other
charges, operating income would have been $544 million, or 18.7% of revenues in
1998. The 1997 operating margin would have been 16.6%, adjusted to exclude last
year's purchased in-process research and development charges. This increase in
operating margin resulted from an improved gross profit margin, as well as a
lower selling and administrative expense ratio.
Net interest expense of $56 million in 1998 was $17 million higher than in 1997,
primarily due to additional borrowings to fund acquisitions.
"Other (expense) income, net" in 1998 included foreign exchange losses of $11
million, including hedging costs, and a gain of $3 million on the sale of an
investment.
The effective tax rate in 1998 was 30.6% compared to 29% in 1997. The increase
is principally due to the lack of a tax benefit associated with a larger
purchased in-process research and development charge recorded in 1998 as
compared to 1997.
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Net income was $237 million, compared with $300 million in 1997. Diluted
earnings per share were $.90, compared with $1.15 in 1997. The effects of the
special and other charges and the MDD acquisition, including the purchased in-
process research and development charge recorded in 1998, decreased diluted
earnings per share by $.47, and the estimated impact of unfavorable foreign
currency translation was $.07 per share. Exclusive of these items and the in-
process research and development charges recorded in 1997, diluted earnings per
share grew 19% over last year.
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Financial Instrument Market Risk
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The Company selectively uses financial instruments to manage the impact of
foreign exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations on earnings. The
counterparties to these contracts are highly-rated financial institutions and
the Company does not have significant exposure to any one counterparty. The
Company does not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative
purposes.
The Company's foreign currency exposure is primarily in Western Europe, Asia
Pacific, Japan, Brazil and Mexico. Foreign exchange risk arises when the Company
enters into transactions in non-hyperinflationary countries, generally on an
intercompany basis, that are denominated in currencies other than the functional
currency. In hyperinflationary countries, principally Mexico, net monetary
assets denominated in local currencies are exposed to foreign exchange risk.
During 1998 and 1997, the Company hedged substantially all of its foreign
exchange exposures primarily through the use of forward contracts and currency
options. These derivative instruments typically have average maturities of less
than six months. As hedges, gains or losses on these derivative instruments are
largely offset by the gains or losses on the underlying hedged transactions.
Therefore, with respect to derivative instruments outstanding at September 30,
1998 and 1997, a 10% appreciation or depreciation of the U.S. dollar from the
September 30, 1998 and 1997 market rates would not have a material effect on the
Company's earnings.
The Company's primary interest rate exposure results from changes in short-term
U.S. dollar interest rates. In an effort to manage interest rate exposures, the
Company strives to achieve an acceptable balance between fixed and floating rate
debt and may enter into interest rate swaps to help maintain that balance. Based
on the Company's overall interest rate exposure at September 30, 1998 and 1997,
a change of 10% in interest rates would not have a material effect on the
Company's earnings or cash flows over a one-year period. An increase of 10% in
interest rates would decrease the fair value of the Company's long-term debt and
interest rate swaps at September 30, 1998 and 1997 by approximately $48 million
and $35 million, respectively. A 10% decrease in interest rates would increase
the fair value of the Company's long-term debt and interest rate swaps at
September 30, 1998 and 1997 by approximately $54 million and $39 million,
respectively.
In 1998, the currencies of many countries in Southeast Asia, in which the
Company maintains operations, depreciated against the U.S. dollar, continuing a
trend which began in the second half of 1997. The Company largely offset the
foreign exchange transaction impact of these devaluations through the hedging of
its exposures in the affected currencies, and therefore, the impact on the
Company was insignificant.
The Company manufactures various medical products in Brazil for sale in that
country and for export. In addition, the Company imports other medical and
diagnostic products from affiliates for distribution within Brazil. While the
Brazilian economy has experienced very high inflation rates and significant
devaluation of its currency in the past, more recently, inflation and the rate
of currency devaluation have declined significantly. Effective January 1, 1998,
the Company no longer considered its Brazilian business to be operating in a
highly inflationary economy as defined by SFAS No. 52 "Foreign Currency
Translation". The Company also manufactures in Mexico and imports various
medical and diagnostic products from affiliates for sale in Mexico. Since
December 1994, the Mexican economy has experienced a period of high inflation,
recession and currency instability. More recently, Mexico's economy and currency
have shown signs of stabilizing. The Company anticipates that, effective January
1, 1999, it will no longer consider its Mexican business to be operating in a
highly inflationary economy as defined by SFAS No. 52.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
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Cash provided by operations continued to be the Company's primary source of
funds to finance operating needs and capital expenditures. In 1998, net cash
provided by operating activities was $501 million, compared with $443 million in
1997.
Capital expenditures were $181 million in 1998, compared with $170 million in
the prior year. Medical capital spending, which totaled $105 million in 1998,
included spending on a new syringe manufacturing facility in India, an
additional pen needle manufacturing line in Ireland, and the expansion of the
prefillable syringe business in Mexico. Funds also were expended for the
acquisition of equipment for the ongoing expansion of the hypodermic and
infusion therapy businesses. Diagnostic capital spending, which totaled $66
million in 1998, included the acquisition of additional equipment by the sample
collection business for capacity expansion for several products with added
safety features. Funds also were expended for the acquisition of equipment for
the Company's new identification and susceptibility testing product, and the new
BDProbeTec ET brand DNA probe diagnostic product. Funds expended outside of the
above segments included those related to the enterprise-wide program to upgrade
the Company's business systems, as discussed earlier. The Company expects
capital expenditures to increase about 20-25% in 1999 over 1998.
The Company expended $537 million, net of cash acquired, for business
acquisitions. The Company intends to use substantial
37
amounts of the excess cash that is expected to be generated over the next
several years to pursue acquisitions and strategic alliances. In October 1998,
the Company acquired a home health care business for $15 million in cash,
subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The terms of this agreement provide
for additional consideration to be paid if the acquired entity's revenues exceed
certain targeted levels. The maximum amount of the remaining contingent
consideration is approximately $72 million, which if earned, would be payable
over the next four years.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $242 million during 1998 as
compared with a use of cash of $92 million during 1997. This change was due
primarily to a reduction in common share repurchases, as well as net proceeds
received from the issuance of commercial paper in 1998 versus net repayments
in 1997.
In 1998, the Company repurchased 1.8 million of its common shares at an average
cost of $24.34 for a total expenditure of $44 million, compared with repurchases
totaling $150 million in 1997. This reduction in share repurchases was
consistent with the Company's long-standing strategy of allocating funds to meet
the needs of businesses and to finance strategic acquisitions before funding
share repurchases. Although the Company expects to limit its share repurchases
in the future, authorization to repurchase up to an additional 21.3 million
shares remained at September 30, 1998 under a March 24, 1998 Board of
Directors' resolution.
During 1998, total debt increased $352 million, primarily as a result of
increased spending on acquisitions. Short-term debt was 33% of total debt at
year end, compared with 17% in 1997. The change in the percentage was
principally attributable to the use of short-term debt to finance a portion of
the MDD acquisition. The Company's weighted average cost of total debt at the
end of 1998 was 7.3%, compared with 7.6% at the end of last year. Debt to
capitalization at year end increased to 41.4% from 36.3% last year due to
additional borrowings related to acquisitions.
The Company negotiated a one-year, $100 million line of credit to supplement its
existing five-year, $500 million syndicated and committed revolving credit
facility. There were no borrowings outstanding under either facility at
September 30, 1998. These facilities can be used to support the Company's
commercial paper program, under which $205 million was outstanding at September
30, 1998, and for other general corporate purposes. In addition, the Company has
informal lines of credit outside the United States. In July 1998, the Company
issued to the public $200 million of 30-year non-redeemable notes with a coupon
rate of 6.7% and an effective rate of 7.08%. The Company used the net proceeds
to repay a portion of its commercial paper. Based on its strong financial
condition, the Company has a high degree of confidence in its ability to
refinance maturing short-term and long-term debt, as well as to incur
substantial additional debt, if required. The Company has available $300 million
under a $500 million shelf registration statement filed in October 1997 for the
issuance of debt securities.
Return on equity decreased to 15.8% in 1998 from 22.1% in 1997, primarily due to
the impact of special and other charges and the MDD acquisition, including the
purchased in-process research and development charge.
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Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure
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General
The Company has developed and is well into implementing a Company-wide Year 2000
plan (the "Plan") with the intent to ensure that its computer equipment and
software and devices with date-sensitive embedded technology will be able to
distinguish between the year 1900 and the year 2000 and will function properly
with respect to all dates, whether in the twentieth or twenty-first centuries
(such functionality is referred to below as being "Year 2000 compliant"). An
inability to function accurately with respect to all such dates could result in
a system failure or disruption of operations, including a temporary inability to
process transactions, receive orders, send invoices or engage in other customary
business practices.
The Company's Plan includes a series of initiatives to ensure that all of the
Company's computer equipment and software will function properly into the next
millennium. "Computer equipment (or hardware) and software" includes systems
generally thought of as information-technology dependent, such as accounting,
data processing, and telephone equipment, as well as systems not obviously
information-technology dependent, such as manufacturing equipment, telecopier
machines, and security systems. These systems may contain embedded technology,
which requires that the Company's Plan include broad identification, assessment,
remediation and testing efforts.
Based upon its identification and assessment efforts to date, the Company
believes that certain of its computer equipment and software will require
replacement or modification. In addition, in the ordinary course of business,
the Company periodically replaces computer equipment and software, and in so
doing, seeks to acquire only Year 2000 compliant software and hardware. The
Company presently believes that its planned modifications or replacements of
certain existing computer equipment and software will be completed on a timely
basis so as to avoid any of the potential Year 2000-related disruptions or
malfunctions of its computer equipment and software that it has identified.
Project
The Company's Plan consists of four major focus areas: information-technology
("IT") systems; non-IT systems; third-party considerations; and products.
The tasks common to each of these areas of focus are: (i) the identification and
assessment of Year 2000 issues; (ii) prioritization of the identified issues;
(iii) assessment of compliance; (iv) remediation; (v) testing; and (vi) design
and implementation of contingency and business continuation plans.
38
The Company is utilizing both internal and external resources to ensure that it
is Year 2000 compliant prior to any currently anticipated impact of the new
millennium. The following table set forth below summarizes, by focus area, the
current status and projected dates of completion for each of the related tasks:
Estimated % of Completion / Projected Date of Completion
IT Systems
The IT Systems section focuses on the Company's computer hardware and software.
The Company estimates that as of October 31, 1998, it had completed
approximately 55% of the effort it believes necessary or prudent to adequately
address the potential Year 2000 issues it has identified in connection with its
IT systems. The balance of the work is underway and is scheduled for completion
on or about September 1999. The testing process is continuous, as hardware or
software is remediated, upgraded or replaced. The Company is in the early stages
of contingency and business continuation planning which it expects to complete
on or about September 1999.
Non-IT Systems
The non-IT Systems section includes the hardware, software and associated
embedded computer technologies that are used to operate Company facilities,
equipment and other activities that are not related to IT systems. The Company
estimates that as of October 31, 1998, it had completed approximately 50% of
the initiatives that it believes necessary or prudent to adequately address
potential Year 2000 issues affecting its non-IT systems. The Company intends to
commence its non-IT systems contingency and business continuation planning in
January 1999 and have all phases of the Plan relating to non-IT systems
completed on or about June 1999.
Third-Party Considerations
The Company is in the process of identifying, prioritizing and communicating
with critical suppliers, distributors and customers to determine the extent to
which the Company may be vulnerable in the event those parties fail to properly
identify and remediate their own Year 2000 issues. Detailed evaluations of the
most critical third parties have been initiated through questionnaires,
interviews, on-site visits and other available means. The Company intends to
monitor the progress made by those parties, test critical system interfaces and
formulate appropriate contingency and business continuation plans to address
third-party issues identified through its evaluations and assessments.
Products
The mission of the products team is to identify any Company products that are
not Year 2000 compliant and determine and implement on a timely basis
appropriate remedial steps. The Company has completed its identification of such
products and estimates that it will have completed the necessary upgrades and
replacements required to make such products Year 2000 compliant by June 1999.
Contingency and business continuation planning with respect to products that may
prove to be non-Year 2000 compliant is scheduled to be completed by May 1999.
Costs
The total cost of the Company's Year 2000 Plan is not expected to be material to
the Company's financial condition. The estimated total cost of the Plan is
approximately $15 million, and is being funded through operating cash flows. As
of September 30, 1998, the Company had incurred approximately $2.5 million in
costs related to its Year 2000 identification, assessment, remediation and
testing efforts. Of the total remaining anticipated costs of the Plan,
approximately $2 million is attributable to the
purchase of new software and hardware and approximately $4 million is
attributable to contingency and business continuation plans. The remaining $6.5
million relates to the repair, reprogramming or modification of hardware and
software, of which approximately $4 million represents the redeployment of
existing resources. None of the Company's other information technology projects
have been delayed or deferred as a result of the implementation of the Plan.
39
Risks
The Company presently believes it has an effective Plan in place to anticipate
and resolve any potential Year 2000 issues in a timely manner. In the event,
however, that the Company does not properly identify Year 2000 issues or the
compliance assessment, remediation and testing is not conducted on a timely
basis with respect to the Year 2000 issues that are identified, there can be no
assurance that Year 2000 issues will not materially and adversely affect the
Company's results of operations or relationships with third parties. In
addition, disruptions in the economy generally resulting from Year 2000 issues
also could materially and adversely affect the Company. The amount of potential
liability and lost revenue that would be reasonably likely to result from the
failure by the Company and certain key third parties to achieve Year 2000
compliance on a timely basis cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. A
contingency plan has not yet been developed for dealing with the most reasonably
likely worst case scenario, and such scenario has not yet been clearly
identified. The Company expects to complete its analysis and contingency
planning by September 30, 1999.
The estimated costs of the Company's Plan and the dates by which the Company
believes it will have completed each of the phases of the Plan, are based upon
management's best estimates, which rely upon numerous assumptions regarding
future events, including the continued availability of certain resources, third-
party remediation plans, and other factors. These estimates, however, may prove
not to be accurate, and actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated. Factors that could result in material differences include, without
limitation, the availability and cost of personnel with the appropriate training
and experience, the ability to identify, assess, remediate and test all relevant
computer codes and embedded technology, and similar uncertainties. In addition,
Year 2000-related issues may lead to possible third-party claims, the impact of
which cannot yet be estimated. No assurance can be given that the aggregate cost
of defending and resolving such claims, if any, would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
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Other Matters
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On January 1, 1999, the eleven member countries of the European Union will begin
the transition to a common currency, the "euro". These participating countries
expect the euro transition to be completed by July 1, 2002. The Company expects
to have the system modifications necessary to accommodate euro-denominated
transactions by January 1, 1999. The Company is currently evaluating the impact
of the euro conversion on market risk and price competition. The Company does
not expect this conversion to have a material impact on its results of
operations, financial condition or cash flows.
The Company believes that the fundamentally non-cyclical nature of its core
medical and diagnostic businesses, its international diversification, and its
ability to meet the needs of the worldwide health care industry for cost-
effective and innovative products will continue to cushion the long-term impact
on the Company of economic and political dislocations in the countries in which
it does business, including the effects of possible health care system reforms.
In 1998, inflation did not have a material impact on the Company's overall
operations.
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Litigation
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The Company, along with a number of other manufacturers, has been named as a
defendant in approximately 194 product liability lawsuits related to natural
rubber latex that have been filed in various state and Federal courts. Cases
pending in Federal Court are being coordinated under the matter In re Latex
Gloves Products Liability Litigation (MDL Docket No. 1148) in Philadelphia, and
analogous procedures have been implemented in the state courts of California,
Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Generally, these actions allege that medical
personnel have suffered allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to
anaphylaxis as a result of exposure to medical gloves containing natural rubber
latex. In 1986, the Company acquired a business which manufactured, among other
things, latex surgical gloves. In 1995, the Company divested this glove
business. The Company is vigorously defending these lawsuits.
The Company, along with another manufacturer and several medical product
distributors, has been named as a defendant in seven product liability lawsuits
relating to health care workers who allegedly sustained accidental needle
sticks, but have not become infected with any disease. The cases have been filed
on behalf of an unspecified number of health care workers in seven different
states, seeking class action certification under the laws of these states. To
date, no class has been certified in any of these cases. The actions are pending
in state court in Texas, under the caption Calvin vs. Becton Dickinson et al.
(Case No. 342-173329-98, Tarrant County District Court), filed on April 9, 1998;
in Federal court in Ohio, under the caption Grant vs. Becton Dickinson et al.
(Case No. C2 98-844, Southern District of Ohio), filed on July 22, 1998; in
state court in California, under the caption Chavez vs. Becton Dickinson (Case
No. 722978, San Diego County Superior Court), filed on August 4, 1998; in state
court in Illinois, under the caption McCaster vs. Becton Dickinson et al. (Case
No. 98L09478, Cook County Circuit Court), filed on August 13, 1998; in state
court in Oklahoma, under the caption Palmer vs. Becton Dickinson et al. (Case
No. CJ-98-685, Sequoyah County District Court), filed on October 27, 1998; in
state court in Alabama, under the caption Daniels vs. Becton Dickinson et al.
(Case No. CV 1998 2757, Montgomery County Circuit Court), filed on October 30,
1998; and in state court in Florida, under the caption Delgado vs. Becton
Dickinson et al. (Case No. 98-5608, Hillsborough County Circuit Court), filed on
November 9, 1998.
Generally, these actions allege that health care workers have sustained needle
sticks using hollow-bore needle devices
40
manufactured by the Company and, as a result, require medical testing,
counseling and/or treatment. Several actions additionally allege that the health
care workers have suffered mental anguish. In addition, in the Chavez matter,
the plaintiff asserts a claim for unfair competition, alleging that the Company
has suppressed the market for safety-engineered products through various means.
Plaintiffs seek money damages in all actions. The plaintiff in the Chavez
matter, in addition to money damages, seeks disgorgement of profits the Company
has purportedly obtained as a result of alleged unfair competition.
The pending class actions are in preliminary stages. The Company intends to
vigorously oppose class certification and defend these lawsuits.
The Company, along with another manufacturer, a group purchasing organization
("GPO") and three hospitals, has been named as a defendant in an antitrust
action brought pursuant to the Texas Free Enterprise Act ("TFEA"). The action is
pending in state court in Texas, under the caption Retractable Technologies Inc.
vs. Becton Dickinson and Company et al. (Case No. 5333*JG98, Brazoria County
District Court), filed on August 4, 1998. Plaintiff, a manufacturer of
retractable syringes, alleges that the Company's contracts with GPOs exclude
plaintiff from the market in syringes and blood collection products, in
violation of the TFEA. Plaintiff also alleges that the Company has conspired
with other manufacturers to maintain its market share in these products.
Plaintiff seeks money damages. The pending action is in preliminary stages. The
Company intends to mount a vigorous defense in this action.
The Company is also involved in other legal proceedings and claims which arise
in the ordinary course of business, both as a plaintiff and a defendant.
In the opinion of the Company, the results of the above matters, individually
and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on its results
of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
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Environmental Matters
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The Company believes that its operations comply in all material respects with
applicable laws and regulations. The Company is a party to a number of Federal
proceedings in the United States brought under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also known as "Superfund", and similar
state laws. For all sites, there are other potentially responsible parties that
may be jointly or severally liable to pay all cleanup costs. The Company accrues
costs for an estimated environmental liability based upon its best estimate
within the range of probable losses, without considering possible third-party
recoveries. The Company believes that any reasonably possible losses in excess
of accruals would be immaterial to the Company's financial condition.
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Adoption of New Accounting Standards
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In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No.
130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income". This Statement requires the presentation
of comprehensive income, which consists of net income and other comprehensive
income, and its components in a full set of financial statements. As required,
the Company will adopt the provisions of this Statement in the first quarter of
fiscal year 1999. For additional discussion, see Note 11 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information". This Statement establishes a new method by
which companies will report operating segment information. This method is based
on the manner in which management organizes the segments within a company for
making operating decisions and assessing performance. As required by the
Statement, the Company will adopt the provisions of SFAS No. 131 in its fiscal
year-end 1999 financial statements and different operating segments may be
reported by the Company.
In February 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits". This Statement standardizes the
disclosure requirements, requires additional information on changes in benefit
obligations and fair values of plan assets, and eliminates certain disclosures.
As required by the Statement, the Company will adopt the new disclosure rules in
its fiscal year-end 1999 financial statements.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". The Company is required to adopt the
provisions of this Statement no later than its fiscal year 2000. This Statement
requires that all derivatives be recorded in the balance sheet as either an
asset or liability measured at fair value. The Statement requires that changes
in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless
specific hedge accounting criteria are met. The Company is in the process of
evaluating this Statement and has not yet determined the future impact on the
Company's consolidated financial statements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 Compared With 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide revenues for 1997 rose 1.5% to $2.8 billion. Excluding the estimated
impacts of unfavorable foreign currency translation of 3% and the net impact of
acquisitions and divestitures, the resulting growth rate was 5%. This growth
rate resulted primarily from volume increases and an improved product mix in
both segments. Price increases were limited as a result of health care cost
containment pressures in the United States and abroad, as well as increased
competition in certain product lines. Medical revenues for 1997 of $1.5 billion
increased 7% over the prior year, excluding the estimated unfavorable impact of
foreign currency translation and the decrease in revenues related to divested
non-
41
core product lines. Diagnostic revenues for 1997 of $1.3 billion increased
3%. The incremental revenues related to acquisitions were offset by the
estimated impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation of 4%.
The Company's gross profit margin rose to 49.7%, compared with 48.4% in 1996,
reflecting the Company's continued success in improving manufacturing efficiency
as well as a more profitable mix of products sold.
Selling and administrative expense was 27.3% of revenues, the same percentage as
in 1996. Aggregate expenses were slightly higher, reflecting increased
investment in new international markets and new strategic initiatives, partially
offset by savings achieved through the Company's productivity improvements.
Investment in research and development increased to $181 million, or 6.4% of
revenues. Excluding $15 million of charges for purchased in-process research and
development recorded in 1997, research and development was 5.9% of revenues,
compared with 5.6% in 1996. This spending included additional funding for new
blood collection and infusion therapy safety-engineered products, and emerging
new platforms.
Operating income in 1997 was $451 million, an increase of 4.5%. Excluding the
estimated impact of unfavorable foreign currency translation and the net impact
of divestitures and acquisitions, including related charges of $15 million for
purchased in-process research and development, operating income increased 17%,
primarily from improved gross profit margin. The Company's operating margin
improved to 16.0% of revenues compared with 15.6% in 1996.
Net interest expense of $39 million in 1997 was $2 million higher than in 1996,
primarily due to the financing of operations in Mexico and Brazil, which was
partially offset by an increase in capitalized interest.
"Other income (expense), net" in 1997 included $8 million of gains from the
disposition of non-core business lines and a gain of $6 million on the sale of
an investment. Also included were foreign exchange losses of $5 million,
including hedging costs. "Other income (expense), net" in 1996 included income
of $8 million from a net cash settlement received in connection with one of the
Company's patents and foreign exchange losses of $8 million, including hedging
costs.
The effective tax rate in 1997 was 29%, as compared with 28% in 1996,
principally due to the lack of a tax benefit associated with the $15 million of
purchased in-process research and development charges recorded in 1997, as
discussed earlier, which was partially offset by a slight improvement in the mix
in income among tax jurisdictions.
Net income was $300 million, an increase of 6% over $283 million in 1996.
Diluted earnings per share were $1.15, an increase of 10% over $1.05 in 1996.
The purchased in-process research and development charges recorded in 1997
decreased diluted earnings per share by $.06, and the estimated impact of
unfavorable foreign currency translation was $.08 per share. Adjusting for these
two items, diluted earnings per share grew 23% over 1996.
Cash provided by operations continued to be the Company's primary source of
funds to finance operating needs and capital expenditures. Capital expenditures
were $170 million, compared with $146 million in 1996. Medical and Diagnostic
capital spending totaled $106 million and $50 million, respectively, in 1997.
The Company expended $201 million, net of cash acquired, for business
acquisitions. Business divestitures in 1997 resulted in cash proceeds of $24
million. The divested operations included an infusion systems business and a
small microbiology product line.
Net cash used for financing activities was $92 million during 1997 as compared
with $412 million in 1996. This change was due primarily to a reduction in
common share repurchases, as well as net proceeds received from newly issued
debt, which were partially offset by the repayment of commercial paper.
During 1997, total debt increased $102 million, primarily as a result of
increased spending on acquisitions, which was partially offset by lower spending
on common stock repurchases. Short-term debt was 17% of total debt at year end,
compared with 33% in 1996. The change in the ratio was principally attributable
to the repayment of short-term debt with the proceeds of the Company's issuances
of long-term debt.
Return on equity increased to 22.1% in 1997, from 20.8% in 1996.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward-Looking Statements
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for
forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) made by or
on behalf of our Company. Our Company and its representatives from time to time
may make certain verbal or written forward-looking statements regarding the
Company's performance (including future revenues, products and income), or
events or developments that the Company expects to occur or anticipates
occurring in the future. All such statements are based upon current expectations
of the Company and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual
results could vary materially from anticipated results described in any forward-
looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially
include, but are not limited to, competitive factors, changes in regional,
national or foreign economic conditions, changes in interest or foreign currency
exchange rates, delays in product introductions, Year 2000 issues, and changes
in health care or other governmental practices or regulation, as well as other
factors discussed herein and in other of the Company's filings with the
Securities Exchange Commission.
42
All average shares outstanding and per-share data have been restated to reflect
the 1998 two-for-one stock split and to conform to the SFAS No. 128
requirements.
(A) Includes after-tax charge of $141,057, or $.45 per share, for the cumulative
effect of accounting changes.
(B) Earnings before interest expense and taxes as a percent of average total
assets.
(C) Excludes the cumulative effect of accounting changes.
(D) Total debt as a percent of the sum of total debt, shareholders' equity and
net non-current deferred income tax liabilities.
43
(A) Includes $43,181 of the special charges discussed in Note 5.
(B) Includes $45,552 of the special charges discussed in Note 5.
(C) Includes $2,212 of the special charges discussed in Note 5.
(D) Consists principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term
investments in marketable securities, buildings and equipment, and
investments in non-affiliated companies.
44
(A) Interarea revenues to affiliates amounted to $423,370 in 1998, $406,898 in
1997 and $368,834 in 1996. These revenues, which are principally from the
United States, are eliminated in consolidation. Intersegment revenues are
not material.
(B) Includes $56,703 of the special charges discussed in Note 5.
(C) Includes $21,702 of the special charges discussed in Note 5.
(D) Includes $10,328 of the special charges discussed in Note 5.
(E) Includes $2,212 of the special charges discussed in Note 5.
(F) Consists principally of cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term
investments in marketable securities, buildings and equipment, and
investments in non-affiliated companies.
45
See notes to consolidated financial statements
48
See notes to consolidated financial statements
49
See notes to consolidated financial statements
50
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company
Thousands of dollars, except per-share amounts
Index
Note Subject Page
1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 51
2 Acquisitions 52
3 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)/
Savings Incentive Plan 53
4 Benefit Plans 53
5 Special and Other Charges 55
6 Other (Expense) Income, Net 55
7 Income Taxes 55
8 Supplemental Balance Sheet Information 56
9 Debt 57
10 Financial Instruments 57
11 Shareholders' Equity 59
12 Commitments and Contingencies 60
13 Stock Plans 61
14 Earnings Per Share 63
15 Business Segment Data 63
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Becton, Dickinson
and Company and its majority owned subsidiaries after the elimination of
intercompany transactions.
Reclassifications
The Company has reclassified certain prior year information to conform with the
current year presentation.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates
market. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
90 days or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company uses the
last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method of determining cost for substantially all
inventories in the United States. All other inventories are accounted for using
the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation
and amortization. The cost of additions, improvements, and interest on
construction are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to
expense when incurred. Depreciation and amortization are principally provided on
the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives which range from twenty to
forty-five years for buildings, four to ten years for machinery and equipment
and three to twenty years for leasehold improvements.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles
Goodwill represents costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired and is
amortized over periods principally ranging from fifteen to forty years, using
the straight-line method. Other intangibles, which include patents, technology
and other, are amortized over periods principally ranging from three to forty
years, using the straight-line method. Goodwill and other intangibles are
periodically reviewed to assess recoverability from future operations using
undiscounted cash flows. An impairment loss is recognized in operating results
to the extent their carrying value exceeds fair value.
Revenue Recognition
Substantially all revenue is recognized when products are shipped to customers.
Warranty
Estimated future warranty obligations related to certain products are provided
by charges to operations in the period in which the related revenue is
recognized.
Income Taxes
United States income taxes are not provided on substantially all undistributed
earnings of foreign and Puerto Rican subsidiaries since the subsidiaries
reinvest such earnings or remit them to the Company without tax consequence.
Income taxes are provided and tax credits are recognized based on tax laws in
effect at the dates of the financial statements.
Earnings Per Share
In December 1997, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share", which specifies the
computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share for
entities with publicly held common stock or potential common stock. This
Statement simplifies the computation of earnings per share by replacing the
previously reported primary and fully diluted earnings per share with basic and
diluted earnings per share, respectively. Unlike primary earnings per share,
basic earnings per share exclude any dilutive effect of options, warrants and
convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share are very similar to the
previously reported fully diluted earnings per share. For all periods, per-share
data has been restated to conform to the SFAS No. 128 requirements and to
reflect a two-for-one stock split, the shares for which were distributed in
August 1998.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions.
These estimates or assumptions affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses as reflected in the financial statements. Actual results could differ
from these estimates.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments are utilized by the Company in the management
of its foreign currency and interest rate
51
exposures. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading
or speculative purposes.
The Company hedges its foreign currency exposures by entering into offsetting
forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options, when it deems
appropriate. The Company also occasionally enters into interest rate swaps,
interest rate caps, interest rate collars, and forward rate agreements in order
to reduce the impact of fluctuating interest rates on its short-term debt and
investments. In connection with issuances of long-term debt, the Company may
also enter into forward rate agreements in order to protect itself from
fluctuating interest rates during the period in which the sale of the debt is
being arranged.
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments using the deferral
method of accounting when such instruments are intended to hedge an identifiable
firm foreign currency commitment and are designated as, and effective as,
hedges. Foreign exchange exposures arising from certain receivables, payables,
and short-term borrowings that do not meet the criteria for the deferral method
are marked to market. Resulting gains and losses are recognized currently in
Other (expense) income, net, largely offsetting the respective losses and gains
recognized on the underlying exposures.
The Company designates its interest rate hedge agreements as hedges of the
underlying debt. Interest expense on the debt is adjusted to include the
payments made or received under such hedge agreements.
Any deferred gains or losses associated with derivative instruments, which on
infrequent occasions may be terminated prior to maturity, are recognized in
income in the period in which the underlying hedged transaction is recognized.
In the event a designated hedged item is sold, extinguished or matures prior to
the termination of the related derivative instrument, such instrument would be
closed and the resultant gain or loss would be recognized in income.
Stock-Based Compensation
Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation",
the Company accounts for stock-based employee compensation using the intrinsic
value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees", and related interpretations. Accordingly, compensation cost for
stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of
the Company's stock at the date of the grant over the exercise price.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Acquisitions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During fiscal year 1998, the Company acquired six businesses for an aggregate of
$545,603 in cash and up to 595,520 shares of the Company's common stock, or
297,760 shares on a pre-split basis. At September 30, 1998, 74,440 of these
shares, or 37,220 shares on a pre-split basis, remained in escrow, pending the
resolution of certain post-closing matters. These acquisitions were recorded
under the purchase method of accounting and, therefore, the purchase prices have
been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated
fair values. The results of operations of the acquired companies were included
in the consolidated results of the Company from their respective acquisition
dates.
Included in 1998 acquisitions is the purchase of the Medical Devices Division
("MDD") of The BOC Group, which was completed in April, for approximately
$457,000 in cash, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. In connection
with this acquisition, a charge of $30,000 for purchased in-process research and
development was included in the Company's third quarter results. This charge
represented the fair value of certain acquired research and development projects
that were determined to have not reached technological feasibility. The
estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed relating to the
MDD acquisition, which is subject to further refinement, is summarized below,
after giving effect to the write-off of purchased in-process research and
development:
- -----------------------------------------
Working capital $ 24,996
Property, plant and equipment 50,907
Other intangibles 172,472
Goodwill 195,313
Other assets 1,190
Long-term liabilities (18,173)
- -----------------------------------------
Goodwill and other intangibles related to MDD are being amortized on a straight-
line basis over their useful lives, which range from 15 to 25 years. The Company
expects to finalize its plans for combining the acquired MDD businesses with its
existing operations by the middle of fiscal 1999. Any resultant severance and
exit costs will be reflected as an adjustment to the allocation of the purchase
price.
The following unaudited pro forma data summarize the results of operations for
the periods indicated as if the MDD acquisition had been completed as of the
beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma data give effect to actual
operating results prior to the acquisition, adjusted to include the pro forma
effect of interest expense, amortization of intangibles and income taxes. The
1998 pro forma data include the $30,000 for purchased in-process research and
development. These pro forma amounts do not purport to be indicative of the
results that would have actually been obtained if the acquisition occurred as of
the beginning of the periods presented or that may be obtained in the future.
52
Unaudited pro forma consolidated results after giving effect to the other
businesses acquired during fiscal 1998 would not have been materially different
from the reported amounts for either year.
In May 1997, the Company acquired PharMingen, a manufacturer of reagents for
biomedical research, and Difco Laboratories Incorporated ("Difco"), a
manufacturer of microbiology media and supplies, for an aggregate of $217,370 in
cash. These acquisitions were recorded under the purchase method of accounting,
and accordingly, their purchase prices have been allocated to assets acquired
and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values. Goodwill related to
PharMingen and Difco is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 and 20
years, respectively. The results of operations for these acquisitions are
included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements from the
respective dates of acquisition. In connection with the Difco and PharMingen
acquisitions, a charge of $14,750 for purchased in-process research and
development was included in the 1997 results of operations. This charge
represented the fair value of certain acquired research and development projects
that were determined to have not reached technological feasibility. The assumed
liabilities for these acquisitions included approximately $17,500 for severance
and other exit costs associated with the closing of certain Difco facilities,
which are expected to be substantially paid over the next twelve months.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 Employee Stock Ownership Plan
(ESOP)/Savings Incentive Plan
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") as part of its
voluntary defined contribution plan (Savings Incentive Plan) covering most
domestic employees. The ESOP is intended to satisfy all or part of the Company's
obligation to match 50% of employees' contributions, up to a maximum of 3% of
each participant's salary. To accomplish this, in 1990, the ESOP borrowed
$60,000 in a private debt offering and used the proceeds to buy the Company's
ESOP convertible preferred stock. Each share of preferred stock has a guaranteed
liquidation value of $59 per share and is convertible into 6.4 shares of the
Company's common stock. The preferred stock pays an annual dividend of $3.835
per share, a portion of which is used by the ESOP, together with the Company's
contributions, to repay the ESOP debt. Since the ESOP debt is guaranteed by the
Company, it is reflected on the consolidated balance sheet as short-term and
long-term debt with a related amount shown in the shareholders' equity section
as Unearned ESOP compensation.
The amount of ESOP expense recognized is equal to the cost of the preferred
shares allocated to plan participants and the ESOP interest expense for the
year, reduced by the amount of dividends paid on the preferred stock.
Selected financial data pertaining to the ESOP/Savings Incentive Plan follow:
1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expense of the Savings
Incentive Plan $ 4,183 $ 4,257 $ 5,115
Compensation expense (included
in total expense above) $ 1,975 $ 2,087 $ 2,693
Dividends on ESOP shares used
for debt service $ 3,235 $ 3,366 $ 3,484
Number of preferred shares allocated
at September 30 373,884 357,465 325,632
============================
The Company guarantees employees' contributions to the fixed income fund of the
Savings Incentive Plan. The amount guaranteed was $88,055 at September 30, 1998.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 Benefit Plans
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have defined benefit pension plans
which cover a substantial number of its employees. The largest plan, covering
most of the Company's domestic employees, is a "final average pay" plan.
A summary of the costs of the defined benefit pension plans follows:
Rate assumptions used in accounting for the domestic defined benefit plans were:
53
The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized in the
consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 1998 and 1997 for the Company's
domestic defined benefit pension plans:
1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Vested benefit obligation $391,797 $339,139
===================
Accumulated benefit obligation $409,777 $354,440
===================
Projected benefit obligation $517,354 $467,866
Plan assets at fair value 471,118 480,435
-------------------
Plan assets (less than) in excess of projected
benefit obligation (46,236) 12,569
Unrecognized net gain (33,467) (85,336)
Unrecognized net asset at October 1, 1985,
net of amortization (1,213) (1,820)
-------------------
Net pension liability recognized
in the consolidated balance sheets $ 80,916 $ 74,587
===================
Plan assets are composed primarily of investments in publicly traded securities.
The Company's funding policy is to contribute amounts to the plans sufficient to
meet the minimum funding requirements set forth in the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, plus such additional amounts as the
Company may determine to be appropriate from time to time.
Employees in foreign countries are covered by various postretirement benefit
arrangements, some of which are considered to be defined benefit plans for
accounting purposes. Such plans are immaterial to the Company's consolidated
financial position and results of operations.
In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company and its domestic
subsidiaries provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired
employees. Substantially all of the Company's domestic employees may become
eligible for these benefits upon retirement from the Company. The Company's cost
of benefits for foreign retirees is minimal as health care and life insurance
coverage is generally provided through government plans.
Postretirement benefit costs include the following components:
1998 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost: benefits earned
during the year $ 2,239 $ 2,154 $ 2,251
Interest cost on projected benefit
obligation 12,015 11,467 10,925
Net amortization and deferral (5,591) (6,364) (6,334)
---------------------------
Postretirement benefit cost $ 8,663 $ 7,257 $ 6,842
===========================
The postretirement benefit plans other than pensions are not funded. The present
value of the Company's obligation included in the consolidated balance sheets at
September 30, 1998 and 1997 was as follows:
1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation:
Retirees $133,737 $123,044
Fully eligible active participants 15,715 14,892
Other active participants 34,180 28,204
-------------------
Total 183,632 166,140
Unrecognized gain from plan amendments 59,685 69,432
Unrecognized actuarial loss (31,576) (21,225)
-------------------
Accrued postretirement benefit liability $211,741 $214,347
===================
At September 30, 1998 and 1997, health care cost trends of 10% and 11%,
respectively, pre-age 65 and 7% and 8%, respectively, post-age 65 were assumed.
These rates were assumed to decrease gradually to an ultimate rate of 5%
beginning in 2003 for pre-age 65 and 2000 for post-age 65. The effect of a 1%
annual increase in these assumed cost trend rates would increase the accumulated
postretirement benefit obligation at September 30, 1998 by $5,901 and the
postretirement cost for 1998 by $398. The discount rate used to estimate the
postretirement benefit cost was 7.5% in 1998 and 7.75% in 1997. The discount
rate used to estimate the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at
September 30, 1998 was 6.75% and 7.5% at September 30, 1997.
In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 132,
"Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits". This
Statement standardizes the disclosure requirements, requires additional
information on changes in benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets,
and eliminates certain disclosures. As required by the Statement, the Company
will adopt the new disclosure rules in its year-end 1999 financial statements.
The Company utilizes a service-based approach in applying the provisions of SFAS
No. 112, "Employers' Accounting For Postemployment Benefits", for most of its
postemployment benefits. Such an approach recognizes that actuarial gains and
losses may result from experience that differs from baseline assumptions. In
1997, the Company recorded a $5,963 curtailment loss for severance in connection
with productivity programs in the United States and Europe.
1998 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Postemployment benefit costs $24,000 $25,500 $12,200
=============================
54
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Special and Other Charges
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During the third quarter of 1998 the Company recorded special charges of
$90,945, primarily associated with the restructuring of certain manufacturing
operations and the write-down of impaired assets.
The Company's plan for restructuring its manufacturing operations included the
closure of a surgical blade plant in the United States and the consolidation of
certain other production functions. The restructuring plan will be substantially
completed over the next twelve to eighteen months, and includes approximately
$35,000 in special charges related primarily to severance and other termination
costs and losses from the disposal of assets. The Company expects that
approximately 350 people will be affected by this plan. As of September 30,
1998, no significant amounts have been charged against the related accruals. The
write-down of assets includes approximately $38,000 in special charges to
recognize an impairment loss related primarily to goodwill associated with prior
acquisitions in the manual microbiology business. The sustained decline in sales
volume of this business, combined with the Company's increased focus on new and
developing alternative technologies, created an impairment indicator that
required a reassessment of recoverability. An impairment loss was recorded as a
result of the carrying value of these assets exceeding their fair value, as
calculated on the basis of discounted estimated future cash flows. The remaining
special charges of approximately $18,000 consisted of various other one-time
charges.
The Company also recorded $22,000 of charges in 1998, primarily in the third and
fourth quarters, associated with the reengineering of business processes
relating to the enterprise-wide program to upgrade its business systems. The
majority of these charges are included in Selling and administrative expense.
This program will develop a platform of common business practices for the
Company and will coordinate the installation of a global software system to
provide more efficient access to worldwide business information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Other (Expense) Income, Net
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other (expense), net in 1998 included foreign exchange losses of $11,038,
including hedging costs, and a gain of $2,909 on the sale of an investment.
Other income, net in 1997 included $8,191 of gains from the dispositions of non-
core business lines and a gain of $5,763 on the sale of an investment. Also
included in Other income, net were foreign exchange losses of $5,021, including
hedging costs.
Other (expense), net in 1996 included income of $8,216 from a net cash
settlement received in connection with one of the Company's patents and foreign
exchange losses of $8,127, including hedging costs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 Income Taxes
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The provision for income taxes is composed of the following charges (benefits):
1998 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Current:
Domestic:
Federal $ 67,740 $ 81,588 $ 70,769
State and local, including
Puerto Rico 35,078 34,442 33,521
Foreign 33,812 36,231 19,436
-----------------------------
136,630 152,261 123,726
-----------------------------
Deferred:
Domestic (30,349) (15,798) (19,769)
Foreign (1,983) (13,897) 6,272
-----------------------------
(32,332) (29,695) (13,497)
-----------------------------
$104,298 $122,566 $110,229
=============================
In accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes", deferred tax
assets and liabilities are netted on the balance sheet by separate tax
jurisdictions. At September 30, 1998 and 1997, net current deferred tax assets
of $70,490 and $62,702, respectively, were included in Prepaid expenses,
deferred taxes and other. Net non-current deferred tax assets of $53,712 and
$49,046, respectively, were included in Other non-current assets. Net current
deferred tax liabilities of $3,613 and $8,313, respectively, were included in
Current Liabilities - Income taxes. Net non-current deferred tax liabilities of
$13,527 and $15,389, respectively, were included in Deferred Income Taxes and
Other. Deferred taxes are not provided on substantially all undistributed
earnings of foreign and Puerto Rican subsidiaries. At September 30, 1998, the
cumulative amount of such undistributed earnings approximated $983,000 against
which United States tax-free liquidation provisions or substantial tax credits
are available. Determining the tax liability that would arise if these earnings
were remitted is not practicable.
55
Deferred income taxes at September 30 consisted of:
A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the Company's effective
tax rate follows:
1998 1997 1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Federal statutory tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State and local income taxes,
net of federal tax benefit .1 1.3 1.4
Effect of foreign and
Puerto Rican income (3.7) (5.3) (4.2)
Foreign tax credits (2.4) (2.3) (2.5)
Research tax credit (1.6) (.3) (.3)
Purchased in-process
research and development 3.1 1.2 --
Other, net .1 (.6) (1.4)
------------------------------
30.6% 29.0% 28.0%
------------------------------
The approximate dollar and diluted per-share amounts of tax reductions related
to tax holidays in various countries in which the Company does business were:
1998-$18,000 and $.07; 1997-$17,400 and $.07; and 1996-$17,700 and $.07. The
tax holidays expire at various dates through 2010.
The Company made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $117,321 in 1998,
$151,050 in 1997 and $126,236 in 1996.
The components of Income Before Income Taxes follow:
1998 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic, including Puerto Rico $238,109 $264,910 $231,021
Foreign 102,757 157,730 162,655
----------------------------
$340,866 $422,640 $393,676
============================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8 Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade Receivables
Allowances for doubtful accounts and cash discounts netted against trade
receivables were $35,518 and $28,733 at September 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
Inventories 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Materials $122,232 $ 92,307
Work in process 86,239 79,519
Finished products 328,320 266,511
---------------------
$536,791 $438,337
=====================
Inventories valued under the LIFO method were $285,384 in 1998 and $252,243 in
1997. Inventories valued under the LIFO method would have been higher by
approximately $18,900 in 1998 and $32,200 in 1997, if valued on a current cost
basis.
Property, Plant and Equipment 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Land $ 72,158 $ 60,912
Buildings 916,353 893,696
Machinery, equipment and fixtures 1,703,788 1,561,521
Leasehold improvements 34,724 33,699
-----------------------
2,727,023 2,549,828
Less allowances for depreciation
and amortization 1,424,373 1,299,123
-----------------------
$1,302,650 $1,250,705
=======================
Goodwill 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill $ 498,012 $ 212,870
Less accumulated amortization 85,942 48,773
-----------------------
$412,070 $ 164,097
=======================
Other Intangibles 1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Patents, technology and other $ 488,869 $ 299,420
Less accumulated amortization 154,594 131,573
-----------------------
$334,275 $ 167,847
=======================
56
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 Debt
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The components of Short-term debt follow:
1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Loans payable:
Domestic $ 204,875 $ 78,500
Foreign 72,038 46,281
Current portion of long-term debt 108,249 7,659
-----------------------
$ 385,162 $ 132,440
=======================
Domestic loans payable consists of commercial paper. Foreign loans payable
consists of short-term borrowings from financial institutions. The weighted
average interest rates for loans payable were 5.9% and 5.5% at September 30,
1998 and 1997, respectively. The Company has a $500,000 syndicated and committed
revolving credit facility, which expires in November 2001. In March 1998, the
Company entered into a 364 day $100,000 committed facility. Both of these
facilities can be used to support the Company's commercial paper borrowing
program and for other general corporate purposes. Restrictive covenants under
these agreements include a minimum tangible net worth level. There were no
borrowings outstanding under either facility at September 30, 1998. In addition,
the Company had unused foreign lines of credit pursuant to informal arrangements
of approximately $193,000 and $197,000 at September 30, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
The components of Long-Term Debt follow:
1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Domestic notes due through 2015
(average year-end interest rate: 5.8% - 1998;
5.9% - 1997) $ 17,003 $ 15,614
Foreign notes due through 2011
(average year-end interest rate: 6.9% - 1998;
6.2% - 1997) 19,692 16,493
9.95% Notes due March 15, 1999 -- 100,000
8.80% Notes due March 1, 2001 100,000 100,000
9.45% Guaranteed ESOP Notes due through
July 1, 2004 28,481 33,342
6.90% Notes due October 1, 2006 100,000 100,000
8.70% Debentures due January 15, 2025 100,000 100,000
7.00% Debentures due August 1, 2027 200,000 200,000
6.70% Debentures due August 1, 2028 200,000 --
-------------------
$765,176 $665,449
===================
In July 1998, the Company issued $200,000 of 6.70% Debentures due on August 1,
2028. The effective yield of the debentures including the results of an interest
rate hedge and other financing costs was 7.08%. In July 1997, the Company issued
$200,000 of 7% notes due on August 1, 2027, with an effective yield including
the results of an interest rate hedge and other financing costs of 7.23%. In
October 1996, the Company issued $100,000 of 6.9% notes due on October 1, 2006,
with an effective yield including the results of an interest rate hedge and
other financing costs of 7.34%.
The Company has available $300,000 under a $500,000 shelf registration statement
filed in October 1997 for the issuance of debt securities.
The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt during the fiscal years ending
September 30, 2000 to 2003 are as follows: 2000 - $6,993; 2001 - $107,613;
2002 - $9,978; 2003 - $9,006.
The Company capitalizes interest costs as a component of the cost of
construction in progress. The following is a summary of interest costs:
1998 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charged to operations $65,584 $51,134 $54,162
Capitalized 10,011 6,469 5,368
--------------------------
$75,595 $57,603 $59,530
==========================
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, was $64,160 in 1998, $48,573 in 1997,
and $59,053 in 1996.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Financial Instruments
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Cash equivalents, short-term investments and short-term debt are carried at cost
which approximates fair value. Other investments are classified as available-
for-sale securities. Fair values were estimated based on market prices, where
available, or dealer quotes. The fair value of certain long-term debt is based
on redemption value.
57
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at September
30, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:
(A) Included in Other non-current assets.
(B) Included in Prepaid expenses, deferred taxes and other.
(C) Included in Accrued expenses.
Off-Balance Sheet Risk
The Company has certain receivables, payables and short-term borrowings
denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company and
its subsidiaries. During the year, the Company hedged substantially all of these
exposures by entering into forward exchange contracts and purchased currency
options. The Company's foreign currency risk exposure is primarily in Western
Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, Brazil and Mexico.
At September 30, the stated or notional amounts of the Company's outstanding
forward exchange contracts and purchased currency options, classified as held
for purposes other than trading, were as follows:
1998 1997
- --------------------------------------------------
Forward exchange contracts $742,995 $639,334
Purchased currency options 8,500 43,000
====================
At September 30, 1998, $661,833 of the forward exchange contracts mature within
90 days and $81,162 at various other dates in fiscal 1999. The purchased
currency options at September 30, 1998 expire within 125 days.
The Company's foreign exchange hedging activities do not generally create
exchange rate risk since gains and losses on these contracts generally offset
losses and gains on the related non-functional currency denominated receivables,
payables and short-term borrowings.
The Company enters into interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements,
classified as held for purposes other than trading, in order to reduce the
impact of fluctuating interest rates on its short-term third-party and
intercompany debt and investments outside the United States. At September 30,
1998 and 1997, the Company had foreign interest rate swap agreements, with
maturities at various dates through 1999. Under these agreements, the Company
agrees with other parties to pay or receive fixed rate payments, generally on an
annual basis, in exchange for paying or receiving variable rate payments,
generally on a quarterly basis, calculated on an agreed-upon notional amount.
The notional amounts of the Company's outstanding interest rate swap agreements
were $12,000 and $133,357 at September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". This Statement requires that all
derivatives be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair value be
recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are
met. The Company is in the process of evaluating this statement and has not yet
determined the future impact on its consolidated financial statements. The
Company is required to adopt the provisions of this Statement no later than the
beginning of its fiscal year 2000.
Concentration Of Credit Risk
Substantially all of the Company's trade receivables are due from public and
private entities involved in health care. Due to the large number and diversity
of the Company's customer base, concentrations of credit risk with respect to
trade receivables are limited. The Company does not normally require collateral.
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by
financial institutions with which it conducts business. The Company minimizes
exposure to such risk, however, by dealing only with major international banks
and financial institutions.
58
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 Shareholders' Equity
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common stock held in trusts represent rabbi trusts in connection with the
Company's employee salary and bonus deferral plan and Directors' deferral plan.
59
On July 28, 1998, the Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one stock split,
the shares for which were distributed on August 20, 1998 to shareholders of
record on August 10, 1998. Par value remained at $1.00 per common share, and the
number of authorized common shares increased from 320,000,000 to 640,000,000
shares. The stock split was recorded by reclassifying $166,331, the par value of
the additional shares resulting from the split, from Capital in excess of par
value and Retained earnings to Common stock. All per-share data and all
references to average shares outstanding in the Annual Report have been restated
to reflect the split for all periods presented.
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No.
130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income". SFAS No. 130 requires the presentation of
comprehensive income, which consists of net income and other comprehensive
income, and its components in a full set of financial statements. Foreign
currency translation adjustments would be included as a component of other
comprehensive income. Additional items may be included in other comprehensive
income in the future. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of this
Statement no later than its 1999 fiscal year. The Company plans to display
comprehensive income and its components in a Statement of Shareholders' Equity
beginning in fiscal year 1999.
Cumulative Currency Translation Adjustments
Generally, the net assets of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars
using current exchange rates. The U.S. dollar results that arise from such
translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a
long-term investment nature, are included in the cumulative currency translation
adjustment account in Shareholders' Equity. The following is an analysis of the
account:
1998 1997 1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at October 1 $(86,870) $(14,959) $ 6,767
Translation adjustment 3,654 (71,911) (21,726)
--------------------------------
Balance at September 30 $(83,216) $(86,870) $(14,959)
================================
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
In 1995, the Board of Directors adopted a new shareholder rights plan (the "New
Plan") to replace the original rights plan upon its expiration in 1996. In
accordance with the New Plan, each certificate representing a share of
outstanding common stock of the Company also represents one-quarter of a
Preferred Stock Purchase Right (a "Right"). Each whole Right will entitle the
registered holder to purchase from the Company one two-hundredth of a share of
Preferred Stock, Series A, par value $1.00 per share, at a price of $270. The
Rights will not become exercisable unless and until, among other things, a third
party acquires 20% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Rights
are redeemable under certain circumstances at $.01 per Right and will expire,
unless earlier redeemed, on April 25, 2006. There are 500,000 shares of
preferred stock designated Series A, none of which have been issued.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 Commitments and Contingencies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments
Rental expense for all operating leases amounted to $44,800 in 1998, $48,200 in
1997 and $52,000 in 1996. Future minimum rental commitments on noncancelable
leases are as follows: 1999 - $30,900; 2000 - $22,300; 2001 - $18,100;
2002 - $13,500; 2003 - $6,500 and an aggregate of $20,700 thereafter.
As of September 30, 1998, the Company has certain future capital commitments,
aggregating approximately $66,900, which will be expended over the next several
years.
Contingencies
The Company believes that its operations comply in all material respects with
applicable laws and regulations. The Company is a party to a number of Federal
proceedings in the United States brought under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also known as "Superfund", and similar
state laws. For all sites, there are other potentially responsible parties that
may be jointly or severally liable to pay all cleanup costs. The Company accrues
costs for an estimated environmental liability based upon its best estimate
within the range of probable losses, without considering third-party recoveries.
The Company believes that any reasonably possible losses in excess of accruals
would be immaterial to the Company's financial condition.
The Company, along with a number of other manufacturers, has been named as a
defendant in approximately 194 product liability lawsuits related to natural
rubber latex that have been filed in various state and Federal courts. Cases
pending in Federal court are being coordinated under the matter In re Latex
Gloves Products Liability Litigation (MDL Docket No. 1148) in Philadelphia, and
analogous procedures have been implemented in the state courts of California,
Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Generally, these actions allege that medical
personnel have suffered allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to
anaphylaxis as a result of exposure to medical gloves containing natural rubber
latex. In 1986, the Company acquired a business which manufactured, among other
things, latex surgical gloves. In 1995, the Company divested this glove
business. The Company is vigorously defending these lawsuits.
The Company, along with another manufacturer and several medical product
distributors, has been named as a defendant in six product liability lawsuits
relating to health care workers who allegedly sustained accidental needle
sticks, but have not become infected with any disease. The cases have been filed
on behalf of an unspecified number of health care workers in six
60
different states, seeking class action certification under the laws of these
states. To date, no class has been certified in any of these cases. The actions
are pending in state court in Texas, under the caption Calvin vs. Becton
Dickinson et al. (Case No. 342-173329-98, Tarrant County District Court), filed
on April 9, 1998; in Federal court in Ohio, under the caption Grant vs. Becton
Dickinson et al. (Case No. C2 98-844, Southern District of Ohio), filed on July
22, 1998; in state court in California, under the caption Chavez vs. Becton
Dickinson (Case No. 722978, San Diego County Superior Court), filed on August 4,
1998; in state court in Illinois, under the caption McCaster vs. Becton
Dickinson et al. (Case No. 98L09478, Cook County Circuit Court), filed on August
13, 1998; in state court in Oklahoma, under the caption Palmer vs. Becton
Dickinson et al. (Case No. CJ-98-685, Sequoyah County District Court), filed on
October 27, 1998; and in state court in Alabama, under the caption Daniels vs.
Becton Dickinson et al. (Case No. CV 1998 2757, Montgomery County Circuit
Court), filed on October 30, 1998.
Generally, these actions allege that health care workers have sustained needle
sticks using hollow-bore needle devices manufactured by the Company and, as a
result, require medical testing, counseling and/or treatment. Several actions
additionally allege that the health care workers have suffered mental anguish.
In addition, in the Chavez matter, the plaintiff asserts a claim for unfair
competition, alleging that the Company has suppressed the market for safety-
engineered products through various means. Plaintiffs seeks money damages in all
actions. The plaintiff in the Chavez matter, in addition to money damages, seeks
disgorgement of profits the Company has purportedly obtained as a result of
alleged unfair competition.
The pending class actions are in preliminary stages. The Company intends to
vigorously oppose class certification and defend these lawsuits.
The Company, along with another manufacturer, a group purchasing organization
("GPO") and three hospitals, has been named as a defendant in an antitrust
action brought pursuant to the Texas Free Enterprise Act ("TFEA"). The action is
pending in state court in Texas, under the caption Retractable Technologies Inc.
vs. Becton Dickinson and Company et al. (Case No. 5333*JG98, Brazoria County
District Court), filed on August 4, 1998. Plaintiff, a manufacturer of
retractable syringes, alleges that the Company's contracts with GPOs exclude
plaintiff from the market in syringes and blood collection products, in
violation of the TFEA. Plaintiff also alleges that the Company has conspired
with other manufacturers to maintain its market share in these products.
Plaintiff seeks money damages. The pending action is in its preliminary stages.
The Company intends to mount a vigorous defense in this action.
The Company is also involved in other legal proceedings and claims which arise
in the ordinary course of business, both as a plaintiff and a defendant.
In the opinion of the Company, the results of the above matters, individually
and in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material effect on its results
of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
The Company has developed a Company-wide Year 2000 plan (the "Plan") to, among
other things, prepare its computer equipment and software and devices with date-
sensitive embedded technology for the year 2000. The estimated costs of the
Company's Plan and the dates by which the Company believes it will have
completed each phase of the Plan, are based upon management's best estimates,
which rely upon numerous assumptions regarding future events, including the
continued availability of certain resources, third-party remediation plans, and
other factors. These estimates, however, may prove not to be accurate, and
actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. Factors that
could result in material differences include, without limitation, the
availability and cost of personnel with appropriate training and experience, the
ability to identify, assess, remediate and test all relevant computer codes and
embedded technology, and similar uncertainties. In addition, Year 2000-related
issues may lead to possible third-party claims, the impact of which cannot yet
be estimated. No assurance can be given that the aggregate cost of defending and
resolving such claims, if any, would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Stock Plans
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Option Plans
The Company has stock option plans under which employees have been granted
options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at prices established
by the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors. The 1990,
1995 and 1998 Stock Option Plans made available 16,000,000, 24,000,000 and
10,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock for the granting of options,
respectively. At September 30, 1998, shares available for future grant under the
1990, 1995, and 1998 Plans were 158,514, 5,852,786, and 9,950,000, respectively.
All stock plan data has been retroactively restated to reflect the two-for-one
stock splits in 1998, 1996 and 1993, where applicable.
61
A summary of changes in outstanding options is as follows:
The maximum term of options is ten years. Options outstanding as of September
30, 1998 expire on various dates from May 1999 through May 2008.
As permitted by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", the
Company has adopted the disclosure-only provision of the Statement and applies
APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its employee
stock plans.
The 1990 Plan has a provision whereby unqualified options may be granted at,
below, or above market value of the Company's stock. If the option price is less
than the market value of the Company's stock on the date of grant, the discount
is recorded as compensation expense over the service period in accordance with
the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25. There was no such compensation expense in
1998, 1997 or 1996.
Under certain circumstances, the stock option plans permit the optionee the
right to receive cash and/or stock at the Company's discretion equal to the
difference between the market value on the date of exercise and the option
price. This difference would be recorded as compensation expense over the
vesting period.
The following pro forma net income and earnings per share information has been
determined as if the Company had accounted for its 1998, 1997 and 1996 stock
based compensation awards using the fair value method. Under the fair value
method, the estimated fair value of awards would be charged against income on a
straight-line basis over the vesting period which generally ranges from zero to
three years. The pro forma effect on net income for 1998, 1997 and 1996 is not
representative of the pro forma effect on net income in future years since
compensation cost is allocated on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods
of the grants, which extends beyond the reported years.
62
The pro forma amounts and fair value of each option grant is estimated on the
date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following
weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1998, 1997 and 1996: risk free
interest rates of 5.55%, 6.51% and 5.64%, respectively; expected dividend yields
of 1.28%, 1.42% and 1.64% respectively; expected volatility of 24.4%, 18.0% and
19.2% respectively; and expected lives of 6 years for each year presented.
Other Stock Plans
The Company has a compensatory Stock Award Plan which allows for grants of
common shares to certain key employees. Distribution of 25% or more of each
award, as elected by the grantee, is deferred until after retirement or
involuntary termination. Commencing on the first anniversary of a grant
following retirement, the remainder is distributable in five equal annual
installments. During 1998, 132,276 shares were distributed. No awards were
granted in 1998, 1997 or 1996. At September 30, 1998, 2,637,264 shares were
reserved for future issuance, of which awards for 535,876 shares have been
granted.
The Company has a compensatory Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
which reserves for issuance 300,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
Restricted shares of 1,560 and 9,940 were issued in 1997 and 1996, respectively,
in accordance with the provisions of the plan. No restricted shares were issued
in 1998.
In November 1996, in connection with the discontinuation of pension benefits
that otherwise would have been accrued and provided to directors of the Company,
the Company established the 1996 Directors' Deferral Plan. This Plan allowed
members of the Board of Directors to defer receipt of the lump sum present value
of all their accrued and unpaid past service pension benefits as of December 1,
1996, in the form of shares of the Company's common stock or cash. In addition,
the Plan provides a means to defer director compensation, from time to time, on
a deferred stock or cash basis. As of September 30, 1998, 126,630 shares were
held in trust, of which 14,852 shares represented Directors' compensation in
1998, in accordance with the provisions of the Plan. Under the Plan, which is
unfunded, directors have an unsecured contractual commitment from the Company to
pay directors the amounts due to them under the Plan.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 Earnings Per Share
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997, and 1996, the following table sets
forth the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share, restated to
reflect the 1998 two-for-one stock split and to conform to the SFAS No. 128
requirements (shares in thousands):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 Business Segment Data
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company's operations are composed of two business segments, Medical Supplies
and Devices and Diagnostic Systems. Distribution of products is both through
distributors and directly to hospitals, laboratories and other end users.
Medical Supplies and Devices
The major products in this segment are hypodermic products, specially designed
devices for diabetes care, prefillable drug delivery systems, infusion therapy
products and elastic support products and thermometers. The Medical Supplies and
Devices segment also includes disposable scrubs, specialty needles and specialty
and surgical blades.
63
Diagnostic Systems
The major products in this segment are clinical and industrial microbiology
products, sample collection products, flow cytometry systems for cellular
analysis, tissue culture labware, hematology instruments and other diagnostic
systems, including immunodiagnostic test kits.
Sales to a distributor which supplies the Company's products to many end users
accounted for approximately 11% of revenues in 1998, 10% in 1997 and 11% of
revenues in 1996, and were from both the Diagnostic Systems and Medical Supplies
and Devices segments. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of revenues in
each of the three years presented.
The countries in which the Company has local revenue-generating operations have
been combined into the following geographic areas: the United States, including
Puerto Rico; Europe; and Other, which is composed of Canada, Latin America,
Japan and Asia Pacific.
Segment and geographic area operating income represent revenues reduced by
product costs and operating expenses. Unallocated expenses include costs related
to management of corporate assets, foreign exchange and interest expense, net.
Financial information with respect to business segment and geographic data for
the years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is presented on pages 44 and
45 and is considered to be an integral part of the notes to the consolidated
financial statements.
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 131
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information". SFAS No.
131 establishes a new method by which companies will report operating segment
information. This method is based on the manner in which management organizes
the segments within a company for making operating decisions and assessing
performance. As required by the Statement, the Company will adopt the provisions
of SFAS No. 131 in its year-end 1999 financial statements and different
operating segments may be reported by the Company.
(A) Includes $90,945 of special charges and a charge of $30,000 for
purchased in-process research and development.
(B) Restated to reflect 1998 two-for-one stock split and to conform to SFAS No.
128 requirements.
64
Financial Statements
corporate data
Annual Meeting
2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 9, 1999
1 Becton Drive
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1880
Direct Stock Purchase Plan
The Direct Stock Purchase Plan replaced the Becton Dickinson Dividend
Reinvestment Plan in February 1998. This plan, established through First Chicago
Trust Company of New York, enhances the services provided to existing
shareholders and facilitates initial investments in Becton Dickinson shares.
Additional information may be obtained by calling First Chicago Trust Company of
New York at 1-800-955-4743.
NYSE Symbol
BDX
Web Site
http://www.bd.com
Shareholder Information
Shareholders may receive, without charge, a copy of the company's 1998 Annual
Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K by contacting:
Investor Relations
Becton Dickinson and Company
1 Becton Drive
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1880
Phone: 1-800-284-6845
Transfer Agent and Registrar
First Chicago Trust Company
of New York
P.O. Box 2500
Jersey City, NJ 07303-2500
Phone: 1-800-519-3111
E-mail: fctc@em.fcnbd.com
Internet: http://www.fctc.com
Independent Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
433 Hackensack Avenue
Hackensack, NJ 07601-6371
Phone: (201) 343-4095
Internet: http://www.ey.com
The trademarks indicated by CAPITAL LETTERS are the property of, licensed to,
promoted or distributed by Becton Dickinson and Company, its subsidiaries or
related companies.
common stock prices and dividends
Data for both years have been restated to reflect the 1998 two-for-one stock
split.