Becton, Dickinson & Co. (NYSE:BDX)

The financial data over the period from December 2005 through November 2021 demonstrates several notable trends in the share price, sales per share, and price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of the company.

Share Price Trends

The share price exhibited an overall upward trajectory with some fluctuations. Starting at $58.13 in December 2005, the share price saw gradual increases with a few transient declines, such as a dip in late 2008 coinciding with the global financial crisis, where it fell from $83.52 in 2007 to $63.59. Subsequently, it recovered and experienced significant growth between 2012 and 2017, reaching a peak of $260.40 in November 2019. After a decline to $227.47 in 2020, likely influenced by market volatility during the pandemic period, the share price rebounded to $244.46 in November 2021.

Sales Per Share Performance

Sales per share showed steady growth over the analyzed timeline, increasing from $21.48 in 2005 to $71.29 in 2021. This consistent rise indicates improving operational performance and revenue generation on a per-share basis. Notably, some periodic decreases were observed, such as a decline from $58.79 in 2016 to $53.04 in 2017, although this was followed by recovery and further growth. The damping of growth in 2020, as sales per share decreased to $59.02 from $63.93 the previous year, aligns with global economic challenges during that time.

Price-to-Sales (P/S) Ratio Dynamics

The P/S ratio experienced variability throughout the periods. Initially high at 2.71 in 2005 and peaking at 3.2 in 2007, it dropped significantly to 1.94 in 2011 and then fluctuated around the 2.0 to 3.0 range over the next years. From 2016 onward, there was a marked upward trend in the P/S ratio, reaching a high of 4.23 in 2017. This peak suggests an increased market valuation relative to sales at that time. However, the ratio slightly decreased afterward, settling around 3.4 in 2021, indicating a stabilization of market valuation in relation to the company's sales figures.

In summary, the company's share price and sales per share generally demonstrated positive growth trends over the 16-year span, with occasional periods of decline reflecting broader economic conditions. The increasing P/S ratio in recent years points to heightened investor confidence and valuation levels relative to revenue, although some correction occurred after 2017. The combined trends suggest improving financial performance accompanied by evolving market perceptions.