Becton Dickinson (BDX) vs 3M (MMM)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Becton Dickinson (BDX) has outperformed 3M (MMM) over the past year, gaining 19.0% versus a gain of 4.4%. Over five years, MMM leads with a +6.6% price change compared with -2.6% for BDX. 3M is the larger company by market cap ($83.61 billion vs $49.07 billion), about 1.7 times the size, while Becton Dickinson is growing revenue faster (+8.2% vs +1.5%).
On valuation, Becton Dickinson trades at a lower forward P/E (13.5x vs 16.5x for 3M). Becton Dickinson offers the higher dividend yield (2.33% vs 1.86%). 3M converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.0% versus 7.7%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | BDX | MMM |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $180.16 | $162.12 |
| Market cap | $49.07B | $83.61B |
| 1-day change | -0.08% | -0.93% |
| YTD return | +18.08% | +1.26% |
| 1-year return | +19.03% | +4.37% |
| 5-year return | -2.60% | +6.57% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 41.90 | 28.80 |
| Forward P/E | 13.54 | 16.50 |
| EPS (TTM) | $4.30 | $5.63 |
| Dividend yield | 2.33% | 1.86% |
| Annual dividend | $4.19 | $3.02 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.84B | $24.95B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.24% | +1.52% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.68B | $3.25B |
| Gross margin | 45.44% | 39.91% |
| Operating margin | 11.81% | 18.55% |
| Net margin | 7.68% | 13.03% |
| 52-week high | $193.07 | $184.90 |
| 52-week low | $127.59 | $139.34 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -6.69% | -12.32% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +7.73% | +15.51% |
| Average volume | 1.78M | 3.16M |
| Shares outstanding | 272.39M | 515.72M |
| Employees | 72,000 | 60,500 |
| Sector | Health Care | Industrials |
| Industry | Medical/Dental Instruments | Conglomerates |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- BDX has outperformed MMM by 14.7 percentage points over the past year.
- Becton Dickinson trades at a higher earnings multiple (41.9x vs 28.8x trailing P/E).
- 3M is more profitable, keeping 13.0 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 7.7 cents for Becton Dickinson.
- Becton Dickinson grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.24% vs +1.52%).
- The two companies sit in different sectors: Becton Dickinson in Health Care and 3M in Industrials.
About Becton Dickinson
BDX stock →Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. It operates through Medical Essentials, Connected Care, BioPharma Systems, Interventional and Life Sciences segments.
Health Care · Medical/Dental Instruments · 72,000 employees
About 3M
MMM stock →3M Company provides diversified technology services in the America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, and Consumer.
Industrials · Conglomerates · 60,500 employees
BDX vs MMM FAQ
Which is bigger, Becton Dickinson or 3M?
3M (MMM) is larger, with a market capitalization of $83.61B compared with $49.07B for Becton Dickinson (BDX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, BDX or MMM?
BDX returned +19.03% over the past 12 months, compared with +4.37% for MMM (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, BDX or MMM?
MMM has the lower trailing P/E at 28.8, versus 41.9 for BDX. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Becton Dickinson or 3M?
Becton Dickinson has the higher yield at 2.33%, compared with 1.86% for 3M.
Are Becton Dickinson and 3M in the same industry?
No. Becton Dickinson is in the Health Care sector, while 3M is in Industrials.