•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Most investors do not immediately associate the healthcare sector with dividends, but several companies offer long-running payout records and, in some cases, growth catalysts. Two such dividend-focused stocks are Becton, Dickinson (BDX) with a 1.66% yield and Medtronic (MDT) with a 2.27% yield.
The central dividend story for Becton, Dickinson is its record of increasing its dividend annually for more than 50 years, which places it among the “Dividend Kings.” The company is not positioned as a headline growth name in the way some healthcare firms are, but instead operates as a “pick-and-shovel” business with a large medical-surgical footprint, including products such as syringes and other medical devices.
While the company “hasn’t been executing well of late,” the article points to a pipeline of new products that could help restore momentum. It also notes that Becton, Dickinson completed a spinoff of a division that did not fit well with the rest of its business, which management can use to focus more directly on returning to growth.
For dividend investors, the article highlights a well-above-market yield of 2.4%. It suggests that investors who take a long-term view may consider the stock while sentiment remains cautious.
Medtronic is described as being “just a couple of years shy” of Dividend King status, with a strong dividend track record. The article cites a dividend yield of 2.9% and notes that the stock has been working through a weak period.
However, it argues that conditions may be improving as Medtronic begins selling surgical robots in the U.S. market. The article frames this as a potentially large growth opportunity, comparing it with surgical robotics leader Intuitive Surgical, which is afforded a P/E ratio of 63x due to strong growth. By contrast, Medtronic’s P/E is cited as 27x, described as more modest.
The article also emphasizes accessibility for smaller investors, stating that with $1,000 or less, investors could buy shares of both companies. Specifically, it says $1K would allow investors to buy five shares of Becton, Dickinson and 10 shares of Medtronic.
It concludes that both stocks have catalysts that could support higher valuations, and advises investors not to wait too long given the current market outlook.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
