Zimmer Biomet vs Becton Dickinson: Which Is the Stronger Buy Today?

BDX: Becton Dickinson logo
BDX
Becton Dickinson

Becton Dickinson surged 5.1% during the past Day. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Zimmer Biomet gives you more. Zimmer Biomet (ZBH) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Becton Dickinson (BDX) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in ZBH

  • ZBH’s quarterly revenue growth was 9.7%, vs. BDX’s 8.4%.
  • In addition, its Last 3-Year Average revenue growth came in at 5.1%, ahead of BDX’s 5.0%.
  • ZBH leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 18.7% and 3-year average of 19.1%.

These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how BDX’s fundamentals stack up against those of ZBH on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.

Valuation & Performance Overview

  BDX ZBH Preferred
     
Valuation      
P/EBIT Ratio 19.0 12.3 ZBH
     
Revenue Growth      
Last Quarter 8.4% 9.7% ZBH
Last 12 Months 8.2% 5.5% BDX
Last 3 Year Average 5.0% 5.1% ZBH
     
Operating Margins      
Last 12 Months 13.7% 18.7% ZBH
Last 3 Year Average 13.4% 19.1% ZBH
     
Momentum      
Last 3 Year Return -15.5% -23.2% BDX

Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: BDX Revenue Comparison | ZBH Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: BDX Operating Income Comparison | ZBH Operating Income Comparison

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See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell ZBH Stock and Buy or Sell BDX Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.

Historical Market Performance

  2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total [1] Avg Best
Returns
BDX Return -7% 2% 5% -3% -5% -11% -18%  
ZBH Return 4% -17% 4% -4% -12% -12% -34%  
S&P 500 Return 16% 27% -19% 24% 23% 17% 113% <===
Monthly Win Rates [3]
BDX Win Rate 42% 50% 58% 50% 42% 50%   49%  
ZBH Win Rate 50% 33% 50% 42% 42% 50%   44%  
S&P 500 Win Rate 58% 75% 42% 67% 75% 70%   64% <===
Max Drawdowns [4]
BDX Max Drawdown -26% -5% -10% -9% -9% -27%   -14%  
ZBH Max Drawdown -46% -22% -18% -19% -16% -17%   -23%  
S&P 500 Max Drawdown -31% -1% -25% -1% -2% -15%   -12% <===

[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year up to 12/10/2025 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year

No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read ZBH Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.

Still not sure about BDX or ZBH? Consider portfolio approach.

Multi Asset Portfolios Offer More Upside With Less Risk

Stocks can jump or crash but different assets move on different cycles. A multi asset portfolio helps you stay invested while cushioning swings in equities.

The asset allocation framework of Trefis’ Boston-based, wealth management partner yielded positive returns during the 2008-09 period when the S&P lost more than 40%. Our partner’ strategy now includes Trefis High Quality Portfolio, which has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices