By Matt Grossman

Becton Dickinson & Co. Thursday posted greater earnings year over year in the latest quarter as returning demand for medical products boosted sales.

The Franklin Lakes, N.J.-based medical supplier logged earnings of 84 cents a share in the fiscal fourth quarter, a rise from 36 cents a share in last year's equivalent period. Net income was $265 million, a rise from $128 million 12 months ago.

Stripping out one-time items, the company's adjusted earnings were $2.59 a share. Analysts polled by FactSet had forecast adjusted earnings of $2.45 a share.

Sales rose 7.3% to $5.14 billion. Analysts were expecting sales of $4.91 billion.

Higher utilization raised more revenue for Becton Dickinson's medical segment, where there was strong demand for catheters and vascular-care products, the company said.

In the life-sciences business, revenue improved overall but sales declined for Covid-19 diagnostic testing, which fell to $316 million, from $452 million a year ago.

Revenue also grew in the company's surgical-supplies business.

Write to Matt Grossman at matt.grossman@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-04-21 0627ET