BD Board Increases Dividend

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Nov 22, 2011, 08:23 ET

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Nov. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) has declared a quarterly dividend of 45 cents per common share, an increase of 4 cents per share, or about 10 percent, from the previous quarter. The dividend will be payable on December 30, 2011 to holders of record on December 12, 2011. At the current rate, the annual dividend for fiscal year 2012 would be $1.80 cents per share.

"BD has a strong record of creating value for and returning cash to shareholders, and this marks the 40th consecutive fiscal year in which we have increased the dividend," said Vincent A. Forlenza, Chief Executive Officer and President. "This increase reflects our confidence in our strategy and long-term performance outlook, as well as our commitment to continuing to reward shareholders."

About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

Contact:
Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications – 201-847-5369
Monique N. Dolecki, Investor Relations – 201-847-5453

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)