FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE: BDX) has declared a quarterly dividend of 49.5 cents per common share, an increase of 10 percent from the previous quarter. The dividend will be payable on December 31, 2012 to holders of record on December 10, 2012. At the current rate, the annual dividend for fiscal year 2013 would be $1.98 per share.

"This is the forty-first consecutive fiscal year in which we have raised our dividend, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders and also our confidence in the Company's long-term prospects," said Vincent A. Forlenza, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President. "Our strategy of accelerating growth through innovation, customer focus and geographical expansion, complemented by driving operational excellence, is working."

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 nearly 30,000 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.

Contacts:
Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications - 201-847-5369; colleen_white@bd.com
Monique N. Dolecki, Investor Relations - 201-847-5378; monique_dolecki@bd.com

SOURCE BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)