The Board of Directors of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has declared a quarterly dividend of 45 cents per common share, an increase of 4 cents per share, or about 10%, 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.”

-Richard Park