FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J., Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) has declared a quarterly dividend of 37 cents per common share, an increase from the previous quarter of 4 cents per share, or 12.1% The dividend will be payable on January 4, 2010 to holders of record on December 14, 2009. At the current rate, the annual dividend for fiscal 2010 would be $1.48 cents per share.
“For the 37th consecutive year, BD has increased our dividend,” said Edward J. Ludwig, BD Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our strong generation of cash allows us to return significant dollars to our shareholders while maintaining and continuing to make strategic investments that will benefit BD’s future. Our strategy is working, and our shareholders continue to benefit.”
This press release contains certain estimates and other forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding BD’s performance, including future revenues, earnings per share and income, or events or developments that BD expects to occur or anticipates occurring in the future. All such statements are based upon current expectations of BD and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from anticipated results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statement. With respect to forward-looking statements contained herein, a number of factors could cause actual results to vary materially from any forward-looking statement. For instance, various healthcare reform proposals, if enacted, would impose an excise tax applicable to medical device manufacturers, including BD, and these may be effective in calendar year 2010. Other factors include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in regional, national or foreign economic conditions, including any impact that may result from the current global economic downturn on our ability to access credit markets and finance our operations, the demand for our products and services, or our suppliers’ ability to provide products needed for our operations; changes in interest or foreign currency exchange rates, particularly in light of increased volatility in currency exchange rates; potential healthcare reform, including changes in government pricing and reimbursement policies or other cost containment reforms; competitive factors; pricing and market share pressures; difficulties inherent in product development and delays in product introductions; increases in energy costs and their effect on, among other things, the cost of producing BD’s products; fluctuations in costs and availability of raw materials and in BD’s ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships; uncertainties of litigation (as described in BD’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission); the effects of potential pandemic diseases; our ability to successfully integrate any businesses we acquire; and issuance of new or revised accounting standards, as well as other factors discussed in BD’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof except as required by applicable laws or regulations.
CONTACT: Colleen T. White, Corporate Communications, +1-201-847-5369, or
Patricia A. Spinella, Investor Relations, +1-201-847-5453
Web site: http://www.bd.com/
