Becton Dickinson (BDX) will increase its quarterly dividend to $0.73 per share. The next dividend will be payable on December 30, 2016 to holders of record on December 9, 2016.  The indicated annual dividend rate for fiscal year 2017 is $2.92 per share.

"We are extremely proud of our accomplishments during our first fiscal year as the 'new' BD.  We look forward to fiscal 2017 with confidence as we continue to focus on improving outcomes, expanding access to care, lowering costs and optimizing safety, which will ultimately enrich our purpose of advancing the world of health," said Vincent A. Forlenza, Chairman, CEO and President.  "This is the forty-fifth consecutive fiscal year in which we have raised our dividend.  This increase reflects our confidence in our long-term outlook, as well as our ongoing commitment to create value and return capital to our shareholders."

Medical technology company Becton Dickinson, maybe best known for it's needles and syringes, has raised it's dividend for 45 consecutive years. Based on today's $172.07 closing price the new dividend yield is 1.7%.

ecton, Dickinson and Company (BD) is a global medical technology company engaged in the development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products used by healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. BD’s operations consist of three worldwide business segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences and BD Interventional. Becton, Dickinson and Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey in November 1906, as successor to a New York business started in 1897.