Since BD’s founding in 1897, we have had opportunities to reach out and improve human health around the globe. Throughout our history, BD has been most successful when we identify underappreciated or emerging healthcare needs, apply technology to solve the problems, use our manufacturing expertise to make high-quality products available and affordable to people around the world, and surround the products with outstanding service and support. Woven into the fabric of all that we do is the passion that our 28,000 associates bring to their work, advancing our purpose of “Helping all people live healthy lives.”

Responsible corporate citizenship is integrally tied to our global business strategy, and sustained performance and a dedication to improvement are at the core of our organization. This report provides an opportunity for us to share stories exemplifying our commitment to corporate responsibility and to ongoing progress in our environmental, social and financial performance.

Recognizing that human health and a healthy environment are inseparable, BD is committed to responsible environmental citizenship in our business conduct. We are working more diligently than ever to expand on and develop stronger environmental performance programs. For example, in Utah we reduced fossil fuel use through renewable energy purchases equaling 10 percent of electricity use in 2007, with a target of 25 percent by 2010.

Our commitment to corporate citizenship also includes a sharp focus on health, safety and well-being, shared responsibilities of every BD associate.  Two of BD’s Core Values – “We always seek to improve” and “We do what is right” – apply as much to our economic, safety and social responsibilities as to the products and services we offer the global marketplace. We are working to improve our performance in these areas while continuing to grow the Company and return value to shareholders.

Corporate citizenship is also about attracting and retaining top talent, and providing a diverse and inclusive working environment. This year, BD implemented innovative talent sourcing, development, engagement and retention strategies, and our diversity and inclusion initiative is a global business imperative.

I am pleased to report that in 2007, BD was again selected as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, placing us in the top 10 percent of healthcare sector companies assessed in terms of sustainability leadership. We were also again named one of “America’s Most Admired Companies^®” by FORTUNE magazine, ranking first in our industry in social responsibility, quality of management, financial soundness and quality of products and services.
 
Around the world, BD and our associates are making a difference in human health, saving and improving lives through our product offerings as well as our philanthropic initiatives and partnerships. BD’s contributions of human and financial resources, products and expertise help people in need overcome disease and improve lives by raising health standards. Highlights this year, which are detailed in this report, include a major commitment to help address HIV/AIDS in Africa and tuberculosis in developing countries by strengthening laboratory practices.

It is through actions such as these that we are addressing one of the most pressing healthcare challenges today, affordability and accessibility of health services. In my travels around the world, I have seen some of the most sophisticated medical technologies at work beside some of the most humble devices. BD understands the unique needs of diverse regions, and we are committed to improving healthcare in the world’s most sophisticated settings, as well as in the least developed, where we are serving people with the greatest needs.

In summary, 2007 marked another year of excellent progress, and we continue to strive to do better.

Edward J. Ludwig
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
January 2008

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