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Becton Dickinson Reports 31 Percent Net Income Increase for Fiscal First Quarter

Franklin Lakes, NJ (January 22, 1997) -- Becton Dickinson and Company (NYSE: BDX) today reported net income of $58 million for the first quarter of its fiscal year, an increase of 31 percent compared with net income of $45 million a year ago. Earnings per share were $.44 for the quarter, an increase of 38 percent versus last year's results of $.32.

Revenues were $656 million for the fiscal first quarter, which ended December 31, 1996, compared with last year's first quarter of $640 million. The company noted that foreign currency translation reduced revenues by an estimated $11 million. The company said that excluding the effects of currency translation and the absence of revenues from divested businesses, underlying revenue growth for the quarter would be 9 percent.

Clateo Castellini, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The first quarter showed excellent growth in earnings. Improved gross profit margin demonstrates the continuing effect of productivity gains and an improved product mix. Operating income improved 20 percent, a result of higher revenues and increased gross profit margin. We are pleased by these results and look forward to continued earnings growth for the remainder of fiscal 1997."

Segment and Geographic Revenues

Led by the performance of its worldwide injection systems and infusion therapy businesses, the company's medical segment showed good underlying revenue growth for the quarter. In the diagnostic segment, flow cytometry revenues continued very strong as did the company's worldwide sample collection business.

By business segment, medical supplies and devices revenues totaled $348 million. Diagnostic systems revenues were $308 million. On a geographic basis, revenues in the United States were $331 million, while revenues outside the United States were $325 million.

BECTON DICKINSON
SELECTED FINANCIAL SCHEDULES
Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts

Three Months Ended December 31

	1996	1995	Change
REVENUES	$655,799	$639,935	2.5
Cost of products sold	343,132	348,746	(1.6)
Selling and administrative	186,530	181,909	2.5
Research and development	39,656	37,334	6.2
TOTAL OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES	569,318	567,989	.2
OPERATING INCOME	86,481	71,946	20.2
Interest expense, net	(9,447)	(9,287)	1.7
Other income (expense), net	4,808	(823)	NM
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	81,842	61,836	32.4
Income tax provision	23,734	17,314	37.1
NET INCOME	$ 58,108	$ 44,522	30.5
EARNINGS PER SHARE	$ .44	$ .32	37.5
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding	129,365	134,686

NM - Not Meaningful

BECTON DICKINSON AND COMPANY
SUMMARY OF REVENUES
Thousands of dollars

Three Months Ended December 31

BUSINESS SEGMENT	1996	1995	Change
Medical Supplies and Devices	$348,244	$346,905	.4
Diagnostic Systems	307,555	293,030	5.0
Total	$655,799	$639,935	2.5

GEOGRAPHIC AREA
United States	$330,720	$326,900	1.2
International	325,079	313,035	3.8
Total	$655,799	$639,935	2.0