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Becton Dickinson Declares Increased Dividend

Franklin Lakes, NJ (November 23, 1998) -- The Board of Directors of Becton Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX) has declared a quarterly dividend of 8 1/2 cents per common share, an increase of 17 percent, or 1 1/4 cents per share, over the previous quarterly payment.

It will be payable on Jan. 4, 1999, to holders of record on Dec. 14, 1998. The current indicated annual dividend rate is 34 cents per share.

Becton Dickinson and Company manufactures and sells a broad range of medical supplies and devices and diagnostic systems for use by health care professionals, medical research institutions and the general public. For its most recent fiscal year, the company reported revenues of $3.1 billion.

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding the company's performance, including future revenues, products and income, which are based upon current expectations of the company and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from anticipated results described in any forward- looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, competitive factors, changes in regional, national or foreign economic conditions, changes in interest or foreign currency exchange rates, delays in product introductions, year 2000 issues, and changes in health care or other governmental regulation, as well as other factors discussed herein and in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.