Becton Dickinson raises dividend for 45th consecutive year

Dividend Aristocrat Becton Dickinson (BDX) will increase its dividend by 10.6%.

The quarterly dividend will be hiked to $0.73 per share, marking 45 consecutive years of dividend increases by Dividend Aristocrat Becton Dickinson.

The 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."

Becton Dickinson's products include needles and syringes (photo: BD.com)

Medical technology company Becton Dickinson has a new dividend yield of 1.7% based on today's $172.07 closing price. Last year the dividend was raised by 10%.