BD announces latest dividend increase

BD has underlined its confidence in its long-term business prospects by announcing a new quarterly dividend increase of ten percent.

The company's board of directors has declared a dividend payment of 49.5 cents (31.08 pence) for the latest quarter which will be payable on December 31st 2012 to holders of record on December 10th.

At the current rate, the annual dividend for fiscal year 2013 would be $1.98 per share, representing the 41st consecutive fiscal year in which the firm has raised its dividend.

According to chairman, chief executive officer and president of BD Vincent Forlenza, this demonstrates the organisation's commitment to providing shareholder value, as affirming the robustness of its current strategic direction.

He said: "Our strategy of accelerating growth through innovation, customer focus and geographical expansion, complemented by driving operational excellence, is working."

This comes after the firm announced the appointment of William Kozy as its new chief operating officer earlier this month.