Becton, Dickinson and 10K 2008 Annual report | BDX Filing


	Exhibit 13


Summary	Becton, Dickinson and Company

Ten-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data
Years Ended September 30
Dollars in millions, except per share amounts


	2008			2007			2006			2005

Operations
Revenues	$	7,155.9		$	6,359.7		$	5,738.0		$	5,340.8
Research and Development Expense		396.2			360.1			301.9			267.7
Operating Income		1,552.1			1,203.2			1,141.4			1,063.8
Interest (Income) Expense, Net		(3.0	)		.2			6.8			19.3

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		1,553.6			1,203.9			1,125.9			1,037.5
Income Tax Provision		425.7			347.8			310.8			325.0
Net Income		1,127.0			890.0			752.3			722.3
Basic Earnings per Share		4.61			3.63			3.04			2.87
Diluted Earnings per Share		4.46			3.49			2.93			2.77
Dividends per Common Share		1.14			.98			.86			.72

Financial Position
Current Assets	$	3,614.7		$	3,130.6		$	3,185.3		$	2,975.3
Current Liabilities		1,416.6			1,478.8			1,576.3			1,299.4
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		2,744.5			2,497.3			2,133.5			1,933.7
Total Assets		7,912.9			7,329.4			6,824.5			6,132.8
Long-Term Debt		953.2			955.7			957.0			1,060.8
Shareholders’ Equity		4,935.6			4,362.0			3,836.2			3,284.0
Book Value Per Common Share		20.30			17.89			15.63			13.26

Financial Relationships
Gross Profit Margin		51.2	%		51.7	%		51.3	%		50.9	%
Return on Revenues^(E)		15.8	%		13.5	%		14.2	%		13.3	%
Return on Total Assets^{(B) (E)}		20.9	%		17.7	%		18.4	%		18.4	%
Return on Equity^(E)		24.3	%		20.9	%		22.9	%		22.4	%
Debt to Capitalization^{(D) (E)}		18.8	%		20.9	%		25.8	%		27.1	%

Additional Data
Number of Employees		28,300			28,000			27,000			25,600
Number of Shareholders		8,820			8,896			9,147			9,442
Average Common and Common Equivalent Shares Outstanding - Assuming Dilution (millions)		252.7			254.8			256.6			260.7
Depreciation and Amortization	$	477.4		$	441.3		$	402.3		$	382.7
Capital Expenditures		602.0			556.4			457.1			315.8


(A)	Includes cumulative effect of accounting change of $36.8 million ($.14 per basic and diluted share).

(B)	Earnings before interest expense, taxes and cumulative effect of accounting changes as a percent of average total assets.

(C)	Excludes the cumulative effect of accounting changes.

(D)	Total debt as a percent of the sum of total debt, shareholders’ equity and net non-current deferred income tax liabilities.

(E)	Excludes discontinued operations in 1999 to 2008.

Becton, Dickinson and Company


2004			2003			2002			2001			2000			1999


$	4,893.9		$	4,449.1		$	3,960.4		$	3,667.6		$	3,544.7		$	3,412.6
	230.8			218.5			201.1			193.8			207.8			203.9
	878.2			800.8			689.1			645.9			507.4			477.3
	29.6			36.5			33.2			55.3			74.2			72.0

	843.8			761.6			642.1			548.6	^(A)		512.7			404.8
	204.9			182.1			153.7			139.3			122.0			96.9
	467.4			547.1			480.0			401.7	^(A)		392.9			275.7
	1.85			2.14			1.85			1.55	^(A)		1.54			1.09
	1.77			2.07			1.79			1.49	^(A)		1.49			1.04
	.60			.40			.39			.38			.37			.34


$	2,641.3		$	2,503.5		$	2,091.4		$	1,930.1		$	1,847.6		$	1,843.0
	1,050.1			1,059.4			1,271.5			1,285.4			1,382.4			1,358.6
	1,881.0			1,831.8			1,750.4			1,701.3			1,565.5			1,423.9
	5,752.6			5,572.3			5,029.0			4,790.8			4,505.1			4,437.0
	1,171.5			1,184.0			803.0			782.8			778.5			954.0
	3,067.9			2,897.0			2,480.9			2,321.7			1,956.0			1,768.7
	12.30			11.54			9.71			8.96			7.72			7.05


	50.5	%		48.9	%		48.3	%		48.7	%		48.6	%		49.9	%
	13.1	%		13.0	%		12.3	%		12.2	%^(C)		11.0	%		9.0	%
	15.7	%		15.2	%		13.9	%		13.9	%		13.4	%		11.6	%
	21.4	%		21.6	%		20.3	%		20.7	%^(C)		21.0	%		18.2	%
	28.1	%		30.5	%		32.7	%		34.0	%		41.7	%		47.6	%


	25,000			24,800			25,200			24,800			25,000			24,000
	9,654			9,868			10,050			10,329			10,822			11,433


	263.3			263.6			268.2			268.8			263.2			264.6
$	351.1		$	332.8		$	294.7		$	292.0		$	273.7		$	257.8
	260.5			253.0			253.5			364.1			371.0			311.4


Financial Review	Becton, Dickinson and Company

Company Overview

Becton, Dickinson and Company (“BD”) is a medical technology company engaged principally in the development, manufacture and sale of a broad range of medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products used by healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. Our business consists of three worldwide business segments – BD Medical (“Medical”), BD Diagnostics (“Diagnostics”) and BD Biosciences (“Biosciences”). Our products are marketed in the United States and internationally through independent distribution channels and directly to end-users by BD and independent sales representatives. References to years throughout this discussion relate to our fiscal years, which end on September 30.

BD management operates the business consistent with the following core strategies:


•	To increase revenue growth by focusing on products that deliver greater benefits to patients, healthcare workers and researchers;

•	To improve operating effectiveness and balance sheet productivity; and,

•	To strengthen organizational and associate capabilities in the ever-changing healthcare environment.

Our efforts to increase revenues are focused on four specific areas of healthcare:

•	Reducing the spread of infection

•	Advancing global health

•	Enhancing therapy

•	Improving disease management

In assessing the outcomes of these strategies and BD’s financial condition and operating performance, management generally reviews quarterly forecast data, monthly actual results, segment sales and other similar information. We also consider trends related to certain key financial data, including gross profit margin, selling and administrative expense, investment in research and development, return on invested capital, and cash flows.

The results of our strategies are reflected in our fiscal 2008 financial and operational performance. Worldwide revenues in 2008 of $7.2 billion increased 13% from the prior year and reflected volume increases of approximately 7%, an estimated increase due to favorable foreign currency translation of 6%, and price decreases of less than 1%. U.S. revenues increased 5% to $3.2 billion. International revenues increased 19% to $4.0 billion with an estimated 11 percentage points of such growth coming from the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. Recently, worldwide currency markets have experienced extreme volatility. Our financial projections for 2009 discussed below are based on the foreign exchange rates in early November 2008 when we established our fiscal year budget. Fluctuations in these rates during 2009 may affect these projections. For a discussion of the financial impact of exchange rate fluctuations and the ways and extent to which we attempt to mitigate such impact, see “Financial Instrument Market Risk” below.

Consistent with our strategy to provide products that deliver greater benefits to healthcare workers, and recognizing the issues surrounding sharps-related injuries, BD has developed a wide array of safety-engineered devices that are designed to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne pathogens. These products are offered through our Medical and Diagnostics segments. Sales in the United States of safety-engineered devices grew 5% to $1.036 billion in 2008, from $987 million in 2007. International sales of safety-engineered devices grew 29% to $534 million in 2008 from $414 million in 2007, with an estimated 11 percentage points of such growth coming from the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. In 2009, we expect sales of safety-engineered devices to increase about 5 to 6% in the United States, and 11 to 12% internationally, after taking into account an estimated unfavorable foreign exchange impact of about 9%.

Our anticipated revenue growth over the next three years is expected to come from business growth and expansion among all segments and regions of the world, and the development in each business segment of new products and services that provide increased benefits to patients, healthcare workers and researchers. Our ability to sustain our long-term growth will depend on a number of factors, including our ability to expand our core business (including geographical expansion), develop innovative new products with higher gross profit margins across our business segments, and continue to improve operating efficiency and organizational effectiveness. Numerous factors can affect our ability to achieve these goals including, without limitation, economic conditions in the United States and elsewhere, increased competition and healthcare cost containment initiatives. In this regard, we note that President-elect Barack Obama made healthcare reform a central part of his presidential campaign. However, no predictions can be made as to what, if any, reforms may be instituted or their potential effect on BD.

We believe several important factors relating to our business tend to limit the impact on BD of potential economic or political events in countries in which we do business, including the effects of possible healthcare system reforms. For example, since many of our products are used in essential medical care, demand for such products has historically tended not to be significantly affected by economic fluctuations.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

The international nature of our business and our ability to meet the needs of the worldwide healthcare industry with cost-effective and innovative products has also historically served to limit the impact of economic downturns in particular regions. However, world financial markets have recently experienced extreme disruption and economic conditions in the United States and abroad have significantly worsened. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the current worldwide economic downturn (or future economic downturns) will not have a material adverse effect on our access to credit markets or the demand for our products and services or otherwise adversely affect our business.

Results of Continuing Operations

Medical Segment

Medical revenues in 2008 of $3.8 billion increased $380 million, or 11%, over 2007, which includes an estimated impact of favorable foreign currency translation of 6 percentage points.

The following is a summary of revenues by organizational unit:


(millions of dollars)	2008		2007		Total Change			Estimated Foreign Exchange Impact

Medical Surgical Systems	$	2,005	$	1,864		8	%		4	%
Pharmaceutical Systems		942		792		19	%		10	%
Diabetes Care		775		696		11	%		5	%
Ophthalmic Systems		79		69		15	%		7	%

Total Revenues	$	3,801	$	3,421		11	%		6	%

Medical revenues reflected the growth of the Pharmaceutical Systems and Diabetes Care units, primarily outside of the United States, and the continued global conversion to safety-engineered products. The Pharmaceutical Systems unit grew by 19%, driven by growth in Europe and Asia-Pacific offset by lower growth in the United States when compared to fiscal 2007, which reflected very high growth to support customer product launches. Revenue growth in the Diabetes Care unit of 11% was driven primarily by double-digit growth in all regions outside of the United States. Revenue in the Medical Surgical Systems unit was primarily driven by growth in safety-engineered products and prefilled flush syringes. Sales of safety-engineered products increased 3% in the United States and 38% internationally. For 2009, we expect the full-year revenue growth for the Medical Segment to be flat to 1%, after taking into account an estimated unfavorable foreign exchange impact of about 5%.

Medical operating income was $1.1 billion, or 28.1% of Medical revenues, in 2008, as compared with $1.0 billion, or 28.4%, of revenues in 2007. Operating income as a percentage of revenues reflects declines in gross margin from increased costs of raw materials, inventory write-offs and declines in sales of products that have higher overall gross profit margins. These items more than offset favorable manufacturing efficiencies and controls on selling and administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of Medical revenues in 2008 declined to 17.9% of revenues from 18.9% of revenues in 2007, primarily due to tight spending controls. Research and development expenses in 2008 increased $8.0 million, or 7%, reflecting continued investment in the development of new products and platforms.

Diagnostics Segment

Diagnostics revenues in 2008 of $2.2 billion increased $255 million, or 13%, over 2007, which reflected an estimated favorable impact of foreign currency translation of about 5 percentage points.

The following is a summary of revenues by organizational unit:


(millions of dollars)	2008		2007		Total Change			Estimated Foreign Exchange Impact

Preanalytical Systems	$	1,124	$	1,007		12	%		5	%
Diagnostic Systems		1,036		898		15	%		4	%

Total Revenues	$	2,160	$	1,905		13	%		5	%

Revenue growth in the Preanalytical Systems unit was driven by the continued conversion to safety-engineered products. Sales of safety-engineered products reflected growth of 7% in the United States, driven byBD Vacutainer Push Button Blood Collection Set conversion activity, and 25% internationally. The Diagnostics Systems unit experienced growth in worldwide sales of its automated diagnostic platforms, including the molecularBD ProbeTec, BD Viper andBD Affirm systems, along with solid growth of its BD BACTEC blood culture and TB systems and theBD Phoenix ID/AST platform. In addition, revenues from TriPath grew $31 million to $119 million and from GeneOhm grew $21 million to $42 million in 2008. For 2009, we expect full year revenue growth for the Diagnostics Segment to be about 2 to 3%, after taking into account an estimated unfavorable foreign exchange impact of about 4%.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Diagnostics operating income was $526 million, or 24.3% of Diagnostics revenues in 2008, compared with $343 million, or 18.0% of revenues in 2007. Segment operating income reflects the in-process research and development charges of $115 million in 2007 related to the TriPath acquisition. The Diagnostics Segment experienced a slight improvement in gross profit margin from sales growth of products that have higher overall gross profit margins, in particular, safety-engineered products and theBD ProbeTec andBD Viper systems, and favorable foreign exchange. These improvements were slightly offset by manufacturing start-up costs and increases in raw material costs. See further discussion on gross profit margin below. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of Diagnostics revenues in 2008 was 22.0% compared with 22.4% in 2007 primarily due to tight spending controls. Research and development expense increased $16 million, or 14%, reflecting continued investment in the development of new products and platforms with particular emphasis on our molecular platforms.

Biosciences Segment

Biosciences revenues in 2008 of $1.2 billion increased $161 million, or 16%, over 2007, which reflected an estimated impact of favorable foreign currency translation of 6 percentage points.

The following is a summary of revenues by organizational unit:


(millions of dollars)	2008		2007		Total Change			Estimated Foreign Exchange Impact

Cell Analysis	$	901	$	756		19	%		6	%
Discovery Labware		295		278		6	%		5	%

Total Revenues *	$	1,195	$	1,034		16	%		6	%


*	Amounts may not add due to rounding.

Revenue growth in the Cell Analysis unit reflected strong sales of instruments and flow cytometry reagents, driven by increased demand for research instruments and clinical reagents. Revenue growth in the Discovery Labware unit reflects reduced sales to a major bionutrients customer compared with 2007. For 2009, we expect the full year revenue growth for the Biosciences Segment to be about 3 to 4%, after taking into account an estimated unfavorable foreign exchange impact of about 5%.

Biosciences operating income was $334 million, or 27.9% of Biosciences revenues in 2008, compared with $259 million, or 25.0% in 2007. Segment operating income in 2007 included an in-process research and development charge of $7 million relating to the Plasso acquisition. The increase in operating income, as a percentage of revenues, reflects gross profit improvement from relatively higher sales growth of products that have higher overall gross profit margins and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. See further discussion on gross profit margin below. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of Biosciences revenues in 2008 was 23.0% as compared with 24.0% in 2007, primarily due to tight spending controls. Research and development expense in 2008 increased $11 million, or 15%, reflecting spending on new product development and advanced technology.

Geographic Revenues

Revenues in the United States in 2008 of $3.2 billion increased 5%. U.S. sales of safety-engineered devices grew 5% to $1.036 billion in 2008. Overall, growth was also led by increased sales of immunocytometry instruments and reagents, diabetes care products and infectious disease testing systems.

Revenues outside the United States in 2008 increased 19% to $4.0 billion, reflecting an estimated impact of favorable foreign currency translation of 11 percentage points. Growth was led by solid sales in Europe and certain Asia-Pacific countries in 2008. International sales of safety-engineered devices were approximately $534 million in 2008, compared with $414 million in 2007.

Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit margin decreased to 51.2% in 2008, from 51.7% in 2007. Gross profit margin in the current year as compared with the prior year reflected an estimated 0.7% unfavorable impact resulting from increased costs of raw materials (primarily resins) and manufacturing start-up costs, and an estimated 0.1% favorable impact of foreign currency translation. Increased sales of products with relatively higher margins and productivity gains were partially offset by, among other things, asset write-offs, resulting in an estimated net favorable impact of 0.1%. We expect gross profit margin in 2009 to increase by about 40 to 60 basis points compared with 2008, reflecting an expected increase in sales of products with higher overall gross profit margins, productivity gains and the impact of select price increases, partially offset by continued start-up costs and the expected costs associated with a long-term manufacturing cost reduction program we anticipate initiating in 2009.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Operating Expenses

Selling and administrative expense was $1.7 billion, or 24.0% of revenues, in 2008 compared with $1.6 billion, or 25.2% of revenues in 2007. The increase in aggregate expenses for 2008 reflect an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $80 million, increases in base spending of $24 million, and expenses of $9 million associated with TriPath, which was acquired in December 2006. Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of revenues is expected to decrease by about 80 to 100 basis points for 2009.

Research and development (“R&D”) expense in 2008 was $396 million, or 5.5% of revenues, compared with $360 million, or 5.7% of revenues, in 2007. The increase in R&D expenditures includes spending for new programs in each of our segments, as previously discussed. R&D expense is expected to increase about 9 to 10%, or about 50 basis points as a percentage of revenues, for 2009.

Operating Income

Operating margin in 2008 was 21.7% of revenues, compared with 18.9% in 2007. Operating income of $1.2 billion in 2007 reflected $122 million of acquired in-process R&D charges, as further discussed above, which lowered 2007 operating margin by 190 basis points. We expect operating margin to increase about 100 basis points in 2009.

Non-Operating Expense and Income

Interest expense was $36 million in 2008, compared with $46 million in 2007, reflecting a decline in interest rates. Interest income was $39 million in 2008, compared with $46 million in 2007. The favorable impact of higher investment levels was more than offset by investment losses in assets we hold to offset liabilities related to our deferred compensation plan. The related reduction in the deferred compensation liability was recorded as a reduction in selling and administrative expenses.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate in 2008 was 27.4% compared with the 2007 rate of 28.9%. The 2007 rate reflected the non-deductibility of the acquired in-process R&D charges of $122 million, which was partially offset by the impact of approximately 0.3% resulting from the retroactive reinstatement of the research and experimentation tax credit. In 2009, we expect our effective tax rate to be about 27.5%.

Income and Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in 2008 were $1.1 billion and $4.46, respectively. Income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in 2007 were $856 million and $3.36, respectively. The acquired in-process R&D charges decreased income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in 2007 by $122 million and by $.48, respectively.

Financial Instrument Market Risk

We selectively use financial instruments to manage the impact of foreign exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations on earnings. The counterparties to these contracts are highly rated financial institutions. We do not enter into financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

We have foreign currency exposures throughout Europe, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Japan and Latin America. We face transactional currency exposures that arise when we enter into transactions in non-hyperinflationary countries, generally on an intercompany basis, that are denominated in currencies other than our functional currency. We hedge substantially all such foreign exchange exposures primarily through the use of forward contracts and currency options. We also face currency exposure that arises from translating the results of our worldwide operations to the U.S. dollar at exchange rates that have fluctuated from the beginning of a reporting period. To partially protect against adverse foreign exchange rate movements, we purchase option and forward contracts to hedge certain forecasted sales that are denominated in foreign currencies. Gains or losses on our derivative instruments are largely offset by the gains or losses on the underlying hedged transactions. For foreign currency derivative instruments, market risk is determined by calculating the impact on fair value of an assumed change in foreign exchange rates relative to the U.S. dollar. Fair values were estimated based on market prices, when available, or dealer quotes. The reduction in fair value of our purchased option contracts is limited to the option’s fair value. With respect to the derivative instruments outstanding at September 30, 2008, a 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar over a one-year period would increase pre-tax earnings by $91 million, while a 10% depreciation of the U.S. dollar would decrease pre-tax earnings by $91 million.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Comparatively, considering our derivative instruments outstanding at September 30, 2007, a 10% appreciation of the U.S. dollar over a one-year period would have increased pre-tax earnings by $52 million, while a 10% depreciation of the U.S. dollar would have decreased pre-tax earnings by $10 million. These calculations do not reflect the impact of exchange gains or losses on the underlying positions that would substantially offset the results of the derivative instruments.

Our primary interest rate exposure results from changes in short-term U.S. dollar interest rates. Our debt and interest-bearing investments at September 30, 2008, are substantially all U.S. dollar-denominated. Therefore, transaction and translation exposure relating to such instruments is minimal. When managing interest rate exposures, we strive to achieve an appropriate balance between fixed and floating rate instruments. We may enter into interest rate swaps to help maintain this balance and manage debt and interest-bearing investments in tandem, since these items have an offsetting impact on interest rate exposure. For interest rate derivative instruments, market risk is determined by calculating the impact to fair value of an assumed change in interest rates across all maturities. Fair values are estimated based on dealer quotes. A change in interest rates on short-term debt and interest-bearing investments is assumed to impact earnings and cash flow, but not fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments. A change in interest rates on long-term debt is assumed to impact fair value but not earnings or cash flow because the interest on such obligations is fixed. Based on our overall interest rate exposure at September 30, 2008 and 2007, a change of 10% in interest rates would not have a material effect on our earnings or cash flows over a one-year period. An increase of 10% in interest rates would decrease the fair value of our long-term debt and interest rate swaps at September 30, 2008 and 2007 by approximately $35 million and $37 million, respectively. A 10% decrease in interest rates would increase the fair value of our long-term debt and interest rate swaps at September 30, 2008 and 2007 by approximately $39 million and $41 million, respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash generated from operations, along with available cash and cash equivalents, is expected to be sufficient to fund our normal operating needs, including capital expenditures, cash dividends and common stock repurchases in 2009. In the latter portion of 2008, particularly in the fourth quarter, global financial markets were characterized by extreme volatility and illiquidity. Despite these adverse conditions, we were able to reissue $200 million of commercial paper that was outstanding during this period. BD believes that it will continue to have access to the U.S. commercial paper market, which should be adequate to fund any short-term borrowing requirements. As discussed further below, we also have a $1 billion unused committed bank credit facility that provides backup support for our commercial paper program and could be drawn down if necessary.

Net Cash Flows from Continuing Operating Activities

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities in 2008 of $1.7 billion increased $452 million over 2007. The increase in cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities reflects improvements in accounts receivable and inventory. Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was reduced by a $75 million discretionary cash contribution to the U.S. pension plan in September 2008. An additional discretionary cash contribution of $75 million was made to the U.S. pension plan in October 2008. We expect to generate about $1.8 billion of net cash provided by continuing operating activities in 2009.

Net Cash Flows from Continuing Investing Activities

Net cash used for continuing investing activities in 2008 was $783 million, compared with $1.0 billion in 2007. Acquisitions of businesses represented the net cash paid for the Cytopeia acquisition in 2008 and for the TriPath acquisition in 2007. See Note 3 for further discussion on acquisitions. Capital expenditures were $602 million in 2008, compared with $556 million in 2007. Medical capital spending of $379 million and Diagnostics capital spending of $124 million in 2008 related primarily to various capacity expansions. Biosciences capital spending of $83 million in 2008 included spending on manufacturing capacity expansions. In 2009, capital expenditures are expected to be about $650 million, reflecting investments in various manufacturing capacity and facility expansions.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Net Cash Flows from Continuing Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities was $586 million in 2008, as compared with $726 million in 2007, and included the repurchase of shares of our common stock for approximately $450 million in both years. At September 30, 2008, approximately 5.9 million common shares remained available for purchase under a July 2007 Board of Directors’ (the “Board”) authorization to repurchase up to 10 million common shares. The Board authorized an additional repurchase program for 10 million shares in November 2008. We currently expect that cash used to repurchase common shares in 2009 will be about $450 million. Total debt was $1.2 billion at both September 30, 2008 and 2007. Short-term debt decreased to 17% of total debt at year-end, from 18% at the end of 2007. Floating rate debt was 35% of total debt at the end of 2008 and 36% at the end of 2007. Our weighted average cost of total debt at the end of 2008 was 4.9%, down from 5.7% at the end of 2007. Debt-to-capitalization at year-end improved to 18.8% from 20.9% last year. Issuance of common stock is net of cash outflows resulting from share repurchases to satisfy minimum tax withholding on share-based compensation vested or exercised.

We have in place a commercial paper borrowing program that is available to meet our short-term financing needs, including working capital requirements. Borrowings outstanding under this program were $200 million at September 30, 2008. During the first quarter of 2008, we amended our syndicated credit facility to extend the expiration date from December 2011 to December 2012. This credit facility provides backup support for our commercial paper program and can also be used for other general corporate purposes. This credit facility includes a single financial covenant that requires BD to maintain an interest expense coverage ratio (ratio of earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization to interest expense) of not less than 5-to-1 for the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters. On the last eight measurement dates, this ratio had ranged from 17-to-1 to 31-to-1. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility at September 30, 2008. In addition, we have informal lines of credit outside the United States.

In July 2008, Standard and Poor’s upgraded our long-term debt rating to “AA-” from “A+” and our commercial paper rating to “A-1+” from “A-1.” At September 30, 2008, our Moody’s long-term debt rating is “A2” and our commercial paper rating was “P-1.” The outlook from both agencies was “stable.” Given the availability of the various credit facilities and our strong credit ratings, we continue to have confidence in our ability to refinance maturing short-term and long-term debt, as well as to incur substantial additional debt, if required.

BD’s ability to generate cash flow from operations, issue debt, enter into other financing arrangements and attract long-term capital on acceptable terms could be adversely affected in the event there was a material decline in the demand for BD’s products, deterioration in BD’s key financial ratios or credit ratings or other significantly unfavorable changes in conditions. While a deterioration in the Company’s credit ratings would increase the costs associated with maintaining and borrowing under its existing credit arrangements, such a downgrade would not affect the Company’s ability to draw on these credit facilities, nor would it result in an acceleration of the scheduled maturities of any outstanding debt. The Company believes that given its strong debt ratings, its conservative financial management policies, its ability to generate strong cash flow and the non-cyclical, geographically diversified nature of its businesses, the Company would have access to additional short-term and long-term capital should the need arise.

Contractual Obligations

In the normal course of business, we enter into contracts and commitments that obligate us to make payments in the future. The table below sets forth BD’s significant contractual obligations and related scheduled payments:


(millions of dollars)	Total		2009		2010 to 2011		2012 to 2013		2014 and Thereafter

Short-term debt	$	201	$	201	$	—	$	—	$	—
Long-term debt^(A)		1,536		52		288		288		908
Operating leases		190		49		68		46		27
Purchase obligations^(B)		505		315		184		6		—
Income tax audit settlements^(D)		70		13		—		—		57

Total^(C)	$	2,502	$	630	$	540	$	340	$	992


(A)	Long-term debt obligations include expected principal and interest obligations, including interest rate swaps. The interest rate forward curve at September 30, 2008 was used to compute the amount of the contractual obligation for variable rate debt instruments and swaps.

(B)	Purchase obligations are for purchases made in the normal course of business to meet operational and capital requirements.

(C)	Required funding obligations for 2009 relating to pension and other postretirement benefit plans are not expected to be material.

(D)	Other than amounts anticipated to be settled in 2009, we cannot accurately forecast the timing of payments related to our FIN 48 liabilities. Accordingly, the remaining amount of $57 million is reflected as payable in 2014 and thereafter.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

2007 Compared With 2006

Worldwide revenues in 2007 of $6.4 billion increased 11% from the prior year and reflected volume increases of approximately 8%, an estimated increase due to favorable foreign currency translation of 3%, and price increases of less than 1%.

Medical Segment

Medical revenues in 2007 of $3.4 billion increased $314 million, or 10%, over 2006, which includes an estimated impact of favorable foreign currency translation of 3 percentage points.

The following is a summary of revenues by organizational unit:


(millions of dollars)	2007		2006		Total Change			Estimated Foreign Exchange Impact

Medical Surgical Systems	$	1,864	$	1,749		7	%		2	%
Diabetes Care		696		657		6	%		2	%
Pharmaceutical Systems		792		640		24	%		6	%
Ophthalmic Systems		69		62		11	%		4	%

Total Revenues *	$	3,421	$	3,107		10	%		3	%


*	Amounts may not add due to rounding.

Medical revenues reflect the growth of the Pharmaceutical Systems unit and the continued global conversion to safety-engineered products. The Pharmaceutical Systems unit grew by 24% in 2007, reflecting the increased use of prefillable syringes by pharmaceutical companies to market new vaccines and bio-tech drugs, especially in the United States. Revenue growth in the Medical Surgical Systems unit in 2007 was primarily driven by the growth in safety-engineered products and prefilled flush syringes. Sales of safety-engineered products increased 6% in the United States and 29% internationally.

Medical operating income was $972 million, or 28.4% of Medical revenues, in 2007, as compared with $864 million, or 27.8% in 2006. The increase in operating income as a percentage of revenues reflects gross margin improvement from increased sales of products that have higher overall gross profit margins, in particular, safety-engineered products and pen needles, as well as favorable manufacturing efficiencies associated with higher volumes and increased leverage on selling and administrative expenses. These improvements were slightly offset by manufacturing start-up costs. See further discussion on gross profit margin below. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of Medical revenues in 2007 declined to 18.9% of revenues from 19.6% of revenues in 2006, primarily due to tight expense controls over base spending. Research and development expenses in 2007 increased $16 million, or 17%, reflecting continued investment in the development of new products and platforms, and included investments in additional resources to enhance our product development process.

Diagnostics Segment

Diagnostics revenues in 2007 of $1.9 billion increased $190 million, or 11%, over 2006, which reflected an estimated favorable impact of foreign currency translation of about 2 percentage points.

The following is a summary of revenues by organizational unit:


(millions of dollars)	2007		2006		Total Change			Estimated Foreign Exchange Impact

Preanalytical Systems	$	1,007	$	928		9	%		3	%
Diagnostic Systems		898		787		14	%		2	%

Total Revenues	$	1,905	$	1,715		11	%		2	%

Revenue growth in the Preanalytical Systems unit in 2007 was driven by the continued conversion to safety-engineered products, which accounted for sales of $718 million as compared with $627 million in the prior year. Sales of safety-engineered products in 2007 reflected growth of 9% in the United States, which benefited fromBD VacutainerPush Button Blood Collection Set conversion activity, and 25% internationally. The Diagnostics Systems unit experienced solid worldwide sales of its automated diagnostic platforms, including the molecularBD ProbeTecandBD Vipersystems, along with solid growth of itsBD BACTECblood culture and TB systems and theBD PhoenixID/AST platform. In addition, the Diagnostic Systems revenue growth includes $88 million of revenues from TriPath and $13 million of incremental revenues from GeneOhm. Sales of flu diagnostic tests declined $36 million in fiscal 2007 compared with 2006, primarily due to relatively mild flu seasons in both the United States and Japan and the termination of our supply arrangement with our Japanese supplier.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Diagnostics operating income was $343 million, or 18.0% of Diagnostics revenues in 2007, compared with $390 million, or 22.8% in 2006. Segment operating income reflects the in-process research and development charges of $115 million in 2007 related to the TriPath acquisition and $53 million in 2006 related to the GeneOhm acquisition. The Diagnostics Segment experienced a slight improvement in gross profit margin from sales growth of products that have higher overall gross profit margins, in particular, safety-engineered products and theBD ProbeTecsystem. These improvements were slightly offset by manufacturing start-up costs. See further discussion on gross profit margin below. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of Diagnostics revenues in 2007 was higher than the comparable amount in 2006 primarily due to the impact of TriPath and GeneOhm. Research and development expense increased $33 million, or 39%, reflecting new spending associated with these two acquisitions and overall increased investment in new product development.

Biosciences Segment

Biosciences revenues in 2007 of $1.0 billion increased $118 million, or 13%, over 2006, which reflected an estimated impact of favorable foreign currency translation of 3 percentage points.

The following is a summary of revenues by organizational unit:


(millions of dollars)	2007		2006		Total Change			Estimated Foreign Exchange Impact

Immunocytometry Systems	$	588	$	503		17	%		3	%
Discovery Labware		278		256		9	%		2	%
Pharmingen		168		157		7	%		2	%

Total Revenues	$	1,034	$	916		13	%		3	%

Revenue growth in the Immunocytometry Systems unit in 2007 reflects strong sales of instruments and flow cytometry reagents, driven by increased demand for research analyzers and clinical reagents. Revenue growth in the Discovery Labware unit in 2007 reflects strong sales of bionutrients and overall market growth.

Biosciences operating income was $259 million, or 25.0% of Biosciences revenues in 2007, compared with $222 million, or 24.2%, in 2006. Segment operating income includes an in-process research and development charge of $7 million in 2007. The increase in operating income, as a percentage of revenues, reflects gross profit improvement from relatively higher sales growth of products that have higher overall gross profit margins and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. These improvements were offset by manufacturing start-up costs. See further discussion on gross profit margin below. Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of Biosciences revenues was 24.0% versus 25.3% in 2006. Higher sales and continued tight expense control were the key contributors to the increased expense leverage. Research and development expense in 2007 increased $7 million, or 9.0%, reflecting spending on new product development and advanced technology, particularly in the Immunocytometry Systems unit.

Geographic Revenues

Revenues in the United States in 2007 of $3.0 billion increased 11%. U.S. sales of safety-engineered devices were approximately $987 million in 2007, compared with $920 million in 2006. Growth was also led by strong sales of prefilled flush syringes, prefillable syringes and immunocytometry instruments and reagents. U.S. revenue growth also included $88 million of revenues from TriPath.

Revenues outside the United States in 2007 increased 11% to $3.3 billion, reflecting an estimated impact of favorable foreign currency translation of 5 percentage points. Growth was led by solid sales in our European, Asia-Pacific and Canadian regions in 2007. International sales of safety-engineered devices were approximately $414 million in 2007, compared with $329 million in 2006.

Gross Profit Margin

Gross profit margin was 51.7% in 2007, compared with 51.3% in 2006. Gross profit margin in 2007 as compared with 2006 reflected an estimated 0.6% improvement relating to increased sales of products with relatively higher margins as well as productivity gains. These improvements were partially offset by an estimated 0.2% impact from manufacturing start-up costs.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Operating Expenses

Selling and administrative expense was $1.6 billion in 2007 compared with $1.4 billion in 2006, or 25.2% of revenues in both years. Aggregate expenses for 2007 reflect base spending increases of $62 million and expenses of $40 million associated with the GeneOhm and TriPath operations. Increases in selling and administrative expense in 2007 also reflected the absence of proceeds from insurance settlements of $17 million received in 2006 in connection with our previously-owned latex glove business, as well as an unfavorable foreign exchange impact of $35 million.

Research and development expense in 2007 was $360 million, or 5.7% of revenues, compared with $302 million, or 5.3% of revenues, in 2006. The increase in R&D expenditures includes spending for new programs in each of our segments, as previously discussed.

Non-Operating Expense and Income

Interest expense was $46 million in 2007, compared with $66 million in 2006. The decrease reflected lower debt and higher levels of capitalized interest. Interest income was $46 million in 2007, compared with $59 million in 2006, resulting from lower cash balances.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate in 2007 was 28.9% compared with the 2006 rate of 27.6%. The 2007 rate reflected the non-deductibility of the acquired in-process R&D charges of $122 million, which were partially offset by the impact of approximately 0.3% resulting from the retroactive reinstatement of the research and experimentation tax credit. The 2006 rate reflected the non-deductibility of the acquired in-process R&D charge of $53 million, as well as the impact relating to the proceeds received from insurance settlements of approximately 0.2%.

Income and Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations

Income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in 2007 were $856 million and $3.36, respectively. The acquired in-process R&D charges decreased income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in the aggregate by $122 million and by $.48, respectively, in 2007. Income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations in 2006 were $815 million and $3.18, respectively. The acquired in-process R&D charge decreased income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations by $53 million and by $.21, respectively, in 2006.

Discontinued Operations

In September 2006, the Company announced a plan to exit the blood glucose monitoring market. The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $63 million in connection with its decision to exit the BGM product line. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company received an unsolicited offer for the purchase of the BGM product line. In December 2006, the Company sold the product line for $20 million. Following the sale, prior period Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows were restated to separately present the results of the BGM product line as discontinued operations. See Note 3 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net Cash Flows from Continuing Operating Activities

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities was $1.2 billion in 2007, compared with $1.1 billion in 2006.

Net Cash Flows from Continuing Investing Activities

Net cash used for continuing investing activities in 2007 was $1.0 billion, compared with $784 million in 2006. Acquisitions of businesses of $340 million in 2007 represented the net cash paid for the TriPath acquisition. Capital expenditures were $556 million in 2007, compared with $457 million in 2006. Medical capital spending of $353 million and Diagnostics capital spending of $114 million in 2007 related primarily to various capacity expansions. Biosciences capital spending of $73 million in 2007 included spending on manufacturing capacity expansions.

Net Cash Flows from Continuing Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities was $726 million in 2007, as compared with $342 million in 2006, and included the repurchase of shares of our common stock for approximately $450 million, compared with approximately $449 million in 2006. Total debt at September 30, 2007, was $1.2 billion compared with $1.4 billion at September 30, 2006. Short-term debt decreased to 18% of total debt at year-end, from 31% at the end of 2006. Floating rate debt was 36% of total debt at the end of 2007 and 46% at the end of 2006. Our weighted average cost of total debt at the end of 2007 was 5.7%, up from 5.5% at the end of 2006. Debt-to-capitalization at year-end improved to 20.9% from 25.8% last year.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Some of those judgments can be subjective and complex and, consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. For any given estimate or assumption made by management, it is possible that other people applying reasonable judgment to the same facts and circumstances could develop different estimates. Actual results that differ from management’s estimates could have an unfavorable effect on our consolidated financial statements. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. We recognize revenue for certain instruments sold from the Biosciences segment upon installation at a customer’s site, as installation of these instruments is considered a significant post-delivery obligation. For certain sales arrangements, primarily in the U.S., with multiple deliverables, revenue and cost of products sold are recognized at the completion of each deliverable: shipment, installation and training, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” These sales agreements are divided into separate units of accounting. Revenue is recognized upon the completion of each deliverable based on the relative fair values of items delivered. Fair values are generally determined based on sales of the individual deliverables to other third parties.

BD’s domestic businesses sell products primarily to distributors who resell the products to end-user customers. We provide rebates to distributors that sell to end-user customers at prices determined under a contract between BD and the end-user customer. Provisions for rebates, as well as sales discounts and returns, are accounted for as a reduction of revenues when revenue is recognized.

Impairment of Assets

Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to impairment reviews at least annually, or whenever indicators of impairment arise. Intangible assets other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and other long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Impairment reviews are based on a cash flow approach that requires significant management judgment with respect to future volume, revenue and expense growth rates, changes in working capital use, appropriate discount rates and other assumptions and estimates. The estimates and assumptions used are consistent with BD’s business plans. The use of alternative estimates and assumptions could increase or decrease the estimated fair value of the asset, and potentially result in different impacts to BD’s results of operations. Actual results may differ from management’s estimates.

Investments

We hold equity interests in companies having operations or technology in areas within or adjacent to BD’s strategic focus. For some of these companies that are publicly traded, market prices are available. However, for those companies that are not publicly traded, fair value is difficult to determine. We write down an investment when management believes an investment has experienced a decline in value that is other than temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of the underlying investments could result in an inability to recover the carrying value of the investments, thereby possibly requiring impairment charges in the future.

Tax Valuation Allowances

BD maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances are included in our tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, management evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carry back and carry forward periods, and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of realization of a deferred tax asset.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Contingencies

We are involved, both as a plaintiff and a defendant, in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business, including, without limitation, product liability, antitrust and environmental matters, as further discussed in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, we establish accruals to the extent probable future losses are estimable (in the case of environmental matters, without considering possible third-party recoveries). A determination of the amount of accruals, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual issue and, when appropriate, is developed after consultation with outside counsel. The accruals may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in our strategy in dealing with these matters.

Given the uncertain nature of litigation generally, we are not able in all cases to estimate the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the litigation to which we are a party. In view of these uncertainties, we could incur charges in excess of any currently established accruals and, to the extent available, excess liability insurance. Accordingly, in the opinion of management, any such future charges, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on BD’s consolidated results of operations and consolidated net cash flows.

Benefit Plans

We have significant net pension and other postretirement benefit costs that are measured using actuarial valuations. Pension benefit costs include assumptions for the discount rate and expected return on plan assets. Other postretirement benefit plan costs include assumptions for the discount rate and healthcare cost trend rates. These assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. In addition to the analysis below, see Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.

The discount rate is selected each year based on investment grade bonds and other factors as of the measurement date (September 30). For the U.S. pension plan, we used a discount rate of 8.00% as of September 30, 2008, which was based on an actuarially-determined, company-specific yield curve. The rate selected is used to measure liabilities as of the measurement date and for calculating the following year’s pension expense. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumption, although reviewed each year, is changed less frequently due to the long-term nature of the assumption. This assumption does not impact the measurement of assets or liabilities as of the measurement date; rather, it is used only in the calculation of pension expense. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider many factors, including our historical assumptions compared with actual results; benchmark data; expected returns on various plan asset classes, as well as current and expected asset allocations. At September 30, 2008, we used a long-term expected rate of return on plan assets assumption of 8.00% for the U.S. pension plan. We believe our discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets assumptions are appropriate based upon the above factors.

Sensitivity to changes in key assumptions for our U.S. pension and other postretirement plans are as follows:


•	Discount rate – A change of plus (minus) 25 basis points, with other assumptions held constant, would have an estimated $5 million favorable (unfavorable) impact on the total U.S. net pension and other postretirement benefit plan cost.

•	Expected return on plan assets – A change of plus (minus) 25 basis points, with other assumptions held constant, would have an estimated $2 million favorable (unfavorable) impact on U.S. pension plan cost.

Share-Based Compensation

Compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions is recognized in net income using a fair value measurement method, in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R). SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statement of operations as compensation expense (based on their fair values) over the vesting period of the awards. We determine the fair value of certain share-based awards using a lattice-based binomial option valuation model that incorporates certain assumptions, such as the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected dividend yield and expected life of the options. See Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

BD and its representatives may from time-to-time make certain forward-looking statements in publicly released materials, both written and oral, including statements contained in this report and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in our other reports to shareholders. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “plan,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “will,” “anticipate,” “estimate” and other words of similar meaning in conjunction with, among other things, discussions of future operations and financial performance, as well as our strategy for growth, product development, regulatory approvals, market position and expenditures. All statements that address operating performance or events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future – including statements relating to volume growth, sales and earnings per share growth, cash flows or uses, and statements expressing views about future operating results – are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations of future events. The forward-looking statements are, and will be, based on management’s then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and speak only as of their dates. Investors should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from our expectations and projections. Investors are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Furthermore, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and developments or otherwise.

We are in the midst of a global economic slowdown and, although we do not currently anticipate any significant weakening of demand for our products, this could change depending on the severity and duration of the slowdown. In addition, the following are some important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statements:


•	Regional, national and foreign economic factors, including inflation, deflation and fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates and the potential effect of such fluctuations on revenues, expenses and resulting margins, as well as competition in certain markets.

•	Instability in the global financial markets and the potential adverse effect on liquidity and capital resources for BD or its customers and suppliers, the cost of operating our business, or the demand for our products and services.

•	Fluctuations in the cost and availability of oil-based resins and other raw materials, as well as certain sub-assemblies and finished goods, and the ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships (particularly with respect to sole-source suppliers) and the potential adverse effects of any disruption in the availability of such items.

•	We operate in a highly competitive environment. New product introductions by our current or future competitors (for example, new forms of drug delivery) could adversely affect our ability to compete in the global market. Patents attained by competitors, particularly as patents on our products expire, may also adversely impact our competitive position. Certain competitors have established manufacturing sites or have contracted with suppliers in low-cost manufacturing locations as a means to lower their costs. New entrants may also appear.

•	We sell certain products to pharmaceutical companies that are used to manufacture, or are sold with, products by such companies. As a result, fluctuations in demand for the products of these pharmaceutical companies could adversely affect our operating results.

•	Changes in domestic and foreign healthcare industry practices and regulations resulting in increased pricing pressures, including the continued consolidation among healthcare providers; trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment; and government laws and regulations relating to sales and promotion, reimbursement and pricing generally.

•	The effects, if any, of governmental and media activities regarding the business practices of group purchasing organizations, which negotiate product prices on behalf of their member hospitals with BD and other suppliers.

•	Our ability to obtain the anticipated benefits of restructuring programs, if any, that we may undertake.

•	Our ability to implement the upgrade of our enterprise resource planning system. Any delays or deficiencies in the design and implementation of our upgrade could adversely affect our business.

Financial ReviewBecton, Dickinson and Company


•	Adoption of, or changes in, government laws and regulations affecting domestic and foreign operations, including those relating to trade, monetary and fiscal policies, taxation, environmental matters, sales practices, price controls, licensing and regulatory approval of new products, regulatory requirements for products in the postmarketing phase, or changes in enforcement practices with respect to any such laws and regulations. In particular, environmental laws, particularly with respect to the emission of greenhouse gases, are becoming more stringent throughout the world, which may increase our costs of operations or necessitate changes in our manufacturing plants or processes.

•	Fluctuations in U.S. and international governmental funding and policies for life sciences research.

•	Difficulties inherent in product development, including the potential inability to successfully continue technological innovation, complete clinical trials, obtain regulatory approvals in the United States and abroad, obtain coverage and adequate reimbursement for new products, or gain and maintain market approval of products, as well as the possibility of encountering infringement claims by competitors with respect to patent or other intellectual property rights, all of which can preclude or delay commercialization of a product.

•	Pending and potential litigation or other proceedings adverse to BD, including antitrust claims, product liability claims, patent infringement claims and the availability or collectibility of insurance relating to such claims.

•	The effects, if any, of adverse media exposure or other publicity regarding BD’s business or operations.

•	Our ability to achieve the projected level or mix of product sales. Our earnings forecasts are generated based on such projected volumes and sales of many product types, some of which are more profitable than others.

•	The effect of market fluctuations on the value of assets in BD’s pension plans and the possibility that BD may need to make additional contributions to the plans as a result of any decline in the value of such assets.

•	Our ability to effect infrastructure enhancements and incorporate new systems technologies into our operations.

•	Product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls, regulatory action on the part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (or foreign counterparts) or declining sales.

•	Economic and political conditions in international markets, including civil unrest, terrorist activity, governmental changes, restrictions on the ability to transfer capital across borders and expropriation of assets by a government.

•	The effects of natural disasters, including hurricanes or pandemic diseases, on our ability to manufacture our products, particularly where production of a product line is concentrated in one or more plants, or on our ability to source components from suppliers that are needed for such manufacturing.

•	Our ability to penetrate developing and emerging markets, which also depends on economic and political conditions, and how well we are able to acquire or form strategic business alliances with local companies and make necessary infrastructure enhancements to production facilities, distribution networks, sales equipment and technology.

•	The impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and divestitures, both internally on BD and externally on the healthcare industry.

•	Issuance of new or revised accounting standards by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The foregoing list sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could impact our ability to achieve results described in any forward-looking statements. Investors should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors and should not consider this list to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties.


Reports of Management	Becton, Dickinson and Company

Management’s Responsibilities

The following financial statements have been prepared by management in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include, where required, amounts based on the best estimates and judgments of management. The integrity and objectivity of data in the financial statements and elsewhere in this Annual Report are the responsibility of management.

In fulfilling its responsibilities for the integrity of the data presented and to safeguard the Company’s assets, management employs a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide reasonable assurance, at appropriate cost, that the Company’s assets are protected and that transactions are appropriately authorized, recorded and summarized. This system of control is supported by the selection of qualified personnel, by organizational assignments that provide appropriate delegation of authority and division of responsibilities, and by the dissemination of written policies and procedures. This control structure is further reinforced by a program of internal audits, including a policy that requires responsive action by management.

The Board of Directors monitors the internal control system, including internal accounting and financial reporting controls, through its Audit Committee, which consists of six independent Directors. The Audit Committee meets periodically with the independent registered public accounting firm, the internal auditors and management to review the work of each and to satisfy itself that they are properly discharging their responsibilities. The independent registered public accounting firm and the internal auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee and meet with its members, with and without management present, to discuss the scope and results of their audits including internal control, auditing and financial reporting matters.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Act of 1934. Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established inInternal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment and those criteria, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2008.

The financial statements and internal control over financial reporting have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young’s reports with respect to fairness of the presentation of the statements, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, are included herein.




Edward J. Ludwig	John R. Considine	William A. Tozzi
Chairman, President and	Vice Chairman	Vice President -
Chief Executive Officer	and Chief Financial Officer	Finance


Report of Independent	Becton, Dickinson and Company
Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Becton, Dickinson and Company

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Becton, Dickinson and Company as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Becton, Dickinson and Company at September 30, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” on October 1, 2007, and Financial Accounting Standard No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132 (R)” on September 30, 2007.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Becton, Dickinson and Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008, based on criteria established inInternal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated November 17, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.




	ERNST & YOUNG LLP New York, New York November 17, 2008


Report of Independent	Becton, Dickinson and Company
Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Becton, Dickinson and Company

We have audited Becton, Dickinson and Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008, based on criteria established inInternal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Becton, Dickinson and Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Becton, Dickinson and Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2008, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Becton, Dickinson and Company as of September 30, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2008 of Becton, Dickinson and Company, and our report dated November 17, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.




	ERNST & YOUNG LLP New York, New York November 17, 2008


Financial Statements	Becton, Dickinson and Company

Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended September 30
Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts


	2008			2007			2006

Operations
Revenues	$	7,155,910		$	6,359,708		$	5,738,017

Cost of products sold		3,492,561			3,071,921			2,793,265
Selling and administrative expense		1,715,045			1,602,404			1,448,166
Research and development expense		396,238			360,050			301,872
Acquired in-process research and development		—			122,133			53,300


Total Operating Costs and Expenses		5,603,844			5,156,508			4,596,603

Operating Income		1,552,066			1,203,200			1,141,414
Interest expense		(36,343	)		(46,420	)		(66,046	)
Interest income		39,368			46,221			59,296
Other (expense) income, net		(1,484	)		944			(8,762	)


Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes		1,553,607			1,203,945			1,125,902

Income tax provision		425,689			347,778			310,792


Income from Continuing Operations		1,127,918			856,167			815,110


(Loss) income from Discontinued Operations Net of income tax (benefit) provision of $(567), $15,242 and $(32,823)		(922	)		33,866			(62,830	)


Net Income	$	1,126,996		$	890,033		$	752,280


Basic Earnings per Share
Income from Continuing Operations	$	4.62		$	3.50		$	3.30
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations	$	—		$	0.14		$	(0.25	)

Basic Earnings per Share^(A)	$	4.61		$	3.63		$	3.04


Diluted Earnings per Share
Income from Continuing Operations	$	4.46		$	3.36		$	3.18
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations	$	—		$	0.13		$	(0.24	)

Diluted Earnings per Share^(A)	$	4.46		$	3.49		$	2.93


^(A)	Total per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

See notes to consolidated financial statements

Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Years Ended September 30
Thousands of dollars


	2008			2007			2006

Net Income	$	1,126,996		$	890,033		$	752,280


Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(80,305	)		250,411			77,396
Minimum pension liability adjustment		—			3,159			77,086
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans		(42,862	)		—			—
Unrealized (loss) gain on investments, net of amounts recognized		(42	)		(10,643	)		1,212
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of amounts realized		43,871			(2,596	)		(1,307	)


Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Tax		(79,338	)		240,331			154,387

Comprehensive Income	$	1,047,658		$	1,130,364		$	906,667

See notes to consolidated financial statements

Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30
Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts and numbers of shares


	2008			2007

Assets
Current Assets
Cash and equivalents	$	830,477		$	511,482
Short-term investments		199,942			158,040
Trade receivables, net		1,079,051			1,083,152
Inventories		1,080,426			1,051,959
Prepaid expenses, deferred taxes and other		424,779			325,933

Total Current Assets		3,614,675			3,130,566
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		2,744,474			2,497,338
Goodwill		625,768			621,414
Core and Developed Technology, Net		348,531			374,779
Other Intangibles, Net		89,675			95,938
Capitalized Software, Net		133,486			142,738
Other		356,334			466,592

Total Assets	$	7,912,943		$	7,329,365


Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Short-term debt	$	201,312		$	207,634
Accounts payable		260,882			266,993
Accrued expenses		519,117			481,429
Salaries, wages and related items		406,379			435,854
Income taxes		28,889			86,899

Total Current Liabilities		1,416,579			1,478,809
Long-Term Debt		953,226			955,713
Long-Term Employee Benefit Obligations		464,982			444,874	��
Deferred Income Taxes and Other		142,588			88,012

Commitments and Contingencies		—			—

Shareholders’ Equity
Common stock - $1 par value: authorized - 640,000,000 shares; issued-332,662,160 shares in 2008 and 2007		332,662			332,662
Capital in excess of par value		1,359,531			1,125,368
Retained earnings		6,838,589			5,995,787
Deferred compensation		14,694			12,205
Common stock in treasury - at cost – 89,584,786 shares in 2008 and 88,825,066 shares in 2007		(3,532,398	)		(3,105,893	)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income		(77,510	)		1,828

Total Shareholders’ Equity		4,935,568			4,361,957

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	7,912,943		$	7,329,365

See notes to consolidated financial statements

Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended September 30
Thousands of dollars


	2008			2007			2006

Operating Activities
Net income	$	1,126,996		$	890,033		$	752,280
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net		922			(33,866	)		62,830

Income from continuing operations, net		1,127,918			856,167			815,110
Adjustments to income from continuing operations to derive net cash provided by continuing operating activities, net of amounts acquired:
Depreciation and amortization		477,422			441,341			402,332
Share-based compensation		100,585			107,706			108,613
Deferred income taxes		80,088			(115,489	)		(108,285	)
Acquired in-process research and development		—			122,133			53,300
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables, net		(1,927	)		(117,048	)		(19,977	)
Inventories		(43,617	)		(126,863	)		(99,505	)
Prepaid expenses, deferred taxes and other		(29,967	)		(24,965	)		(122,496	)
Accounts payable, income taxes and other liabilities		(11,776	)		102,996			100,636
Pension obligation		(56,083	)		(22,119	)		(64,971	)
Other, net		45,355			12,189			39,416

Net Cash Provided by Continuing Operating Activities		1,687,998			1,236,048			1,104,173


Investing Activities
Capital expenditures		(601,981	)		(556,394	)		(457,067	)
Capitalized software		(49,306	)		(22,334	)		(22,454	)
Change in short-term investments		(46,321	)		(30,167	)		(18,633	)
Purchases of long-term investments		(5,666	)		(3,881	)		(9,672	)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired		(41,259	)		(339,528	)		(231,464	)
Proceeds from discontinued operations		—			19,971			—
Other, net		(38,491	)		(85,922	)		(44,656	)

Net Cash Used for Continuing Investing Activities		(783,024	)		(1,018,255	)		(783,946	)


Financing Activities
Change in short-term debt		(5,938	)		(121,102	)		121,563
Payments of debt		(1,114	)		(100,790	)		(828	)
Repurchase of common stock		(450,001	)		(450,124	)		(448,882	)
Issuance of common stock		85,396			130,679			147,796
Excess tax benefit from payments under share-based compensation plans		64,335			55,118			50,609
Dividends paid		(278,506	)		(239,810	)		(212,431	)

Net Cash Used for Continuing Financing Activities		(585,828	)		(726,029	)		(342,173	)


Discontinued Operations:
Net cash (used for) provided by operating activities		(899	)		4,388			(27,773	)
Net cash used for investing activities		—			—			(2,580	)
Net cash used for financing activities		—			—			—

Net Cash (Used for) Provided by Discontinued Operations		(899	)		4,388			(30,353	)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents		748			15,041			9,698

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Equivalents		318,995			(488,807	)		(42,601	)
Opening Cash and Equivalents		511,482			1,000,289			1,042,890

Closing Cash and Equivalents	$	830,477		$	511,482		$	1,000,289

See notes to consolidated financial statements


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	Becton, Dickinson and Company

Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts and numbers of shares


1	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Becton, Dickinson and Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) after the elimination of intercompany transactions. The Company has no material interests in variable interest entities.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at time of purchase.

Short-Term Investments

Short-term investments consist of time deposits with maturities greater than three months and less than one year when purchased.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are principally provided on the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which range from 20 to 45 years for buildings, four to 10 years for machinery and equipment and two to 17 years for leasehold improvements. Depreciation and amortization expense was $305,510, $280,357 and $262,956 in fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” In reviewing goodwill for impairment, potential impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit, estimated using an income approach, with its carrying value. Core and developed technology is amortized over periods ranging from 15 to 20 years, using the straight-line method. Both goodwill and core and developed technology arise from acquisitions. Other intangibles with finite useful lives, which include patents, are amortized over periods principally ranging from two to 40 years, using the straight-line method. These intangibles, including core and developed technology, are periodically reviewed when impairment indicators are present to assess recoverability from future operations using undiscounted cash flows in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” To the extent carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results based upon the excess of the carrying value over fair value. Other intangibles also include certain trademarks that are considered to have indefinite lives, as they are expected to generate cash flows indefinitely, and are reviewed annually for impairment.

Capitalized Software

Capitalized software, including costs for software developed or obtained for internal use is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization expense is principally provided on the straight-line basis over estimated useful lives, which do not exceed 10 years. Amortization expense was $56,652, $66,386 and $66,037 for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

Generally, the net assets of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. The U.S. dollar results that arise from such translation, as well as exchange gains and losses on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature, are included in the foreign currency translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from product sales is recognized when title and risk of loss pass to the customer. The Company recognizes revenue for certain instruments sold from the Biosciences segment upon installation at a customer’s site, as installation of these instruments is considered a significant post-delivery obligation. For certain sales arrangements, primarily in the U.S., with multiple deliverables, revenue and cost of products sold are recognized at the completion of each deliverable: shipment, installation and training, in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” These sales agreements are divided into separate units of accounting. Revenue is recognized upon the completion of each deliverable based on the relative fair values of items delivered. Fair values are generally determined based on sales of the individual deliverables to other third parties.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

The Company’s domestic businesses sell products primarily to distributors who resell the products to end-user customers. Rebates are provided to distributors that sell to end-user customers at prices determined under a contract between the Company and the end-user customer. Provisions for rebates, as well as sales discounts and returns, are accounted for as a reduction of revenues when revenue is recognized.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are included in Selling and administrative expense. Shipping expense was $276,370, $243,263 and $219,788 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Derivative Financial Instruments

In accordance with SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended, all derivatives are recorded in the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

Derivative financial instruments are utilized by the Company in the management of its foreign currency and interest rate exposures. The Company hedges its foreign currency exposures by entering into offsetting forward exchange contracts and currency options when it deems appropriate. The Company utilizes interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements to manage its exposure to fluctuating interest rates. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Any deferred gains or losses associated with derivative instruments, which on infrequent occasions may be terminated prior to maturity, are recognized in income in the period in which the underlying hedged transaction is recognized. In the event a designated hedged item is sold, extinguished or matures prior to the termination of the related derivative instrument, such instrument would be closed and the resultant gain or loss would be recognized in income.

Income Taxes

United States income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries where such undistributed earnings are indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. Deferred taxes are provided for earnings of foreign subsidiaries when those earnings are not considered indefinitely reinvested. Income taxes are provided and tax credits are recognized based on tax laws enacted at the dates of the financial statements.

The Company maintains valuation allowances where it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Changes in valuation allowances are included in our tax provision in the period of change. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, management evaluates factors such as prior earnings history, expected future earnings, carry back and carry forward periods and tax strategies that could potentially enhance the likelihood of the realization of a deferred tax asset.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates or assumptions affect reported assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses as reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for all share-based compensation under SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) – “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123(R)”). This statement requires the recognition of the fair value of share-based compensation in net income. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company


2	Accounting Changes

On October 1, 2007, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides guidance for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $5,083 increase in its existing liability for uncertain tax positions, with a corresponding decrease to the October 1, 2007 retained earnings balance. The Company also reclassified the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits of $71,782 from a current liability account (Accrued expenses) to a non-current liability account (Deferred Income Taxes and Other) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, in accordance with FIN 48 as of October 1, 2007. If the Company were to recognize the unrecognized tax benefits, the effective tax rate would be favorably impacted. The Company does not anticipate any significant changes over the next 12 months to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company includes interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the Income tax provision on the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of October 1, 2007, accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, included in the total amount, were $9,388.

The Company conducts business and files tax returns in numerous countries and currently has tax audits in progress in a number of tax jurisdictions. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its audit for the tax years through 2002; however, the tax years 2000 through 2002 remain open, with a single issue being considered in the IRS administrative appeals process. For the Company’s other major tax jurisdictions where it conducts business, the Company’s tax years are generally open after 2002.

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)” (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 requires the Company to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its Consolidated Balance Sheet and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. SFAS No. 158 also requires the funded status of a plan to be measured as of the balance sheet date and provides for additional disclosure requirements. The Company adopted SFAS No. 158 on September 30, 2007. SFAS No. 158 did not change the measurement date of the Company’s plans as the plans are measured at its fiscal year-end. See Note 5 regarding the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 158.

In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47 “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations” (“FIN 47”). FIN 47 clarifies that the term “conditional asset retirement obligation” as used in SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company is required to recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value can be reasonably estimated. The Company adopted this interpretation in the fourth quarter of 2006. The adoption of FIN 47 did not have a material impact on BD’s consolidated financial statements.

Adoption of New Accounting Standard

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement is effective for the Company beginning October 1, 2008, and applies to interim periods. The Company does not anticipate the implementation of this Statement will be material to the consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Under SFAS No. 159, the decision to measure items as fair value is made at specified election dates on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. Entities electing the fair value option are required to recognize changes in fair value in earnings and to expense upfront costs and fees associated with the item for which the fair value option is elected. This Statement would be effective for the Company, if adopted, beginning October 1, 2008; however, the Company does not anticipate adopting this Statement.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company


3	Acquisitions and Divestitures

Cytopeia

On May 12, 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Cytopeia, Inc., a privately-held corporation that develops and markets advanced flow cytometry cell sorting instruments. The acquisition advances the Company’s position in rapidly emerging areas of cell-based research, such as cell therapy research, stem cell research, drug discovery and development, and marine biology. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations of Cytopeia were included in the Biosciences segment’s results as of the acquisition date. Pro forma information was not provided as the acquisition did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results. The purchase price was $42,914 in cash, including transaction costs. Cash assumed as of the valuation date was $1,655. The purchase price was allocated based upon the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired. The allocation is based upon the information available as of September 30, 2008 and may be adjusted should further information become available. Additional information that may become subsequently available includes, but is not limited to, changes in the value of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The purchase price allocation resulted in a deferred tax asset of $4,290, core and developed technology of $20,000, deferred tax liabilities of $7,904, primarily associated with core and developed technology; and other net assets of $3,713, primarily consisting of accounts receivable and inventory. Core and developed technology will be amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of approximately 15 years. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired of $22,815 was recorded as goodwill. The primary item that generated goodwill is the value of the Company’s access to new technologies and capabilities related to cell therapy research. No portion of this goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

TriPath

On December 20, 2006, the Company acquired the outstanding shares (approximately 93.8%) of TriPath Imaging, Inc. (“TriPath”) which it did not previously own. TriPath develops, manufactures, markets and sells innovative solutions to improve the clinical management of cancer, including detection, diagnosis, staging and treatment. The acquisition advances the Company’s position in cancer diagnostics. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations of TriPath were included in the Company’s results as of the acquisition date. Pro forma information was not provided as the acquisition did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results. The purchase price was $361,883 in cash, including transaction costs and other consideration. The purchase price was allocated based upon the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired. The allocation of the purchase price resulted in deferred tax assets of $75,261 primarily consisting of net operating loss carry-forwards and credits; core and developed technology of $135,097; deferred tax liabilities of $52,662 primarily associated with other intangible assets; and other net assets of $56,736 consisting primarily of cash and trade receivables. Core and developed technology will be amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of approximately 15 years. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired of $32,712 was recorded as goodwill. The primary items that generated goodwill are the value of expanded product opportunities in oncology that are aligned with and complement ongoing research programs at the Company. The goodwill was allocated to the Diagnostics segment and is not deductible for tax purposes. As a result of settling a preacquisition legal contingency in the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company received an upfront cash payment of $7,167. The effects of this payment, as well as other minor purchase accounting adjustments, are reflected in the purchase price allocation detailed above.

In connection with the acquisition, the Company also incurred a non-deductible charge of $114,739 for acquired in-process research and development. This charge, based on fair value, is associated with three projects: molecular Pap test, breast staging, and ovarian cancer tests. These projects had not yet reached technological feasibility and did not have alternative future use at the acquisition date. The portion of the charge allocated to each of these projects was $75,992, $18,764 and $19,983, respectively.

The molecular Pap test uses proprietary molecular biomarkers and reagents that are intended to allow for the primary screening of cervical cancer. The addition of biomarkers is intended to improve sensitivity to allow the clinician to find disease more reliably. In February 2008, the Company ceased activities on the clinical trial for this product. The Company presently anticipates having a molecular Pap test commercially available both in the U.S. and outside the U.S. in fiscal year 2012, assuming successful completion of new clinical trials and attainment of approval from FDA.

The breast cancer project, using proprietary biomarkers and reagents, is intended to aid in disease discovery in its earliest stages. Tests developed in this program will also be run on the multiplex testing platform discussed below.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

Since the acquisition, the Company changed the focus in this program from staging assay development to screening assay development. The Company anticipates having a breast assay both in the U.S. and outside the U.S. in fiscal year 2013, assuming successful completion of clinical trials and attainment of approval from FDA.

The ovarian cancer project, using proprietary biomarkers and reagents in a multiplex format, is intended to allow for earlier stage detection of cancer. Information the Company expects to obtain from tests developed in this project should allow clinicians to begin treatment sooner, which should lead to improved outcomes overall. In addition, the Company signed a development and supply agreement for a multiplex testing platform to allow for the simultaneous testing of multiple markers from a small volume of serum. The Company anticipates having an ovarian monitoring test commercially available in the U.S. in fiscal year 2010, assuming successful completion of clinical trials and attainment of approval from FDA. Screening tests are expected to be commercially available approximately two years thereafter.

The fair values of these projects were determined based upon the present value of projected cash flows utilizing an income approach reflecting the appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate based on the applicable technological and commercial risk of each project. These cash flows also took into account the income and expenses associated with the further development and commercialization of the underlying products. The range of discount rates assigned to the projects was 22 to 30 percent and gave consideration to the underlying risk relative to the developed technology, the overall commercial and technical risk, and the probabilities of success for each of the projects. The ongoing activity associated with each of these projects is not expected to be material to the Company’s research and development expense.

Plasso

On May 4, 2007, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Plasso Technology, Ltd. (“Plasso”), a privately-held company that is developing the next generation of surface-critical research tools utilizing functional coating technology for applications in glycomics and cell culture, for $10,425 in cash including transaction costs. In connection with the acquisition, the Company incurred a non-deductible charge of $7,394 for acquired in-process research and development associated with Plasso’s technology, for which, at the acquisition date, technological feasibility had not been established and no alternative future use existed. Because Plasso was a development stage company that had not commenced its planned principal operations, the transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of assets rather than as a business combination and, therefore, goodwill was not recorded.

GeneOhm

On February 14, 2006, the Company acquired all the outstanding stock of GeneOhm Sciences, Inc. (“GeneOhm”), a company that develops molecular diagnostic testing for the rapid detection of bacterial organisms, including those known to cause healthcare-associated infections. The acquisition provides the Company with expanded entry into the emerging field of healthcare-associated infections. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations of GeneOhm were included in the Company’s results as of the acquisition date. Pro forma information was not provided as the acquisition did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated results. The purchase price consisted of an up-front cash payment of $232,542, including transaction costs. The purchase price was allocated based upon the fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired. The allocation of the purchase price resulted in deferred tax assets of $32,423 consisting of net operating loss carry forwards and credits; other intangible assets, primarily core and developed technology, of $91,043; deferred tax liabilities of $29,626 associated with other intangible assets, and other net assets of $3,750. Core and developed technology will be amortized on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of approximately 15 years. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired of $81,652 was recorded as goodwill. The primary items that generated goodwill are the value of synergies in microbiology research and the expansion of product offerings in molecular diagnostics. The goodwill was allocated to the Diagnostics segment and is not deductible for tax purposes. In connection with the acquisition, the Company also incurred a non-deductible charge of $53,300 for acquired in-process research and development. This charge, based on fair value, is associated with several products that have not reached technological feasibility and do not have alternative future use at the acquisition date. The fair value of each product was determined based upon the present value of projected cash flows utilizing an income approach reflecting the appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate based on the applicable technological and commercial risk of each product. These cash flows took into account the income and expenses associated with the further development and commercialization of the underlying products. The ongoing activity associated with each of these products is not material to the Company’s research and development expense.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company

BGM

On September 28, 2006, the Company announced a plan to exit the blood glucose monitoring (“BGM”) market. In accordance with the plan, distribution of theBD LogicBlood Glucose Monitor was immediately discontinued. BD continued to distribute test strips for its customers through December 2007. The decision to exit the BGM market was made following an evaluation of the future outlook for the product line. The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $63,414 in 2006 in connection with its decision to exit the BGM product line. This charge consisted of $5,352 related to estimated customer sales returns, $31,602 related to the write-off of inventory and related purchase commitments, $14,052 related to long-lived asset write-downs, and $12,408 related to severance and other exit costs.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company received an unsolicited offer for the purchase of the BGM product line. On December 11, 2006, the Company sold the product line for $19,971 and recognized a pre-tax gain on sale of $15,226. During 2007, adjustments of $9,319 were made to reduce sales returns and other accruals related to obligations that remained with the Company upon divestiture of the product line. Additionally, the Company received a payment of $4,675, which represented the resolution of a contingency with a former supplier. Following the sale, the Company’s prior period Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows and related disclosures have been restated to separately present the results of the BGM product line as discontinued operations.

Other

In August 2005, the Company completed the sale of the Clontech unit of the Biosciences segment for $62,100 and recognized a gain on sale of $13,336 ($28,533 after taxes). Clontech’s results of operations were reported as discontinued operations in 2006 in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Cash Flows.

Results of discontinued operations for the years ended September 30 were as follows:


	2008			2007			2006

Revenues	$	2,587		$	33,086		$	96,811

(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes		(1,489	)		49,108			(95,653	)^(A)
Income tax benefit (provision)		567			(15,242	)		32,823

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net	$	(922	)	$	33,866		$	(62,830	)^(A)


(A)	Includes post-closing charges of $4,708 ($3,311 after taxes) related to the divestiture of Clontech.

4	Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets at September 30 consisted of:


	2008				2007

	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization

Amortized intangible assets
Core and developed technology	$	548,974	$	200,443	$	548,995	$	174,216
Patents, trademarks, and other		297,321		216,697		289,920		203,037

	$	846,295	$	417,140	$	838,915	$	377,253

Unamortized intangible assets
Trademarks	$	9,051			$	9,055

Intangible amortization expense was $54,217, $46,607 and $34,843 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the fiscal years ending September 30, 2009 to 2013 are as follows: 2009 – $51,900; 2010 – $50,000; 2011 – $48,100; 2012 – $45,200; 2013 – $43,800.


5	Benefit Plans

The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of its employees in the United States and certain foreign locations. The Company also provides certain postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits to qualifying domestic retirees. Postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefit plans in foreign countries are not material. The measurement date used for the Company’s employee benefit plans is September 30.

During 2007, the Company redesigned its U.S. pension plans to provide for a cash benefit formula by offering a one-time, irrevocable election to existing employees to change to this provision and mandating all new employees hired after April 1, 2007 to participate in the new formula. The Company also amended its other postretirement benefits plan to provide that new hires, as of April 1, 2007 or later, will no longer be eligible for company subsidized benefits. These amendments did not have a material impact on the net pension and postretirement cost of the Company in 2007.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company

Net pension and other postretirement cost for the years ended September 30 included the following components:


	Pension Plans									Other Postretirement Benefits

	2008			2007			2006			2008			2007			2006

Service cost	$	66,440		$	69,869		$	74,111		$	4,648		$	4,386		$	4,164
Interest cost		81,939			75,728			71,997			14,906			14,608			14,873
Expected return on plan assets		(97,218	)		(88,527	)		(80,063	)		—			—			—
Amortization of prior service cost		(1,066	)		348			309			(6,232	)		(6,233	)		(6,233	)
Amortization of loss		8,256			17,507			27,932			3,962			5,795			7,127
Amortization of net obligation		(112	)		(92	)		(70	)		—			—			—
Settlements		602			—			—			—			—			—

	$	58,841		$	74,833		$	94,216		$	17,284		$	18,556		$	19,931

Net pension cost attributable to foreign plans included in the preceding table was $20,072, $21,156 and $18,639 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Effective September 30, 2007, the Company adopted the recognition and disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 158, which requires the Company to recognize on a prospective basis the funded status of its pension and other postretirement benefit plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheet with a corresponding adjustment to Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. The incremental effect of adopting SFAS No. 158 was a $209,695 reduction in Shareholders’ Equity, net of deferred taxes as of September 30, 2007.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company

The change in benefit obligation, change in fair value of plan assets, funded status and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these plans were as follows:


	Pension Plans						Other Postretirement Benefits

	2008			2007			2008			2007

Change in benefit obligation:
Beginning obligation	$	1,394,430		$	1,384,667		$	245,971		$	255,726
Service cost		66,440			69,869			4,648			4,386
Interest cost		81,939			75,728			14,906			14,608
Plan amendments		—			(16,586	)		—			—
Benefits paid		(71,517	)		(97,671	)		(22,303	)		(25,411	)
Actuarial gain		(181,968	)		(63,519	)		(47,605	)		(11,818	)
Other, includes translation		(16,868	)		41,942			5,629			8,480

Benefit obligation at September 30	$	1,272,456		$	1,394,430		$	201,246		$	245,971


Change in fair value of plan assets:
Beginning fair value	$	1,296,169		$	1,124,565		$	—		$	—
Actual return on plan assets		(224,777	)		138,446			—			—
Employer contribution		114,924			96,952			—			—
Benefits paid		(71,517	)		(97,671	)		—			—
Other, includes translation		(14,833	)		33,877			—			—

Plan assets at September 30	$	1,099,966		$	1,296,169		$	—		$	—


Funded Status at September 30:
Unfunded benefit obligation	$	(172,490	)	$	(98,261	)	$	(201,246	)	$	(245,971	)


Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30:
Other	$	2,841		$	32,710		$	—		$	—
Salaries, wages and related items		(5,006	)		(2,668	)		(19,427	)		(20,067	)
Long-term Employee Benefit Obligations		(170,325	)		(128,303	)		(181,819	)		(225,904	)

Net amount recognized	$	(172,490	)	$	(98,261	)	$	(201,246	)	$	(245,971	)


Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income before income taxes at September 30:
Net transition obligation	$	951		$	1,156		$	(243	)	$	—
Prior service credit		9,018			10,086			456			6,688
Net actuarial loss		(359,793	)		(238,144	)		(9,992	)		(62,194	)

Net amount recognized	$	(349,824	)	$	(226,902	)	$	(9,779	)	$	(55,506	)

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

Foreign pension plan assets at fair value included in the preceding table were $303,146 and $359,291 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The foreign pension plan projected benefit obligations were $417,344 and $430,265 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $260,253, $227,820 and $135,442, respectively as of September 30, 2008, and $96,723, $76,398 and $14,685, respectively as of September 30, 2007.

The estimated net actuarial loss and prior service credit for pension benefits that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into net pension costs over the next fiscal year are expected to be $17,905 and $1,093, respectively. The estimated net actuarial gain and prior service credit for other postretirement benefits that will be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into net other postretirement costs over the next fiscal year are expected to be $131 and $463, respectively.

The weighted average assumptions used in determining pension plan information were as follows:


	2008			2007			2006

Net Cost
Discount rate:
U.S. plans^(A)		6.35	%		5.95	%		5.50	%
Foreign plans		5.32			4.65			4.19
Expected return on plan assets:
U.S. plans^(A)		8.00			8.00			8.00
Foreign plans		6.42			6.42			6.02
Rate of compensation increase:
U.S. plans^(A)		4.50			4.50			4.25
Foreign plans		3.45			3.08			2.92

Benefit Obligation
Discount rate:
U.S. plans^(A)		8.00			6.35			5.95
Foreign plans		5.98			5.32			4.65
Rate of compensation increase:
U.S. plans^(A)		4.50			4.50			4.50
Foreign plans		3.56			3.45			3.08


(A)	Also used to determine other postretirement and postemployment benefit plan information.

At September 30, 2008 the assumed healthcare trend rates were 8% pre and post age 65, gradually decreasing to an ultimate rate of 5% beginning in 2015. At September 30, 2007 the corresponding assumed healthcare trend rates were 9% pre and post age 65, gradually decreasing to an ultimate rate of 5% beginning in 2012. A one percentage point increase in assumed healthcare cost trend rates in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2008 by $10,943 and the aggregate of the service cost and interest cost components of 2008 annual expense by $762. A one percentage point decrease in the assumed healthcare cost trend rates in each year would decrease the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 30, 2008 by $10,073 and the aggregate of the 2008 service cost and interest cost by $667.

Expected Funding

The Company’s funding policy for its defined benefit pension plans is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet legal funding requirements, plus any additional amounts that may be appropriate considering the funded status of the plans, tax consequences, the cash flow generated by the Company and other factors. While the Company will not be required to fund any of its pension plans in 2009, the Company made a discretionary contribution to its U.S. pension plan in October 2008 of $75,000.

Expected benefit payments are as follows:


	Pension Plans		Other Postretirement Benefits

2009	$	105,137	$	19,427
2010		77,257		19,714
2011		82,588		19,870
2012		89,884		20,019
2013		95,246		20,178
2014-2018		607,818		101,109

Expected receipts of the subsidy under the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which are not reflected in the expected other postretirement benefit payments included in the preceding table, are as follows: 2009, $2,372; 2010, $2,480; 2011, $2,574; 2012, $2,646; 2013, $2,695; 2014-2018, $13,314.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

The Company’s asset allocations for its defined benefit pension plans at September 30 were as follows:


	2008			2007

Equity securities		55.1	%		64.5	%
Debt securities		35.7			33.1
Other (primarily cash)		9.2			2.4

		100.0	%		100.0	%

Investment Strategy

The Company’s investment objective is to achieve superior returns on plan assets, subject to a prudent level of portfolio risk, for the purpose of enhancing the security of benefits for participants. The Company’s investments include a broad range of equity and fixed-income securities. These investments are diversified in terms of domestic and international equity securities, short-term and long-term securities, growth and value styles, as well as small and large capitalization stocks. The Company’s target allocation percentages are as follows: equity securities (58% - - 69%); fixed-income securities (31% - 39%); and cash (0% - 3%). Equity securities are held for their expected high return and excess return over inflation. Fixed-income securities are held for diversification relative to equities. The plans may also hold cash to meet liquidity requirements. Due to short-term fluctuations in market conditions, allocation percentages may temporarily deviate from these target allocation percentages before a rebalancing occurs. Investment risks and returns are measured and monitored on an on-going basis through annual liability measurements and quarterly investment portfolio reviews to determine whether the asset allocation targets continue to represent an appropriate balance of expected risk and reward. The Company is in the process of determining the optimal deployment of its discretionary contributions of $75,000 made in both September and October 2008.

The expected rate of return on plan assets is based upon expectations of long-term average rates of return to be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing this assumption, the Company considers many factors, including historical assumptions compared with actual results; benchmark data; expected returns on various plan asset classes, as well as current and expected asset allocations.

Postemployment Benefits

The Company utilizes a service-based approach in applying SFAS No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Postemployment Benefits – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 5 and 43,” for most of its postemployment benefits. This approach recognizes that actuarial gains and losses may result from experience that differs from baseline assumptions.

Postemployment benefit costs for the years ended September 30 included the following components:


	2008		2007		2006

Service cost	$	11,276	$	10,449	$	10,148
Interest cost		5,643		5,116		4,946
Amortization of prior service cost		159		1,654		1,654
Amortization of loss		6,686		6,895		8,548

	$	23,764	$	24,114	$	25,296

The unfunded status of the postemployment benefit plans, which are not funded, was $76,286 and $101,514 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income before income taxes for the net actuarial loss was $26,014 and $57,110 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The estimated net actuarial loss that will be amortized from the Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income into postemployment benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $2,627.

Savings Incentive Plan

The Company has a voluntary defined contribution plan (“Savings Incentive Plan”) covering eligible employees in the United States. In connection with the redesign of the U.S. pension and postretirement benefit plans, effective July 1, 2007, the Company amended its Savings Incentive Plan increasing the amount of the Company matching contribution for eligible employees to 75% of employees’ contributions, up to a maximum of 4.5% of each employee’s eligible compensation. Prior to that date, the Company matched 50% of employees’ contributions, up to a maximum of 3% of each employee’s salary. The cost of the Savings Incentive Plan was $31,526 in 2008, $21,878 in 2007 and $16,626 in 2006. The Company guarantees employees’ contributions to the fixed income fund of the Savings Incentive Plan, which consists of diversified money market instruments. The amount guaranteed was $175,344 at September 30, 2008.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company


6	Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes from continuing operations for the years ended September 30 consisted of:


	2008			2007			2006

Current:
Federal	$	269,638		$	307,072		$	281,784
State and local, including Puerto Rico		13,872			21,669			12,004
Foreign		150,009			134,526			125,289

		433,519			463,267			419,077

Deferred:
Domestic		12,384			(94,306	)		(101,651	)
Foreign		(20,214	)		(21,183	)		(6,634	)

		(7,830	)		(115,489	)		(108,285	)

	$	425,689		$	347,778		$	310,792

The components of Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes for the years ended September 30 consisted of:


	2008		2007		2006

Domestic, including Puerto Rico	$	790,894	$	550,750	$	466,655
Foreign		762,713		653,195		659,247

	$	1,553,607	$	1,203,945	$	1,125,902

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted on the balance sheet by separate tax jurisdictions. At September 30, 2008 and 2007, net current deferred tax assets of $211,188 and $168,305, respectively, were included in Prepaid expenses, deferred taxes and other. Net non-current deferred tax assets of $85,311 and $168,251, respectively, were included in Other. Net current deferred tax liabilities of $2,985 and $6,136, respectively, were included in Current Liabilities - Income taxes. Net non-current deferred tax liabilities of $35,519 and $37,121, respectively, were included in Deferred Income Taxes and Other. Deferred taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested. At September 30, 2008, the cumulative amount of such undistributed earnings indefinitely reinvested outside the United States was $2.1 billion. Determining the tax liability that would arise if these earnings were remitted is not practicable. Deferred taxes are provided for earnings outside the United States when those earnings are not considered indefinitely reinvested.

On October 1, 2007, BD adopted the provisions of FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” Under this Interpretation, in order to recognize an uncertain tax benefit, the taxpayer must be more likely than not of sustaining the position, and the measurement of the benefit is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon resolution of the benefit. Adoption of this Interpretation did not have a material impact on BD’s financial position. The following table summarizes the gross amounts of unrecognized tax benefits without regard to reduction in tax liabilities or additions to deferred tax assets and liabilities if such unrecognized tax benefits were settled:


October 1, 2007	$	71,782

Increase due to current year tax positions		5,411
Increase due to prior year tax positions		535
Decrease due to settlements and lapse of statute of limitations		(8,030	)

September 30, 2008	$	69,698

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective tax rate. Included in the above total is approximately $10,946 of interest and penalties, of which approximately $1,558 are reflected in the current year statement of operations. BD does not expect significant changes in the aggregate amount of unrecognized tax benefits that may occur within the next twelve months, other than tax settlements.

The Company conducts business and files tax returns in numerous countries and currently has tax audits in progress in a number of tax jurisdictions. The IRS has completed its audit for the tax years through 2002; however, the tax years 2000 through 2002 remain open, with a single issue being considered in the IRS administrative appeals process. For the Company’s other major tax jurisdictions where it conducts business, the Company’s tax years are generally open after 2002.

In October 2004, the American Jobs Creations Act of 2004 (the “AJCA”) was signed into law. The AJCA created a temporary incentive for U.S. multinationals to repatriate accumulated income earned outside the United States. As a result of the passage of the AJCA, the Company revisited its policy of indefinite reinvestment of foreign earnings and made a decision to repatriate approximately $1.3 billion in 2006 pursuant to its approved repatriation plan. During 2006, the Company repatriated approximately $1.3 billion in accordance with its planned repatriation under the AJCA. The actual tax charge associated with this repatriation was $65,768.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company

Deferred income taxes at September 30 consisted of:


	2008					2007

	Assets			Liabilities		Assets			Liabilities

Compensation and benefits	$	297,933		$	—	$	301,118		$	—
Property and equipment		—			206,503		—			190,979
Loss and credit carryforwards		175,341			—		193,981			—
Other		281,279			189,741		172,740			83,538

		754,553			396,244		667,839			274,517
Valuation allowance		(100,314	)		—		(100,023	)		—

	$	654,239		$	396,244	$	567,816		$	274,517

Valuation allowances have been established for capital loss carryforwards, state deferred tax assets, net of federal tax, related to net operating losses and credits and other deferred tax assets for which the Company has determined it is more likely than not that these benefits will not be realized. At September 30, 2008, the Company had deferred state tax assets for net state operating losses and credit carryforwards of $49,965 for which a valuation allowance of $33,860 has been established due to the uncertainty of generating sufficient taxable income in the state jurisdictions to utilize the deferred tax assets before they principally expire between 2009 and 2014. In 2007, a previously established valuation allowance of approximately $19,700 related to state tax credit carryforwards was reversed and included in the state and local income tax line item in the following rate reconciliation table. The Company also has federal and state capital loss carryforward deferred tax assets of $51,428 for which a full valuation allowance has been established due to the uncertainty of recognizing the benefit from these losses before they principally expire in 2010.

A reconciliation of the federal statutory tax rate to the Company’s effective tax rate was as follows:


	2008			2007			2006

Federal statutory tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit		1.4			.2			.6
Effect of foreign and Puerto Rico earnings and foreign tax credits		(8.1	)		(9.2	)		(7.4	)
Effect of Research, Domestic Production Activities, Extraterritorial Income tax benefits		(0.8	)		(0.5	)		(1.3	)
Acquired in-process research and development		—			3.6			1.8
Repatriation of foreign earnings under the AJCA		—			—			(1.1	)
Other, net		(0.1	)		(0.2	)		—

		27.4	%		28.9	%		27.6	%

The approximate dollar and diluted earnings per share amounts of tax reductions related to tax holidays in various countries in which the Company does business were: 2008 - $84,600 and $0.33; 2007 - $80,300 and $0.32; and 2006 - $70,000 and $0.27. The tax holidays expire at various dates through 2023.

The Company made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $330,709 in 2008, $345,049 in 2007 and $398,808 in 2006.


7	Supplemental Financial Information

Other (Expense) Income, Net

Other (expense) income, net in 2008 was $(1,484), which primarily included foreign exchange losses (inclusive of hedging costs) of $(10,303), partially offset by equity investment income of $4,642 and income from license and other agreements of $3,386.

Other (expense) income, net in 2007 was $944, which primarily included income from license and other agreements of $6,128, partially offset by net write downs of certain investments of $(5,538) and foreign exchange losses (inclusive of hedging costs) of $(4,191).

Other (expense) income, net in 2006 was $(8,762), which primarily included net write downs of certain investments of $(11,046) and foreign exchange losses (inclusive of hedging costs) of $(5,142), partially offset by income from license and other agreements of $4,281.

Trade Receivables, Net

Allowances for doubtful accounts and cash discounts netted against trade receivables were $35,614 and $39,650 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories at September 30 consisted of:


	2008		2007

Materials	$	162,726	$	142,484
Work in process		203,926		195,155
Finished products		713,774		714,320

	$	1,080,426	$	1,051,959

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, Plant and Equipment, Net at September 30 consisted of:


	2008		2007

Land	$	93,339	$	79,368
Buildings		1,803,620		1,597,356
Machinery, equipment and fixtures		3,822,785		3,596,781
Leasehold improvements		78,251		80,610

		5,797,995		5,354,115
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		3,053,521		2,856,777

	$	2,744,474	$	2,497,338


8	Debt

Short-term debt at September 30 consisted of:


	2008		2007

Loans Payable
Domestic	$	200,000	$	200,000
Foreign		992		6,768
Current portion of long-term debt		320		866

	$	201,312	$	207,634

Domestic loans payable consist of commercial paper. Foreign loans payable consist of short-term borrowings from financial institutions. The weighted average interest rates for Short-term debt were 2.3% and 5.2% at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. During 2008, we amended our $1 billion syndicated credit facility to extend its expiration date from December 2011 to December 2012. This credit facility provides backup support for the commercial paper program and can also be used for other general corporate purposes. It includes a restrictive covenant that requires a minimum interest coverage ratio, with which the Company was in compliance at September 30, 2008. There were no borrowings outstanding under the facility at September 30, 2008. In addition, the Company had short-term foreign lines of credit pursuant to informal arrangements of approximately $145,000 at September 30, 2008, almost all of which was unused.

Long-Term Debt at September 30 consisted of:


	2008		2007

Domestic notes due through 2013 (average year-end interest rate: 2.4% - 2008; 4.3% - 2007)	$	8,130	$	9,801
7.15% Notes due October 1, 2009		205,372		205,914
4.55% Notes due April 15, 2013		198,940		198,734
4.90% Notes due April 15, 2018		205,734		206,214
7.00% Debentures due August 1, 2027		168,000		168,000
6.70% Debentures due August 1, 2028		167,050		167,050

	$	953,226	$	955,713

Long-term debt balances as of September 30, 2008 and 2007 have been impacted by certain interest rate swaps that have been designated as fair value hedges, as discussed in Note 9.

The aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt during the fiscal years ending September 30, 2010 to 2013 are as follows: 2010 - $205,457; 2011 - $22; 2012 - $20; 2013 - $206,943.

The Company capitalizes interest costs as a component of the cost of construction in progress. A summary of interest costs for the years ended September 30 were as follows:


	2008		2007		2006

Charged to operations	$	36,343	$	46,420	$	66,046
Capitalized		29,862		27,528		19,955

	$	66,205	$	73,948	$	86,001

Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, was $36,222 in 2008, $50,730 in 2007 and $62,514 in 2006.


9	Financial Instruments

Foreign Exchange Derivatives

The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts and currency options to reduce the effect of fluctuating foreign exchange rates on certain foreign currency denominated receivables and payables and third party product sales. Gains and losses on the derivatives are intended to offset gains and losses on the hedged transaction. The Company’s foreign currency risk exposure is in Europe, Asia-Pacific, Canada, Japan, and Latin America.

The Company hedges substantially all of its transactional foreign exchange exposures, primarily intercompany payables and receivables, through the use of forward contracts and currency options with maturities of less than 12 months. Gains or losses on these contracts are largely offset by gains and losses on the underlying hedged items. These foreign exchange contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

In addition, the Company enters into forward and option contracts to hedge certain forecasted sales that are denominated in foreign currencies. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and are effective as hedges of these revenues. These contracts are intended to reduce the risk that the Company’s cash flows from certain third party transactions will be adversely affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Changes in the effective portion of the fair value of these contracts are included in other comprehensive income until the hedged sales transactions are recognized in earnings. Once the hedged transaction occurs, the gain or loss on the contract is recognized from Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income to revenues. The Company recorded hedge net gains, exclusive of hedging costs, of $1,177, $6,911 and $8,242 to revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006 are net of hedging costs of $12,037, $15,136 and $12,508, respectively, related to the purchased option contracts. The Company records in Other income (expense), net, the premium of the forward contracts, which is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness. The net premium was $562 in 2006. All outstanding contracts that were designated as cash flow hedges as of September 30, 2008 will mature by September 30, 2009. At September 30, 2008 and 2007, Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income included unrealized gains of $37,786 and unrealized losses of $4,994, respectively, net of tax, relating to foreign exchange derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedges.

Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company’s policy is to manage interest cost using a mix of fixed and floating rate debt. The Company has entered into interest rate swaps in which it agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and floating interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. These swaps are designated as either fair value or cash flow hedges. For fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps offset changes in the fair value of the fixed rate debt due to changes in market interest rates. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are offset by amounts recorded in other comprehensive (loss) income. There was no ineffective portion to the hedges recognized in earnings during the period. If interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges mature or are terminated, then the balance in other comprehensive (loss) income attributable to those derivatives is reclassified into earnings over the remaining life of the hedged debt. The amount that will be reclassified and recorded in Interest expense within the next 12 months is $1,763.

At September 30, 2008 and 2007, Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income included an unrealized loss of $10,306 and $11,397, respectively, net of tax, relating to interest rate derivatives that have been designated as cash flow hedges.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash equivalents, short-term investments and short-term debt are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Equity securities, where a readily determinable market value exists, are classified as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrecognized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes. Losses on available-for-sale securities are recognized when a loss is determined to be other than temporary or when realized.

The fair value of forward exchange contracts and currency options were estimated based on market prices, where available, or dealer quotes. The fair value of certain long-term debt is based on redemption value. The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30 were as follows:


	2008				2007

	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Carrying Value		Fair Value

Assets:
Currency options^(A)	$	—	$	—	$	3,982	$	3,982
Forward exchange contracts^(A)		78,337		78,337		8,007		8,007
Interest rate swaps^(A)		5,372		5,372		5,914		5,914
Equity securities		239		239		1,291		1,291
Liabilities:
Forward exchange contracts^(B)		29,647		29,647		8,968		8,968
Long-term debt		953,226		907,293		955,713		949,490


(A)	Included in Prepaid expenses, deferred taxes and other.

(B)	Included in Accrued Expenses.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Cash deposits in excess of amounts covered by government-provided insurance are exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by financial institutions. The Company does maintain cash deposits in excess of government-provided insurance limits. Substantially all of the Company’s trade receivables are due from public and private entities involved in the healthcare industry. Due to the large size and diversity of the Company’s customer base, concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited. The Company does not normally require collateral. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by financial institutions with which it conducts business. However, this loss is limited to the amounts, if any, by which the obligations of the counterparty to the financial instrument contract exceed the obligations of the Company. The Company also minimizes exposure to credit risk by dealing with a diversified group of major financial institutions.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company


10	Shareholders’ Equity

Changes in certain components of shareholders’ equity were as follows:


	Common Stock Issued at Par Value		Capital in Excess of Par Value		Retained Earnings			Deferred Compensation
										Treasury Stock

										Shares			Amount

Balance at September 30, 2005	$	332,662	$	615,846	$	4,805,852		$	10,280		(84,977,933	)	$	(2,297,493	)
Net income						752,280
Cash dividends:
Common ($.86 per share)						(212,435	)
Common stock issued for:
Share-based compensation plans, net				148,342							5,066,384			49,057
Business acquisitions				734							15,864			156
Share-based compensation				108,613
Common stock held in trusts, net									854		(17,275	)		(854	)
Repurchase of common stock											(7,281,100	)		(448,882	)

Balance at September 30, 2006	$	332,662	$	873,535	$	5,345,697		$	11,134		(87,194,060	)	$	(2,698,016	)
Net income						890,033
Cash dividends:
Common ($.98 per share)						(239,943	)
Common stock issued for:
Share-based compensation plans, net				143,420							4,380,724			43,213
Business acquisitions				707							10,812			105
Share-based compensation				107,706
Common stock held in trusts, net									1,071		(70,542	)		(1,071	)
Repurchase of common stock											(5,952,000	)		(450,124	)

Balance at September 30, 2007	$	332,662	$	1,125,368	$	5,995,787		$	12,205		(88,825,066	)	$	(3,105,893	)
Net income						1,126,996
Cash dividends:
Common ($1.14 per share)						(279,110	)
Common stock issued for:
Share-based compensation plans, net				132,372							4,649,160			25,866
Business acquisitions				1,206							16,327			118
Share-based compensation				100,585
Common stock held in trusts, net									2,489		(169,307	)		(2,489	)
Repurchase of common stock											(5,255,900	)		(450,000	)
Cumulative effect for adoption of FIN 48						(5,084	)

Balance at September 30, 2008	$	332,662	$	1,359,531	$	6,838,589		$	14,694		(89,584,786	)	$	(3,532,398	)

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

Common stock held in trusts represents rabbi trusts in connection with deferred compensation under the Company’s employee salary and bonus deferral plan and directors’ deferral plan.


11	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The components of Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income were as follows:


	2008			2007

Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	157,089		$	237,394
Benefit plans adjustment		(261,457	)		(218,595	)
Unrealized loss on investments		(622	)		(580	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges		27,480			(16,391	)

	$	(77,510	)	$	1,828

The income tax benefit recorded in fiscal years 2008 and 2007 for the unrealized gains on investments was $25 and $6,524, respectively. The income tax provision (benefit) recorded in fiscal years 2008 and 2007 for cash flow hedges was $26,889 and $(1,247), respectively. The income tax benefit recorded in fiscal year 2008 for defined benefit pension and postretirement plans was $3,439. The income tax provision recorded in fiscal year 2007 for the minimum pension liability adjustment was $2,050. Income taxes are generally not provided for translation adjustments.

The unrealized losses on cash flow hedges included in other comprehensive (loss) income for 2008 and 2007 are net of reclassification adjustments of $6,733 and $5,099, net of tax, respectively, for realized net hedge losses recorded to revenues. These amounts had been included in Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income in prior periods. The tax benefits associated with these reclassification adjustments in 2008 and 2007 were $4,127 and $3,126, respectively.


12	Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments

Rental expense for all operating leases amounted to $70,300 in 2008, $68,100 in 2007, and $63,400 in 2006. Future minimum rental commitments on noncancelable leases are as follows: 2009 - $48,600; 2010 - $37,900; 2011 - $30,300; 2012 - $24,500; 2013 - $21,100 and an aggregate of $27,200 thereafter.

As of September 30, 2008, the Company has certain future purchase commitments aggregating to approximately $505,000, which will be expended over the next several years.

Contingencies

The Company is named as a defendant in five purported class action suits brought on behalf of direct purchasers of the Company’s products, such as distributors, alleging that the Company violated federal antitrust laws, resulting in the charging of higher prices for the Company’s products to the plaintiff and other purported class members. The cases filed are as follows:Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., et. al. vs. Becton Dickinson and Company(Civil Action No. 05-1602, U.S. District Court, Newark, New Jersey), filed on March 25, 2005;SAJ Distributors, Inc. et. al. vs. Becton Dickinson & Co.(Case 2:05-CV-04763-JD, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania), filed on September 6, 2005;Dik Drug Company, et. al. vs. Becton, Dickinson and Company(Case No. 2:05-CV-04465, U.S. District Court, Newark, New Jersey), filed on September 12, 2005;American Sales Company, Inc. et. al. vs. Becton, Dickinson & Co.(Case No. 2:05-CV-05212-CRM, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania), filed on October 3, 2005; andPark Surgical Co. Inc. et. al. vs. Becton, Dickinson and Company(Case 2:05-CV-05678-CMR, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania), filed on October 26, 2005.

The actions brought by Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company and Dik Drug Company in New Jersey have been consolidated under the caption“In re Hypodermic Products Antitrust Litigation.”

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company

The Company is also named as a defendant in four purported class action suits brought on behalf of indirect purchasers of the Company’s products, alleging that the Company violated federal antitrust laws, resulting in the charging of higher prices for the Company’s products to the plaintiff and other purported class members. The cases filed are as follows:Jabo’s Pharmacy, Inc., et. al. v. Becton Dickinson & Company(Case No. 2:05-CV-00162, U.S. District Court, Greenville, Tennessee), filed on June 7, 2005;Drug Mart Tallman, Inc., et. al. v. Becton Dickinson and Company(Case No. 2:06-CV-00174, U.S. District Court, Newark, New Jersey), filed on January 17, 2006;Medstar v. Becton Dickinson(Case No. 06-CV-03258-JLL (RJH), U.S. District Court, Newark, New Jersey), filed on May 18, 2006; andThe Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale v. Becton Dickinson and Company(Case No. 07-CV-2544, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York), filed on March 28, 2007. A fifth purported class action on behalf of indirect purchasersInternational Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice v. Becton Dickinson & Company(Case No. 2:07-cv-10602, U.S. District Court, Newark, New Jersey), filed on April 5, 2007) was voluntarily withdrawn by the plaintiff.

The plaintiffs in each of the antitrust class action lawsuits seek monetary damages. All of the antitrust class action lawsuits have been consolidated for pre-trial purposes in a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in federal court in New Jersey.

On June 6, 2006, UltiMed, Inc., a Minnesota company, filed suit against the Company in the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minnesota (UltiMed, Inc. v. Becton, Dickinson and Company(06CV2266)). The plaintiff alleges, among other things, that the Company excluded the plaintiff from the market for home use insulin syringes by entering into anticompetitive contracts in violation of federal and state antitrust laws. The plaintiff seeks money damages and injunctive relief.

In June 2007, Retractable Technologies, Inc. (“RTI”) filed a complaint against the Company under the captionRetractable Technologies, Inc. vs. Becton Dickinson and Company(Civil Action No. 2:07-cv-250, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas). RTI alleges that theBD Integrasyringes infringe patents licensed exclusively to RTI. In its complaint, RTI also alleges that the Company engaged in false advertising with respect to certain of the Company’s safety-engineered products in violation of the Lanham Act; acted to exclude RTI from various product markets and to maintain its market share through, among other things, exclusionary contracts in violation of state and federal antitrust laws; and engaged in unfair competition. In January 2008, the court granted the Company’s motion to sever the patent and non-patent claims into separate cases. The non-patent claims have been stayed, pending resolution of RTI’s patent claims. The trial on the patent claims is currently scheduled to commence in March 2009. RTI seeks money damages and injunctive relief. On April 1, 2008, RTI filed a complaint against BD under the captionRetractable Technologies, Inc. and Thomas J. Shaw v. Becton Dickinson and Company(Civil Action No. 2:08-cv-141, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas). RTI alleges that theBD Integrasyringes infringe another patent licensed exclusively to RTI. RTI seeks money damages and injunctive relief. On August 29, 2008, the court ordered the consolidation of these two cases.

The Company, along with another manufacturer and several medical product distributors, is named as a defendant in two product liability lawsuits relating to healthcare workers who allegedly sustained accidental needlesticks, but have not become infected with any disease. Generally, these actions allege that healthcare workers have sustained needlesticks using hollow-bore needle devices manufactured by the Company and, as a result, require medical testing, counseling and/or treatment. In some cases, these actions additionally allege that the healthcare workers have sustained mental anguish. Plaintiffs seek money damages in all of these actions. The Company had previously been named as a defendant in nine similar suits relating to healthcare workers who allegedly sustained accidental needlesticks, each of which has either been dismissed with prejudice or voluntarily withdrawn. Regarding the two pending suits:


•	In Ohio,Grant vs. Becton Dickinson et al.(Case No. 98CVB075616, Franklin County Court), on September 21, 2006, the Ohio Court of Appeals reversed the trial court’s grant of class certification. The matter has been remanded to the trial court for a determination of whether the class can be redefined.

•	In South Carolina, a suit has been filed on behalf of an unspecified number of healthcare workers seeking class action certification in state court under the captionBales vs. Becton Dickinson et. al.(Case No. 98-CP-40-4343, Richland County Court of Common Pleas), filed on November 25, 1998.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company

The Company continues to oppose class action certification in the pending cases, including pursuing all appropriate rights of appeal.

The Company, along with a number of other manufacturers, was named as a defendant in approximately 524 product liability lawsuits in various state and Federal courts related to natural rubber latex gloves which the Company ceased manufacturing in 1995. Cases pending in Federal court are being coordinated under the matterIn re Latex Gloves Products Liability Litigation(MDL Docket No. 1148) in Philadelphia, and analogous procedures have been implemented in the state courts of California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Generally, these actions allege that medical personnel have suffered allergic reactions ranging from skin irritation to anaphylaxis as a result of exposure to medical gloves containing natural rubber latex. Since the inception of this litigation, 467 of these cases have been closed with no liability to the Company, and 46 cases have been settled for an aggregate de minimis amount.

On May 28, 2004, Therasense, Inc. (“Therasense”) filed suit against the Company (Therasense, Inc. and Abbott Laboratories v. Nova Biomedical Corporation and Becton, Dickinson and Company(Case Number: C 04-02123 WDA, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California)) asserting that the Company’s blood glucose monitoring products infringe four Therasense patents and seeking money damages. On August 10, 2004, in response to a motion filed by Therasense in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the court transferred to the court in California an action previously filed by the Company against Therasense requesting a declaratory judgment that the Company’s products do not infringe the Therasense patents and that the Therasense patents are invalid. On April 4, 2008, the Court granted the Company summary judgment with respect to two of the patents asserted against the Company, finding no infringement by the Company. On June 24, 2008, the Court ruled that a third patent asserted against the Company was invalid and unenforceable. On August 8, 2008, a jury delivered a verdict in the Company’s favor, finding that the last of the four patents asserted against the Company was invalid. Abbott/Therasense have appealed some of these decisions, and it is possible that other decisions will also be appealed after the Court rules on post-trial motions.

On September 19, 2007, the Company was served with a qui tam complaint filed by a private party against the Company in the United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, alleging violations of the Federal False Claims Act (“FCA”) and the Texas False Claims Act (the “TFCA”) (U.S. ex rel Fitzgerald v. BD et al.(Civil Action No. 3:03-CV-1589, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas). The suit alleges that a group purchasing organization’s practices with its suppliers, including the Company, inflated the costs of healthcare reimbursement. Under the FCA, the United States Department of Justice, Civil Division has a certain period of time in which to decide whether to join the claim against the Company as an additional plaintiff; if not, the private plaintiff is free to pursue the claim on its own. A similar process is followed under the TFCA. To the Company’s knowledge, no decision has yet been made by the Civil Division or the State of Texas whether to join this claim. In September 2008, the Court dismissed certain of the plaintiff’s claims, but denied the Company’s motion to dismiss with respect to other claims.

The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to each of the above-mentioned suits pending against the Company and is engaged in a vigorous defense of each of these matters.

The Company is also involved both as a plaintiff and a defendant in other legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business.

The Company is a party to a number of Federal proceedings in the United States brought under the Comprehensive Environment Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also known as “Superfund,” and similar state laws. The affected sites are in varying stages of development. In some instances, the remedy has been completed, while in others, environmental studies are commencing. For all sites, there are other potentially responsible parties that may be jointly or severally liable to pay all cleanup costs.

Given the uncertain nature of litigation generally, the Company is not able in all cases to estimate the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of the litigation to which the Company is a party. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, the Company establishes accruals to the extent probable future losses are estimable (in the case of environmental matters, without considering possible third-party recoveries). In view of the uncertainties discussed above, the Company could incur charges in excess of any currently established accruals and, to the extent available, excess liability insurance. In the opinion of management, any such future charges, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations and consolidated cash flows.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company


13	Share-Based Compensation

The Company grants share-based awards under the 2004 Employee and Director Equity-Based Compensation Plan (“2004 Plan”), which provides long-term incentive compensation to employees and directors consisting of: stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), stock options, performance-based restricted stock units, time-vested restricted stock units and other stock awards. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, the compensation expense for these plans charged to income was $100,585, $107,706 and $108,613, respectively, and the associated income tax benefit recognized was $36,236, $37,179 and $35,155, respectively.

Stock Appreciation Rights

SARs represent the right to receive, upon exercise, shares of common stock having a value equal to the difference between the market price of common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price on the date of grant. SARs vest over a four-year period and have a ten-year term, similar to the previously granted stock options. The fair value was estimated on the date of grant using a lattice-based binomial option valuation model that uses the following weighted-average assumptions in 2008 and 2007: risk-free interest rate of 3.83% and 4.56%, respectively; expected volatility of 27% and 28%, respectively; expected dividend yield of 1.35% and 1.37%, respectively, and expected life of 6.5 years for both years. Expected volatility is based upon historical volatility for the Company’s common stock and other factors. The expected term of SARs granted is derived from the output of the model, using assumed exercise rates based on historical exercise and termination patterns, and represents the period of time that SARs granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate used is based upon the published U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for instruments with a similar life. The dividend yield is based upon the most recently declared quarterly dividend as of the grant date. The weighted average grant date fair value of SARs granted during 2008 and 2007 was $24.92 and $22.66, respectively. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during 2008 was $2,122. The Company issued 17,873 shares during 2008 to satisfy the SARs exercised.

A summary of SARs outstanding as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the year then ended is as follows:


	SARs			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Balance at October 1		3,164,729		$	65.26
Granted		1,445,508			84.33
Exercised		(88,681	)		62.33
Forfeited, canceled or expired		(178,380	)		71.11

Balance at September 30		4,343,176		$	71.43		8.12	$	44,048

Vested and expected to vest at September 30		4,026,657		$	71.20		8.10	$	41,613

Exercisable at September 30		1,177,988		$	63.57		7.49	$	19,702

Stock options

All stock option grants are for a ten-year term. Stock options issued after November 2001 vest over a four-year period. Stock options issued prior to November 2001 vested over a three-year period. Stock options granted in 2005 were valued based on the grant date fair value of those awards, using a lattice-based binomial option valuation model that used the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free interest rate of 3.93%; expected volatility of 29%; expected dividend yield of 1.28% and expected life of 6.5 years.

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

A summary of stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the year then ended is as follows:


	Stock Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Balance at October 1		13,997,747		$	35.81
Granted		—			—
Exercised		(3,643,415	)		33.75
Forfeited, canceled or expired		(100,343	)		39.09

Balance at September 30		10,253,989		$	36.51		4.07	$	448,611

Vested and expected to vest at September 30		10,218,280		$	36.45		4.06	$	447,689

Exercisable at September 30		9,896,895		$	35.86		4.00	$	439,395

Cash received from the exercising of stock options in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $122,977, $134,133 and $147,831, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from stock option exercises totaled $62,230, $59,491 and $48,751, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $191,627, $187,537 and $168,752, respectively.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units

Performance-based restricted stock units cliff vest three years after the date of grant. These units are tied to the Company’s performance against pre-established targets, including its average growth rate of consolidated revenues and average return on invested capital, over a three-year performance period. Under the Company’s long-term incentive program, the actual payout under these awards may vary from zero to 250% of an employee’s target payout, based on the Company’s actual performance over the three-year performance period. The fair value is based on the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Compensation cost initially recognized assumes that the target payout level will be achieved and is adjusted for subsequent changes in the expected outcome of performance-related conditions.

A summary of performance-based restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the year then ended is as follows:


	Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

Balance at October 1		3,883,955		$	60.23
Granted		891,622			84.33
Vested		(671,208	)		53.70
Forfeited or canceled		(937,074	)		54.91

Balance at September 30^(A)		3,167,295		$	69.98

Expected to vest at September 30^(B)		1,338,925		$	69.24


(A)	Based on 170% to 250% of the target payout, depending on year of grant.

(B)	Net of expected forfeited units and units in excess of the expected performance payout of 194,157 and 1,634,213, respectively.

The weighted average grant date fair value of performance-based restricted stock units granted during the years 2007 and 2006 was $71.72 and $59.16, respectively. At September 30, 2008, the weighted average remaining contractual term of performance-based restricted stock units is 1.08 years.

Time-Vested Restricted Stock Units

Time-vested restricted stock units generally cliff vest three years after the date of grant, except for certain key executives of the Company, including the executive officers, for which such units generally vest one year following the employee’s retirement. The related share-based compensation expense is recorded over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period or in the case of certain key executives is based on retirement eligibility. The fair value of all time-vested restricted stock units is based on the market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.

A summary of time-vested restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the year then ended is as follows:


	Stock Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

Balance at October 1		1,618,082		$	61.11
Granted		469,625			84.42
Vested		(332,192	)		55.72
Forfeited or canceled		(185,186	)		60.00

Balance at September 30		1,570,329		$	69.35

Expected to vest at September 30		1,413,296		$	69.35

Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsBecton, Dickinson and Company

The weighted average grant date fair value of time-vested restricted stock units granted during the years 2007 and 2006 was $72.20 and $59.62, respectively. At September 30, 2008, the weighted average remaining contractual term of the time-vested restricted stock units is 1.90 years.

The amount of unrecognized compensation expense for all non-vested share-based awards as of September 30, 2008, is approximately $106,872, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining life of approximately 1.99 years. At September 30, 2008, 3,954,723 shares were authorized for future grants under the 2004 Plan.

The Company has a policy of satisfying share-based payments through either open market purchases or shares held in treasury. At September 30, 2008, the Company has sufficient shares held in treasury to satisfy these payments in 2009.

Other Stock Plans

The Company has a Stock Award Plan, which allows for grants of common shares to certain key employees. Distribution of 25% or more of each award is deferred until after retirement or involuntary termination, upon which the deferred portion of the award is distributable in five equal annual installments. The balance of the award is distributable over five years from the grant date, subject to certain conditions. In February 2004, this plan was terminated with respect to future grants upon the adoption of the 2004 Plan. At September 30, 2008 and 2007, awards for 161,145 and 214,206 shares, respectively, were outstanding.

The Company has a Restricted Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors which reserves for issuance of 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. No restricted shares were issued in 2008.

The Company has a Directors’ Deferral Plan, which provides a means to defer director compensation, from time to time, on a deferred stock or cash basis. As of September 30, 2008, 97,881 shares were held in trust, of which 5,092 shares represented Directors’ compensation in 2008, in accordance with the provisions of the plan. Under this plan, which is unfunded, directors have an unsecured contractual commitment from the Company.

The Company also has a Deferred Compensation Plan that allows certain highly-compensated employees, including executive officers, to defer salary, annual incentive awards and certain equity-based compensation. As of September 30, 2008, 454,316 shares were issuable under this plan.


14	Earnings per Share

The weighted average common shares used in the computations of basic and diluted earnings per share (shares in thousands) for the years ended September 30 were as follows:


	2008	2007	2006

Average common shares outstanding	244,323	244,929	247,067
Dilutive share equivalents from share-based plans	8,358	9,881	9,487

Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - assuming dilution	252,681	254,810	256,554


15	Segment Data

The Company’s organizational structure is based upon its three principal business segments: BD Medical (“Medical”), BD Diagnostics (“Diagnostics”) and BD Biosciences (“Biosciences”).

The principal product lines in the Medical segment include needles, syringes and intravenous catheters for medication delivery; safety-engineered and auto-disable devices; prefilled IV flush syringes; syringes and pen needles for the self-injection of insulin and other drugs used in the treatment of diabetes; prefillable drug delivery devices provided to pharmaceutical companies and sold to end-users as drug/device combinations; surgical blades/scalpels and regional anesthesia needles and trays; critical care monitoring devices; ophthalmic surgical instruments; sharps disposal containers; and home healthcare products. The principal products and services in the Diagnostics segment include integrated systems for specimen collection; an extensive line of safety-engineered specimen blood collection products and systems; plated media; automated blood culturing systems; molecular testing systems for sexually transmitted diseases and healthcare-associated infections; microorganism identification and drug susceptibility systems; liquid-based cytology systems for cervical cancer screening; and rapid diagnostic assays. The principal product lines in the Biosciences segment include fluorescence activated cell sorters and analyzers; cell imaging systems; monoclonal antibodies and kits for performing cell analysis; reagent systems for life sciences research; tools to aid in drug discovery and growth of tissue and cells; cell culture media supplements for biopharmaceutical manufacturing; and diagnostic assays.

The Company evaluates performance of its business segments based upon operating income. Segment operating income represents revenues reduced by product costs and operating expenses.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Becton, Dickinson and Company

Distribution of products is primarily through independent distribution channels and directly to end-users by BD and independent sales representatives. Sales to a distributor that supplies products from the Medical and Diagnostics segments accounted for approximately 9% of revenues in 2008 and 2007. Sales to this distributor accounted for 11% of revenues in 2006. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of revenues in any of the three years presented.


Revenues^(A)	2008			2007			2006

Medical	$	3,801,003		$	3,420,670		$	3,106,646
Diagnostics		2,159,811			1,905,105			1,715,090
Biosciences		1,195,096			1,033,933			916,281

	$	7,155,910		$	6,359,708		$	5,738,017

Segment Operating Income
Medical	$	1,068,143		$	971,990		$	864,180
Diagnostics		525,747			342,778	^(B)		390,355	^(B)
Biosciences		333,662			258,806	^(B)		221,925

Total Segment Operating Income		1,927,552			1,573,574			1,476,460
Unallocated Expenses^(C)		(373,945	)		(369,629	)		(350,558	)

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$	1,553,607		$	1,203,945		$	1,125,902

Segment Assets
Medical	$	3,432,113		$	3,289,490		$	2,835,613
Diagnostics		1,887,261			1,843,654			1,485,959
Biosciences		933,105			817,000			727,634

Total Segment Assets		6,252,479			5,950,144			5,049,206
Corporate and All Other^(D)		1,660,464			1,379,221			1,775,319

	$	7,912,943		$	7,329,365		$	6,824,525

Capital Expenditures
Medical	$	378,786		$	352,696		$	268,669
Diagnostics		123,915			113,691			104,815
Biosciences		82,880			73,502			38,952
Corporate and All Other		16,400			16,505			44,631

	$	601,981		$	556,394		$	457,067

Depreciation and Amortization
Medical	$	240,442		$	223,430		$	210,044
Diagnostics		150,202			138,936			116,072
Biosciences		75,809			68,889			63,383
Corporate and All Other		10,969			10,086			12,833

	$	477,422		$	441,341		$	402,332


(A)	Intersegment revenues are not material.

(B)	Includes the acquired in-process research and development charges in 2007 related to the TriPath and Plasso acquisitions, and in 2006 related to the GeneOhm acquisition, as discussed in Note 3.

(C)	Includes primarily interest, net; foreign exchange; corporate expenses and share-based compensation expense.

(D)	Includes cash and investments and corporate assets.


Revenues by Organizational Units	2008		2007		2006

BD Medical
Medical Surgical Systems	$	2,004,854	$	1,864,080	$	1,748,743
Diabetes Care		775,320		695,981		656,533
Pharmaceutical Systems		942,136		791,900		639,694
Ophthalmic Systems		78,693		68,709		61,676

	$	3,801,003	$	3,420,670	$	3,106,646


BD Diagnostics
Preanalytical Systems	$	1,123,528	$	1,006,692	$	927,759
Diagnostic Systems		1,036,283		898,413		787,331

	$	2,159,811	$	1,905,105	$	1,715,090


BD Biosciences
Cell Analysis^(A)	$	900,511	$	756,031	$	660,196
Discovery Labware		294,585		277,902		256,085

	$	1,195,096	$	1,033,933	$	916,281

	$	7,155,910	$	6,359,708	$	5,738,017


(A)	Cell Analysis consists of the Immunocytometry Systems and the Pharmingen organizational units that were previously reported separately.

Geographic Information

The countries in which the Company has local revenue-generating operations have been combined into the following geographic areas: the United States (including Puerto Rico), Europe, and Other, which is composed of Canada, Latin America, Japan and Asia-Pacific.

Revenues to unaffiliated customers are based upon the source of the product shipment. Long-lived assets, which include net property, plant and equipment, are based upon physical location.


	2008		2007		2006

Revenues
United States	$	3,184,806	$	3,033,005	$	2,739,344
Europe		2,488,956		2,047,388		1,762,782
Other		1,482,148		1,279,315		1,235,891

	$	7,155,910	$	6,359,708	$	5,738,017

Long-Lived Assets
United States	$	2,179,544	$	2,172,327	$	1,934,994
Europe		1,135,379		1,106,284		893,495
Other		721,355		646,188		540,925
Corporate		261,990		274,000		269,858

	$	4,298,268	$	4,198,799	$	3,639,272

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Quarterly Data (unaudited)
Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts


						2008

	1st			2nd		3rd			4th			Year


Revenues	$	1,705,767		$	1,746,925	$	1,867,587		$	1,835,631		$	7,155,910
Gross Profit		875,921			893,118		950,225			944,085			3,663,349
Income from Continuing Operations		270,896			275,635		297,409			283,978			1,127,918
Earnings per Share:
Income from Continuing Operations		1.11			1.13		1.22			1.16			4.62
Income from Discontinued Operations		—			—		—			(0.01	)		—
Basic Earnings per Share^(A)		1.11			1.13		1.22			1.16			4.61


Income from Continuing Operations		1.07			1.09		1.18			1.13			4.46
Income from Discontinued Operations		—			—		—			(0.01	)		—
Diluted Earnings per Share		1.07			1.09		1.18			1.12			4.46


						2007

	1st			2nd		3rd			4th			Year


Revenues	$	1,501,526		$	1,575,922	$	1,631,159		$	1,651,101		$	6,359,708
Gross Profit		792,593			811,382		840,088			843,724			3,287,787
Income from Continuing Operations		131,051	^(B)		235,539		240,469	^(B)		249,108			856,167	^(B)
Earnings per Share:
Income from Continuing Operations		.53			.96		.98			1.02			3.50
Income from Discontinued Operations		.05			.03		.02			.04			.14
Basic Earnings per Share^(A)		.58			.99		1.00			1.07			3.63


Income from Continuing Operations		.51			.92		.95			.98			3.36
Income from Discontinued Operations		.05			.03		.02			.04			.13
Diluted Earnings per Share^(A)		.56			.95		.96			1.03			3.49


(A)	Total per share amounts may not add due to rounding.

(B)	Includes the acquired in-process research and development charges in the first and third quarters related to the TriPath and Plasso acquisitions, respectively.


Corporate Information	Becton, Dickinson and Company

Annual Meeting

1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Hilton Short Hills
41 John F. Kennedy Parkway
Short Hills, NJ 07078

This annual report is not a solicitation of proxies.

Direct Stock Purchase Plan

The Direct Stock Purchase Plan established through Computershare Trust Company, N.A., enhances the services provided to existing shareholders and facilitates initial investments in BD shares. Plan documentation and additional information may be obtained by calling Computershare Trust Company, N.A., at 1-877-498-8861, or by accessing the “Buy Shares” feature located within the Investor Centre of Computershare’s website at www.computershare.com.

NYSE Symbol

BDX

On February 19, 2008, Edward J. Ludwig, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, submitted to the NYSE the Written Affirmation required by the rules of the NYSE certifying that he was not aware of any violations by BD of NYSE Corporate Governance listing standards.

The certifications of Mr. Ludwig and John R. Considine, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, made pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the quality of BD’s public disclosure, have been filed as exhibits to the Company’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
250 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021
Phone: 1-877-498-8861
International: 1-781-575-2726
Internet: www.computershare.com

Shareholder Information

At November 5, 2008, BD had 8,793 shareholders of record. BD’s Statement of Corporate Governance Principles, BD’s Business Conduct and Compliance Guide, the charters of BD’s Committees of the Board of Directors, BD’s reports and statements filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission and other information are posted on BD’s website at www.bd.com/investors/.

Shareholders may receive, without charge, printed copies of these documents, including BD’s 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, by contacting:

Investor Relations

BD
1 Becton Drive
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-1880
Phone: 1-800-284-6845
Internet: www.bd.com

Independent Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP
5 Times Square
New York, NY 10036-6530
Phone: 1-212-773-3000
Internet: www.ey.com

The trademarks indicated by italics are property of, or licensed to, Becton, Dickinson and Company, its subsidiaries or related companies. All other brands are trademarks of their respective owners.


Common Stock Prices and Dividends(per common share)


By Quarter	2008

	High		Low		Dividends
First	$	85.30	$	80.30	$	0.285
Second		92.34		84.03		0.285
Third		89.40		77.93		0.285
Fourth		88.49		78.71		0.285

By Quarter	2007

	High		Low		Dividends
First	$	73.79	$	68.81	$	0.245
Second		78.14		69.85		0.245
Third		80.87		73.65		0.245
Fourth		82.61		74.24		0.245

Positive
Negative
Uncertain
Constraining
Legalese
Litigous
Readability	6th grade Avg

Becton, Dickinson and (BDX) 10-K2008 FY Annual report

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