SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 29, 2004 ---------------- BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) New Jersey 001-4802 22-0760120 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other juris- (Commission (IRS Employer Iden- diction of incorporation) File Number) tification Number) 1 Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417-1880 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (201) 847-6800 -------------- N/A - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former addresses if changed since last report.) Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (c) Exhibits. Exhibit 99.1 Press release dated January 29, 2004 which is furnished pursuant to Item 9. Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure. On January 29, 2004, the Registrant issued the press release that is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY (Registrant) By: /s/ Dean J. Paranicas -------------------------------- Dean J. Paranicas Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Public Policy Date: January 29, 2004 INDEX TO EXHIBITS ----------------- Exhibit Number Description of Exhibits ------ ----------------------- 99.1 Press release dated January 29, 2004 STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES ------------------------ The trademark symbol shall be expressed as.............................. 'TM'