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 23, 2002 ---------------- 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 5. OTHER EVENTS On January 23, 2002 the Registrant announced in a press release its results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2001. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1. Item 7. Financial Statements. Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits. (c) Exhibits. Exhibit 99.1 Press release dated January 23, 2002 announcing the financial results for the first quarter ended December 31, 2001. 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/ Kathleen M. Gibson ----------------------- Kathleen M. Gibson Assistant Secretary Date: January 23, 2002 2 INDEX TO EXHIBITS ----------------- Exhibit Number Description of Exhibits ------ ----------------------- 99.1 Press release issued January 23, 2002 STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES The trademark symbol shall be expressed as..................................'TM'