Jul 13, 2000
Guidant Announces All-Time Record Sales of $668.4 million in Second Quarter

Indianapolis, IN - Guidant Corporation (NYSE and PCX: GDT), today announced all-time record sales of $668.4 million for the second quarter of 2000, an increase of 9 percent over the second quarter of 1999. Excluding unfavorable exchange rate impact and 1999 revenues from the general surgery business divested last summer, revenue growth for Guidant in the quarter would have totaled 13 percent. Additionally, management disclosed that Guidant expects to achieve earnings per share in line with the current consensus estimate of $0.40. The full quarterly earnings release is scheduled to be issued July 18, 2000.

Revenue Performance Strong for Implantable Defibrillators, Coronary Stents, and Pacemakers

Sales growth was led by implantable defibrillator product sales in the U.S. of $149.9 million, an increase of 30 percent over the prior year. Tachycardia products achieved worldwide sales of $180.9 million for the quarter. Worldwide pacemaker sales increased 8 percent to $137.8 million. Worldwide coronary stent unit growth of 6 percent, offset by foreign exchange impact and price declines, led to worldwide sales of $223.9 million, a decline of 4 percent versus the second quarter of 1999. U.S. coronary stent sales totaled $165.8 million in the quarter.

The Company advised that it is issuing this release concerning sales, at this time, to offset possible misleading speculation regarding second quarter results.

A global leader in the medical technology industry, Guidant Corporation provides innovative, minimally invasive and cost-effective products and services for the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular disease. For more information on Guidant''s products and services, visit the company''s web site at www.guidant.com.