Oct 21, 2003
Guidant Announces Fourth Quarter Dividend

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT), a world leader in the treatment of cardiac and vascular disease, today announced that the company''s board of directors declared a fourth quarter dividend of $0.08 per share on outstanding common stock. This dividend amount is equal to previous dividends paid during the second and third quarters of 2003 and brings the total dividends declared for the year to $0.24 a share on outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable December 15, 2003, to shareholders of record on December 1, 2003.

Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for a better life today to millions of cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of more than 11,000 employees, develops, manufactures and markets a broad array of products and services that enable less invasive care for some of life''s most threatening medical conditions. For more information, visit www.guidant.com.