May 17, 2004
Guidant Announces Second Quarter Dividend

Indianapolis, Ind. - Guidant Corporation (NYSE: GDT) today announced that the company''s board of directors declared a second quarter dividend of $0.10 per share on outstanding common stock. This dividend amount is equal to the previous dividend paid during the first quarter of 2004 and brings the total dividend declared this year to $0.20 a share on outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable June 15, 2004, to shareholders of record on June 1, 2004.

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 12,000 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.