Guidant Corporation

Stock Symbol: GDT

Guidant Corporation Description:
Guidant Corporation pioneers lifesaving technology, giving an opportunity for better life today to 8 million cardiac and vascular patients worldwide. The company, driven by a strong entrepreneurial culture of more than 10,000 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.

Guidant Corporation Financial Summary:
GDT designs, develops, manufactures and markets therapeutic medical devices for the treatment of cardiovascular and vascular diseases. For the 6 months ended 6/30/05, net sales rose 3% to $1.93B. Net income from cont. ops. rose 1% to $292.8M. Revenues benefited from growth in implantable defibrillator system sales and the favorable exchange rates. Earnings were partially offset by a $60M impairment charge.

Guidant Corporation Business Summary:
Guidant Corporation provides therapeutic medical solutions for customers, patients and healthcare systems globally for patients suffering from cardiovascular disease. Guidant develops, manufactures and markets products that focus on the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and coronary and peripheral disease. Guidant has principal operations in the United States, Europe and Asia. On December 15, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger with Johnson & Johnson (J&J).