MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 2002--C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) today communicated its estimates for 2003 financial performance.

The company expects revenue growth in the range of 7 to 8 percent in constant currency for the full year 2003. Earnings per share are expected to grow by 12 percent over this year's forecasted results, excluding 2002 non-recurring items.

William H. Longfield, chairman and chief executive officer, commented, "Our momentum continues to build. We expect to extend our record of steady revenue and earnings growth in 2003, while significantly increasing our spending on strategic initiatives. Of particular note is our expectation to increase next year's research and development funding by more than 30 percent from our third quarter run-rate. This additional investment will bolster an already strong product pipeline, further ensuring the consistency of our financial results."

In addition, Bard reiterated its comfort with previously announced fourth quarter 2002 earnings guidance of $.88 per share.

The company provided further guidance on revenues, ratios, and capital expenditures for the full year 2003, following the text of this release.

C. R. Bard, Inc., (www.crbard.com) headquartered in Murray Hill, New Jersey, is a leading multinational developer, manufacturer and marketer of health care products in the fields of vascular, urology, oncology and surgical specialty products.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, the accuracy of which is necessarily subject to risks and uncertainties. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks and uncertainties, but such risks include that we may not achieve manufacturing or administrative efficiencies as a result of our realignment efforts. In addition, please refer to our September 30, 2002 Form 10-Q for a statement with regard to forward-looking statements, including disclosure of additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

                           C. R. BARD, INC.

                       2003 FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES

                            Revenue Growth
                        (in Constant Currency)

               Disease State                       % Range
              --------------                      -----------
                Vascular                              6 - 8%
                Urology                               5 - 7%
                Oncology                              7 - 9%
                Surgery                             10 - 12%

               Total Growth                           7 - 8%

                           Income Statement
                            Selected Ratios
                             (% to Sales)

                                                   % Range
                                                  -----------
                Gross Profit                    54.9 - 55.3
                SG&A                            29.0 - 29.4
                R&D                               5.6 - 6.0
                Income Taxes (% IBT)            27.3 - 27.7

                         Capital Expenditures
                           $70 - $80 million

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