MURRAY HILL, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2004--C. R. Bard, Inc. (NYSE-BCR) today announced that it expects first quarter 2004 results to exceed prior guidance. The company now expects earnings per share between $1.02 and $1.04 on a net sales increase in the range between 8 and 11 percent in constant currency. In its fourth quarter 2003 earnings call, the company had indicated that it expected to earn between $1.00 and $1.01 per share on a net sales increase of 8 percent in constant currency.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Timothy M. Ring, commented, "We have entered into 2004 with some nice momentum and are pleased to be experiencing a strong first quarter. Currently, our full-year guidance remains unchanged."

C. R. Bard, Inc., (www.crbard.com) headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., is a leading multinational developer, manufacturer, and marketer of innovative, life-enhancing medical technologies 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. Please refer to our September 30, 2003 Form 10-Q for a statement with regard to forward-looking statements, including disclosure of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.

    CONTACT: C. R. Bard, Inc.
             Investor Relations:
             Eric J. Shick, 908-277-8413
             or
             Media Relations:
             Holly P. Glass, 703-754-2848

    SOURCE: C. R. Bard, Inc.