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Shareholder Letter Example

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Submitted By becaswell
Words 3041
Pages 13
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
One of the traits that characterizes our company’s performance in 2004 is “continuous improvement.” We’ve enhanced our processes, introduced new and innovative products throughout the year and improved our financial performance. Our success results from the continued execution of our long-term growth strategy and our employees’ dedication to incremental improvements each and every day. Bard’s core values of quality, integrity, service and innovation were clearly demonstrated by our employees this year, and we appreciate their passion, loyalty and dedication.
The ultimate criterion upon which we judge our success, however, is the ability of our products to improve the lives of patients through the extension or enhancement of their quality of life and clinical outcomes. The Bard products featured on the following pages of this report were chosen as examples of attaining this important standard we’ve set for ourselves. The stories illustrate the collaborative and innovative spirit that permeates our daily work on behalf of patients all over the globe.
2004 Financial Highlights
• Net sales growth: 16% as reported; ongoing net sales growth: 14% (in constant currency)
• Gross profit margin: 60.1% versus 57.5% in 2003
• R&D expenditures: $111.6 million, up 28% over 2003
• Net income: $302.8 million (up 80%) as reported
• Net income: $262.7 million (up 29%) excluding items identified in the financial highlights on page 1
• EPS: $2.82 (up 76%) as reported
• EPS: $2.45 (up 27%) excluding items identified in the financial highlights on page 1
• Cash and short-term investments (at year end): $545.4 million
• Debt to total capital ratio (at year end): 10.0%
• Return on average shareholders’ investment: 25.2%
In 2004, Bard’s businesses benefited from innovative product technology, which helped to expand our markets and market share and generate

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