Abbott Laboratories (ABT) SEC Filing 10-K Annual report for the fiscal year ending Saturday, December 31, 2011

Abbott Reports Double-Digit Ongoing Earnings-Per-Share Growth in Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2011

– Fourth Quarter Ongoing EPS of $1.45, Up 11.5 Percent –

– On Track to Separate into Two Leading Health Care Companies –

Financial:

John Thomas

(847) 938-2655

Larry Peepo

(847) 935-6722

Tina Ventura

(847) 935-9390

Media:

Melissa Brotz

(847) 935-3456

Scott Stoffel

(847) 936-9502

Adelle Infante

(847) 938-8745

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 25, 2012 — Abbott today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2011.

·      Diluted earnings per share, excluding specified items, were $1.45, at the high end of Abbott’s previous guidance range, reflecting 11.5 percent growth. Diluted earnings per share under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) were $1.02, including specified items.

·      Worldwide sales increased 4.1 percent to $10.4 billion, including a favorable 0.2 percent effect of foreign exchange. Emerging markets sales were $2.5 billion, representing nearly 25 percent of total sales, with particularly strong growth in Nutritionals, Vascular and Diagnostics.

·      Fourth quarter results included an adjusted gross margin ratio of nearly 64 percent, driven by improved efficiencies across a number of operating divisions, product mix, and the effect of foreign exchange.

·      In 2011, Abbott continued to advance its broad-based pipeline, and launched several new products or indications across our Pharmaceuticals, Medical Products, Nutritionals and Diagnostics businesses.

·      Abbott generated record operating cash flow of more than $9 billion in 2011. The company will resume share repurchase activity in 2012.

“Despite another challenging year for the global economy, Abbott again delivered leading performance, including strong sales and ongoing earnings-per-share growth,” said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. “2011 was a significant year for Abbott, with the announced plan to separate into two leading health care companies in research-based pharmaceuticals and diversified medical products, each offering shareholders distinct identities with unique investment opportunities. We remain on track to complete the separation by the end of 2012.”