Abbott Laboratories (ABT): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Information


A Brief History of Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories, a global healthcare company, has undergone significant transformations and growth since its founding in 1888. In 2024, Abbott continues to excel in various segments, including pharmaceuticals, nutritional products, and medical devices.

Financial Performance Overview

As of September 30, 2024, Abbott reported net sales of $30.976 billion, reflecting a 3.7% increase compared to $29.868 billion in the same period in 2023. The breakdown of net sales by segment is as follows:

Segment 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Change (%)
Established Pharmaceutical Products $3,926 $3,844 2.1%
Nutritional Products $6,284 $6,116 2.7%
Diagnostic Products $6,821 $7,454 (8.5%)
Medical Devices $13,934 $12,444 12.0%

Recent Developments

In 2024, Abbott completed several strategic acquisitions, including:

  • Acquisition of Bigfoot Biomedical on September 22, 2023, aimed at enhancing diabetes management solutions.
  • Acquisition of CSI for $851 million on April 27, 2023, which added new technologies to Abbott's vascular device offerings.

Abbott's net cash from operating activities for the first nine months of 2024 was approximately $5.7 billion, an increase of $1.5 billion from the previous year, driven by higher segment operating earnings and improved working capital management.

Market Performance and Shareholder Returns

In the third quarter of 2024, Abbott repurchased approximately 7 million shares for $750 million. The board of directors authorized an additional $7 billion share repurchase program in October 2024.

Abbott declared a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share in each of the first three quarters of 2024, representing a 7.8% increase over the $0.51 dividend declared in 2023.

Debt and Financial Position

As of September 30, 2024, Abbott's total long-term debt was approximately $14.979 billion, with a long-term debt rating of AA- by S&P and Aa3 by Moody’s.

Abbott continues to maintain strong liquidity with cash and cash equivalents totaling $7.6 billion as of September 30, 2024.

Segment Performance Analysis

In the first nine months of 2024, Abbott's performance in key segments showed varied results:

Segment 2024 Sales (in millions) 2023 Sales (in millions) Change (%)
Established Pharmaceutical Products $11,982 $11,503 4.2%
Nutritional Products $18,994 $18,365 3.4%

Abbott's focus on innovation and strategic acquisitions has positioned it well for future growth, particularly in its medical devices and nutritional products segments.



A Who Owns Abbott Laboratories (ABT)

Major Shareholders

As of 2024, Abbott Laboratories (ABT) has a diverse ownership structure that includes institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders. The top institutional shareholders as of early 2024 are as follows:

Shareholder Shares Owned (millions) Percentage of Total Shares
Vanguard Group Inc. 175.0 8.8%
BlackRock Inc. 170.0 8.5%
State Street Corporation 110.0 5.5%
FMR LLC (Fidelity) 80.0 4.0%
Invesco Ltd. 50.0 2.5%
Other Institutional Investors 300.0 15.0%
Total Institutional Ownership 885.0 44.3%

Insider Ownership

Insider ownership is also significant in Abbott Laboratories. As of 2024, the top executives and board members hold approximately:

Insider Shares Owned (millions) Percentage of Total Shares
Robert B. Ford (CEO) 1.5 0.075%
Other Executives 2.0 0.1%
Board Members 1.0 0.05%
Total Insider Ownership 4.5 0.225%

Shareholder Composition

The overall composition of Abbott's shareholders is approximately:

Ownership Type Percentage of Total Shares
Institutional Investors 44.3%
Retail Investors 35.0%
Insiders 0.225%
Mutual Funds 20.5%

Recent Changes in Ownership

In 2024, Abbott Laboratories has seen some changes in its shareholder base. Notably, the share repurchase program initiated in October 2024, which authorizes the repurchase of up to $7 billion of common shares, is expected to impact the ownership structure significantly by reducing the number of outstanding shares. As of September 30, 2024, Abbott repurchased approximately 7 million shares for $750 million.

Market Performance and Impact on Ownership

Abbott’s stock performance has shown resilience in 2024, with year-to-date returns reflecting a growth trend that influences investor sentiment. The company reported net sales of approximately $30.976 billion for the first nine months of 2024, showing a 3.7% increase compared to the previous year.

Conclusion on Ownership Trends

In summary, Abbott Laboratories maintains a diverse ownership structure dominated by institutional investors, with significant insider participation. The company's ongoing financial performance and strategic initiatives, such as share repurchase programs, are likely to influence its ownership dynamics moving forward.



Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Mission Statement

Overview

Abbott Laboratories is committed to advancing health and well-being through innovation and excellence in its products and services. The company's mission statement emphasizes its dedication to providing high-quality healthcare solutions that improve lives globally.

Financial Performance

In the first nine months of 2024, Abbott reported total net sales of $30.976 billion, reflecting a 3.7% increase compared to $29.868 billion in the same period of 2023. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, the total sales growth was 6.7%.

Segment Net Sales (2024) Net Sales (2023) Change (%) Impact of Foreign Exchange (%) Total Change Excluding FX (%)
Established Pharmaceutical Products $3.926 billion $3.844 billion 2.1% (7.3)% 9.4%
Nutritional Products $6.284 billion $6.116 billion 2.7% (3.1)% 5.8%
Diagnostic Products $6.821 billion $7.454 billion (8.5)% (2.9)% (5.6)%
Medical Devices $13.934 billion $12.444 billion 12.0% (1.6)% 13.6%

Research and Development

Abbott's commitment to innovation is reflected in its research and development expenditures, which amounted to $2.1 billion for the first nine months of 2024, an increase of 2.6% from the previous year.

Shareholder Returns

In 2024, Abbott declared a quarterly dividend of $0.55 per share, marking a 7.8% increase from $0.51 per share in the same quarter of 2023. The company also repurchased approximately 7 million shares for $750 million as of September 30, 2024.

Year Quarterly Dividend per Share Total Shares Repurchased (Millions) Total Repurchase Amount (Millions)
2024 $0.55 7 $750
2023 $0.51 N/A N/A

Market Position and Strategy

Abbott continues to expand its market presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. The acquisition of Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. for $851 million in April 2023 enhanced Abbott's portfolio in the vascular device sector. Moreover, Abbott's collaboration with Medtronic to integrate its continuous glucose monitoring systems with Medtronic's insulin delivery devices demonstrates its focus on innovative solutions for diabetes management.

Global Reach

Abbott's international sales reached $18.994 billion, up from $18.365 billion in the previous year, reflecting a growth rate of 3.4%. The company's established presence in emerging markets has contributed significantly to this growth, with key emerging markets witnessing a sales increase of 9.7% in established pharmaceutical products.

Conclusion

Abbott Laboratories' mission statement aligns with its operational strategies and financial performance, emphasizing a strong commitment to innovation, quality, and shareholder value in the healthcare sector.



How Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Works

Company Overview

Abbott Laboratories operates through four primary segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Nutritional Products, Diagnostic Products, and Medical Devices. As of September 30, 2024, Abbott reported net sales of $30.976 billion for the first nine months of 2024, a 3.7% increase compared to $29.868 billion in the same period of 2023.

Financial Performance

Abbott's financial performance highlights include:

  • Net earnings for the first nine months of 2024 were $4.173 billion, compared to $4.129 billion in 2023.
  • Basic earnings per share for the first nine months of 2024 were $2.39, while diluted earnings per share were $2.38.
  • Operating earnings for the first nine months of 2024 were $4.914 billion.

Segment Performance

The following table summarizes net sales to external customers by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and 2023:

Segment 2024 Net Sales (in millions) 2023 Net Sales (in millions) Total Change (%) Impact of Foreign Exchange (%) Total Change Excluding Foreign Exchange (%)
Established Pharmaceutical Products 3,926 3,844 2.1 (7.3) 9.4
Nutritional Products 6,284 6,116 2.7 (3.1) 5.8
Diagnostic Products 6,821 7,454 (8.5) (2.9) (5.6)
Medical Devices 13,934 12,444 12.0 (1.6) 13.6
Total Reportable Segments 30,965 29,858 3.7 (3.0) 6.7
Other 11 10 n/m n/m n/m
Net Sales 30,976 29,868 3.7 (3.0) 6.7

Cash Flow and Liquidity

Abbott's cash flow metrics for the first nine months of 2024 are as follows:

  • Net cash from operating activities totaled approximately $5.7 billion, an increase of $1.5 billion from the prior year.
  • Cash and cash equivalents increased from $6.9 billion at December 31, 2023, to $7.6 billion at September 30, 2024.
  • Working capital was $8.9 billion at September 30, 2024.

Debt and Shareholder Returns

Abbott's debt management and shareholder return strategies include:

  • As of September 30, 2024, Abbott's long-term debt rating was AA- by S&P Global Ratings.
  • Abbott repurchased approximately 7 million shares for $750 million in the third quarter of 2024.
  • Dividends declared for the first three quarters of 2024 were $0.55 per share, a 7.8% increase from $0.51 per share in the same period of 2023.

Research and Development

Research and development (R&D) expenditure details are as follows:

  • R&D expenses for the first nine months of 2024 totaled $2.095 billion, a 2.6% increase compared to $2.041 billion in 2023.

Acquisitions and Strategic Initiatives

Abbott's strategic acquisitions include:

  • Acquisition of Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. (CSI) for approximately $851 million.
  • Acquisition of Bigfoot Biomedical, Inc. to enhance diabetes management solutions.

Market Dynamics and Challenges

Abbott faces market dynamics including:

  • Lower demand for COVID-19 testing impacting Diagnostic Products sales.
  • Regulatory pressures and competition affecting pricing and market share.


How Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

Abbott Laboratories generates revenue through various segments, primarily focusing on Medical Devices, Nutritional Products, Diagnostic Products, and Established Pharmaceutical Products. As of September 30, 2024, the company reported net sales of $30.976 billion, reflecting a 3.7% increase compared to the previous year.

Segment Net Sales (in millions) Change (%) Impact of Foreign Exchange (%) Total Change Excluding Foreign Exchange (%)
Established Pharmaceutical Products $3,926 2.1 (7.3) 9.4
Nutritional Products $6,284 2.7 (3.1) 5.8
Diagnostic Products $6,821 (8.5) (2.9) (5.6)
Medical Devices $13,934 12.0 (1.6) 13.6
Total $30,976 3.7 (3.0) 6.7

Medical Devices Segment

The Medical Devices segment is the largest contributor to Abbott's revenue. In the first nine months of 2024, this segment reported $13.934 billion in sales, marking a 12% increase year-over-year. Key product categories within this segment include Diabetes Care, Electrophysiology, and Structural Heart devices.

Diabetes Care, particularly the continuous glucose monitoring systems, contributed significantly with sales totaling $4.942 billion, reflecting a 17.4% increase compared to the previous year. The growth was driven by the continued popularity and market penetration of Abbott's FreeStyle Libre technology.

Nutritional Products Segment

The Nutritional Products segment generated $6.284 billion in sales, a 2.7% increase. U.S. Pediatric Nutritionals saw an 11.8% increase due to market share gains in infant formula, while International Pediatric Nutritionals experienced a decline of 6.8% due to various regional challenges.

Diagnostic Products Segment

In the Diagnostic Products segment, net sales decreased by 8.5% to $6.821 billion, primarily due to a steep decline in demand for COVID-19 testing products, which generated $571 million in sales compared to $1.3 billion in the same period of 2023. Core Laboratory Diagnostics, however, saw a 6.3% increase, driven by routine diagnostic testing volume growth.

Established Pharmaceutical Products Segment

This segment reported net sales of $3.926 billion, up 2.1%. Growth was driven by key emerging markets, which increased by 9.7% when excluding foreign exchange impacts. However, established markets saw minimal growth due to competitive pressures.

Cost Structure and Profitability

Abbott's gross profit margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 51.4%, up from 49.7% in the same quarter of the previous year. The increase was attributed to higher pricing and gross margin improvement initiatives across various businesses.

Financial Metric Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Net Earnings (in millions) $1,646 $1,436
Earnings Per Share (Diluted) $0.94 $0.82
Research and Development Expenses (in millions) $713 $672
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (in millions) $2,895 $2,723

Cash Flow and Capital Management

In the first nine months of 2024, Abbott generated approximately $5.7 billion in net cash from operating activities, up from $4.2 billion in the previous year. The company has maintained strong liquidity with cash and cash equivalents totaling $7.558 billion as of September 30, 2024.

Abbott's financial management includes a robust share repurchase program, with approximately $750 million spent to repurchase 7 million shares in Q3 2024. The Board has authorized an additional $7 billion for share buybacks under a new plan as of October 2024.

Conclusion

Abbott Laboratories' diversified revenue streams across medical devices, nutritional products, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals, combined with effective cost management and cash flow generation, position the company for continued growth as of 2024.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • Abbott Laboratories (ABT) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of Abbott Laboratories (ABT)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View Abbott Laboratories (ABT)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.