10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2010

ABBOTT LABORATORIES Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2010

Filed November 5, 2010For Securities:ABT

Summary

Abbott Laboratories' third quarter 2010 report highlights significant strategic shifts, primarily driven by major acquisitions. The company saw a substantial increase in Net Sales, up 11.8% to $8.7 billion for the quarter and 14.7% to $25.2 billion for the nine months, largely fueled by the February acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals and the September acquisition of Piramal Healthcare's Healthcare Solutions business. These acquisitions significantly expanded Abbott's global reach, particularly in emerging markets, and bolstered its pharmaceutical product portfolio. While revenue growth is robust, net earnings experienced a notable decline, down to $890.6 million in Q3 2010 from $1.5 billion in Q3 2009, and for the nine months, down to $3.2 billion from $4.2 billion. This decrease is attributed to significant acquisition-related expenses, integration costs, and a large restructuring charge related to the Solvay acquisition, totaling billions in goodwill and intangible assets. The company also faced ongoing challenges including generic competition for key drugs like Depakote and the voluntary recall of certain Similac infant formulas, which impacted nutritional product sales.

Financial Highlights

54 data points
Beta

Revenue

$8.67B

56.9% Gross Margin

Net Income

$890.70M

10.3% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$0.57

Total Assets

$57.37B

Cash & Equivalents

$3.82B

Free Cash Flow

$2.34B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$8.67B
Cost of Revenue$3.74B
Gross Profit$4.93B
SG&A Expenses$2.67B
Operating Expenses$7.49B
Operating Income$1.18B
Interest Expense$149.10M
Net Income$890.70M
EPS (Basic)$0.58
EPS (Diluted)$0.57
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.55B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.55B

Key Highlights

  • 1Net sales increased by 11.8% to $8.7 billion for the third quarter and 14.7% to $25.2 billion for the first nine months, driven by acquisitions and favorable exchange rates.
  • 2Significant decrease in Net Earnings: Q3 net earnings were $890.6 million (down from $1.5 billion in Q3 2009), and nine-month net earnings were $3.2 billion (down from $4.2 billion in the prior year), primarily due to acquisition and restructuring costs.
  • 3Major Acquisitions: Completed the acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals for approximately $6.1 billion in February and Piramal Healthcare's Healthcare Solutions business for $2.2 billion plus contingent payments in September, significantly expanding global presence and product lines.
  • 4Increased R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses rose significantly (59.7% in Q3, 33.6% for nine months) due to these acquisitions and continued pipeline investment.
  • 5Restructuring Charges: A new restructuring plan related to the Solvay acquisition is expected to result in $810 million to $970 million in pretax charges over the next two years.
  • 6Legal Proceedings: The company is involved in ongoing litigation, notably a patent dispute concerning Humira, where an adverse jury verdict was issued, though Abbott believes it will prevail on appeal. No reserves have been recorded for this case.
  • 7Nutritional Product Recall: A voluntary recall of certain Similac-brand infant formulas in September impacted nutritional product sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abbott's sales growth in this period was primarily driven by two significant acquisitions: Solvay Pharmaceuticals, acquired in February 2010, and Piramal Healthcare Limited's Healthcare Solutions business, acquired in September 2010. Favorable exchange rates also contributed to the reported sales increase.

The substantial decrease in net earnings is largely due to significant expenses associated with the acquisitions of Solvay Pharmaceuticals and Piramal Healthcare, including acquisition, integration, and restructuring costs. A large restructuring plan approved in the third quarter also contributed to the decline.

The acquisitions have significantly increased Abbott's goodwill and intangible assets. For example, the Solvay acquisition resulted in approximately $2.0 billion of goodwill and $4.2 billion of acquired intangible assets. The Piramal acquisition added approximately $1.0 billion of goodwill and $2.6 billion of acquired intangible assets. These increase the company's total assets but also carry amortization costs for intangibles.

Key risks and challenges include the ongoing litigation, particularly the patent dispute related to Humira, which could have a material impact on operations if the appeal is unsuccessful. Other risks mentioned are potential product safety issues, which could lead to recalls or reduced market acceptance, and the ongoing impact of healthcare reform legislation on revenue and profitability. Additionally, generic competition for drugs like Depakote continues to be a factor.