10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2025

ABBOTT LABORATORIES Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2025

Filed April 30, 2025For Securities:ABT

Summary

Abbott Laboratories reported strong top-line growth for the first quarter of 2025, with total net sales increasing by 4.0% to $10.36 billion, or 6.8% excluding the impact of foreign exchange. This growth was primarily driven by the Medical Devices segment, which saw a significant 9.9% increase (12.6% excluding FX), fueled by robust performance in Diabetes Care, Structural Heart, and Electrophysiology. Profitability saw a notable improvement with operating earnings rising to $1.69 billion from $1.39 billion in the prior year period. Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) increased to $0.76, up from $0.70 in Q1 2024. While the company is navigating some segment-specific headwinds, such as declining COVID-19 testing sales impacting the Diagnostic Products segment, the overall financial performance demonstrates resilience and continued execution across key growth areas. Investors should note the ongoing legal proceedings related to infant formula, though the company maintains no material loss is probable at this time, and the significant tax items impacting the tax rate.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Total net sales increased by 4.0% year-over-year to $10.36 billion, with organic growth (excluding foreign exchange) at 6.8%.
  • 2Medical Devices segment showed strong growth, up 9.9% (12.6% organic) driven by Diabetes Care, Structural Heart, and Electrophysiology.
  • 3Operating earnings significantly increased to $1.69 billion from $1.39 billion in the prior year period.
  • 4Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) rose to $0.76 from $0.70 in the first quarter of 2024.
  • 5Diagnostic Products segment experienced a sales decline of 7.2% (4.9% organic), largely due to a decrease in COVID-19 testing-related sales.
  • 6Gross profit margin improved to 52.8% from 50.5% in the prior year, reflecting margin improvement initiatives and favorable foreign exchange impacts.
  • 7The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share, a 7.3% increase from the previous year.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of Abbott's sales growth in the first quarter of 2025 was the Medical Devices segment, which saw a 9.9% increase (12.6% excluding foreign exchange). Key contributors within this segment included strong performance in Diabetes Care (particularly continuous glucose monitoring systems), Structural Heart, and Electrophysiology products.

The decline in COVID-19 testing sales has impacted the Diagnostic Products segment. Abbott is focusing on growth in other areas of its diagnostic portfolio, such as Core Laboratory, and leveraging new product introductions and platforms like Alinity® to offset this decline. They are also experiencing growth in areas like Point of Care diagnostics.

Abbott Laboratories is involved in lawsuits alleging that their preterm infant formula products caused necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. While one jury awarded damages in a previous trial, Abbott has appealed this verdict and believes it is not probable that a material loss will be incurred. In another case, a jury found in favor of Abbott, though a motion for a new trial was granted which Abbott is also appealing. The company does not believe it is probable that a material loss will be incurred from these lawsuits and has not recorded reserves for them, but acknowledges that their resolution could be material to its financial position.

Yes, the company's tax on earnings for the first quarter of 2025 includes approximately $200 million of tax expense related to a deferred tax asset that was recognized as a significant non-cash tax benefit in a prior year. Additionally, the company is actively contesting several Statutory Notices of Deficiency (SNODs) from the U.S. IRS related to income allocation adjustments for tax years 2019, 2017-2018, and 2020, which represent significant potential tax liabilities, though Abbott believes its filing positions are without merit and intends to vigorously defend them.