8-KEarnings & ResultsExhibits & Filings

ABBOTT LABORATORIES 8-K Report, Financial Results (Oct 14, 2004)

Filed October 14, 2004For Securities:ABT

Summary

Abbott Laboratories filed an 8-K on October 14, 2004, to report its third-quarter 2004 results of operations and financial condition. The filing primarily serves to furnish the press release announcing these results. Investors should note that Abbott utilizes non-GAAP financial measures in its reporting, such as earnings from continuing operations excluding one-time charges, to provide a clearer view of ongoing business performance. While management believes these non-GAAP measures offer valuable insights, they are presented as supplementary to, and not a replacement for, GAAP-based financial statements.

Key Highlights

  • 1Abbott Laboratories announced its third-quarter 2004 financial results via an 8-K filing.
  • 2The primary purpose of the filing was to furnish the accompanying press release detailing the Q3 2004 performance.
  • 3The company provided its results of operations and financial condition for the third quarter ended in 2004.
  • 4Abbott employed non-GAAP financial measures in its earnings release, including adjusted earnings and diluted earnings per share.
  • 5These non-GAAP measures exclude one-time charges to better reflect ongoing business performance.
  • 6Management believes these adjusted figures offer useful information to investors for evaluating operational performance.
  • 7Investors are advised to consider these non-GAAP measures in conjunction with, not as a substitute for, GAAP financials.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to officially announce and provide Abbott Laboratories' results of operations for the third quarter of 2004. It incorporates by reference the press release that details these financial results.

Yes, Abbott Laboratories uses non-GAAP financial measures, such as earnings from continuing operations excluding one-time charges and adjusted diluted earnings per common share. These are used to offer investors a better understanding of the ongoing business performance.

Abbott's management views these non-GAAP measures as beneficial for evaluating ongoing business performance. However, the company cautions investors to consider these measures alongside, and not as a substitute for, the financial measures prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

The detailed Q3 2004 results are provided in the press release that is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this 8-K filing. This press release is incorporated by reference into the report.