8-KEarnings & ResultsExhibits & Filings

ABBOTT LABORATORIES 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 18, 2005)

Filed January 18, 2005For Securities:ABT

Summary

Abbott Laboratories (ABT) filed an 8-K on January 18, 2005, to announce its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2004. The report primarily furnished a press release detailing these results, which included the use of non-GAAP financial measures. Management utilized these adjusted figures, such as earnings and diluted EPS excluding one-time charges, to provide investors with a clearer view of ongoing business performance, as they are believed to exclude unusual or unpredictable factors. Investors should note that this filing is focused on the disclosure of these results and does not contain extensive new operational details beyond what was presented in the accompanying press release. While Abbott's management finds these non-GAAP measures useful for internal monitoring and external reporting, the company explicitly advises investors to consider them in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, standard GAAP financial measures. The filing also confirms the CFO, Thomas C. Freyman, as the signatory, indicating the accuracy and formal submission of the financial information.

Key Highlights

  • 1Abbott Laboratories announced fourth quarter and full year 2004 financial results on January 18, 2005.
  • 2The filing's primary content is a furnished press release (Exhibit 99.1) containing the financial results.
  • 3Abbott utilized non-GAAP financial measures, including earnings and diluted EPS excluding one-time charges, in its reporting.
  • 4Management believes these non-GAAP measures offer a better evaluation of ongoing business performance by adjusting for unusual/unpredictable factors.
  • 5The company advises investors to consider non-GAAP measures alongside, not as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures.
  • 6The filing indicates that the press release should not be considered 'filed' under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, limiting liability for its content beyond routine disclosure.
  • 7Thomas C. Freyman, Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, signed the report.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to publicly announce Abbott Laboratories' financial results for the fourth quarter and the full fiscal year 2004. It includes a press release detailing these results and management's commentary.

Non-GAAP financial measures are financial metrics that exclude or include amounts different from the nearest GAAP-based financial performance measure. Abbott used them, such as earnings and diluted EPS excluding one-time charges, to provide investors with a clearer understanding of the company's ongoing operational performance by removing the impact of unusual or unpredictable events.

No, investors should not rely solely on the non-GAAP financial measures. Abbott explicitly cautions investors to consider these non-GAAP measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the financial measures prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

The detailed financial results are provided in Exhibit 99.1, which is a press release dated January 18, 2005, furnished as part of this 8-K filing. Investors should refer to this press release for the specific figures.