8-KEarnings & ResultsExhibits & Filings

ABBOTT LABORATORIES 8-K Report, Financial Results (Oct 18, 2006)

Filed October 18, 2006For Securities:ABT

Summary

Abbott Laboratories filed an 8-K on October 18, 2006, to report its third-quarter 2006 results of operations and financial condition. The filing primarily incorporates a press release detailing these results and highlights the use of non-GAAP financial measures by the company. These non-GAAP measures, which exclude specified items like merger-related costs, purchase accounting adjustments, and restructuring charges, are presented to provide investors with a clearer view of ongoing business performance. Management emphasizes that these non-GAAP figures are intended to supplement, not replace, GAAP-based financial measures. Investors are encouraged to consider both sets of figures when evaluating Abbott's financial health and operational performance. The press release itself, furnished as Exhibit 99.1, contains the specific financial details of the quarter.

Key Highlights

  • 1Abbott Laboratories announced its third-quarter 2006 results of operations and financial condition via an 8-K filing on October 18, 2006.
  • 2The core of the filing is a press release (Exhibit 99.1) detailing the company's Q3 2006 performance.
  • 3Abbott utilized non-GAAP financial measures in its earnings announcement, including net earnings and diluted EPS excluding specified items.
  • 4These non-GAAP measures adjust for unusual or unpredictable factors such as merger costs, purchase accounting, restructuring charges, litigation, and regulatory changes.
  • 5The company's management believes these non-GAAP measures offer valuable insights into ongoing business performance for investors.
  • 6Abbott cautioned investors to consider these non-GAAP measures alongside, and not as a substitute for, GAAP-based financial results.
  • 7Thomas C. Freyman, Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, signed the filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to officially report Abbott Laboratories' results of operations and financial condition for the third quarter of 2006, as announced on October 18, 2006. It also highlights the company's use of specific non-GAAP financial measures in its reporting.

Non-GAAP financial measures are financial metrics that are not calculated according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Abbott uses them to exclude certain items like merger-related costs, restructuring charges, and other unusual or unpredictable factors. Management believes these measures provide investors with a better understanding of the company's ongoing business performance by removing items that may distort period-over-period comparisons.

No, investors should not rely solely on non-GAAP financial measures. Abbott's management 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 GAAP. Both sets of figures are important for a complete understanding of the company's financial health.

The detailed financial results for the third quarter of 2006 are provided in the press release dated October 18, 2006, which is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this 8-K filing. This press release contains the specific financial data and is incorporated by reference into the report.