What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The main purpose of this 8-K filing is to formally report Abbott Laboratories' financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year ended December 31, 2017, by furnishing a related press release.

What are non-GAAP financial measures and why does Abbott use them?

Non-GAAP financial measures are financial metrics that exclude certain items from the corresponding GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) measures. Abbott uses them to provide investors with a clearer view of the company's ongoing operational performance by adjusting for unusual or unpredictable items like acquisition costs, restructuring charges, and the impact of tax reform. Management also uses these measures internally to assess performance.

What types of items are excluded from Abbott's non-GAAP measures?

Abbott excluded items such as expenses related to acquisitions and restructuring, the estimated impact of U.S. tax reform, charges from cost reduction initiatives, gains or losses from the sale of the Medical Optics business, adjustments to the equity investment in Mylan, Venezuela devaluation losses, and certain tax benefits. Intangible amortization expense was also excluded.

What should investors consider when reviewing Abbott's financial results?

Investors should review Abbott's financial results presented using both GAAP and non-GAAP measures. While non-GAAP measures can offer insights into ongoing operations, Abbott cautions that they should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, GAAP-prepared financial measures.

ABT 8-K: Earnings & Results

Summary

Abbott Laboratories (ABT) filed an 8-K on January 24, 2018, to report its fourth quarter and full-year 2017 results. The filing primarily serves to furnish a press release detailing these financial outcomes. Investors should note that Abbott utilizes non-GAAP financial measures to present its results, which exclude various one-time or unusual items. These adjustments are made to provide a clearer view of ongoing operational performance, according to the company. The non-GAAP measures exclude items such as acquisition and restructuring expenses, the impact of U.S. tax reform, cost reduction initiatives, gains/losses from business sales and investments, currency devaluation, and resolution of tax positions. While Abbott believes these measures offer valuable insights into operational performance, investors are cautioned to consider them alongside GAAP measures and not as a substitute.

Key Highlights

1Abbott Laboratories announced its Q4 and Full Year 2017 financial results on January 24, 2018.
2The 8-K filing includes a furnished press release (Exhibit 99.1) with the detailed financial results.
3Abbott presented non-GAAP financial measures alongside GAAP measures for reporting.
4Non-GAAP measures were adjusted for specified items to show ongoing operational performance.
5Excluded items included acquisition/restructuring costs, tax reform impact, and gains/losses from business divestitures.
6The company cited the sale of its Medical Optics business and an adjustment to its Mylan equity investment as significant factors.
7Abbott's management uses these non-GAAP measures internally for performance assessment.

ABBOTT LABORATORIES 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 24, 2018)

Summary

Key Highlights

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