ABBOTT LABORATORIES — Earnings Release 2004

Oct 14, 2004

8-K 1 a04-11444_28k.htm 8-K

*UNITED STATES*

*SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION*

*WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549*

*FORM 8-K*

CURRENT REPORT

*Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the*

*Securities Exchange Act of 1934*

*October 14, 2004*

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

*ABBOTT LABORATORIES*

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Illinois	1-2189	36-0698440
(State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

*100 Abbott Park Road*

*Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-6400*

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: *(847) 937-6100*

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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*Item 2.02 – Results of Operations and Financial Condition.*

On October 14, 2004, Abbott Laboratories announced its results of operations for the third quarter of 2004.

Furnished as Exhibit 99.1, and incorporated herein by reference, is the news release issued by Abbott announcing its third quarter results. In that news release, Abbott uses various non-GAAP financial measures including, among others: earnings from continuing operations excluding one-time charges and diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations excluding one-time charges. These non-GAAP financial measures adjust for factors that are unusual or unpredictable. Abbott’s management believes the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors regarding Abbott’s results of operations as these non-GAAP financial measures allow investors to better evaluate ongoing business performance. Abbott’s management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures internally to monitor performance of the businesses. Abbott, however, cautions investors to consider these non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, and not as a substitute for, financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Item 9.01 – Financial Statements and Exhibits.

This exhibit is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 hereof and should not be deemed to be “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press
Release, dated October 14, 2004 (furnished pursuant to Item 2.02).

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*SIGNATURE*

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Date:
By:	/s/
Thomas C. Freyman
	Thomas
C. Freyman
	Executive
Vice President,
	Finance
and Chief Financial Officer

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*EXHIBIT INDEX*

Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press
Release, dated October 14, 2004

4

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