ABBOTT LABORATORIES — Earnings Release 2004

Jul 9, 2004

8-K 1 a04-7682_18k.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*

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): *July 9, 2004*

*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*

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*Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits*

(c) Exhibits.

This exhibit is furnished pursuant to Item 12 hereof and should not be deemed to be “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press Release, dated July 9, 2004 (furnished pursuant to Item 12).

*Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition*

On July 9, 2004, Abbott Laboratories announced its results of operations for the second quarter of 2004.

Furnished as Exhibit 99.1, and incorporated herein by reference, is the news release issued by Abbott announcing its second quarter results. In that news release, Abbott uses various non-GAAP financial measures including, among others: diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations excluding one-time charges, earnings from continuing operations excluding one-time charges, and gross margin 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.

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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.

/s / Thomas C.
Freyman
By:	Thomas C. Freyman
	Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Date: July 9, 2004

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press Release, dated July 9, 2004 (furnished pursuant to Item 12).

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