ABBOTT LABORATORIES — Earnings Release 2004

Jan 16, 2004

8-K 1 a2126608z8-k.htm 8-K QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

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): January 16, 2004

ABBOTT LABORATORIES (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Illinois (State or other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
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

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

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Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press Release, dated January 16, 2004 (furnished pursuant to Item 12).

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Item 12. Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On January 16, 2004, Abbott Laboratories announced its results of operations for the fourth quarter and full year of 2003.

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

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By:
Date: January 16, 2004

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EXHIBIT INDEX

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Exhibit No.	Exhibit
99.1	Press Release, dated January 16, 2004 (furnished pursuant to Item 12).

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