Abbott Jumps on Q4, 2017 Earnings Beat

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 2017.

• Fourth-quarter worldwide sales of $7.6 billion increased 42.3 percent on a reported basis and 7.7 percent on a comparable operational^* basis.
• Reported diluted EPS from continuing operations under GAAP was a $(0.50) loss in the fourth quarter, primarily due to the net expense of $1.46 billion for the estimated¹ impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (U.S. tax reform). Excluding the impact of U.S. tax reform and other specified items, adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations was $0.74 in the fourth quarter, at the high end of the previous guidance range of $0.72 to $0.74.
• Abbott issues full-year 2018 guidance for diluted EPS from continuing operations on a GAAP basis of $1.22 to $1.32. Projected full-year adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations is $2.80 to $2.90, reflecting 14.0 percent growth² at the midpoint.
• In October, Abbott received U.S. FDA clearance for its Confirm Rx™ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM), the world’s first and only smartphone-compatible ICM designed to help physicians remotely identify cardiac arrhythmias, and obtained CE Mark for XIENCE Sierra™, the newest generation of the company’s gold-standard XIENCE everolimus-eluting coronary stent system.
• In November, Abbott initiated the U.S. launch of FreeStyle^® Libre, the only continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system available that comes factory-calibrated and removes the need for routine fingersticks³ for people with diabetes. In January, Abbott announced that FreeStyle Libre is now available and approved for coverage by the U.S. Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
• In December, Abbott received U.S. FDA approval for magnetic resonance (MR)-conditional labeling for its Quadra Assura™ and Quadra Assura MP™ cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) devices and its Fortify Assura™ implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). With these approvals, Abbott has MR-conditional labeling for its full suite of pacemaker, ICD and CRT-D devices.

“2017 was a great year for us - we performed well, our new product pipeline was highly productive and we took some very important strategic steps forward,” said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. “We’re entering 2018 with very good momentum.”

* See note on comparable operational growth below.

FOURTH-QUARTER BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Note: Management believes that measuring sales growth rates on a comparable operational basis is an appropriate way for investors to best understand the underlying performance of the business.

Comparable operational sales growth:

• Includes prior year results for St. Jude Medical, which was acquired on Jan. 4, 2017, and reflects a reduction to St. Jude Medical’s historic sales related to administrative fees paid to conform to Abbott’s presentation;
• Excludes prior year and current year results for the Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) and St. Jude Medical vascular closure businesses, which were divested during the first quarter 2017;
• Excludes the current year results for Rapid Diagnostics, which reflect results for Alere, Inc., which was acquired on Oct. 3, 2017; and
• Excludes the impact of exchange.

Following are sales by business segment and commentary for the fourth quarter and the full year:

 Total Company ------------- ($ in millions) % Change vs. 4Q16 ----------------- Sales 4Q17 Reported Comparable Operational ---------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total * 2,676 4,913 7,589 61.7 33.6 42.3 7.2 7.9 7.7 ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- --- --- --- Nutrition 769 1,015 1,784 3.2 2.8 3.0 3.2 1.1 2.0 Diagnostics 692 1,214 1,906 84.6 37.8 51.7 5.7 7.1 6.7 Established Pharmaceuticals -- 1,145 1,145 n/a 17.0 17.0 n/a 14.0 14.0 Medical Devices 1,206 1,531 2,737 129.0 85.1 102.2 10.5 8.8 9.6 

 * Total Abbott sales from continuing operations include Other Sales of $17 million. In 2016, the AMO business, which was divested during the first quarter 2017, was reported as part of the Medical Devices group. Comparable operational growth rates above exclude results from the AMO business. 

 % Change vs. 12M16 ------------------ Sales 12M17 Reported Comparable Operational ----------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total * 9,673 17,717 27,390 49.1 23.3 31.3 4.0 5.4 4.9 ----- ------ ------ ---- ---- ---- --- --- --- Nutrition 3,031 3,894 6,925 2.1 (0.9) 0.4 2.1 (0.5) 0.6 Diagnostics 1,817 3,799 5,616 26.5 12.5 16.7 5.9 5.4 5.5 Established Pharmaceuticals -- 4,287 4,287 n/a 11.1 11.1 n/a 9.5 9.5 Medical Devices 4,710 5,615 10,325 130.1 76.3 97.3 4.7 6.6 5.7 

 * In 2017, total Abbott sales from continuing operations include Other Sales of $237 million, including sales of $175 million from the AMO business, which was divested during the first quarter 2017. In 2016, the AMO business was reported as part of the Medical Devices group. Comparable operational growth rates above exclude results from the AMO business. n/a = Not Applicable. Note: In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates. 

Fourth-quarter 2017 worldwide sales of $7.6 billion increased 42.3 percent on a reported basis. On a comparable operational basis, worldwide sales increased 7.7 percent. Refer to tables titled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Comparable Historical Revenue” for a reconciliation of comparable historical revenue.

 Nutrition --------- ($ in millions) % Change vs. 4Q16 ----------------- Sales 4Q17 Reported Comparable Operational ---------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total 769 1,015 1,784 3.2 2.8 3.0 3.2 1.1 2.0 --- ----- ----- --- --- --- --- --- --- Pediatric 450 550 1,000 3.6 1.5 2.4 3.6 (0.2) 1.5 Adult 319 465 784 2.7 4.3 3.6 2.7 2.8 2.8 % Change vs. 12M16 ------------------ Sales 12M17 Reported Comparable Operational ----------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total 3,031 3,894 6,925 2.1 (0.9) 0.4 2.1 (0.5) 0.6 ----- ----- ----- --- ---- --- --- ---- --- Pediatric 1,777 2,112 3,889 6.0 (4.3) 0.2 6.0 (3.9) 0.3 Adult 1,254 1,782 3,036 (3.0) 3.4 0.7 (3.0) 3.8 0.9 

Worldwide Nutrition sales increased 3.0 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 1.0 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 2.0 percent on an operational basis.

Worldwide Pediatric Nutrition sales increased 2.4 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 0.9 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 1.5 percent on an operational basis. In the U.S., continued above-market growth was led by Abbott’s market-leading toddler brands, PediaSure^® and Pedialyte^®. International sales decreased 0.2 percent on an operational basis, as growth in China and India was offset by continued challenging market conditions in certain other international countries.

Worldwide Adult Nutrition sales increased 3.6 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 0.8 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 2.8 percent on an operational basis. Worldwide sales growth was led by Ensure^®, Abbott’s market-leading complete and balanced nutrition brand, and Glucerna^®, Abbott’s market-leading diabetes-specific nutrition brand.

 Diagnostics ----------- ($ in millions) % Change vs. 4Q16 ----------------- Sales 4Q17 Reported Comparable Operational ---------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ---- ----- ----- ---- ----- ----- Total * 692 1,214 1,906 84.6 37.8 51.7 5.7 7.1 6.7 --- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- --- --- --- Core Laboratory 243 856 1,099 7.7 10.0 9.4 7.7 7.0 7.2 Molecular 37 85 122 (14.5) 15.3 4.2 (14.5) 12.4 2.4 Point of Care 116 29 145 9.8 (1.8) 7.2 9.8 (3.7) 6.8 Rapid Diagnostics * 296 244 540 n/m n/m n/m n/m n/m n/m 

 * Rapid Diagnostics reflects sales from Alere, Inc., which was acquired on Oct. 3, 2017. Comparable operational growth rates above exclude results from the Rapid Diagnostics business. 

 % Change vs. 12M16 ------------------ Sales 12M17 Reported Comparable Operational ----------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total * 1,817 3,799 5,616 26.5 12.5 16.7 5.9 5.4 5.5 ----- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- --- --- --- Core Laboratory 921 3,142 4,063 9.4 4.6 5.7 9.4 4.9 5.9 Molecular 160 303 463 (12.8) 11.2 1.5 (12.8) 9.8 0.7 Point of Care 440 110 550 7.0 8.2 7.3 7.0 8.0 7.2 Rapid Diagnostics * 296 244 540 n/m n/m n/m n/m n/m n/m 

 * Rapid Diagnostics reflects sales from Alere, Inc., which was acquired on Oct. 3, 2017. Comparable operational growth rates above exclude results from the Rapid Diagnostics business. n/m = Percent change is not meaningful. 

Worldwide Diagnostics sales increased 51.7 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter. On a comparable operational basis, sales increased 6.7 percent. Refer to tables titled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Comparable Historical Revenue” for a reconciliation of comparable historical revenue.

Core Laboratory Diagnostics sales increased 9.4 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 2.2 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 7.2 percent on an operational basis, reflecting continued above-market growth driven by share gains globally.

Molecular Diagnostics sales increased 4.2 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 1.8 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 2.4 percent on an operational basis. As expected, growth in infectious disease testing, Abbott’s core area of focus in the molecular diagnostics market, was partially offset by a planned scale down in other testing areas, primarily in the U.S.

Point of Care Diagnostics sales increased 7.2 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 0.4 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 6.8 percent on an operational basis, led by continued adoption of Abbott’s i-STAT^® handheld system.

Rapid Diagnostics sales of $540 million were led by infectious disease testing, including flu and strep testing.

 Established Pharmaceuticals --------------------------- ($ in millions) % Change vs. 4Q16 ----------------- Sales 4Q17 Reported Comparable Operational ---------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total -- 1,145 1,145 n/a 17.0 17.0 n/a 14.0 14.0 --- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Key Emerging Markets -- 894 894 n/a 15.0 15.0 n/a 12.5 12.5 Other -- 251 251 n/a 24.5 24.5 n/a 19.6 19.6 % Change vs. 12M16 ------------------ Sales 12M17 Reported Comparable Operational ----------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total -- 4,287 4,287 n/a 11.1 11.1 n/a 9.5 9.5 --- ----- ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- --- --- Key Emerging Markets -- 3,307 3,307 n/a 13.6 13.6 n/a 11.9 11.9 Other -- 980 980 n/a 3.4 3.4 n/a 2.2 2.2 

Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased 17.0 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 3.0 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 14.0 percent on an operational basis.

Key Emerging Markets comprise several countries that represent the most attractive long-term growth opportunities for Abbott’s branded generics product portfolio. Sales in these geographies increased 15.0 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 2.5 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 12.5 percent on an operational basis. Operational sales growth was led by double-digit growth across several geographies, including India, China and Latin America.

Other sales increased 19.6 percent on an operational basis primarily due to the favorable timing of sales in certain countries during the fourth quarter.

 Medical Devices --------------- ($ in millions) % Change vs. 4Q16 ----------------- Sales 4Q17 Reported Comparable Operational ---------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total 1,206 1,531 2,737 129.0 85.1 102.2 10.5 8.8 9.6 ----- ----- ----- ----- ---- ----- ---- --- --- Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation 1,114 1,210 2,324 263.4 192.2 222.5 10.9 3.5 6.9 Rhythm Management 247 282 529 n/m n/m n/m 5.8 (1.2) 2.0 Electrophysiology 163 218 381 n/m n/m n/m 16.4 15.8 16.1 Heart Failure 128 44 172 n/m n/m n/m 10.9 14.0 11.6 Vascular 289 445 734 9.5 22.7 17.2 (1.1) (1.9) (1.6) Structural Heart 112 178 290 174.7 246.2 214.4 15.8 9.4 11.9 Neuromodulation 175 43 218 n/m n/m n/m 37.4 4.4 29.5 Diabetes Care 92 321 413 6.7 43.4 33.2 6.7 35.6 27.6 % Change vs. 12M16 ------------------ Sales 12M17 Reported Comparable Operational ----------- -------- ---------------------- U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total U.S. Int’l Total ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Total 4,710 5,615 10,325 130.1 76.3 97.3 4.7 6.6 5.7 ----- ----- ------ ----- ---- ---- --- --- --- Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation 4,378 4,533 8,911 251.1 175.0 207.7 4.9 2.1 3.4 Rhythm Management 1,030 1,073 2,103 n/m n/m n/m (11.4) (4.6) (8.0) Electrophysiology 609 773 1,382 n/m n/m n/m 11.9 12.0 12.0 Heart Failure 491 152 643 n/m n/m n/m 2.9 11.4 4.8 Vascular 1,180 1,712 2,892 9.2 18.0 14.2 (2.0) (1.9) (1.9) Structural Heart 432 651 1,083 177.0 232.4 207.8 15.0 9.6 11.7 Neuromodulation 636 172 808 n/m n/m n/m 53.8 13.9 43.2 Diabetes Care 332 1,082 1,414 2.1 32.4 23.8 2.1 31.0 22.8 

Worldwide Medical Devices sales increased 102.2 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter. On a comparable operational basis, sales increased 9.6 percent. Refer to tables titled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Comparable Historical Revenue” for a reconciliation of comparable historical revenue.

In Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation, worldwide sales in the fourth quarter were led by double-digit growth in Electrophysiology, Heart Failure, Structural Heart and Neuromodulation. In Electrophysiology, during the fourth quarter, Abbott initiated the U.S. launch of its Confirm Rx Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM), the world’s first and only smartphone-compatible ICM designed to help physicians remotely identify cardiac arrhythmias. Growth in Structural Heart was driven by MitraClip^®, Abbott’s market-leading device for the minimally-invasive treatment of mitral regurgitation. In Heart Failure, sales growth was led by market uptake of Abbott’s HeartMate 3™ system, which received U.S. FDA approval in the third quarter of 2017. In Neuromodulation, strong double-digit growth was led by several recently launched products for the treatment of chronic pain and movement disorders.

In the fourth quarter, in Rhythm Management, Abbott received U.S. FDA approval for MR-conditional labeling for its Quadra Assura and Quadra Assura MP cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) devices and its Fortify Assura implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). In Vascular, Abbott obtained CE Mark for its XIENCE Sierra drug-eluting coronary stent system, which enhances its competitive position in this category of the market.

In Diabetes Care, worldwide sales increased 33.2 percent on a reported basis in the fourth quarter, including a favorable 5.6 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 27.6 percent on an operational basis. Strong double-digit international sales growth was led by FreeStyle Libre, Abbott’s revolutionary CGM system. FreeStyle Libre is the only CGM system available that comes factory-calibrated and removes the need for routine fingersticks³ for people with diabetes. During the fourth quarter, Abbott initiated the U.S. launch of FreeStyle Libre, and in January 2018, Abbott announced that FreeStyle Libre is now available and approved for coverage by CMS.

ABBOTT ISSUES FINANCIAL OUTLOOK FOR 2018

Abbott is issuing full-year 2018 guidance for diluted earnings per share from continuing operations under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $1.22 to $1.32.

Abbott forecasts net specified items for the full year 2018 of approximately $1.58 per share. Specified items include intangible amortization expense, acquisition-related expenses, charges associated with cost reduction initiatives and other expenses.

Excluding specified items, projected adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations would be $2.80 to $2.90 for the full year 2018.

Abbott is issuing first-quarter 2018 guidance for diluted earnings per share from continuing operations under GAAP of $0.16 to $0.18. Abbott forecasts specified items for the first quarter of $0.41 per share primarily related to intangible amortization expense, acquisition-related expenses, cost reduction initiatives and other expenses. Excluding specified items, projected adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations would be $0.57 to $0.59.

Abbott has stated its commitment to reduce its debt levels following the recent acquisitions of St. Jude Medical and Alere, Inc. For the full year 2017, Abbott generated operating cash flow in excess of $5.0 billion and free cash flow⁴ in excess of $4.0 billion. In January 2018, Abbott repaid $4.0 billion of debt and anticipates additional debt repayments throughout 2018.

ABBOTT ANNOUNCES INCREASE IN QUARTERLY DIVIDEND

On Dec. 15, 2017, the board of directors of Abbott increased the company’s quarterly dividend to $0.280 per share from $0.265 per share. Abbott’s cash dividend is payable Feb. 15, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Jan. 12, 2018. This marks the 376^th consecutive quarterly dividend to be paid by Abbott.

Abbott has increased its dividend payout for 46 consecutive years and is a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have annually increased their dividend for at least 25 consecutive years.

About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 99,000 people.

Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews.

Abbott will webcast its live fourth-quarter earnings conference call through its Investor Relations website at www.abbottinvestor.com at 8 a.m. Central time today. An archived edition of the call will be available later that day.

-- Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 --
A Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Abbott cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect Abbott’s operations are discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors’’ to our Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016, and are incorporated by reference. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

¹ The provisional estimate of the impact of U.S. tax reform recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017 is based on Abbott’s initial analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and may be adjusted in future periods due to, among other things, additional analysis performed by Abbott and additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
² Full-year 2018 guidance for diluted EPS from continuing operations on a GAAP basis represents 535.0 percent growth at the midpoint of the range.
³ Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose.
⁴ Free cash flow equals operating cash flow less capital expenditures. In 2017, capital expenditures totaled approximately $1 billion.

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) 4Q17 4Q16 % Change ---- ---- -------- Net Sales $7,589 $5,333 42.3 Cost of products sold, excluding amortization expense 3,263 2,312 41.1 Amortization of intangible assets 560 121 n/m Research and development 613 343 78.9 Selling, general, and administrative 2,462 1,609 52.9 Total Operating Cost and Expenses 6,898 4,385 57.3 ----- ----- Operating earnings 691 948 (27.0) Interest expense, net 211 129 63.4 Net foreign exchange (gain) loss -- (2) n/m Other (income) expense, net (94) (54) 69.4 --- --- Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 574 875 (34.5) Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 1,438 110 n/m 1) Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations (864) 765 n/m Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes 36 33 8.4 2) Gain on Sale of Discontinued Operations, net of taxes -- -- -- --- --- Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes 36 33 8.4 --- --- Net Earnings (Loss) $(828) $798 n/m ===== ==== Earnings from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, as described below $1,303 $971 34.2 3) ====== ==== Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share from: Continuing Operations $(0.50) $0.51 n/m Discontinued Operations 0.02 0.02 -- Total $(0.48) $0.53 n/m ====== ===== Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, as described below $0.74 $0.65 13.8 3) ===== ===== Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options 1,746 1,483 4) 

 NOTES: See tables below for an explanation of certain non-GAAP financial information. n/m = Percent change is not meaningful. See footnotes below. 1) 2017 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations includes net expense of $1.46 billion for the estimated impact of U.S. tax reform. The provisional estimate of the impact of U.S. tax reform is based on Abbott’s initial analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and may be adjusted in future periods due to, among other things, additional analysis performed by Abbott and additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. 2) 2017 and 2016 Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Discontinued Operations primarily reflect net favorable adjustments to tax expense as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from previous years related to discontinued operations. 3) 2017 Earnings from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, excludes net after-tax charges of $2.167 billion, or $1.24 per share, for the estimated impact of U.S. tax reform, intangible amortization expense and expenses primarily associated with acquisitions, restructuring actions and other expenses. 2016 Earnings from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, excludes net after-tax charges of $206 million, or $0.14 per share, for intangible amortization expense, expenses primarily associated with acquisitions, including bridge facility fees and other debt related costs, charges related to cost reduction initiatives and other expenses. 4) 2017 Average number of common shares outstanding excludes approximately 12.2 million shares related to dilutive common stock options, which would be antidilutive as a result of the loss in the quarter. 

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings Year Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) 12M17 12M16 % Change ----- ----- -------- Net Sales $27,390 $20,853 31.3 Cost of products sold, excluding amortization expense 12,337 9,024 36.7 Amortization of intangible assets 1,975 550 n/m Research and development 2,235 1,422 57.2 Selling, general, and administrative 9,117 6,672 36.6 Total Operating Cost and Expenses 25,664 17,668 45.2 ------ ------ Operating earnings 1,726 3,185 (45.8) Interest expense, net 780 332 n/m Net foreign exchange (gain) loss (34) 495 n/m 1) Other (income) expense, net (1,251) 945 n/m 2) ------ --- Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 2,231 1,413 57.8 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 1,878 350 n/m 3) Earnings from Continuing Operations 353 1,063 (66.8) Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes 124 321 (61.4) Gain on Sale of Discontinued Operations, net of taxes -- 16 n/m --- --- Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes 124 337 (63.3) 4) --- --- Net Earnings $477 $1,400 (65.9) ==== ====== Earnings from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, as described below $4,400 $3,281 34.1 5) ====== ====== Diluted Earnings per Common Share from: Continuing Operations $0.20 $0.71 (71.8) Discontinued Operations 0.07 0.23 (69.6) 4) Total $0.27 $0.94 (71.3) ===== ===== Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, as described below $2.50 $2.20 13.6 5) ===== ===== Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options 1,749 1,483 

 NOTES: See tables below for an explanation of certain non-GAAP financial information. n/m = Percent change is not meaningful. See footnotes below. 1) 2016 Net foreign exchange (gain) loss includes a loss of $480 million related to the revaluation of Abbott’s net monetary assets in Venezuela using the Dicom exchange rate, which is the Venezuelan government’s official floating exchange rate. 2) 2017 Other (income) expense, net includes a pretax gain of $1.163 billion from the sale of the AMO business. 2016 Other (income) expense, net includes a charge of $947 million related to an adjustment of Abbott’s holdings of Mylan N.V. ordinary shares to reflect the share price as of Sept. 30, 2016. 3) 2017 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations includes the net expense of $1.46 billion for the estimated impact of U.S. tax reform, as well as the tax associated with a $1.163 billion pretax gain on the sale of the AMO business. The provisional estimate of the impact of U.S. tax reform is based on Abbott’s initial analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and may be adjusted in future periods due to, among other things, additional analysis performed by Abbott and additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. 2016 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations includes the impact of a net tax benefit of approximately $225 million, primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of non- deductible foreign exchange losses related to Venezuela and an adjustment to the equity investment in Mylan and the recognition of deferred taxes associated with the sale of the AMO business. 4) 2017 and 2016 Earnings, net of taxes and Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Discontinued Operations, primarily relates to a net tax benefit as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years. 5) 2017 Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, excludes net after-tax charges of $4.047 billion, or $2.30 per share, for the estimated impact of U.S. tax reform, intangible amortization expense and other expenses primarily associated with acquisitions and restructuring actions, partially offset by a gain on the sale of the AMO business. 2016 Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, excludes net after-tax charges of $2.218 billion, or $1.49 per share, for intangible amortization expense, the foreign exchange loss related to Venezuela, an adjustment to the equity investment in Mylan, expenses associated with acquisitions, including bridge facility fees, other charges related to cost reduction initiatives and other expenses and the recognition of deferred taxes associated with the sale of AMO, partially offset by the favorable impact of a net tax benefit as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years. 

NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) 4Q17 ---- As Specified As % to Reported Items Adjusted Sales (GAAP) ----- Intangible Amortization $560 $(560) -- Gross Margin 3,766 694 $4,460 58.8% R&D 613 (90) 523 6.9% SG&A 2,462 (266) 2,196 28.9% Interest expense, net 211 (5) 206 Other (income) expense, net (94) 69 (25) Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 574 986 1,560 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 1,438 (1,181) 257 Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations (864) 2,167 1,303 Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations $(0.50) $1.24 $0.74 

Specified items reflect intangible amortization expense of $560 million and other expenses of $426 million, primarily associated with acquisitions, restructuring actions and other expenses, and the estimated net impact of U.S. tax reform of $1.46 billion. See tables titled “Details of Specified Items” for additional details regarding specified items.

 4Q16 ---- As Specified As % to Reported Items Adjusted Sales (GAAP) ----- Intangible Amortization $121 $(121) -- Gross Margin 2,900 161 $3,061 57.4% R&D 343 (9) 334 6.3% SG&A 1,609 (99) 1,510 28.3% Interest expense, net 129 (101) 28 Net foreign exchange (gain) loss (2) 1 (1) Other (income) expense, net (54) 52 (2) Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 875 317 1,192 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 110 111 221 Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations 765 206 971 Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations $0.51 $0.14 $0.65 

Specified items reflect intangible amortization expense of $121 million and other expenses of $196 million, primarily associated with acquisitions, including bridge facility fees and other debt related costs, charges related to cost reduction initiatives and other expenses. See tables titled “Details of Specified Items” for additional details regarding specified items.

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations Year Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) 12M17 ----- As Specified As % to Reported Items Adjusted Sales (GAAP) ----- Intangible Amortization $1,975 $(1,975) -- Gross Margin 13,078 3,153 $16,231 59.3% R&D 2,235 (236) 1,999 7.3% SG&A 9,117 (861) 8,256 30.1% Interest expense, net 780 (24) 756 Other (income) expense, net (1,251) 1,236 (15) Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 2,231 3,038 5,269 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 1,878 (1,009) 869 Earnings from Continuing Operations 353 4,047 4,400 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $0.20 $2.30 $2.50 

Specified items reflect intangible amortization expense of $1.975 billion and other expenses of $2.226 billion, primarily associated with acquisitions, including approximately $907 million of inventory step-up amortization related to St. Jude Medical and Alere, Inc., charges related to restructuring actions and other expenses, partially offset by a gain of $1.163 billion from the sale of the AMO business. Tax expense includes the estimated net impact of U.S. tax reform of $1.46 billion. See tables titled “Details of Specified Items” for additional details regarding specified items.

 12M16 ----- As Specified As % to Reported Items Adjusted Sales (GAAP) ----- Intangible Amortization $550 $(550) -- Gross Margin 11,279 661 $11,940 57.3% R&D 1,422 (77) 1,345 6.5% SG&A 6,672 (249) 6,423 30.8% Interest expense, net 332 (240) 92 Net foreign exchange (gain) loss 495 (480) 15 Other (income) expense, net 945 (910) 35 Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 1,413 2,617 4,030 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 350 399 749 Earnings from Continuing Operations 1,063 2,218 3,281 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $0.71 $1.49 $2.20 

Specified items reflect intangible amortization expense of $550 million, an adjustment to the equity investment in Mylan of $947 million, the impact of the foreign exchange loss in Venezuela of $480 million, and other expenses of $640 million, primarily associated with acquisitions, including bridge facility fees, and charges related to cost reduction initiatives and other expenses and the recognition of approximately $70 million of deferred taxes associated with the sale of AMO, partially offset by a net tax benefit of approximately $225 million, primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years. See tables titled “Details of Specified Items” for additional details regarding specified items.

Reconciliation of Tax Rate for Continuing Operations
A reconciliation of the fourth-quarter tax rates for continuing operations for 2017 and 2016 is shown below:

 4Q17 ---- ($ in millions) Pre-Tax Taxes on Tax Income Earnings Rate ------ -------- ---- As reported (GAAP) $574 $1,438 250.7% 1) Specified items 986 (1,181) --- ------ Excluding specified items $1,560 $257 16.5% 4Q16 ---- ($ in millions) Pre-Tax Taxes on Tax Income Earnings Rate ------ -------- ---- As reported (GAAP) $875 $110 12.7% Specified items 317 111 --- --- Excluding specified items $1,192 $221 18.6% 

 1) Reported tax rate on a GAAP basis for the fourth quarter of 2017 includes the estimated net impact of U.S. tax reform of $1.46 billion and the impact of approximately $30 million in excess tax benefits associated with share- based compensation. 

A reconciliation of the full-year tax rates for continuing operations for 2017 and 2016 is shown below:

 12M17 ----- ($ in millions) Pre-Tax Taxes on Tax Income Earnings Rate ------ -------- ---- As reported (GAAP) $2,231 $1,878 84.2% 2) Specified items 3,038 (1,009) ----- ------ Excluding specified items $5,269 $869 16.5% 12M16 ----- ($ in millions) Pre-Tax Taxes on Tax Income Earnings Rate ------ -------- ---- As reported (GAAP) $1,413 $350 24.8% Specified items 2,617 399 ----- --- Excluding specified items $4,030 $749 18.6% 

 2) Reported tax rate on a GAAP basis for 2017 includes the estimated net impact of U.S. tax reform of $1.46 billion, the impact of taxes associated with a $1.163 billion pre-tax gain on the sale of the AMO business and the impact of approximately $120 million in excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. 

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Comparable Historical Revenue Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 ($ in millions) (unaudited) 4Q17 4Q16 % Change vs. 4Q16 ---- ---- ----------------- Abbott Divested Comparable Abbott Acquired AMO Comparable Comparable Reported Businesses Revenue Reported St. Jude Revenue Businessa) --------- Rapid Reported Reported Operationalb) Diagnostics ----------- Total Company 7,589 -- (540) 7,049 5,333 1,415 (323) 6,425 42.3 9.7 7.7 U.S. 2,676 -- (296) 2,380 1,655 696 (133) 2,218 61.7 7.2 7.2 Int’l 4,913 -- (244) 4,669 3,678 719 (190) 4,207 33.6 10.9 7.9 Total Diagnostics 1,906 -- (540) 1,366 1,256 -- -- 1,256 51.7 8.7 6.7 U.S. 692 -- (296) 396 375 -- -- 375 84.6 5.7 5.7 Int’l 1,214 -- (244) 970 881 -- -- 881 37.8 10.0 7.1 Rapid Diagnostics 540 -- (540) -- -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m U.S. 296 -- (296) -- -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m Int’l 244 -- (244) -- -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m Total Medical Devices 2,737 -- -- 2,737 1,354 1,415 (323) 2,446 102.2 11.8 9.6 U.S. 1,206 -- -- 1,206 527 696 (133) 1,090 129.0 10.5 10.5 Int’l 1,531 -- -- 1,531 827 719 (190) 1,356 85.1 12.8 8.8 Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation 2,324 -- -- 2,324 721 1,415 -- 2,136 222.5 8.7 6.9 U.S. 1,114 -- -- 1,114 307 696 -- 1,003 263.4 10.9 10.9 Int’l 1,210 -- -- 1,210 414 719 -- 1,133 192.2 6.8 3.5 Rhythm Management 529 -- -- 529 -- 511 -- 511 n/m 3.7 2.0 U.S. 247 -- -- 247 -- 233 -- 233 n/m 5.8 5.8 Int’l 282 -- -- 282 -- 278 -- 278 n/m 1.9 (1.2) Electrophysiology 381 -- -- 381 2 323 -- 325 n/m 16.8 16.1 U.S. 163 -- -- 163 2 137 -- 139 n/m 16.4 16.4 Int’l 218 -- -- 218 -- 186 -- 186 n/m 17.1 15.8 Heart Failure 172 -- -- 172 -- 152 -- 152 n/m 12.9 11.6 U.S. 128 -- -- 128 -- 116 -- 116 n/m 10.9 10.9 Int’l 44 -- -- 44 -- 36 -- 36 n/m 19.3 14.0 Vascular 734 -- -- 734 627 103 -- 730 17.2 0.6 (1.6) U.S. 289 -- -- 289 264 27 -- 291 9.5 (1.1) (1.1) Int’l 445 -- -- 445 363 76 -- 439 22.7 1.7 (1.9) Structural Heart 290 -- -- 290 92 159 -- 251 214.4 14.8 11.9 U.S. 112 -- -- 112 41 56 -- 97 174.7 15.8 15.8 Int’l 178 -- -- 178 51 103 -- 154 246.2 14.1 9.4 Neuromodulation 218 -- -- 218 -- 167 -- 167 n/m 30.6 29.5 U.S. 175 -- -- 175 -- 127 -- 127 n/m 37.4 37.4 Int’l 43 -- -- 43 -- 40 -- 40 n/m 8.9 4.4 

 a) Reflects reported actuals for St. Jude Medical, excluding results from the vascular closure business, as well as a reduction to St. Jude Medical sales related to the reclassification of fees paid to group purchasing organizations from the Selling, general, and administrative line. b) In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates. 

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Comparable Historical Revenue Year Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 ($ in millions) (unaudited) 12M17 12M16 % Change vs. 12M16 ----- ----- ------------------ Abbott Divested Comparable Abbott Acquired AMO Comparable Comparable Reported Businessesa) Revenue Reported St. Jude Revenue Businessb) --------- Rapid Reported Reported Operationalc) Diagnostics ----------- Total Company 27,390 (187) (540) 26,663 20,853 5,697 (1,195) 25,355 31.3 5.1 4.9 U.S. 9,673 (84) (296) 9,293 6,486 2,923 (475) 8,934 49.1 4.0 4.0 Int’l 17,717 (103) (244) 17,370 14,367 2,774 (720) 16,421 23.3 5.8 5.4 Total Diagnostics 5,616 -- (540) 5,076 4,813 -- -- 4,813 16.7 5.5 5.5 U.S. 1,817 -- (296) 1,521 1,437 -- -- 1,437 26.5 5.9 5.9 Int’l 3,799 -- (244) 3,555 3,376 -- -- 3,376 12.5 5.3 5.4 Rapid Diagnostics 540 -- (540) -- -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m U.S. 296 -- (296) -- -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m Int’l 244 -- (244) -- -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m Total Medical Devices 10,325 (12) -- 10,313 5,233 5,697 (1,195) 9,735 97.3 5.9 5.7 U.S. 4,710 (6) -- 4,704 2,047 2,923 (475) 4,495 130.1 4.7 4.7 Int’l 5,615 (6) -- 5,609 3,186 2,774 (720) 5,240 76.3 7.0 6.6 Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation 8,911 (12) -- 8,899 2,896 5,697 -- 8,593 207.7 3.5 3.4 U.S. 4,378 (6) -- 4,372 1,247 2,923 -- 4,170 251.1 4.9 4.9 Int’l 4,533 (6) -- 4,527 1,649 2,774 -- 4,423 175.0 2.3 2.1 Rhythm Management 2,103 -- -- 2,103 -- 2,284 -- 2,284 n/m (8.0) (8.0) U.S. 1,030 -- -- 1,030 -- 1,162 -- 1,162 n/m (11.4) (11.4) Int’l 1,073 -- -- 1,073 -- 1,122 -- 1,122 n/m (4.5) (4.6) Electrophysiology 1,382 -- -- 1,382 12 1,223 -- 1,235 n/m 11.8 12.0 U.S. 609 -- -- 609 12 532 -- 544 n/m 11.9 11.9 Int’l 773 -- -- 773 -- 691 -- 691 n/m 11.7 12.0 Heart Failure 643 -- -- 643 -- 613 -- 613 n/m 5.0 4.8 U.S. 491 -- -- 491 -- 477 -- 477 n/m 2.9 2.9 Int’l 152 -- -- 152 -- 136 -- 136 n/m 12.3 11.4 Vascular 2,892 (12) -- 2,880 2,532 402 -- 2,934 14.2 (1.7) (1.9) U.S. 1,180 (6) -- 1,174 1,079 118 -- 1,197 9.2 (2.0) (2.0) Int’l 1,712 (6) -- 1,706 1,453 284 -- 1,737 18.0 (1.6) (1.9) Structural Heart 1,083 -- -- 1,083 352 611 -- 963 207.8 12.1 11.7 U.S. 432 -- -- 432 156 220 -- 376 177.0 15.0 15.0 Int’l 651 -- -- 651 196 391 -- 587 232.4 10.2 9.6 Neuromodulation 808 -- -- 808 -- 564 -- 564 n/m 43.4 43.2 U.S. 636 -- -- 636 -- 414 -- 414 n/m 53.8 53.8 Int’l 172 -- -- 172 -- 150 -- 150 n/m 14.7 13.9 

 a) Reflects sales related to the AMO and St. Jude Medical vascular closure businesses prior to divesting in the first quarter 2017. b) Reflects reported actuals for St. Jude Medical, excluding results from the vascular closure business, as well as a reduction to St. Jude Medical sales related to the reclassification of fees paid to group purchasing organizations from the Selling, general, and administrative line. c) In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates. 

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Details of Specified Items Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Acquisition or Restructuring Intangible Other (c) Total Divestiture- and Cost Amortization Specifieds related (a) Reduction Initiatives (b) -------------- Gross Margin $113 $21 $560 $ -- $694 R&D (35) (2) -- (53) (90) SG&A (242) (24) -- -- (266) Interest expense, net (5) -- -- -- (5) Other (income) expense, net 69 -- -- -- 69 --- --- --- --- --- Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes $326 $47 $560 $53 986 ---- --- ---- --- Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations (d) (1,181) ------ Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations $2,167 ====== Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations $1.24 ===== 

 The table above provides additional details regarding the specified items described on tables titled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations”. a) Acquisition-related expenses include bankers’ fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to business acquisitions, integration costs which represent incremental costs directly related to integrating the acquired businesses and include expenditures for consulting, retention, severance, and the integration of systems, processes and business activities, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration related to a business acquisition, and inventory step-up amortization. Divestiture-related expenses include incremental costs to separate the divested businesses as well as bankers’ fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to the divestitures. Divestiture-related items also include any gains in the period related to the sale of Mylan N.V. ordinary shares. b) Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance, outplacement, inventory write-downs, asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans and cost reduction initiatives. Restructuring and cost reduction plans consist of distinct initiatives to streamline operations including the consolidation and rationalization of business activities and facilities, workforce reductions, the transfer of product lines between manufacturing facilities, and the transfer of other business activities between sites. c) Other expense primarily relates to the impairment of an R&D asset. d) Reflects net expense for the estimated tax impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the net tax benefit associated with the specified items and excess tax benefits associated with share- based compensation. 

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Details of Specified Items Fourth Quarter Ended December 31, 2016 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Acquisition or Restructuring Venezuela Intangible Other (c) Total Divestiture- and Cost Devaluation Amortization Specifieds related (a) Reduction Initiatives (b) -------------- Gross Margin $11 $29 $ -- $121 $ -- $161 R&D (2) (7) -- -- -- (9) SG&A (54) (28) -- -- (17) (99) Interest expense, net (101) -- -- -- -- (101) Net foreign exchange (gain) loss -- -- 1 -- -- 1 Other (income) expense, net 52 -- -- -- -- 52 --- --- --- --- --- --- Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes $116 $64 $(1) $121 $17 317 ---- --- --- ---- --- Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations (d) 111 --- Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations $206 ==== Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Share from Continuing Operations $0.14 ===== 

 The table above provides additional details regarding the specified items described on tables titled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations”. a) Acquisition-related expenses include bankers’ fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to business acquisitions, integration costs which represent incremental costs directly related to integrating the acquired businesses and include expenditures for consulting, retention, severance, and the integration of systems, processes and business activities, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration related to a business acquisition, inventory step-up amortization, and gains on a previously held investment for which the company acquired a controlling interest. The specified items in interest expense include amortization expense associated with acquisition-related bridge facility fees and net interest expense associated with the debt issued in November 2016 in advance to fund the cash portion of the acquisition of St. Jude Medical in January 2017. Divestiture-related expenses include incremental costs to separate the divested businesses as well as bankers’ fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to the divestitures. b) Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance, outplacement, inventory write-downs, asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans and cost reduction initiatives. Restructuring and cost reduction plans consist of distinct initiatives to streamline operations including the consolidation and rationalization of business activities and facilities, workforce reductions, the transfer of product lines between manufacturing facilities, and the transfer of other business activities between sites. Any gains related to the divestiture of a facility as part of a restructuring program are also included in this category. c) Other expense relates to other unusual significant costs such as a significant litigation settlement. d) Reflects the net tax benefit associated with the specified items and approximately $60 million of tax benefits related to the recognition of deferred tax assets associated with the sale of AMO, which was pending at December 31, 2016, partially offset by approximately $25 million primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years. 

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Details of Specified Items Year Ended December 31, 2017 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Acquisition or Restructuring Intangible Other (c) Total Divestiture- and Cost Amortization Specifieds related (a) Reduction Initiatives (b) -------------- Gross Margin $983 $195 $1,975 $ -- $3,153 R&D (72) (105) -- (59) (236) SG&A (812) (50) -- 1 (861) Interest expense, net (24) -- -- -- (24) Other (income) expense, net 1,285 (34) -- (15) 1,236 ----- --- --- --- ----- Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes $606 $384 $1,975 $73 3,038 ---- ---- ------ --- Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations (d) (1,009) ------ Earnings from Continuing Operations $4,047 ====== Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $2.30 ===== 

 The table above provides additional details regarding the specified items described on tables titled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations”. a) Acquisition-related expenses include bankers’ fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to business acquisitions, integration costs which represent incremental costs directly related to integrating the acquired businesses and include expenditures for consulting, retention, severance, and the integration of systems, processes and business activities, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration related to a business acquisition, and inventory step-up amortization. The specified items in interest expense include amortization expense associated with acquisition-related bridge facility fees. Divestiture-related expenses include incremental costs to separate the divested businesses as well as bankers’ fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to the divestitures. Divestiture-related items also include any gains in the period related to the sale of Mylan N.V. ordinary shares. b) Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance, outplacement, inventory write-downs, asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans and cost reduction initiatives. Restructuring and cost reduction plans consist of distinct initiatives to streamline operations including the consolidation and rationalization of business activities and facilities, workforce reductions, the transfer of product lines between manufacturing facilities, and the transfer of other business activities between sites. Any gains related to the divestiture of a facility as part of a restructuring program are also included in this category. c) Other expense primarily relates to impairments of a financial instrument and an R&D asset as well as the acquisition of an R&D asset. d) Reflects net expense for the estimated tax impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the net tax benefit associated with the specified items and excess tax benefits associated with share- based compensation. 

 Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Details of Specified Items Year Ended December 31, 2016 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Acquisition or Restructuring Mylan Equity Venezuela Intangible Other Total Divestiture- and Cost Investment Devaluation Amortization (e) Specifieds related (a) Reduction Adjustment (d) Initiatives (b) (c) -------------- --- Gross Margin $24 $72 $ -- $15 $550 $ -- $661 R&D (9) (6) -- -- -- (62) (77) SG&A (133) (89) -- (10) -- (17) (249) Interest expense, net (240) -- -- -- -- -- (240) Net foreign exchange (gain) loss -- -- -- (480) -- -- (480) Other (income) expense, net 38 -- (947) (1) -- -- (910) --- --- ---- --- --- --- ---- Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes $368 $167 $947 $506 $550 $79 2,617 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- --- Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations (f) 399 --- Earnings from Continuing Operations $2,218 ====== Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $1.49 ===== 

 The table above provides additional details regarding the specified items described on tables titled “Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations”. a) Acquisition-related expenses include bankers’ fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to business acquisitions, integration costs which represent incremental costs directly related to integrating the acquired businesses and include expenditures for consulting, retention, severance, and the integration of systems, processes and business activities, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration related to a business acquisition, inventory step-up amortization, and gains on a previously held investment for which the company acquired a controlling interest. The specified items in interest expense include amortization expense associated with acquisition-related bridge facility fees and net interest expense associated with the debt issued in November 2016 in advance to fund the cash portion of the acquisition of St. Jude Medical in January 2017. Divestiture-related expenses include incremental costs to separate the divested businesses as well as bankers’ fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to the divestitures. b) Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance, outplacement, inventory write-downs, asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans and cost reduction initiatives. Restructuring and cost reduction plans consist of distinct initiatives to streamline operations including the consolidation and rationalization of business activities and facilities, workforce reductions, the transfer of product lines between manufacturing facilities, and the transfer of other business activities between sites. Any gains related to the divestiture of a facility as part of a restructuring program are also included in this category. c) Mylan equity investment adjustment expense reflects the adjustment of Abbott’s holding of Mylan N.V. ordinary shares due to a decline in the fair value of the securities which was considered by Abbott to be other than temporary. d) Venezuela devaluation expenses include the foreign exchange loss of $480 million related to the revaluation of Abbott’s net monetary assets in Venezuela using the Dicom exchange rate as well as inventory and other asset impairments in Venezuela related to the move to the Dicom exchange rate. The Dicom rate is the Venezuelan government’s official floating exchange rate. e) Other expense relates to other unusual significant costs such as a significant litigation settlement and the impairment of an R&D asset. f) Reflects the net tax benefit associated with the specified items and a net tax benefit of approximately $225 million primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years, partially offset by the recognition of approximately $70 million of deferred taxes associated with the sale of AMO, which was pending at December 31, 2016. 

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SOURCE Abbott