Abbott Laboratories on Wednesday said second-quarter earnings narrowly beat analysts' estimates despite a strengthening dollar that carved out value from the company's overseas sales. The North Chicago-based healthcare company said net income for the quarter declined 11 percent to $1.75 billion, or $1.08 a share, as unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates and charges related to its planned split up offset modest sales gains.
Excluding the special charges, profits jumped 11.2 percent to $1.97 billion, or $1.23 per share.
