Abbott Laboratories

Stock Symbol: ABT

Abbott Laboratories Description:
Abbott Laboratories is a global, diversified health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals, nutritionals and medical products, including devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 70,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott Laboratories Financial Summary:
For the nine months ended 30 September 2005, Abbott Laboratories's revenue increased 16% to $16.29B. Net income from continuing operations increased 9% to 2.4B. Revenue reflects improved performance in Pharmaceutical Products Group led by HUMIRA and Abbott Diabetes Care in Medical Products Group respectively. Net income was partially offset by lower operating margin, higher research & development cost and increased selling, general & administrative cost.

Abbott Laboratories Business Summary:
Abbott Laboratories (Abbott) is engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad and diversified line of healthcare products. Abbott operates in four segments: Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Ross Products and International. The Pharmaceutical Products segment's products include a broad line of adult and pediatric pharmaceuticals (sold on the prescription or recommendation of physicians). The Diagnostic Products segment's products include diagnostic systems and tests for blood banks, hospitals, commercial laboratories, alternate-care testing sites, plasma protein therapeutic companies and consumers. The Ross Products segment's products include a broad line of pediatric and adult nutritionals. The International segment's products include a broad line of pharmaceutical, and adult and pediatric nutritional products marketed and manufactured outside the United States. Abbott also has a 50%-owned joint venture, TAP Pharmaceutical Products Inc.