Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved high single-digit sales growth of 7% in Q1 2025, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) growing 11% to $1.09, finishing at the high end of the guidance range [12][29][27] - Excluding COVID testing sales, sales growth was over 8% [12] - Gross margin expanded by 140 basis points, and operating margin increased by 130 basis points compared to the prior year [27][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nutrition sales increased by 7%, driven by high single-digit growth in adult nutrition and double-digit growth in US pediatric nutrition [14] - Diagnostics sales declined by 5%, primarily due to a decrease in COVID-19 testing sales; core laboratory diagnostics grew 6.5% excluding China [15][29] - Established a new system, Alinity N, for molecular nucleic acid testing, representing a billion-dollar market opportunity [17] - Medical devices sales grew 12.5%, with continuous glucose monitors achieving over 20% growth [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in the EPD segment increased by 8%, with double-digit growth in more than half of the key 15 markets [18] - The US dollar's weakening had a favorable impact on sales compared to exchange rates at the time of the previous earnings call [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on navigating the complexities of a dynamic economic environment, including the impact of new tariff policies [10][11] - A diversified business model is emphasized as a strength, allowing the company to manage global challenges effectively [10] - The company plans to launch over 25 key new products over the next three years, contributing to sustained growth [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining guidance despite tariff impacts, estimating a few hundred million dollars in tariff-related costs for 2025 [45][46] - The company is actively assessing various scenarios to mitigate tariff impacts and is optimistic about its manufacturing network's flexibility [50][52] - Management expects the second half of 2025 to outperform the first half due to new product launches and improved market conditions [102] Other Important Information - The company is investing in R&D and expanding its portfolio in biosimilars and diagnostics, with a focus on enhancing its competitive position [18][90] - The company is also exploring M&A opportunities in medical devices and diagnostics while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation [94][96] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on full-year guidance - Management confirmed that tariffs will have a financial impact, estimating a few hundred million dollars for 2025, with a focus on mitigating strategies [45][46] Question: State of the EP franchise and Volt approval timeline - Management expressed optimism about the EP franchise, highlighting strong initial feedback for Volt and a potential US approval timeline in early 2026 [65][66] Question: Broader diagnostic strategy and M&A considerations - Management acknowledged challenges in the diagnostics segment, particularly in China, and emphasized the importance of M&A to enhance growth [82][90] Question: Acceleration of top-line growth in the second half - Management indicated that new product launches and favorable comparisons to previous year performance will drive growth acceleration [102][106] Question: Gross margin expectations amid tariff impacts - Management confirmed that tariffs would primarily affect gross margins, but favorable FX movements could help offset some impacts [108] Question: Plans for seeking exemptions from tariffs - Management stated that while they are engaged with industry associations, they do not rely on hope for tariff exemptions and are focused on data-driven strategies [130][132] Question: Diversified model and potential for unlocking value - Management reiterated the value of their diversified model and stated that they are continuously evaluating opportunities to create value without current plans for divestitures [138][140]

Financial Performance - First-quarter GAAP diluted EPS was $0.76, and adjusted diluted EPS was $1.09, reflecting double-digit growth compared to the prior year[3] - First-quarter reported sales increased by 4.0%, with organic sales growth of 6.9% or 8.3% when excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales[3] - Abbott's total sales for the first quarter reached $10.358 billion, with U.S. sales at $4.168 billion and international sales at $6.190 billion[5] - In Q1 2025, total worldwide sales reached $10.358 billion, a 4.0% increase from $9.964 billion in Q1 2024[27] - Operating earnings rose to $1.693 billion in Q1 2025, a 22.1% increase compared to $1.386 billion in Q1 2024[29] - Net earnings for Q1 2025 were $1.325 billion, an 8.2% increase from $1.225 billion in Q1 2024[29] - Diluted earnings per share increased to $0.76 in Q1 2025, up 8.6% from $0.70 in Q1 2024[29] Sales and Market Growth - In Diabetes Care, sales of continuous glucose monitors reached $1.7 billion, growing 18.3% on a reported basis[16] - Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased by 2.7% on a reported basis and 7.8% on an organic basis in the first quarter[13] - Total Diagnostics sales in Q1 2025 were $2.054 billion, down 7.2% from $2.214 billion in Q1 2024, with COVID-19 testing-related sales decreasing from $204 million to $84 million[27] - Organic sales, excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales, increased by 8.3% for Abbott and 0.5% for total Diagnostics[27] Margins and Expenses - Reported gross margin was 52.8%, while adjusted gross margin increased by 140 basis points to 57.1%[3] - Abbott's gross margin for Q1 2025 was $5.470 billion, reflecting a significant increase from $5.029 billion in Q1 2024[33] - Research and development expenses increased by 4.6% to $716 million in Q1 2025, compared to $684 million in Q1 2024[29] - The company reported a tax rate of 25.5% for Q1 2025, compared to 14.7% for Q1 2024[35] Future Outlook and Investments - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 financial guidance, projecting organic sales growth of 7.5% to 8.5%[18] - Abbott initiated a U.S. pivotal trial, TECTONIC, for its investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy System in March 2025[3] - Abbott's two new manufacturing and R&D investments in Illinois and Texas, totaling $0.5 billion, are projected to go live by the end of 2025[3] - The company anticipates continued growth in organic sales and is focused on expanding its product offerings and market presence[27] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - Abbott declared a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share, marking 53 consecutive years of dividend increases[21] Expenses and Charges - Acquisition-related expenses include integration costs directly related to integrating acquired businesses[45] - Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses encompass severance, outplacement, and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans[45] - Other expenses include various investment impairment charges and costs to comply with the European Union's Medical Device Regulations (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostics Medical Device Regulations (IVDR) requirements[45] - The net tax benefit reflects the specified items related to the aforementioned expenses[45]

Core Insights - Abbott's diversified business model has led to strong sales and earnings per share (EPS) growth, allowing the company to navigate uncertainty and achieve sustainable growth [2][6][20] Financial Performance - Total worldwide sales for the first quarter of 2025 reached $10.358 billion, representing a 4.0% increase compared to $9.964 billion in the first quarter of 2024 [26] - The first-quarter GAAP diluted EPS was $0.76, while the adjusted diluted EPS was $1.09, reflecting double-digit growth year-over-year [6][26] - Reported gross margin was 52.8% of sales, with an adjusted gross margin of 57.1%, indicating a 140 basis point increase [6] - Operating margin for the first quarter was reported at 16.3%, with an adjusted operating margin of 21.0%, reflecting a 130 basis point increase [6] Segment Performance Nutrition - Total Nutrition sales were $2.146 billion, with U.S. sales at $955 million and international sales at $1.191 billion [9][10] - Pediatric Nutrition sales increased by 3.2% globally, while Adult Nutrition sales grew by 4.4% on a reported basis [10][11] - Organic sales growth in Nutrition was 6.8%, driven by Abbott's comprehensive product portfolio [9][10] Diagnostics - Total Diagnostics sales were $2.054 billion, with a reported decline of 7.2% year-over-year [12][14] - The decline was attributed to reduced COVID-19 testing-related sales, which fell to $84 million from $204 million in the previous year [14][26] - Core Laboratory Diagnostics sales decreased by 2.3% on a reported basis but increased by 0.9% on an organic basis [14] Established Pharmaceuticals - Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased by 2.7% on a reported basis and 7.8% on an organic basis, with international sales at $1.260 billion [15][16] - Key Emerging Markets showed a 4.0% increase in sales, driven by double-digit growth in several countries across Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East [16] Medical Devices - Medical Devices sales reached $4.895 billion, with a reported increase of 9.9% and organic growth of 12.6% [18][19] - Sales growth was led by Diabetes Care, Structural Heart, Heart Failure, and Electrophysiology products, including FreeStyle Libre® and TriClip® [19] Future Outlook - Abbott projects full-year 2025 organic sales growth to be in the range of 7.5% to 8.5% and adjusted operating margin to be 23.5% to 24.0% of sales [20] - The company also anticipates adjusted diluted earnings per share for 2025 to be between $5.05 and $5.25 [20]

Core Insights - The aging population is significantly reshaping healthcare delivery and resource allocation, with longer life expectancies and declining birth rates creating demographic imbalances [1][2] - By 2030, one in six people globally will be over 60, and by 2050, this figure is expected to rise to 2.1 billion, increasing the share of older adults from 12% in 2015 to 22% [2] - The rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) alongside communicable diseases poses challenges for healthcare financing and system sustainability [2] Industry Trends - The global geriatric care market is projected to reach approximately $1.2 trillion by 2025, with a CAGR of 6.4% through 2034, driven by chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia [3] - Innovations in medical technology and home care services are enhancing the sector's attractiveness, with digital health solutions and AI-driven diagnostics creating new revenue opportunities [6] Company Strategies - Healthcare companies like Abbott, Novo Nordisk, Exact Sciences, and Tandem Diabetes are positioning themselves to benefit from the aging demographic by expanding their focus on age-related therapeutics and technologies [4][5] - Abbott is a leader in adult nutrition and diabetes care, with products like Ensure and FreeStyle Libre, and is expanding its cardiovascular offerings [8][9] - Novo Nordisk is focusing on Type 2 diabetes and obesity treatments, with drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, and is addressing supply constraints to meet rising demand [11][12] - Exact Sciences is advancing in cancer diagnostics, with a focus on early detection and personalized treatment solutions, particularly for the elderly [13][14] - Tandem Diabetes is expanding its market share in diabetes care, particularly with its t:slim X2 insulin pump, which integrates with Dexcom's continuous glucose monitoring systems [15][16]

In its upcoming report, Abbott (ABT) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $1.07 per share, reflecting an increase of 9.2% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $10.42 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 4.5%.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.1% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during t ...

Core Viewpoint - Abbott Laboratories is expected to report its first-quarter 2025 results on April 16, with positive revenue and earnings growth anticipated compared to the previous year [1][3]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Abbott's first-quarter 2025 revenues is $10.42 billion, reflecting a 4.5% increase from the same quarter last year [3]. - The estimated earnings per share (EPS) for the first quarter of 2025 is $1.07, indicating a 9.2% improvement year-over-year [3]. Segment Performance Diagnostics - The Diagnostics segment is projected to benefit from high testing demand and the adoption of top-tier systems, with a year-over-year revenue increase of 1% expected [5][7]. - However, a decline in COVID-19 testing revenues is anticipated, continuing a trend observed in previous quarters [6][7]. Established Pharmaceuticals (EPD) - The EPD division is likely to show strong performance driven by a diverse product portfolio and favorable demographic trends, with a projected revenue increase of 0.5% year-over-year [8][10]. - The introduction of biosimilars is identified as a strategic growth area, contributing positively to revenue [9]. Medical Devices - The Medical Devices segment is expected to see a significant revenue increase of 9.8% year-over-year, driven by strong sales in the Diabetes Care division and advancements in electrophysiology and structural heart products [11][14]. - Recent positive trial data for the TriClip device is anticipated to further enhance sales in this segment [12]. Nutrition - The Nutrition division is expected to benefit from robust sales of adult nutrition brands like Ensure, with a projected revenue growth of 2.5% year-over-year [15][16]. Earnings Surprise Potential - Abbott has an Earnings ESP of +0.57% and a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating a favorable outlook for beating earnings estimates [17].

Industry Overview - The American trade structure is undergoing a significant transformation due to the Trump administration's new tariff policy, which has complex implications for the healthcare industry [1][3] - Pharmaceuticals are exempt from the new tariffs, protecting over $200 billion in annual U.S. pharmaceutical imports from immediate cost increases, although concerns remain about potential future tariffs on foreign-made drugs [3][4] - Medical devices and healthcare supplies are significantly affected by the tariffs, leading to warnings from industry associations about job losses, delayed innovation, and increased healthcare costs [4] Economic Impact - The new tariffs introduce macroeconomic volatility, with Goldman Sachs raising the odds of a U.S. recession from 20% to 45% due to trade-related uncertainties [5] - Retaliation from trade partners, particularly the EU and China, could further disrupt access to essential materials and technologies [5] Investment Opportunities - In the current volatile environment, investors are advised to focus on large-cap U.S.-based healthcare stocks, which are better positioned to absorb market shocks and maintain profitability [2][6] - Universal Health Services (UHS) is expected to see net revenue growth of 7.6% year-over-year in 2025, driven by expansions in licensed bed capacity and positive impacts from Medicaid programs [7] - BioMarin Pharmaceutical is benefiting from strong demand for its dwarfism drug Voxzogo and has promising developments in gene therapy, with a projected earnings growth of 22.2% for 2025 [9][11] - Abbott is unlocking new growth opportunities through its product pipeline, with a focus on next-generation diagnostics and biosimilars, expecting earnings growth of 10.3% in 2025 [12][13]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced significant losses, with the Dow recording back-to-back losses exceeding 1,500 points on April 3 and 4, including a drop of 2,231 points on April 4, marking one of the highest single-day declines in history [4] - The S&P 500 index fell more than 10% over the last two trading days of the previous week, with a 6% drop on April 6, its worst day since March 2020, currently in correction territory with a 17% decline from its February peak [5] - The Nasdaq Composite also plummeted 6% on each of the last two trading days, now in bear territory with a 22% drop from its recent high, while the CBOE VIX reached 45 on April 4, indicating extreme market fear [6] Defensive Stocks Recommendations - Investing in defensive sectors such as consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare is recommended, with five stocks identified: Molson Coors Beverage Co. (TAP), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), WEC Energy Group Inc. (WEC), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), and HCA Healthcare Inc. (HCA) [3][7] Company Insights Molson Coors Beverage Co. (TAP) - TAP has shown strong performance in Canada and EMEA&APAC, with Q4 2024 results surpassing estimates and year-over-year earnings growth [11] - Projected sales growth for 2025 is in low-single digits, with underlying EPS expected to grow in high-single digits [12] - Current revenue and earnings growth rates are 0.1% and 6.9%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 3.07% [13] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from rising electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [14] - The company is investing in infrastructure to support electric vehicle (EV) growth, including off-road electrification initiatives [16] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 3.2% and 8%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 2.44% [17] WEC Energy Group Inc. (WEC) - WEC is benefiting from both organic and inorganic growth, with strategic investments aimed at enhancing infrastructure and achieving net carbon neutrality by 2050 [18] - Demand from commercial and residential customers is improving, with expected revenue growth in the 2025-2027 period [19] - Current revenue and earnings growth rates are 9.2% and 8.5%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 3.42% [20] Abbott Laboratories (ABT) - ABT utilizes AI for healthcare solutions, including advanced medical imaging and predictive algorithms for heart attack prevention [21] - The company holds a strong position in point-of-care testing across various health areas [22] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.9% and 10.3%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 1.90% [23] HCA Healthcare Inc. (HCA) - HCA's revenues are increasing due to growth in admissions and surgeries, with projected revenues for 2025 between $72.8 billion and $75.8 billion, indicating a 5.2% rise from 2024 [24] - The company has benefited from acquisitions and its telemedicine business, with operating cash flows rising 11.5% year over year in 2024 [25] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.8% and 13.8%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 0.87% [25]

Core Viewpoint - Abbott Laboratories is experiencing strong sales recovery in its Nutrition business, particularly driven by Ensure, and is well-positioned for growth in emerging markets and its Diabetes Care segment through the FreeStyle Libre system [1][5][6] Group 1: Sales Performance - Abbott's shares have increased by 19.6% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 9.1% and the S&P 500's increase of 5.4% [2] - In the fourth quarter of 2024, Abbott's Diabetes Care sales exceeded $1.8 billion, reflecting a 23% growth, while full-year sales reached approximately $6.5 billion, up 22% from 2023 [7] - The Nutrition business reported 7.1% organic growth in the fourth quarter of 2024, with Adult Nutrition growing by 11.4% [9] Group 2: Business Segments - The EPD (Established Pharmaceutical Division) is set for sustainable growth, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% [3] - EPD sales in the fourth quarter of 2024 increased by 8.5% organically, with balanced growth across various therapeutic areas [4] - The FreeStyle Libre system has achieved global leadership in continuous glucose monitoring for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes users [5] Group 3: Market Dynamics - Abbott has gained momentum in the Diabetes Care segment with recent FDA approvals for new over-the-counter CGM systems, expanding its market reach [6] - The Nutrition business is expanding due to strong global demand for adult nutrition products, despite some softness in pediatric product markets [8] - Foreign exchange fluctuations have negatively impacted Abbott's sales, with a 1.4% unfavorable year-over-year effect noted in the fourth quarter of 2024 [10] Group 4: Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Abbott's 2025 earnings per share remains at $5.15, while revenues are projected to rise by 5.7% to $44.35 billion [11]

Core Insights - Abbott has received CE Mark approval for its Volt Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) system, enabling the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients in the European Union earlier than anticipated [1][4] - The Volt PFA system is expected to enhance Abbott's electrophysiology portfolio by allowing a single-catheter approach for mapping, pacing, and ablating, thus improving workflow and patient safety [5][6] - The global PFA market is projected to grow significantly, with a valuation of $913.1 million in 2024 and a compound annual growth rate of 33.1% through 2030, driven by technological advancements [7] Company Performance - Following the announcement of the Volt PFA system, Abbott's stock rose by 3.7%, closing at $131.35, reflecting positive market sentiment [2] - Abbott's market capitalization stands at $226.88 billion, with an earnings yield of 3.9%, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.3% [3] - Over the past year, Abbott's shares have increased by 18.4%, outperforming the industry growth of 9.3% [11] Clinical and Market Relevance - The Volt PFA system demonstrated a 99.1% success rate in achieving pulmonary vein isolation during clinical trials, requiring fewer energy applications compared to existing competitive systems [6] - The Volt PFA system addresses the needs of AFib patients, who face increased risks of stroke and heart failure, by providing a more effective treatment option [4]