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Company Performance - Abbott Laboratories reported fourth-quarter sales of $10.97 billion, which is a 7.2% increase year over year, but it missed the consensus estimate of $11.01 billion [2] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for Abbott were $1.34, aligning with analyst estimates and management's guidance of $1.31-$1.37, up from $1.19 a year ago [2] - For full-year 2025, Abbott projects adjusted EPS of $5.05-$5.25, compared to a consensus of $5.16, with organic sales growth expected at 7.5%-8.5% and an adjusted operating margin of 23.5%-24.0% [3] Market Movements - Blackboxstocks Inc. shares surged 101% to $3.39 following a $250K securities purchase agreement and potential merger anticipation [9] - Absci Corporation's shares increased by 26% to $4.0450 after Needham initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $9 price target [9] - ImmunoPrecise Antibodies Ltd. shares rose 30% to $0.6396 after announcing the development of a new class of GLP-1 therapies [9] - Agilysys, Inc. shares fell 21% to $100.00 due to worse-than-expected third-quarter sales results and FY25 revenue guidance below estimates [9] - Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. shares plummeted 61% to $0.1265 after announcing a $9 million public offering [9] - Lisata Therapeutics, Inc. shares dropped 30% to $2.72 following preliminary cohort data from its Phase 2 Ascend trial [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics - No specific financial data or key metrics changes mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - No specific business line data or key metrics changes mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics - No specific market data or key metrics changes mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4][5] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - No specific company strategy or industry competition details mentioned in the provided content [1][2][3][4][5] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company cautions that forward-looking statements made during the call are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated Economic, competitive, governmental, technological, and other factors that may affect the company's operations are discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors, of the annual report on Form 10-K for the year-ended December 31, 2023 [5] Other Important Information - The call is being recorded by the company and is material copyrighted by the company It cannot be recorded or rebroadcast without the company's express written permission [2] Q&A Session - No Q&A session details provided in the content [1][2][3][4][5]

Core Insights - Abbott reported $10.97 billion in revenue for Q4 2024, a year-over-year increase of 7.2%, with EPS of $1.34 compared to $1.19 a year ago [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.02 billion by 0.45%, while the EPS met the consensus estimate [1] Financial Performance Metrics - U.S. Diagnostics net sales were $1.06 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $1.03 billion, reflecting a 3.4% year-over-year increase [4] - International Diagnostics net sales were $1.47 billion, below the average estimate of $1.54 billion, showing a year-over-year decline of 3.2% [4] - International Nutrition net sales reached $1.20 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $1.21 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 2% [4] - U.S. Nutrition net sales were $928 million, compared to the average estimate of $942.92 million, marking a 7.9% year-over-year increase [4] - Medical Devices - Rhythm Management total net sales were $624 million, slightly above the average estimate of $623.50 million, with a year-over-year increase of 7.2% [4] - Medical Devices - Diabetes Care net sales were $1.86 billion, exceeding the average estimate of $1.82 billion, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase of 20% [4] - Established Pharmaceuticals net sales were $1.27 billion, below the average estimate of $1.31 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 3.8% [4] - Total Diagnostics net sales were $2.52 billion, slightly below the average estimate of $2.57 billion, showing a year-over-year decline of 0.6% [4] - Total Nutrition net sales were $2.13 billion, below the average estimate of $2.16 billion, with a year-over-year increase of 4.5% [4] - Medical Devices - Vascular total net sales were $725 million, exceeding the average estimate of $714.22 million, with a year-over-year increase of 7.1% [4] - Medical Devices - Neuromodulation total net sales were $257 million, slightly above the average estimate of $253.01 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.1% [4] - Medical Devices - Structural Heart total net sales were $609 million, exceeding the average estimate of $587.72 million, with a year-over-year increase of 22.3% [4] Stock Performance - Abbott's shares returned +1.8% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.1% change, with a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) indicating potential outperformance in the near term [3]

Core Viewpoint - Abbott reported quarterly earnings of $1.34 per share, matching the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and showing an increase from $1.19 per share a year ago [1] - The company posted revenues of $10.97 billion for the quarter, slightly missing the consensus estimate by 0.45%, but up from $10.24 billion year-over-year [2] Financial Performance - Over the last four quarters, Abbott has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times and topped revenue estimates three times as well [2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.12 on revenues of $10.64 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.14 on revenues of $44.94 billion [7] Stock Performance and Outlook - Abbott shares have increased by approximately 3.3% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 2.9% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for outperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Medical - Products industry, to which Abbott belongs, is currently ranked in the top 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook for stocks in this sector [8] - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5]

Sales Performance - Fourth-quarter sales of $11.0 billion, with reported sales increasing 7.2% and organic sales growth of 10.1% excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales[3] - Full-year 2024 sales of $42.0 billion, with reported sales increasing 4.6% and organic sales growth of 9.6% excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales[3] - Worldwide Nutrition sales increased 4.5% on a reported basis and 7.1% on an organic basis in the fourth quarter[9] - Global Diagnostics sales increased 4.3% on a reported basis and 6.1% on an organic basis excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales[12] - Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased 3.8% on a reported basis and 8.5% on an organic basis in Q4 2024, with international sales reaching $1,268 million[17] - Key Emerging Markets sales grew 3.3% on a reported basis and 8.8% on an organic basis in Q4 2024, driven by growth in gastroenterology, women's health, and central nervous system/pain management[18] - Full-year 2024 Established Pharmaceuticals sales totaled $5,194 million, with organic growth of 9.2%[19] - Medical Devices sales increased 13.7% on a reported basis and 14.0% on an organic basis in Q4 2024, reaching $5,052 million[21] - Diabetes Care sales grew 22.7% on a reported basis and 22.8% on an organic basis in Q4 2024, with continuous glucose monitors contributing $1.8 billion[21] - Full-year 2024 Medical Devices sales were $19 billion, an increase of over $2 billion compared to the previous year[22] - Total worldwide sales in Q4 2024 were $10.974 billion, with COVID-19 testing-related sales at $176 million[33] - Full-year 2024 total worldwide sales were $41.950 billion, with COVID-19 testing-related sales at $747 million[33] - Net Sales for 4Q24 increased by 7.2% to $10.974 billion compared to $10.241 billion in 4Q23[35] - Total Company revenue for 4Q24 was $10.974 billion, a 7.2% increase compared to 4Q23[54] - U.S. revenue for 4Q24 was $4.341 billion, up 10.0% compared to 4Q23[54] - International revenue for 4Q24 was $6.633 billion, a 5.4% increase compared to 4Q23[54] - Total Nutrition revenue for 4Q24 was $2.129 billion, up 4.5% compared to 4Q23[54] - Adult Nutrition revenue for 4Q24 was $1.129 billion, a 7.4% increase compared to 4Q23[54] - Total Medical Devices revenue for 4Q24 was $5.052 billion, up 13.7% compared to 4Q23[54] - Total Company revenue for 12M24 was $41.950 billion, a 4.6% increase compared to 12M23[54] - Total Medical Devices revenue for 12M24 was $18.986 billion, up 12.4% compared to 12M23[54] Earnings and Profitability - Full-year 2024 GAAP diluted EPS of $7.64 and adjusted diluted EPS of $4.67[3] - Abbott projects full-year 2025 adjusted diluted EPS of $5.05 to $5.25, reflecting double-digit growth at the midpoint[3] - Operating Earnings for 4Q24 rose by 7.4% to $1.911 billion from $1.780 billion in 4Q23[35] - Net Earnings for 4Q24 surged to $9.229 billion, significantly impacted by a $7.497 billion non-cash valuation allowance adjustment[35][37] - Diluted Earnings per Common Share for 4Q24 was $5.27, up from $0.91 in 4Q23, largely due to the same valuation allowance adjustment[35][37] - Operating Earnings for 12M24 increased by 5.4% to $6.825 billion from $6.478 billion in 12M23[39] - Net Earnings for 12M24 jumped to $13.402 billion, influenced by a $7.497 billion non-cash valuation allowance adjustment[39][41] - Diluted Earnings per Common Share for 12M24 was $7.64, up from $3.26 in 12M23, primarily due to the valuation allowance adjustment[39][41] - Abbott projects full-year 2025 adjusted operating margin to be 23.5% to 24.0% of sales, reflecting an increase of 150 basis points at the midpoint compared to 2024[3] Research and Development - Abbott announced more than 15 new growth opportunities from its R&D pipeline in 2024, including new product approvals and treatment indications[3] - R&D expenses for 4Q24 increased by 7.0% to $749 million compared to $700 million in 4Q23[35] Expenses and Costs - SG&A expenses for 4Q24 rose by 6.7% to $2.907 billion from $2.724 billion in 4Q23[35] - Acquisition-related expenses include legal and other costs related to business acquisitions as well as integration costs[68] - Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance and outplacement costs[68] - Other expenses include costs to comply with MDR and IVDR regulations and charges for intangible asset impairments[68] - Net tax benefit associated with specified items is reflected[68] COVID-19 Testing Sales - Worldwide COVID-19 testing sales were $176 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to $288 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year[12] - Total worldwide sales in Q4 2024 were $10.974 billion, with COVID-19 testing-related sales at $176 million[33] - Full-year 2024 total worldwide sales were $41.950 billion, with COVID-19 testing-related sales at $747 million[33] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - Abbott declared a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share, marking its 404th consecutive quarterly dividend[26] Product Line Discontinuation - The company discontinued the ZonePerfect® product line in the Nutrition business, impacting revenue by $1 billion in 4Q24 and $14 billion in 12M24[55] Acquisitions and Organic Growth - The acquisition of CSI on April 27, 2023, impacted organic sales growth calculations for January through April 2024[54] - Abbott projects full-year 2025 organic sales growth to be in the range of 7.5% to 8.5%[3] - Abbott projects full-year 2025 organic sales growth to be in the range of 7.5% to 8.5%[24]

Core Insights - Abbott reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter of 2024, achieving the highest sales and earnings per share growth of the year, with a total sales of $10.974 billion, representing a 7.2% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2023 [2][6][29] - The company achieved organic sales growth of 10.1% in the fourth quarter when excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales, indicating robust underlying business performance [6][12] - For the full year 2024, Abbott's total sales reached $41.950 billion, a 4.6% increase from 2023, with organic sales growth of 9.6% when excluding COVID-19 testing [6][29] Fourth-Quarter Business Overview - U.S. sales for the fourth quarter were $4.341 billion, up 10.0%, while international sales were $6.633 billion, up 5.4% [4][6] - The Nutrition segment reported sales of $2.129 billion, with U.S. sales increasing by 8.0% and international sales by 2.0% [4][8] - Diagnostics sales totaled $2.520 billion, with a reported decline of 0.6% year-over-year, primarily due to reduced demand for COVID-19 tests [12][13] - Medical Devices sales increased by 13.7% to $5.052 billion, driven by strong performance in various product lines [20][21] Full-Year Results - For the full year 2024, Abbott's gross margin improved by 60 basis points on a GAAP basis compared to 2023, reflecting operational efficiency [6][35] - The company achieved a GAAP diluted EPS of $7.64 and an adjusted diluted EPS of $4.67 for the full year [6][35] - Abbott's R&D pipeline yielded over 15 new growth opportunities in 2024, contributing to future growth prospects [6][23] Guidance for 2025 - Abbott projects full-year 2025 organic sales growth to be in the range of 7.5% to 8.5% and an adjusted operating margin of 23.5% to 24.0% of sales [6][23] - The company anticipates adjusted diluted EPS for 2025 to be between $5.05 and $5.25, indicating expected double-digit growth [6][23] Dividend Declaration - Abbott declared a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share, marking the 404th consecutive quarterly dividend, and has increased its dividend payout for 53 consecutive years [25]

Core Viewpoint - Abbott Laboratories is expected to report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results on January 22, with projected non-GAAP earnings between $1.31 and $1.37 per share, reflecting a 12.6% growth from the previous year [1][2]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Abbott's earnings has remained steady at $1.34 per share over the past 90 days [2]. - The consensus mark for revenues is pegged at $11.02 billion, suggesting a 7.6% growth from the year-ago quarter [4]. Segment Performance Diagnostics - The Diagnostics segment is expected to benefit from high testing demand and the adoption of top-tier systems, with a projected revenue increase of 1.4% year over year [4][6]. - However, a decline in COVID-19 testing revenues is anticipated, continuing a trend from previous quarters [5]. Established Pharmaceuticals (EPD) - Abbott's EPD business is likely to show strong performance driven by a broad product portfolio and favorable demographic trends, with a projected revenue increase of 6.9% year over year [7][9]. - The company has identified biosimilars as a strategic growth area, contributing positively to the fourth-quarter results [8]. Medical Devices - The Medical Devices segment is expected to report an 11.8% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by the Diabetes Care division and new product launches [10][13]. - Key products include the Freestyle Libre sensing technology and the recently launched tricuspid repair device, TriClip [11][12]. Nutrition - The Nutrition division is anticipated to see a 5.8% revenue improvement, with strong sales in pediatric nutrition and market share gains in the infant formula business [13][14]. Stock Performance - Abbott's shares have outperformed the broader industry, declining only 0.4% compared to a 4.1% decline in the industry during the fourth quarter [15]. - The stock has also outperformed the Medical sector's 12.2% decline, while the S&P 500 rose 3.7% in the same period [15]. Valuation - Abbott's stock is considered to have a stretched valuation, with a forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 21.95X, higher than the sector's 21.42X [19]. - Compared to peers, MDT trades at 15.33X and BSX at 35.35X [19]. Investment Rationale - Abbott's diversified business model and strong market position contribute to its consistent performance and growth prospects, making it a compelling stock for investment [20]. - The company's financial strength, characterized by strong cash flow and conservative leverage, enhances its ability to invest in growth opportunities [21].

Core Viewpoint - Analysts project Abbott (ABT) will report quarterly earnings of $1.34 per share, a 12.6% increase year over year, with revenues expected to reach $11.02 billion, reflecting a 7.6% increase from the same quarter last year [1] Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating a collective reevaluation by analysts [1][2] - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [2] Key Metrics Projections - Analysts estimate 'Net sales- Medical Devices- Rhythm Management- Total' at $623.50 million, a 7.1% year-over-year increase [4] - 'Net sales- Medical Devices- Diabetes Care' is projected to reach $1.82 billion, indicating a 17.3% increase from the prior-year quarter [4] - 'Net sales- Established Pharmaceuticals' is expected to be $1.31 billion, reflecting a 6.9% increase year over year [5] - 'Net sales- Diagnostics' is estimated at $2.57 billion, a 1.4% increase from the prior-year quarter [5] - 'Net sales- Diagnostics- U.S.' is projected to be $1.03 billion, indicating a 0.9% increase year over year [5] - 'Net sales- Diagnostics- International' is forecasted to reach $1.54 billion, a 1.7% increase from the prior-year quarter [6] - 'Net sales- Nutrition- International' is expected to be $1.21 billion, reflecting a 3.1% year-over-year change [6] - 'Net sales- Nutrition- U.S.' is projected at $942.92 million, indicating a 9.6% increase from the prior-year quarter [6] - 'Net sales- Medical Devices- Neuromodulation- International' is estimated at $50.56 million, a 17.6% increase year over year [7] - 'Net sales- Medical Devices- Rhythm Management- U.S.' is projected to be $303.63 million, reflecting a 6.5% increase [7] - 'Net sales- Medical Devices- Rhythm Management- International' is expected to reach $318.99 million, indicating a 7.4% increase from the prior-year quarter [8] - 'Net sales- Medical Devices- Structural Heart- U.S.' is projected at $279.89 million, reflecting a significant 21.2% increase year over year [8] Stock Performance - Abbott shares have shown a return of -0.7% over the past month, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -3.3% change, indicating relative outperformance [8]

Core Viewpoint - Abbott Laboratories (ABT) shares are currently trading at a discount compared to the Zacks Medical Products industry, presenting a potential buying opportunity for value investors [1][2]. Valuation and Market Position - Abbott's trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/B) value is 4.91X, significantly lower than the industry average of 7.64X and the benchmark's average of 8.77 [1]. - The stock is attractively valued compared to peers such as Boston Scientific (P/B of 6.47X) and Stryker (P/B of 6.72X) [1]. - The company has a market capitalization of $196 billion, indicating its substantial size within the MedTech sector [4]. Performance Metrics - Over the past six months, Abbott's shares improved by 11.6%, outperforming the broader industry, which saw a mere 9.1% improvement, and the Medical sector, which declined by 9.3% [5]. - The S&P 500 index improved by 7.4% during the same period [5]. - Abbott's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) stands at 20.18%, surpassing the industry average of 16.62%, highlighting efficient management and strong returns for shareholders [13]. Strategic Developments - Abbott is gaining a prominent position in global point-of-care testing, focusing on areas such as Infectious Disease and Consumer Diagnostics [8]. - The company is advancing in biosimilars within its Established Pharmaceuticals Division, with plans for commercialization in oncology and women's health set for 2025 [9]. - In Diabetes Care, Abbott's continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, FreeStyle Libre, generated over $1.6 billion in sales, growing 21% in the third quarter of 2024 [10]. Recent Agreements and Future Outlook - Abbott has settled all pending lawsuits with Dexcom, allowing the company to focus on advancing its Diabetes Care business without the burden of litigation expenses [11][12]. - The company's diversified business model and strong market position contribute to its consistent performance and growth prospects, making it a compelling buy [15]. - Abbott's financial strength, characterized by strong cash flow and conservative leverage, enhances its ability to invest in growth opportunities [17].