Core Viewpoint - The healthcare sector is positioned as a strong long-term investment opportunity, with a focus on companies that have shown adaptability and are well-prepared for future challenges [2]. Group 1: Abbott Laboratories - Abbott Laboratories, founded in 1888, has a market capitalization of $240 billion and offers diverse healthcare products across multiple sectors [4]. - The company is a leader in medical devices, diagnostics, nutritional products, and established pharmaceuticals, with notable products like the MitraClip and FreeStyle Libre [5][6]. - Abbott anticipates an 8% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025 and continues to innovate, recently receiving the European CE Mark for the Volt PFA System [7][8]. - Abbott has a strong dividend history, having increased its dividend for 53 consecutive years [8]. Group 2: AbbVie - AbbVie, spun off from Abbott in 2013, has a market capitalization of approximately $328 billion and generated $56.3 billion in sales last year [9][10]. - The company has successfully navigated the loss of U.S. exclusivity for its top product, Humira, by investing in R&D and acquisitions, leading to a robust product pipeline [11]. - AbbVie’s successors to Humira, Rinvoq and Skyrizi, are projected to generate combined sales of $31 billion by 2027, surpassing Humira's peak sales [12]. - AbbVie has increased its dividend by a cumulative 310% since its spin-off, with a forward dividend yield of 3.51% [12]. - The stock is considered relatively inexpensive, trading at 15.2 times forward earnings, with growth potential from new products [13].

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against Reckitt Benckiser Group plc for allegedly misleading investors regarding the risks associated with its cow's milk-based formula, Enfamil, during the Class Period from January 13, 2021, to July 28, 2024 [1][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of all individuals and entities who purchased Reckitt securities during the specified Class Period [1]. - Investors have until August 4, 2025, to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit [1]. Group 2: Allegations Against Reckitt - The class action alleges that Reckitt made misleading statements and omissions regarding its business, financial condition, and prospects [4]. - Specifically, it is claimed that Reckitt failed to warn investors that preterm infants consuming its Enfamil formula were at an increased risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) [4]. - The lawsuit also asserts that Reckitt did not disclose the potential impact on sales of Enfamil and the company's exposure to legal claims [4]. Group 3: Industry Context - Reckitt, a UK-based global consumer goods company, is facing over 500 state and federal products liability lawsuits related to its formula and that of its competitor, Abbott Laboratories [3].

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]