News provided by Abbott, NYSE on 22.01.2020, announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2019.
Fourth-quarter worldwide sales of $8.3 billion increased 7.1 percent on a reported basis and 8.5 percent on an organic* basis.
Reported diluted EPS from continuing operations under GAAP was $0.59 in the fourth quarter. Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations, which excludes specified items, was $0.95, an increase of 17.3 percent versus prior year1.
Abbott issues full-year 2020 guidance for organic sales growth of 7.0 to 8.0 percent2, which excludes the impact of foreign exchange, and diluted EPS from continuing operations on a GAAP basis of $2.35 to $2.45. Projected full-year adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations is $3.55 to $3.65, reflecting double-digit growth at the mid-point.
Medical Devices sales increased 9.7 percent on a reported basis and 11.3 percent on an organic basis in the fourth quarter. Sales performance was led by double-digit organic sales growth in Heart Failure, Electrophysiology, Structural Heart and Diabetes Care.
Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased 7.8 percent on a reported basis and 10.0 percent on an organic basis in the fourth quarter. Sales performance was led by growth across several countries in Latin America and Asia.
Core Laboratory Diagnostics sales increased 8.4 percent on a reported basis and 10.0 percent on an organic basis in the fourth quarter. Sales performance was led by above-market growth in the U.S. and internationally, where Abbott is achieving continued strong adoption of its Alinity® family of innovative and highly differentiated diagnostic instruments.
"Our focus on organic growth is driving top-tier performance," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "We're entering 2020 with very good momentum and targeting continued strong growth."