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Abbott Laboratories (ABT) 2024 Q2 Earnings Call Summary

July 18, 2024 Abbott Laboratories (ABT)

Market Cap0.38T
Beta
P/E43.94571752178209
EPS20.282294846095283
Dividend0
Dividend Yield0.00%

Optimistic Highlights

  • Strong Organic Sales Growth: Abbott reported over 9% organic sales growth, excluding COVID testing sales.
  • Raised Full-Year Guidance: Based on strong performance, full-year organic sales growth forecast raised to 9.5% to 10%.
  • Broad-Based Portfolio Growth: Notable growth led by medical devices and established pharmaceuticals.
  • Gross Margin Expansion: Positive contributions from supply chain execution, lower commodity costs, and favorable sales mix.
  • Innovative Product Launches: Introduction of Lingo and Libre Rio, new over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring systems.

Pessimistic Highlights

  • Litigation Concerns: Abbott faces litigation regarding pre-term infant formula and human milk fortifier, which the company addresses as based on a theory without merit or scientific support.

Company Outlook

  • Positive Financial Outlook: Abbott has raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share forecast to $4.61 to $4.71, indicating confidence in continued strong performance.
  • Investment in Growth Areas: Continued focus on areas like medical devices, diagnostics, and emerging markets to drive future growth.
  • Biosimilars Strategy: Abbott is entering the biosimilars market, targeting emerging markets with a capital-efficient licensing model.

Q & A Highlights

  • Q: Can you provide any additional comments on the NEC litigation? (Larry Biegelsen, Wells Fargo)

    A: Robert Ford emphasized that the impact of the litigation is overblown and the company is actively working to defend its position and engage with stakeholders.

  • Q: What drove the 17% growth in EPD, and how sustainable is this before bolt launches? (Larry Biegelsen, Wells Fargo)

    A: Robert Ford highlighted the acceleration in the market, with growth driven by increased adoption and utilization of Abbott's systems. He mentioned the growth is sustainable and part of a broader strategy to capture market share.

  • Q: How is structural heart growth being driven, especially with recent product launches like TriClip? (Travis Steed, BofA Securities)

    A: Growth is broad-based across the portfolio, with TriClip launch in the U.S. significantly contributing. Other products like Navitor and Amulet also showed strong performance, supporting overall growth in structural heart.

  • Q: How are you segmenting the market with Lingo versus Rio, and any changes in market dynamics for Libre? (Travis Steed, BofA Securities)

    A: Robert Ford discussed targeting different segments with Lingo and Rio, focusing on non-diabetics and Type 2 diabetics, respectively. He emphasized the large opportunity in both segments and the ongoing growth potential for Libre.

  • Q: Can you discuss the potential for CGM in non-diabetics and the strategy for Aveir in leadless pacing? (Robbie Marcus, JP Morgan)

    A: Ford highlighted the significant opportunity for CGM use in non-diabetics and detailed the strategy for Aveir, focusing on training and adoption among physicians to drive growth in the CRM segment.

  • Q: Can you elaborate on the strategy for biosimilars and your role in that market? (Vijay Kumar, Evercore ISI)

    A: Ford explained Abbott's strategy to leverage its presence in emerging markets through licensing models for biosimilars, focusing on capital efficiency and addressing unmet needs.

  • Q: Why has there been no share repurchase in the first half, and how is Abbott thinking about share repurchases? (Vijay Kumar, Evercore ISI)

    A: Ford mentioned Abbott's balanced approach to capital allocation, including dividends and buybacks, and highlighted the company's history of returning significant cash to shareholders.

View original Abbott Laboratories earnings transcript →

Company key drivers

Note: all the quotes from earning call transcript