Annual Statements Open main menu

ABBOTT LABORATORIES - Quarter Report: 2020 September (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

         QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2020

OR

          TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                   to                  

Commission File No. 1-2189

ABBOTT LABORATORIES

An Illinois Corporation

    

I.R.S. Employer Identification No.

36-0698440

100 Abbott Park Road

Abbott ParkIllinois 60064-6400

Telephone:  (224) 667-6100

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class

    

Trading Symbol(s)

    

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Shares, Without Par Value

ABT

New York Stock Exchange
Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (l) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of l934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer

Accelerated Filer

Non-Accelerated Filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No

As of September 30, 2020, Abbott Laboratories had 1,772,361,581 common shares without par value outstanding.

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories

Table of Contents

Part I - Financial Information

Page

Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

3

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

4

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

5

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Investment

6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

8

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

9

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

18

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

23

Part II - Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

23

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

23

Item 6. Exhibits

24

Signature

25

2

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions except per share data; shares in thousands)

Three Months Ended September 30

Nine Months Ended September 30

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Net sales

$

8,853

$

8,076

$

23,907

$

23,590

Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets

 

3,966

 

3,358

 

10,510

 

9,797

Amortization of intangible assets

 

510

 

484

 

1,624

 

1,453

Research and development

 

580

 

596

 

1,722

 

1,845

Selling, general and administrative

 

2,302

 

2,440

 

7,126

 

7,352

Total operating cost and expenses

 

7,358

 

6,878

 

20,982

 

20,447

Operating earnings

 

1,495

 

1,198

 

2,925

 

3,143

Interest expense

 

137

 

167

 

410

 

506

Interest (income)

 

(10)

 

(24)

 

(37)

 

(69)

Net foreign exchange (gain) loss

 

(7)

 

7

 

(3)

 

9

Other (income) expense, net

 

(46)

 

(55)

 

(25)

 

(140)

Earnings from continuing operations before taxes

 

1,421

 

1,103

 

2,580

 

2,837

Tax expense on earnings from continuing operations

 

189

 

143

 

267

 

199

Earnings from continuing operations

 

1,232

 

960

 

2,313

 

2,638

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax

20

Net Earnings

$

1,232

$

960

$

2,333

$

2,638

Basic Earnings Per Common Share —

Continuing operations

$

0.69

$

0.54

$

1.30

$

1.48

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

0.01

 

Net earnings

$

0.69

$

0.54

$

1.31

$

1.48

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share —

Continuing operations

$

0.69

$

0.53

$

1.29

$

1.47

Discontinued operations

 

 

 

0.01

 

Net earnings

$

0.69

$

0.53

$

1.30

$

1.47

Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings Per Common Share

 

1,774,475

 

1,771,521

 

1,772,166

 

1,767,985

Dilutive Common Stock Options

 

13,378

 

12,646

 

12,381

 

12,818

Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options

 

1,787,853

 

1,784,167

 

1,784,547

 

1,780,803

Outstanding Common Stock Options Having No Dilutive Effect

 

61

 

61

The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this statement.

3

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

Three Months Ended September 30

Nine Months Ended September 30

   

2020

   

2019

   

2020

   

2019

 

Net Earnings

$

1,232

$

960

$

2,333

$

2,638

Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustments

 

112

 

(478)

 

(677)

 

(265)

Net actuarial gains (losses) and amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service costs and credits, net of taxes of $14 and $42 in 2020 and $7 and $21 in 2019

 

28

 

31

 

122

 

80

Net gains (losses) for derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and other, net of taxes of $(43) and $(24) in 2020 and $23 and $8 in 2019

 

(104)

 

49

 

(24)

 

8

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

36

 

(398)

 

(579)

 

(177)

Comprehensive Income

$

1,268

$

562

$

1,754

$

2,461

September 30, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Supplemental Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information, net of tax:

Cumulative foreign currency translation (loss) adjustments

$

(5,601)

$

(4,924)

Net actuarial (losses) and prior service (costs) and credits

 

(3,418)

 

(3,540)

Cumulative gains (losses) on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges and other

 

(25)

 

(1)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

$

(9,044)

$

(8,465)

The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this statement.

4

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

September 30, 

December 31, 

    

2020

    

2019

Assets

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,480

$

3,860

Short-term investments

251

280

Trade receivables, less allowances of $446 in 2020 and $384 in 2019

 

5,649

 

5,425

Inventories:

Finished products

 

3,173

 

2,784

Work in process

 

721

 

560

Materials

 

1,258

 

972

Total inventories

 

5,152

 

4,316

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

 

1,858

 

1,786

Total Current Assets

 

17,390

 

15,667

Investments

 

803

 

883

Property and equipment, at cost

17,972

16,799

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

9,352

 

8,761

Net property and equipment

 

8,620

 

8,038

Intangible assets, net of amortization

 

15,208

 

17,025

Goodwill

 

23,338

 

23,195

Deferred income taxes and other assets

 

3,684

 

3,079

$

69,043

$

67,887

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment

Current Liabilities:

Short-term borrowings

$

208

$

201

Trade accounts payable

 

3,189

 

3,252

Salaries, wages and commissions

 

1,439

 

1,237

Other accrued liabilities

 

4,659

 

4,035

Dividends payable

 

639

 

635

Income taxes payable

 

117

 

226

Current portion of long-term debt

 

6

 

1,277

Total Current Liabilities

 

10,257

 

10,863

Long-term debt

 

18,349

 

16,661

Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities

 

8,842

 

9,062

Commitments and Contingencies

Shareholders’ Investment:

Preferred shares, one dollar par value Authorized — 1,000,000 shares, none issued

 

 

Common shares, without par value Authorized — 2,400,000,000 shares
Issued at stated capital amount — Shares: 2020: 1,980,767,223; 2019: 1,976,855,085

 

24,037

 

23,853

Common shares held in treasury, at cost — Shares: 2020: 208,405,642; 2019: 214,351,838

 

(9,873)

 

(10,147)

Earnings employed in the business

 

26,266

 

25,847

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(9,044)

 

(8,465)

Total Abbott Shareholders’ Investment

 

31,386

 

31,088

Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries

 

209

 

213

Total Shareholders’ Investment

 

31,595

 

31,301

$

69,043

$

67,887

The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this statement.

5

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Investment

(Unaudited)

(in millions except shares and per share data)

Three Months Ended September 30

    

2020

    

2019

  

Common Shares:

Balance at June 30

Shares: 2020: 1,979,594,379; 2019: 1,976,248,129

$

23,893

$

23,665

Issued under incentive stock programs

Shares: 2020: 1,172,844; 2019: 457,156

 

48

 

18

Share-based compensation

101

93

Issuance of restricted stock awards

(5)

(5)

Balance at September 30

 

 

Shares: 2020: 1,980,767,223; 2019: 1,976,705,285

$

24,037

$

23,771

Common Shares Held in Treasury:

Balance at June 30

Shares: 2020: 209,064,380; 2019: 208,850,514

$

(9,904)

$

(9,659)

Issued under incentive stock programs

Shares: 2020: 664,727; 2019: 605,458

 

32

 

28

Purchased

Shares: 2020: 5,989; 2019: 4,524

(1)

Balance at September 30

Shares: 2020: 208,405,642; 2019: 208,249,580

$

(9,873)

$

(9,631)

Earnings Employed in the Business:

Balance at June 30

$

25,669

$

25,045

Net earnings

1,232

960

Cash dividends declared on common shares (per share — 2020: $0.36; 2019: $0.32)

 

(641)

 

(570)

Effect of common and treasury share transactions

6

5

Balance at September 30

$

26,266

$

25,440

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Balance at June 30

$

(9,080)

$

(7,365)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

36

(398)

Balance at September 30

$

(9,044)

$

(7,763)

Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries:

Balance at June 30

$

220

$

208

Noncontrolling Interests’ share of income, business combinations, net of distributions
and share repurchases

(11)

(6)

Balance at September 30

$

209

$

202

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this statement.

6

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Investment

(Unaudited)

(in millions except shares and per share data)

Nine Months Ended September 30

    

2020

    

2019

Common Shares:

Balance at January 1

Shares: 2020: 1,976,855,085; 2019: 1,971,189,465

$

23,853

$

23,512

Issued under incentive stock programs

Shares: 2020: 3,912,138; 2019: 5,515,820

 

167

 

205

Share-based compensation

 

451

 

436

Issuance of restricted stock awards

 

(434)

 

(382)

Balance at September 30

Shares: 2020: 1,980,767,223; 2019: 1,976,705,285

$

24,037

$

23,771

Common Shares Held in Treasury:

Balance at January 1

Shares: 2020: 214,351,838; 2019: 215,570,043

$

(10,147)

$

(9,962)

Issued under incentive stock programs

Shares: 2020: 6,211,326; 2019: 7,591,844

295

 

352

Purchased

 

Shares: 2020: 265,130; 2019: 271,381

 

(21)

 

(21)

Balance at September 30

Shares: 2020: 208,405,642; 2019: 208,249,580

$

(9,873)

$

(9,631)

Earnings Employed in the Business:

Balance at January 1

$

25,847

$

24,560

Impact of adoption of new accounting standard

 

(5)

 

Net earnings

 

2,333

 

2,638

Cash dividends declared on common shares (per share — 2020: $1.08; 2019: $0.96)

 

(1,922)

 

(1,706)

Effect of common and treasury share transactions

 

13

 

(52)

Balance at September 30

$

26,266

$

25,440

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):

Balance at January 1

$

(8,465)

$

(7,586)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(579)

 

(177)

Balance at September 30

$

(9,044)

$

(7,763)

Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries:

Balance at January 1

$

213

$

198

Noncontrolling Interests’ share of income, business combinations, net of distributions
and share repurchases

 

(4)

 

4

Balance at September 30

$

209

$

202

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this statement.

7

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(dollars in millions)

Nine Months Ended September 30

    

2020

    

2019

  

Cash Flow From (Used in) Operating Activities:

Net earnings

$

2,333

$

2,638

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities -

Depreciation

 

837

 

805

Amortization of intangible assets

 

1,624

 

1,453

Share-based compensation

 

448

 

434

Trade receivables

 

(343)

 

(357)

Inventories

 

(838)

 

(730)

Other, net

42

(523)

Net Cash From Operating Activities

4,103

3,720

Cash Flow From (Used in) Investing Activities:

Acquisitions of property and equipment

 

(1,498)

 

(1,204)

Acquisitions of businesses and technologies, net of cash acquired

 

(32)

 

(171)

Proceeds from business dispositions

48

48

Sales (purchases) of other investment securities, net

(15)

(22)

Other

 

13

 

23

Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities

 

(1,484)

 

(1,326)

Cash Flow From (Used in) Financing Activities:

Net borrowings (repayments) of short-term debt and other

3

52

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

1,280

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(1,332)

 

(523)

Purchases of common shares

 

(242)

 

(222)

Proceeds from stock options exercised

 

229

 

291

Dividends paid

 

(1,919)

 

(1,702)

Other

(11)

Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities

 

(1,992)

 

(2,104)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(7)

 

(43)

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

620

 

247

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

 

3,860

 

3,844

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

$

4,480

$

4,091

The accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this statement.

8

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

Note 1 — Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and, therefore, do not include all information and footnote disclosures normally included in audited financial statements. However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only normal adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of operations, financial position and cash flows have been made.  It is suggested that these statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in Abbott’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.  The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the parent company and subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany transactions.

Note 2 — New Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which changes the methodology to be used to measure credit losses for certain financial instruments and financial assets, including trade receivables.  The new methodology requires the recognition of an allowance that reflects the current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial asset.  Abbott adopted the standard on January 1, 2020 and recorded a cumulative adjustment that was not significant to Earnings employed in the business in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Recent Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which among other things, eliminates certain exceptions in the current rules regarding the approach for intraperiod tax allocations and the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill.  The standard becomes effective for Abbott  in the first quarter of 2021 and early adoption is permitted.  Abbott does not expect adoption of this new standard to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 — Revenue

Abbott’s revenues are derived primarily from the sale of a broad line of health care products under short-term receivable arrangements.  Abbott has four reportable segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices.

The following tables provide detail by sales category:

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020

Three Months Ended September 30, 2019

(in millions)

    

U.S.

    

Int’l

    

Total

    

U.S.

    

Int’l

    

Total

  

Established Pharmaceutical Products —

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Key Emerging Markets

$

$

799

$

799

$

$

891

$

891

Other

 

 

300

 

300

 

 

321

321

Total

 

 

1,099

 

1,099

 

 

1,212

 

1,212

Nutritionals —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pediatric Nutritionals

 

488

 

518

 

1,006

 

478

 

566

 

1,044

Adult Nutritionals

 

330

 

588

 

918

 

310

 

520

 

830

Total

 

818

 

1,106

 

1,924

 

788

 

1,086

 

1,874

Diagnostics —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Core Laboratory

 

284

 

892

 

1,176

 

272

 

905

 

1,177

Molecular

 

220

 

238

 

458

 

35

 

76

 

111

Point of Care

 

96

 

35

 

131

 

112

 

32

 

144

Rapid Diagnostics

 

533

 

342

 

875

 

283

 

194

 

477

Total

 

1,133

 

1,507

 

2,640

 

702

 

1,207

 

1,909

Medical Devices —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhythm Management

 

242

 

265

 

507

 

265

 

273

 

538

Electrophysiology

 

192

 

249

 

441

 

185

 

242

 

427

Heart Failure

 

144

 

46

 

190

 

136

 

50

 

186

Vascular

 

230

 

400

 

630

 

251

 

446

 

697

Structural Heart

 

159

 

194

 

353

 

158

 

190

 

348

Neuromodulation

 

170

 

36

 

206

 

165

 

39

 

204

Diabetes Care

226

617

843

175

490

665

Total

 

1,363

 

1,807

 

3,170

 

1,335

 

1,730

 

3,065

Other

 

15

 

5

 

20

 

9

 

7

 

16

Total

$

3,329

$

5,524

$

8,853

$

2,834

$

5,242

$

8,076

9

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019

(in millions)

    

U.S.

    

Int’l

    

Total 

    

U.S.

    

Int’l

    

Total

Established Pharmaceutical Products —

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

Key Emerging Markets

$

$

2,376

$

2,376

$

$

2,496

$

2,496

Other

 

 

780

 

780

 

 

816

816

Total

 

 

3,156

 

3,156

 

 

3,312

 

3,312

Nutritionals —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pediatric Nutritionals

 

1,490

 

1,629

 

3,119

 

1,406

 

1,718

 

3,124

Adult Nutritionals

 

948

 

1,644

 

2,592

 

915

 

1,502

 

2,417

Total

 

2,438

 

3,273

 

5,711

 

2,321

 

3,220

 

5,541

Diagnostics —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Core Laboratory

 

840

 

2,312

 

3,152

 

793

 

2,614

 

3,407

Molecular

 

429

 

527

 

956

 

113

 

213

 

326

Point of Care

 

278

 

109

 

387

 

334

 

90

 

424

Rapid Diagnostics

 

1,246

 

719

 

1,965

 

881

 

617

 

1,498

Total

 

2,793

 

3,667

 

6,460

 

2,121

 

3,534

 

5,655

Medical Devices —

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rhythm Management

 

655

 

727

 

1,382

 

790

 

810

 

1,600

Electrophysiology

 

476

 

652

 

1,128

 

549

 

713

 

1,262

Heart Failure

 

411

 

140

 

551

 

428

 

143

 

571

Vascular

 

628

 

1,108

 

1,736

 

787

 

1,349

 

2,136

Structural Heart

 

386

 

508

 

894

 

446

 

578

 

1,024

Neuromodulation

 

392

 

97

 

489

 

485

 

124

 

609

Diabetes Care

614

1,736

2,350

485

1,348

1,833

Total

 

3,562

 

4,968

 

8,530

 

3,970

 

5,065

 

9,035

Other

 

30

 

20

 

50

 

26

 

21

 

47

Total

$

8,823

$

15,084

$

23,907

$

8,438

$

15,152

$

23,590

Remaining Performance Obligations

As of September 30, 2020, the estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) was approximately $3.6 billion in the Diagnostics segment and approximately $430 million in the Medical Devices segment. Abbott expects to recognize revenue on approximately 60 percent of these remaining performance obligations over the next 24 months, approximately 18 percent over the subsequent 12 months and the remainder thereafter.  

These performance obligations primarily reflect the future sale of reagents/consumables in contracts with minimum purchase obligations, extended warranty or service obligations related to previously sold equipment, and remote monitoring services related to previously implanted devices.  Abbott has applied the practical expedient described in Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 606-10-50-14 and has not included remaining performance obligations related to contracts with original expected durations of one year or less in the amounts above.

Other Contract Assets and Liabilities

Abbott discloses Trade receivables separately in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at the net amount expected to be collected.  Contract assets primarily relate to Abbott’s conditional right to consideration for work completed but not billed at the reporting date. Contract assets at the beginning and end of the period, as well as the changes in the balance, were not significant.

Contract liabilities primarily relate to payments received from customers in advance of performance under the contract. Abbott’s contract liabilities arise primarily in the Medical Devices reportable segment when payment is received upfront for various multi-period extended service arrangements.

Changes in the contract liabilities during the period are as follows:

(in millions)

    

Contract Liabilities

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

294

Unearned revenue from cash received during the period

350

Revenue recognized related to contract liability balance

(293)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

351

10

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

Note 4 — Supplemental Financial Information

Shares of unvested restricted stock that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method.  Under the two-class method, net earnings are allocated between common shares and participating securities. Earnings from Continuing Operations allocated to common shares for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $1.226 billion and $954 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $2.302 billion and $2.622 billion, respectively. Net earnings allocated to common shares for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $1.226 billion and $954 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were $2.322 billion and $2.622 billion, respectively.

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the first nine months of 2020 include the recognition of $20 million of tax benefits as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to the previous sale of a business that was reported as a discontinued operation.

Other, net in Net cash from operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the first nine months of 2020 includes $350 million of pension contributions and the payment of cash taxes of approximately $700 million.  The first nine months of 2019 includes $337 million of pension contributions and the payment of cash taxes of approximately $775 million.

The following summarizes the activity for the first nine months of 2020 related to the allowance for doubtful accounts as of September 30, 2020:

(in millions)

    

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

228

Impact of adopting ASU 2016-13

 

7

Provisions/charges to income

63

Amounts charged off and other deductions

 

(14)

Balance at September 30, 2020

$

284

The allowance for doubtful accounts reflects the current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the accounts receivable. Abbott considers various factors in establishing, monitoring, and adjusting its allowance for doubtful accounts, including the aging of the accounts and aging trends, the historical level of charge-offs, and specific exposures related to particular customers.  Abbott also monitors other risk factors and forward-looking information, such as country risk, when determining credit limits for customers and establishing adequate allowances.

The components of long-term investments as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are as follows:

September 30, 

December 31, 

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

Long-term Investments

Equity securities

$

755

$

836

Other

 

48

 

47

Total

$

803

$

883

Abbott’s long-term investments as of September 30, 2020 declined versus the balance as of December 31, 2019 due to investment impairments totaling approximately $110 million, recorded in Other (income) expense, net within the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings, which was partially offset by approximately $30 million of additional investments during the first nine months of 2020.

Abbott's equity securities as of September 30, 2020 include approximately $336 million of investments in mutual funds that are held in a rabbi trust and were acquired as part of the St. Jude Medical, Inc. (St. Jude Medical) business acquisition. These investments, which are specifically designated as available for the purpose of paying benefits under a deferred compensation plan, are not available for general corporate purposes and are subject to creditor claims in the event of insolvency.

Abbott also holds certain investments as of September 30, 2020 with a carrying value of approximately $292 million that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and other equity investments with a carrying value of approximately $112 million that do not have a readily determinable fair value. The $112 million carrying value is net of an approximately $60 million impairment of an investment in the second quarter of 2020 for which Abbott had previously recorded an unrealized gain of approximately $50 million in 2018.

In the first quarter of 2019, in conjunction with the acquisition of Cephea Valve Technologies, Inc., Abbott acquired a research & development (R&D) asset valued at $102 million, which was immediately expensed. The $102 million of expense was recorded in the R&D line of Abbott's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

11

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

Note 5 — Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes, are as follows:

Three Months Ended September 30

Cumulative Gains

(Losses) on

Net Actuarial

Derivative

Cumulative Foreign

(Losses) and Prior

Instruments

Currency Translation

Service (Costs)

Designated as

Adjustments

and Credits

Cash Flow Hedges

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Balance at June 30

$

(5,713)

$

(4,699)

$

(3,446)

$

(2,677)

$

79

$

11

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

112

 

(478)

(21)

 

7

 

(74)

 

67

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

49

 

24

 

(30)

 

(18)

Net current period comprehensive income (loss)

 

112

 

(478)

 

28

 

31

 

(104)

 

49

Balance at September 30

$

(5,601)

$

(5,177)

$

(3,418)

$

(2,646)

$

(25)

$

60

Nine Months Ended September 30

Cumulative Gains

(Losses) on

Net Actuarial

Derivative

Cumulative Foreign

(Losses) and Prior

Instruments

Currency Translation

Service (Costs)

Designated as

Adjustments

 

and Credits

 

Cash Flow Hedges

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Balance at January 1

$

(4,924)

$

(4,912)

$

(3,540)

$

(2,726)

$

(1)

$

52

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

(677)

 

(265)

 

(23)

 

9

 

35

 

48

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

145

 

71

 

(59)

 

(40)

Net current period comprehensive income (loss)

 

(677)

 

(265)

 

122

 

80

 

(24)

 

8

Balance at September 30

$

(5,601)

$

(5,177)

$

(3,418)

$

(2,646)

$

(25)

$

60

Reclassified amounts for foreign currency translation are recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Net foreign exchange (gain) loss; and amounts for cash flow hedges are recorded as Cost of products sold.  Net actuarial losses and prior service cost are included as a component of net periodic benefit costs; see Note 12 for additional details.

Note 6 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The total amount of goodwill reported was $23.3 billion at September 30, 2020 and $23.2 billion at December 31, 2019. Foreign currency translation adjustments increased goodwill by approximately $144 million in the first nine months of 2020. The amount of goodwill related to reportable segments at September 30, 2020 was $2.9 billion for the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment, $286 million for the Nutritional Products segment, $3.7 billion for the Diagnostic Products segment, and $16.4 billion for the Medical Devices segment.  There was no reduction of goodwill relating to impairments in the first nine months of 2020.

The gross amount of amortizable intangible assets, primarily product rights and technology, was $27.5 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $27.6 billion as of December 31, 2019, and accumulated amortization was $13.5 billion as of September 30, 2020 and $11.9 billion as of December 31, 2019. Foreign currency translation adjustments decreased intangible assets by $69 million in the first nine months of 2020. An asset impairment related to the Medical Devices segment decreased intangible assets by $148 million in the third quarter and first nine months of 2020. The impairment was recorded in the Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets line of Abbott's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Abbott’s estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets is approximately $2.1 billion in 2020, $2.0 billion per year in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and $1.9 billion in 2024.

Indefinite-lived intangible assets, which relate to in-process R&D acquired in a business combination, were approximately $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Note 7 — Restructuring Plans

From 2017 to 2020, Abbott management approved restructuring plans as part of the integration of the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical into the Medical Devices segment, and Alere Inc. (Alere) into the Diagnostic Products segment, in order to leverage economies of scale and reduce costs. In the first nine months of 2020, charges of $13 million were recognized, of which $6 million is recorded in Cost of products sold, $1 million is recorded in Research and development and $6 million as Selling, general and administrative expense.  The following summarizes the activity for the first nine months of 2020 related to these actions and the status of the related accrual as of September 30, 2020:

(in millions)

    

Accrued balance at December 31, 2019

$

46

Restructuring charges recorded in 2020

13

Payments and other adjustments

(24)

Accrued balance at September 30, 2020

$

35

12

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

From 2017 to 2020, Abbott management approved plans to streamline operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in various Abbott businesses including the nutritional, established pharmaceuticals and vascular businesses. In the first nine months of 2020, charges of $29 million were recognized, of which $1 million is recorded in Cost of products sold, $1 million is recorded in Research and development and $27 million as Selling, general and administrative expense.  The following summarizes the activity for the first nine months of 2020 related to these restructuring actions and the status of the related accrual as of September 30, 2020:

(in millions)

    

Accrued balance at December 31, 2019

$

79

Restructuring charges recorded in 2020

29

Payments and other adjustments

(24)

Accrued balance at September 30, 2020

$

84

Note 8 — Incentive Stock Programs

In the first nine months of 2020, Abbott granted 4,006,336 stock options, 568,471 restricted stock awards and 5,183,375 restricted stock units under its current incentive stock program. At September 30, 2020, approximately 113 million common shares were reserved for future grants. Information regarding the number of options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2020 is as follows:

    

Outstanding

    

Exercisable

Number of shares

 

 

29,352,400

 

20,764,950

Weighted average remaining life (years)

 

 

6.2

 

5.2

Weighted average exercise price

 

$

55.34

$

45.92

Aggregate intrinsic value (in millions)

 

$

1,570

$

1,306

The total unrecognized share-based compensation cost at September 30, 2020 amounted to approximately $499 million which is expected to be recognized over the next three years.

Note 9 — Debt and Lines of Credit

On September 28, 2020, Abbott repaid the €1.140 billion outstanding principal amount of its 0.00% Notes due 2020 upon maturity. The repayment equated to approximately $1.3 billion.

On June 24, 2020, Abbott completed the issuance of $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes, consisting of $650 million of its 1.15% Notes due 2028 and $650 million of its 1.40% Notes due 2030.

On February 24, 2019, Abbott redeemed the $500 million outstanding principal amount of its 2.80% Notes due 2020.

Note 10 — Financial Instruments, Derivatives and Fair Value Measures

Certain Abbott foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage exposures to changes in exchange rates primarily for anticipated intercompany purchases by those subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not the U.S. dollar.  These contracts, with gross notional amounts totaling $7.9 billion at September 30, 2020 and $6.8 billion at December 31, 2019, are designated as cash flow hedges of the variability of the cash flows due to changes in foreign exchange rates and are recorded at fair value. Accumulated gains and losses as of September 30, 2020 will be included in Cost of products sold at the time the products are sold, generally through the next twelve to eighteen months.

Abbott enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to manage currency exposures for foreign currency denominated third-party trade payables and receivables, and for intercompany loans and trade accounts payable where the receivable or payable is denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity.  For intercompany loans, the contracts require Abbott to sell or buy foreign currencies, primarily European currencies, in exchange for primarily U.S. dollars and other European currencies.  For intercompany and trade payables and receivables, the currency exposures are primarily the U.S. dollar and European currencies.  At September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, Abbott held the gross notional amount of $8.9 billion and $9.1 billion, respectively, of such foreign currency forward exchange contracts.

Abbott has designated a yen-denominated, 5-year term loan of approximately $566 million and $546 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, as a hedge of the net investment in certain foreign subsidiaries.  The change in the value of the debt, which is due to changes in foreign exchange rates, is recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

Abbott is a party to interest rate hedge contracts totaling approximately $2.9 billion at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 to manage its exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt. These contracts are designated as fair value hedges of the variability of the fair value of fixed-rate debt due to changes in the long-term benchmark interest rates.  The effect of the hedge is to change a fixed-rate interest obligation to a variable rate for that portion of the debt. Abbott records the contracts at fair value and adjusts the carrying amount of the fixed-rate debt by an offsetting amount.

13

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

Fair Value - Assets

Fair Value - Liabilities

Sept. 30,

Dec. 31,

Sept. 30,

Dec. 31,

    

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

Balance Sheet Caption

    

2020

    

2019

    

Balance Sheet Caption

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges

$

232

 

$

48

 

Deferred income taxes and other assets

 

$

 

$

 

Post-employment obligations, deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts:

Hedging instruments

 

89

 

110

 

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

 

241

 

56

 

Other accrued liabilities

Others not designated as hedges

 

37

 

38

 

Prepaid expenses and other receivables

 

62

 

33

 

Other accrued liabilities

Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary

n/a

566

546

Long-term debt

$

358

 

$

196

 

$

869

 

$

635

The following table summarizes the activity for foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges and certain other derivative financial instruments, as well as the amounts and location of income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassified into income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

Gain (loss) Recognized in Other

Income (expense) and Gain (loss)

Comprehensive Income (loss)

Reclassified into Income

Three Months

Nine Months

Three Months

Nine Months

Ended Sept. 30

Ended Sept. 30

Ended Sept. 30

Ended Sept. 30

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

2020

    

2019

    

Income Statement Caption

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges

$

103

$

99

$

(35)

$

78

$

48

$

26

$

90

$

58

Cost of products sold

Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary

 

(10)

 

 

(20)

 

 

 

 

 

 

n/a

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

n/a

 

(11)

 

35

 

184

 

174

 

Interest expense

Losses of $100 million and gains of $49 million were recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as a hedge.  Losses of $198 million and gains of $124 million were recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as a hedge. These amounts are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings on the Net foreign exchange (gain) loss line.

The carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are shown in the following table.  The carrying values of all other financial instruments approximate their estimated fair values.  The counterparties to financial instruments consist of select major international financial institutions.  Abbott does not expect any losses from non-performance by these counterparties.

September 30, 2020

December 31, 2019

    

Carrying

    

Fair

    

Carrying

    

Fair

(in millions)

Value

Value

Value

Value

  

Long-term Investment Securities:

 

 

Equity securities

$

755

$

755

$

836

$

836

Other

 

48

 

48

 

47

 

47

Total Long-term Debt

(18,355)

(22,224)

(17,938)

(20,772)

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:

 

 

 

Receivable position

 

126

 

126

 

148

 

148

(Payable) position

(303)

(303)

(89)

(89)

Interest Rate Hedge Contracts:

 

 

 

 

Receivable position

232

232

48

48

The fair value of the debt was determined based on significant other observable inputs, including current interest rates.

14

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the bases used to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheet:

Basis of Fair Value Measurement

Quoted

Significant

Prices in

Other

Significant

Outstanding

Active

Observable

Unobservable

(in millions)

    

Balances

    

Markets

    

Inputs

    

Inputs

September 30, 2020:

Equity securities

$

351

$

351

 

$

 

$

Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments

 

232

 

 

232

 

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

 

126

 

 

126

 

Total Assets

$

709

 

$

351

 

$

358

 

$

Fair value of hedged long-term debt

$

3,070

$

 

$

3,070

 

$

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

303

303

Contingent consideration related to business combinations

 

68

 

 

 

68

Total Liabilities

$

3,441

 

$

 

$

3,373

$

68

December 31, 2019:

Equity securities

$

357

 

$

357

 

$

 

$

Interest rate swap derivative financial instruments

 

48

 

 

48

 

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

 

148

 

 

148

 

Total Assets

$

553

 

$

357

 

$

196

 

$

Fair value of hedged long-term debt

$

2,890

 

$

 

$

2,890

 

$

Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

 

89

 

 

89

 

Contingent consideration related to business combinations

 

68

 

 

 

68

Total Liabilities

$

3,047

 

$

 

$

2,979

 

$

68

The fair value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts is determined using a market approach, which utilizes values for comparable derivative instruments.  The fair value of debt was determined based on the face value of the debt adjusted for the fair value of the interest rate swaps, which is based on a discounted cash flow analysis using significant other observable inputs.  The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined based on independent appraisals at the time of acquisition, adjusted for the time value of money and other changes in fair value.

Note 11 — Litigation and Environmental Matters

Abbott has been identified as a potentially responsible party for investigation and cleanup costs at a number of locations in the United States and Puerto Rico under federal and state remediation laws and is investigating potential contamination at a number of company-owned locations. Abbott has recorded an estimated cleanup cost for each site for which management believes Abbott has a probable loss exposure. No individual site cleanup exposure is expected to exceed $4 million, and the aggregate cleanup exposure is not expected to exceed $10 million.

Abbott is involved in various claims and legal proceedings, and Abbott estimates the range of possible loss for its legal proceedings and environmental exposures to be from approximately $85 million to $120 million. The recorded accrual balance at September 30, 2020 for these proceedings and exposures was approximately $105 million. This accrual represents management’s best estimate of probable loss, as defined by FASB ASC No. 450, “Contingencies.” Within the next year, legal proceedings may occur that may result in a change in the estimated loss accrued by Abbott. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of all such proceedings and exposures with certainty, management believes that their ultimate disposition should not have a material adverse effect on Abbott’s financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

Note 12 — Post-Employment Benefits

Retirement plans consist of defined benefit, defined contribution, and medical and dental plans. Net periodic benefit costs, other than service costs, are recognized in the Other (income) expense, net line of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Net cost recognized in continuing operations for the three and nine months ended September 30 for Abbott’s major defined benefit plans and post-employment medical and dental benefit plans is as follows:

Defined Benefit Plans

Medical and Dental Plans

Three Months

Nine Months

Three Months

Nine Months

Ended September 30

Ended September 30

Ended September 30

Ended September 30

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Service cost — benefits earned during the period

$

85

$

63

$

251

$

188

$

12

$

5

$

35

$

17

Interest cost on projected benefit obligations

 

75

 

84

 

224

 

253

 

11

 

13

 

32

 

39

Expected return on plan assets

 

(193)

 

(177)

 

(576)

 

(533)

 

(7)

 

(6)

 

(21)

 

(20)

Net amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial loss, net

64

33

191

99

5

6

15

17

Prior service cost (credit)

1

1

(7)

(8)

(21)

(24)

Net cost - continuing operations

$

31

$

3

$

91

$

8

$

14

$

10

$

40

$

29

15

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

Abbott funds its domestic defined benefit plans according to Internal Revenue Service funding limitations.  International pension plans are funded according to similar regulations.  In the first nine months of 2020 and 2019, $350 million and $337 million, respectively, were contributed to defined benefit plans and $11 million was contributed to the post-employment medical and dental plans in each year.

Note 13 — Taxes on Earnings

Taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the estimated annual effective rates and include charges for interest and penalties.  In the first nine months of 2020, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include approximately $81 million in tax benefits related to the settlement of the former St. Jude Medical consolidated group’s 2014 through 2016 federal income tax returns in the U.S. and $87 million in excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the first nine months of 2020 reflect the recognition of $20 million of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years. In the first nine months of 2019, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include a $78 million reduction to the transition tax related to the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) and approximately $95 million in excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. The $78 million reduction to the transition tax liability was the result of the issuance of final transition tax regulations by the U.S. Department of Treasury in the first quarter of 2019.

Tax authorities in various jurisdictions regularly review Abbott’s income tax filings.  Abbott believes that it is reasonably possible that the recorded amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease between $70 million and $410 million, including cash adjustments, within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various domestic and international tax matters. In the U.S., Abbott’s federal income tax returns through 2016 are settled except for the federal income tax returns of the former Alere consolidated group which are settled through 2015.

Note 14 — Segment Information

Abbott’s principal business is the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of a broad line of health care products.  Abbott’s products are generally sold directly to retailers, wholesalers, hospitals, health care facilities, laboratories, physicians’ offices and government agencies throughout the world.

Abbott’s reportable segments are as follows:

Established Pharmaceutical Products — International sales of a broad line of branded generic pharmaceutical products.

Nutritional Products — Worldwide sales of a broad line of adult and pediatric nutritional products.

Diagnostic Products — Worldwide sales of diagnostic systems and tests for blood banks, hospitals, commercial laboratories, physician offices and alternate-care testing sites. For segment reporting purposes, the Core Laboratory Diagnostics, Rapid Diagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics and Point of Care Diagnostics divisions are aggregated and reported as the Diagnostic Products segment.

Medical Devices — Worldwide sales of rhythm management, electrophysiology, heart failure, vascular, structural heart, neuromodulation and diabetes care products.  For segment reporting purposes, the Cardiac Rhythm Management, Electrophysiology and Heart Failure, Vascular, Neuromodulation, Structural Heart and Diabetes Care divisions are aggregated and reported as the Medical Devices segment.

Abbott’s underlying accounting records are maintained on a legal entity basis for government and public reporting requirements.  Segment disclosures are on a performance basis consistent with internal management reporting.  Intersegment transfers of inventory are recorded at standard cost and are not a measure of segment operating earnings.  The cost of some corporate functions and the cost of certain employee benefits are charged to segments at predetermined rates that approximate cost.  Remaining costs, if any, are not allocated to segments.  In addition, intangible asset amortization is not allocated to operating segments, and intangible assets and goodwill are not included in the measure of each segment’s assets.

16

Table of Contents

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

September 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

The following segment information has been prepared in accordance with the internal accounting policies of Abbott, as described above, and is not presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied to the consolidated financial statements.

Net Sales to External Customers

Operating Earnings

Three Months

Nine Months

Three Months

Nine Months

Ended September 30

Ended September 30

Ended September 30

Ended September 30

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

Established Pharmaceutical Products

$

1,099

$

1,212

$

3,156

$

3,312

$

201

$

281

$

588

$

654

Nutritional Products

 

1,924

 

1,874

 

5,711

 

5,541

 

394

 

414

 

1,327

 

1,241

Diagnostic Products

 

2,640

 

1,909

 

6,460

 

5,655

 

875

 

456

 

1,802

 

1,356

Medical Devices

 

3,170

 

3,065

 

8,530

 

9,035

 

928

 

958

 

2,122

 

2,722

Total Reportable Segments

 

8,833

 

8,060

 

23,857

 

23,543

 

2,398

 

2,109

 

5,839

5,973

Other

 

20

 

16

 

50

 

47

Net sales

$

8,853

$

8,076

$

23,907

$

23,590

Corporate functions and benefit plan costs

 

(129)

(131)

(367)

(332)

Net interest expense

 

(127)

(143)

(373)

(437)

Share-based compensation (a)

 

(100)

(94)

(448)

(434)

Amortization of intangible assets

 

(510)

(484)

(1,624)

(1,453)

Other, net (b)

 

(111)

(154)

(447)

(480)

Earnings from continuing operations before taxes

$

1,421

$

1,103

$

2,580

$

2,837

(a)Approximately 50 percent of the annual net cost of share-based awards will typically be recognized in the first quarter due to the timing of the granting of share-based awards.
(b)Other, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 includes integration costs associated with the acquisition of St. Jude Medical and Alere, and restructuring charges.  Other, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 also includes costs related to asset impairments, partially offset by income from the settlement of litigation.  Other, net for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 includes charges associated with R&D assets acquired and immediately expensed.

17

Table of Contents

Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Financial Review - Results of Operations

Abbott’s revenues are derived primarily from the sale of a broad line of health care products under short-term receivable arrangements.  Patent protection and licenses, technological and performance features, and inclusion of Abbott’s products under a contract impact which products are sold; price controls, competition and rebates impact the net selling prices of products; and foreign currency translation impacts the measurement of net sales and costs.  Abbott’s primary products are medical devices, diagnostic testing products, nutritional products and branded generic pharmaceuticals.

During the first nine months of 2020, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected Abbott’s diversified health care businesses in various ways.  As is further described below, some businesses have performed at the levels required to successfully meet new demands, others have faced challenges, and still others have been relatively stable.  Beginning in February, cardiovascular and neuromodulation procedures and routine core laboratory diagnostic testing volumes declined in China as that country implemented quarantine restrictions and postponed non-emergency health care activities.  As March progressed, procedures and routine testing volumes in China steadily improved from the low levels seen in February.  

As COVID-19 spread geographically, the impact initially expanded to certain countries in Asia and Europe beginning in late February, and more broadly across Europe and the U.S. during March and April.  As the health care systems in these countries shifted their focus to fighting COVID-19, the impact on cardiovascular and neuromodulation device procedures and routine diagnostic testing volumes was similar to what was experienced in China in February.  COVID-19 affected developed markets most significantly in the second quarter and expanded into key emerging markets in the third quarter.  As a result, as is further described below, some businesses slowed and sales of cardiovascular and neuromodulation devices and routine diagnostic tests declined during the first nine months of 2020 from the prior year.  Encouragingly, routine testing and procedure volume improved across Abbott’s hospital-based businesses as the second quarter progressed and the improvement continued in the third quarter as both demand for procedures and availability of health care resources return to more normal levels.

Abbott mobilized its teams across multiple fronts to develop and launch nine new diagnostic tests for COVID-19:  

In March, Abbott launched a molecular test on its m2000™ RealTime lab-based platform to detect COVID-19 pursuant to an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the U.S. and CE Mark.
In March, Abbott also launched a molecular test to detect COVID-19 on its ID NOW™ rapid point-of-care platform in the U.S. pursuant to an EUA.
In April, Abbott launched an IgG (Immunoglobulin G) lab-based serology blood test on its ARCHITECT® i1000SR and i2000SR® laboratory instruments for the detection of an antibody to determine if someone was previously infected with the virus.  The serology test was granted an EUA in the U.S. and CE Mark in April 2020.
In May, Abbott launched a lab-based serology blood test on its Alinity® i system pursuant to an EUA in the U.S. and CE Mark.
In May, Abbott also launched a molecular test on its Alinity m system to detect COVID-19 pursuant to an EUA in the U.S. Abbott received CE Mark for this test in June 2020.
In June, Abbott launched a lateral flow COVID-19 rapid antibody test on its Panbio™ system in select countries. This serology test detects an antibody to determine if someone was previously infected with the virus.
In August, Abbott launched its AdviseDx SARS-CoV-2 IgM (Immunoglobulin M) lab-based serology test for use on its ARCHITECT and Alinity platforms pursuant to a CE Mark. Abbott was granted an EUA in the U.S. for this test in October 2020.
In August, Abbott launched its BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card test, a portable, lateral flow rapid test to detect COVID-19 pursuant to an EUA in the U.S.
In September, Abbott launched its Panbio rapid antigen test to detect COVID-19 pursuant to a CE Mark.  In October, Abbott received approval by the World Health Organization for emergency use listing for the Panbio antigen test.

During the first nine months of 2020, Abbott’s COVID-19 testing related sales totaled $1.533 billion, of which $881 million was generated in the third quarter of 2020.

Abbott is continually implementing business continuity plans in the face of the pandemic.  Due to the critical nature of its products and services, Abbott was generally exempt from governmental orders issued during the first quarter of 2020 in the U.S. and other countries requiring businesses to cease operations. The majority of its office-based work was conducted remotely during the period of such governmental orders and the company implemented strict travel restrictions.  As some governmental orders were lifted in May and June 2020, Abbott entered a new phase in its operations whereby some office-based employees started working at Abbott’s offices on a rotational basis.  Abbott has taken aggressive steps to limit exposure and enhance the safety of facilities for its employees.

With respect to Abbott’s financial position, at September 30, 2020, Abbott’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments totaled approximately $4.7 billion compared to $4.1 billion at December 31, 2019. Existing credit agreements are in place that would provide additional access to $5 billion, if needed.

Due to the unpredictability of the duration and impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may have a material effect on its business, financial condition or results of operations is uncertain.

18

Table of Contents

The following table details sales by reportable segment for the three and nine months ended September 30.  Percent changes are versus the prior year and are based on unrounded numbers.

Net Sales to External Customers

 

    

Three Months

    

Three Months

    

    

    

 

Ended

Ended

Impact of

Total Change

 

September 30,

September 30,

Total

Foreign

Excl. Foreign

 

(in millions)

2020

2019

Change

Exchange

Exchange

 

Established Pharmaceutical Products

$

1,099

$

1,212

 

(9.3)

%  

(6.0)

%  

(3.3)

%

Nutritional Products

 

1,924

 

1,874

 

2.6

 

(1.5)

 

4.1

Diagnostic Products

 

2,640

 

1,909

 

38.2

 

(0.6)

 

38.8

Medical Devices

 

3,170

 

3,065

 

3.4

 

0.8

 

2.6

Total Reportable Segments

 

8,833

 

8,060

 

9.6

 

(1.0)

 

10.6

Other

 

20

 

16

 

23.1

 

1.1

 

22.0

Net Sales

$

8,853

$

8,076

 

9.6

 

(1.0)

 

10.6

Total U.S.

$

3,329

$

2,834

 

17.4

 

 

17.4

Total International

$

5,524

$

5,242

 

5.4

 

(1.6)

 

7.0

    

Net Sales to External Customers

Nine Months

Nine Months

 

Ended 

 

Ended

 

 

Impact of

 

Total Change

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Total

Foreign

 

Excl. Foreign

(in millions)

    

2020

    

2019

    

Change

    

Exchange

    

Exchange

Established Pharmaceutical Products

$

3,156

$

3,312

 

(4.7)

%  

(6.0)

1.3

%

Nutritional Products

 

5,711

 

5,541

 

3.1

 

(1.7)

 

4.8

Diagnostic Products

 

6,460

 

5,655

 

14.2

 

(1.5)

 

15.7

Medical Devices

 

8,530

 

9,035

 

(5.6)

 

(0.6)

 

(5.0)

Total Reportable Segments

 

23,857

 

23,543

 

1.3

 

(1.9)

 

3.2

Other

 

50

 

47

 

6.1

 

(0.2)

 

6.3

Net Sales

$

23,907

$

23,590

 

1.3

 

(1.9)

 

3.2

Total U.S.

$

8,823

$

8,438

 

4.6

 

 

4.6

Total International

$

15,084

$

15,152

 

(0.4)

 

(2.8)

 

2.4

Note: In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates.

The 10.6 percent increase in total net sales in the third quarter of 2020, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, was primarily driven by an increase in the Diagnostics segment as a result of demand for Abbott’s portfolio of COVID-19 diagnostics tests on its lab-based immunoassay and molecular diagnostics systems and point-of-care rapid testing platforms. Abbott’s net sales were unfavorably impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates during the period compared to the third quarter of 2019. The relatively stronger U.S. dollar decreased total international sales by 1.6 percent and total sales by 1.0 percent in the third quarter of 2020.

The 3.2 percent increase in total net sales during the first nine months of 2020, excluding the impact of foreign exchange, was driven by increases in the Diagnostics and Nutritional Products segments, partially offset by a decrease in the Medical Devices segment due to reduced procedure volumes as a result of the pandemic.  Abbott’s net sales were unfavorably impacted by changes in foreign exchange rates in the first nine months of 2020 as the relatively stronger U.S. dollar decreased total international sales by 2.8 percent and total sales by 1.9 percent.

19

Table of Contents

The table below provides detail by sales category for the nine months ended September 30. Percent changes are versus the prior year and are based on unrounded numbers.

    

    

    

    

Impact of

    

Total Change

 

September 30,

September 30,

Total

Foreign

Excl. Foreign

 

(in millions)

2020

2019

Change

Exchange

Exchange

 

Established Pharmaceutical Products —

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Key Emerging Markets

$

2,376

$

2,496

 

(4.8)

%  

(8.0)

%  

3.2

%

Other Emerging Markets

 

780

 

816

 

(4.4)

 

(0.1)

 

(4.3)

Nutritionals —

 

 

 

 

 

International Pediatric Nutritionals

 

1,629

 

1,718

 

(5.2)

 

(2.5)

 

(2.7)

U.S. Pediatric Nutritionals

 

1,490

 

1,406

 

5.9

 

 

5.9

International Adult Nutritionals

 

1,644

 

1,502

 

9.5

 

(3.5)

 

13.0

U.S. Adult Nutritionals

 

948

 

915

 

3.7

 

 

3.7

Diagnostics —

 

 

 

 

 

Core Laboratory

 

3,152

 

3,407

 

(7.5)

 

(1.8)

 

(5.7)

Molecular

 

956

 

326

 

193.0

 

(3.2)

 

196.2

Point of Care

 

387

 

424

 

(8.8)

 

(0.3)

 

(8.5)

Rapid Diagnostics

 

1,965

 

1,498

 

31.1

 

(0.8)

 

31.9

Medical Devices —

 

 

 

 

 

Rhythm Management

 

1,382

 

1,600

 

(13.6)

 

(0.6)

 

(13.0)

Electrophysiology

 

1,128

 

1,262

 

(10.6)

 

(0.3)

 

(10.3)

Heart Failure

 

551

 

571

 

(3.5)

 

(0.2)

 

(3.3)

Vascular (a)

 

1,736

 

2,136

 

(18.7)

 

(0.6)

 

(18.1)

Structural Heart

 

894

 

1,024

 

(12.7)

 

(0.4)

 

(12.3)

Neuromodulation

 

489

 

609

 

(19.7)

 

(0.2)

 

(19.5)

Diabetes Care

2,350

1,833

28.2

(1.2)

29.4

(a) Vascular Product Lines:

Coronary and Endovascular

1,676

2,049

(18.2)

(0.7)

(17.5)

Key Emerging Markets for the Established Pharmaceutical Products business include India, Russia, Brazil and China, along with several other markets that represent the most attractive long-term growth opportunities for Abbott’s branded generics product portfolio.  Excluding the unfavorable effect of foreign exchange, sales in the Key Emerging Markets increased 3.2 percent compared to the first nine months of 2019 led primarily by growth in China and various countries in Asia and Latin America.  The nine-month growth rate was negatively impacted by lower demand in the second and third quarters of 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19 across emerging market countries.  Other Emerging Markets, excluding the effect of foreign exchange, decreased by 4.3 percent in the first nine months of 2020.

International Pediatric Nutritional sales, excluding the effect of foreign exchange, decreased 2.7 percent in the first nine months of 2020 versus the comparable 2019 period.  Growth across Abbott’s pediatric products in various countries in Southeast Asia was more than offset by challenging market dynamics in the Greater China infant category. U.S. Pediatric Nutritional sales increased 5.9 percent primarily due to increased demand for Pedialyte®, Abbott’s oral rehydration brand, and Pediasure®. The 13.0 percent increase in International Adult Nutritional sales, excluding the effect of foreign exchange, reflects continued growth of the Ensure® and Glucerna® brands in several countries.  U.S. Adult Nutritional sales increased 3.7 percent due to growth in Ensure.

In the Diagnostics segment, Core Laboratory sales decreased 5.7 percent, excluding the effect of foreign exchange, as the lower volume of routine testing performed in hospital and other laboratories due to COVID-19 was partially offset by sales  of Abbott’s COVID-19 laboratory-based tests for the detection of the IgG and IgM antibodies, which determine if someone was previously infected with the virus.  Core Laboratory antibody testing-related sales on Abbott’s ARCHITECT and Alinity i platforms were $212 million in the first nine months of 2020.  The 196.2 percent increase in Molecular Diagnostics sales, excluding the effect of foreign exchange, reflects higher volumes due to demand for Abbott’s laboratory-based molecular tests for COVID-19 on its m2000 and Alinity m platforms. Molecular Diagnostics COVID-19 testing-related sales were $672 million in the first nine months of 2020.

In Rapid Diagnostics, sales increased 31.9 percent, excluding the effect of foreign exchange, due to strong demand for Abbott’s point-of-care COVID-19 molecular test on its ID NOW platform and its BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card test in the U.S. as well as international demand for COVID-19 rapid tests on its Panbio system and increased testing in the first quarter for the flu in the U.S. These increases were partially offset by the unfavorable impact of COVID-19 on routine diagnostic testing.  Rapid Diagnostics COVID-19 testing-related sales were $649 million in the first nine months of 2020.

Excluding the effect of foreign exchange, total Medical Devices sales decreased 5.0 percent; the decrease was driven by the impact of COVID-19 on Abbott’s cardiovascular and neuromodulation businesses, partially offset by double-digit growth in Diabetes Care.  Growth in Diabetes Care sales was driven by continued growth of FreeStyle Libre®, Abbott’s continuous glucose monitoring system, internationally and in the U.S.  FreeStyle Libre sales totaled $1.880 billion in the first nine months of 2020, which reflected a 44.8 percent increase, excluding the effect of foreign exchange, over the first nine months of 2019 when FreeStyle Libre sales totaled $1.308 billion.

In June, Abbott announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance of FreeStyle Libre 2 as an integrated continuous glucose monitoring (iCGM) system for adults and children ages 4 and older with diabetes.  In September, Abbott obtained CE Mark for its FreeStyle Libre 3 system, which automatically delivers real time, up-to-the-minute glucose readings, 14-day accuracy and real-time glucose alarms.  Abbott also obtained CE Mark for its Libre Sense™ Glucose Sport Biosensor in Europe. Libre Sense is a consumer over-the-counter product that provides continuous glucose monitoring for athletes to better understand the efficacy of their nutrition choices on training and athletic performance.

20

Table of Contents

In Abbott’s cardiovascular and neuromodulation businesses, revenues during the first nine months of 2020 were negatively impacted by reduced procedure volumes due to COVID-19.  Procedure volume trends improved over the course of the second and third quarters as both demand for procedures and availability of healthcare resources return to more normal levels.  In April, Abbott announced CE Mark approval for its TriClip® heart valve repair system, the world’s first minimally invasive, clip-based tricuspid heart valve repair device.  In July, Abbott announced U.S. FDA approval of its next-generation Gallant™ implantable cardioverter defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator devices to help manage heart rhythm disorders. These devices offer Bluetooth technology and a new patient smartphone app for improved remote monitoring and enhanced patient-physician engagement.  In September, Abbott obtained CE Mark for MitraClip® G4, its next-generation MitraClip mitral valve repair device.

In April 2017, Abbott received a warning letter from the U.S. FDA related to its manufacturing facility in Sylmar, CA which was acquired by Abbott on January 4, 2017 as part of the acquisition of St. Jude Medical.  This facility manufactures implantable cardioverter defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators, and monitors.  Abbott prepared and executed a comprehensive plan of corrective actions.  On April 28, 2020, Abbott received a letter from the FDA indicating that, based on the FDA’s evaluation, it appeared that Abbott had addressed the items in the warning letter.  As a result, the warning letter is considered closed.

The gross profit margin percentage was 49.4 percent for the third quarter of 2020 compared to 52.4 percent for the third quarter of 2019.  The gross profit margin percentage was 49.2 percent for the first nine months of 2020 compared to 52.3 percent for the first nine months of 2019.  The decreases in the gross profit margin percentage primarily reflect the mix of sales across Abbott’s various businesses and operational inefficiencies due to the impact of COVID-19, as well as the increase in intangible asset amortization, the impairment of an intangible asset and the unfavorable effect of foreign exchange on gross margin in 2020.

Research and development (R&D) expenses decreased $16 million, or 2.8 percent, in the third quarter of 2020 and decreased $123 million, or 6.7 percent, in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the prior year. The decrease in the third quarter of 2020 primarily reflects lower integration and restructuring costs in 2020 related to R&D. The decrease in R&D spending in the first nine months of 2020 primarily reflects the immediate expensing in the first quarter of 2019 of an R&D asset valued at $102 million in conjunction with the acquisition of Cephea Valve Technologies, Inc. The decrease in R&D expense during the first nine months of 2020 also reflects the favorable effect of foreign exchange in 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, research and development expenditures totaled $921 million for the Medical Devices segment, $419 million for the Diagnostic Products segment, $137 million for the Nutritional Products segment and $127 million for the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased 5.7 percent in the third quarter and decreased 3.1 percent in the first nine months of 2020.  The decreases in the quarter and the first nine months of 2020 are due to income of $100 million from a litigation settlement in 2020, the favorable effect of foreign exchange, lower spending due to COVID-19 mobility restrictions, and the impact of various cost saving initiatives, partially offset by higher spending to drive growth in various businesses.

Restructuring Plans

The results for the first nine months of 2020 reflect charges under approved restructuring plans as part of the integration of the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical and Alere or as part of various cost reduction programs. Abbott recorded employee related severance and other charges of $42 million in the first nine months of 2020 related to these initiatives, of which $7 million is recognized in Cost of products sold, $2 million is recognized in Research and development and $33 million is recognized in SG&A. See Note 7 to the financial statements, “Restructuring Plans,” for additional information regarding these charges.

Other (Income) Expense, net

Other (income) expense, net totaled $46 million of income in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $55 million of income in 2019 and $25 million of income in the first nine months of 2020 compared to $140 million of income in 2019. The change in Other (income) expense, net for the first nine months of 2020 primarily reflects equity investment impairments that totaled approximately $110 million in the first nine months of 2020.

Interest Expense, net

Interest expense, net decreased $16 million in the third quarter of 2020 and $64 million in the first nine months of 2020 due to a reduction in interest expense resulting from the favorable impact of the euro debt financing in November of 2019, the repayment of debt in December 2019 and a lower interest rate environment in 2020.

Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations

Taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the estimated annual effective rates and include charges for interest and penalties.  In the first nine months of 2020, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include approximately $81 million in tax benefits related to the settlement of the former St. Jude Medical consolidated group’s 2014 through 2016 federal income tax returns in the U.S. and $87 million in excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, in the first nine months of 2020 reflect the recognition of $20 million of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years.  In the first nine months of 2019, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include a $78 million reduction to the transition tax related to the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) and approximately $95 million in excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation.  The $78 million reduction to the transition tax liability was the result of the issuance of final transition tax regulations by the U.S. Department of Treasury in the first quarter of 2019.

Tax authorities in various jurisdictions regularly review Abbott’s income tax filings.  Abbott believes that it is reasonably possible that the recorded amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease between $70 million and $410 million, including cash adjustments, within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various domestic and international tax matters.  In the U.S., Abbott's federal income tax returns through 2016 are settled except for the federal income tax returns of the former Alere consolidated group which are settled through 2015.

21

Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources September 30, 2020 Compared with December 31, 2019

On September 28, 2020, Abbott repaid the €1.140 billion outstanding principal amount of its 0.00% Notes due 2020 upon maturity.  The debt repayment, which equated to approximately $1.3 billion, was primarily funded by the net proceeds from the issuance on June 24, 2020 of $1.3 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes.  The June 2020 issuance consisted of $650 million of 1.15% Notes due 2028 and $650 million of 1.40% Notes due 2030.

The $620 million increase in cash and cash equivalents from $3.9 billion at December 31, 2019 to $4.5 billion at September 30, 2020 primarily reflects the favorable impact of cash generated by operating activities, partially offset by the payment of dividends and capital expenditures.  Working capital was $7.1 billion at September 30, 2020 and $4.8 billion at December 31, 2019.  The $2.3 billion increase was due in large part to the higher level of cash and cash equivalents noted above, as well as an increase in inventory related to shifting demand dynamics and higher accounts receivable balances due to higher levels of sales.

In the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, Net cash from operating activities for the first nine months of 2020 totaled $4.1 billion, an increase of $383 million over the prior year due primarily to lower payments related to integration expenses, restructuring actions and interest, the proceeds from a litigation settlement payment and timing for various accrued expenses, partially offset by an increased investment in working capital.  Other, net in Net cash from operating activities for the first nine months of 2020 was a source of $42 million and includes the impact of non-cash impairment charges related to intangible assets and equity investments and the payment timing for various accrued expenses partially offset by the impact of the payment of cash taxes of approximately $700 million and $350 million of pension contributions.  Other, net in Net cash from operating activities for the first nine months of 2019 was a use of $523 million and includes the payment of cash taxes of approximately $775 million and $337 million of pension contributions, partially offset by payment timing for various accrued expenses.  Abbott expects to fund cash dividends, capital expenditures and its other investments in its businesses with cash flow from operating activities, cash on hand, short-term investments and borrowings.

In September 2019, the board of directors authorized the early redemption of up to $5 billion of outstanding long-term notes.  This bond redemption authorization superseded the board’s previous authorization under which $700 million had not yet been redeemed.  In December 2019, Abbott redeemed $2.850 billion of debt.  After this redemption, $2.15 billion of the $5 billion debt redemption authorization remains available.

At September 30, 2020, Abbott’s long-term debt rating was A- by Standard & Poor’s Corporation and A3 by Moody’s Investors Service.  Abbott expects to maintain an investment grade rating.  Abbott has readily available financial resources, including lines of credit of $5.0 billion which expire in 2023.

In October 2019, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $3 billion of Abbott’s common shares from time to time. This authorization is in addition to the $270 million unused portion of the share repurchase program authorized in 2014.

On April 27, 2016, the board of directors authorized the issuance and sale for general corporate purposes of up to 75 million common shares that would result in proceeds of up to $3 billion.  No shares have been issued under this authorization.

In each of the first three quarters of 2020, Abbott declared a quarterly dividend of $0.36 per share on its common shares, which represents an increase of approximately 12.5 percent over the $0.32 per share quarterly dividend declared in each of the first three quarters of 2019.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which changes the methodology to be used to measure credit losses for certain financial instruments and financial assets, including trade receivables.  The new methodology requires the recognition of an allowance that reflects the current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial asset.  Abbott adopted the standard on January 1, 2020 and recorded a cumulative adjustment that was not significant to Earnings employed in the business in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which among other things, eliminates certain exceptions in the current rules regarding the approach for intraperiod tax allocations and the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period, and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill.  The standard becomes effective for Abbott in the first quarter of 2021 and early adoption is permitted.  Abbott does not expect adoption of this new standard to have a material impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

Legislative Issues

Abbott’s primary markets are highly competitive and subject to substantial government regulations throughout the world.  Abbott expects debate to continue over the availability, method of delivery, and payment for health care products and services.  It is not possible to predict the extent to which Abbott or the health care industry in general might be adversely affected by these factors in the future.  A more complete discussion of these factors is contained in Item 1, Business, and Item 1A, Risk Factors, in the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 — A Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Abbott cautions that any forward-looking statements made by Abbott are subject to risks and uncertainties, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Abbott's operations and financial results, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect Abbott's operations are discussed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors'', in the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in Item 1A, “Risk Factors”, in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

22

Table of Contents

PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 4.Controls and Procedures

(a)

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.  The President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert B. Ford, and Chief Financial Officer, Robert E. Funck, Jr., evaluated the effectiveness of Abbott Laboratories’ disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report, and concluded that Abbott Laboratories’ disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information Abbott is required to disclose in the reports that it files or submits with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Abbott in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to Abbott’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)Changes in internal control over financial reporting. During the quarter ended September 30, 2020, there were no changes in Abbott’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Abbott’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

Abbott is involved in various claims, legal proceedings and investigations, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c)   Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

    

    

    

    

(d) Maximum

 

Number (or

 

(c) Total Number

Approximate

 

of Shares (or

Dollar Value) of

 

(a) Total

Units) Purchased

Shares (or Units)

 

Number of

(b) Average

as Part of

that May Yet Be

 

Shares (or

Price Paid per

Publicly

Purchased Under

 

Units)

Share (or

Announced Plans

the Plans or

 

Period

Purchased

Unit)

or Programs

Programs

 

July 1, 2020 - July 31, 2020

 

0

(1)

$

0

 

0

$

3,270,234,923

(2)

August 1, 2020 - August 31, 2020

 

0

(1)

0

 

0

3,270,234,923

(2)

September 1, 2020 - September 30, 2020

 

28,423

(1)

109.47

 

0

3,270,234,923

(2)

Total

 

28,423

(1)

$

109.47

 

0

$

3,270,234,923

(2)

1.    These shares include the shares deemed surrendered to Abbott to pay the exercise price in connection with the exercise of employee stock options – 0 in July, 0 in August, and 28,423 in September.

These shares do not include the shares surrendered to Abbott to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units.

2.    On September 11, 2014, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $3 billion of Abbott common shares, from time to time (the “2014 Plan”).  On October 11, 2019, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $3 billion of Abbott common shares, from time to time (the “2019 Plan”).  The 2019 Plan is in addition to the unused portion of the 2014 Plan.

23

Table of Contents

Item 6.    Exhibits

Exhibit No.

    

Exhibit

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)).

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Required by Rule 13a-14(a) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)).

Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are furnished herewith and should not be deemed to be “filed” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101

The following financial statements and notes from the Abbott Laboratories Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2020, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Investment; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded in the Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit 101).

24

Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

ABBOTT LABORATORIES

By:

/s/ Robert E. Funck, Jr.

Robert E. Funck, Jr.

Executive Vice President, Finance
and Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 4, 2020

25