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Abbott Laboratories

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FY2017 Annual Report · Abbott Laboratories
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2017ANNUALREPORTPleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-1802-Mar-181009764ab_cvr_1_T1009764ab_cvr_1_T1009764ab1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniamizutaniKaren LasserKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552Abbott Labs_1552CMYKzfold17.1875 X 11.000017.1875 X 11.0000Abbott is a global healthcare company whose diverse
businesses help people live fuller lives through better
health. We keep hearts healthy, nourish bodies at every
stage of life, help people feel and move better, and provide
information, medicines, and breakthrough technologies
to manage people’s health. With growing businesses
in both developed and developing economies offering
market-leading products that align with long-term
demographic and technological trends, we are creating
long-term shareholder value by delivering consistent
growth, strong cash flow, and steadily increasing returns.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter to Shareholders
1
This is Abbott
5
10 Diabetes Care
12 Cardiac Rhythm Management
14 Heart Failure
16 Structural Heart and Vascular Care
18 Neuromodulation
20 Established Pharmaceuticals
22 Nutrition
26 Diagnostics
31 Abbott Future

on the cover:

GABRIELLE WEMPE
FreeStyle Libre user
The Netherlands

Since 2015, Gabrielle has
relied on the revolutionary
technology in Abbott’s
FreeStyle Libre system to
monitor her glucose levels.

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-1802-Mar-181009764ab_cvr_1_T1009764ab_cvr_1_T1009764ab1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniamizutaniKaren LasserKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552Abbott Labs_1552CMYK29252925spzfold17.1875 X 11.000017.1875 X 11.0000MILES D. WHITE
Chairman of the Board and 
Chief Executive Officer

D E A R   F E L LOW   S H A R E H O L D E R:

Abbott is here to create value. 
We do so by helping the people 
who use our products achieve 
better health. And we do so
by helping our shareholders 
achieve financial growth. 2017 
was an outstanding year for our 
company in both respects.

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L E T T E R T O O U R S H A R E H O L D E R S

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE

The way we consistently create
and deliver that value is by keeping
our focus squarely on the future.
This year marks our company’s
130th anniversary.  But our view
is that we’re only as old as our last
year – that Abbott is a perpetually
new company with a long legacy
of success that informs where we
go next and how we get there.
That’s a powerful combination:
the experience of a company that’s
succeeded for generations, and
the ambition and energy of a new
company with fresh opportunities.

We work very deliberately to ensure
that Abbott remains always relevant
and current to the people we serve
and to the changes taking place in
our environment. To that end, we
continually shape the company,
strategically choosing the businesses
in which we compete, the areas of
research in which we invest, and the

geographies in which we build, to
achieve the optimal configuration
for success.

2017 was a watershed year in the
shaping of our business for its next
great era. The most conspicuous
steps in this process were two major
acquisitions that will be powerful
drivers of our future.

The first of these was St. Jude
Medical, the addition of which made
Abbott a leading medical-device
innovator. Second was Alere Inc., a
leader in rapid-testing technologies.

St. Jude and Alere both enhance
our strength and presence in key
businesses. We’ve long been a major
global player in Diagnostics; Alere
strengthens us in one of the few
areas in which we weren’t already a
leader. St. Jude, on the other hand,
makes us a premier company across
the spectrum of cardiac care, where

we’d previously had leadership
only in certain focused areas. It
also brings us into a very promising
new field: Neuromodulation to
treat chronic pain and movement
disorders. We’re now the market
leader in non-opioid pain-relief
technology, an area of high interest
and immense potential.

Equally important over time is
how we strengthen the company
organically, through our investment
in research and development. 2017
was a year of great success and
productivity for Abbott innovation,
with an extraordinary number
of major product launches and
approvals across our businesses and
around the world. We have never had
a more robust new-product pipeline
of life-changing technologies. While
this is detailed throughout this
report, I’ll call out two examples of
internal Abbott innovation that speak
to our broad aims and capabilities.

ACCELERATING GROWTH

NEUROMODULATION

ESTABLISHED
PHARMACEUTICALS

DIABETES CARE

>40%
GROWTH 1
led by newly
launched
products

9.5%
GROWTH 2
balanced across
emerging
markets

>20%
GROWTH
driven by
FreeStyle
Libre

2

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L E T T E R T O O U R S H A R E H O L D E R S

First is our FreeStyle Libre glucose-
monitoring system. The FreeStyle
Libre system is a leap-frogging
technology, changing the way people
have managed their diabetes for
decades. And it clearly demonstrates
our strategic approach in action:
we entered this field through
acquisition, creating Abbott Diabetes
Care in 2004; then developed it –
strategically and technologically –
into the market leader it is today.

The year’s other standout example
of Abbott innovation is our Alinity
family of diagnostic systems. This is
a project of unprecedented scope and
ambition in its market – a reinvention
of the way the diagnostic lab works
through a simultaneous reimagining
of its component systems. What’s
particularly striking about this effort
is that it comes in a legacy business
in which Abbott has long been an
established leader but, nonetheless, is
executing a game-changing strategy
through organic R&D.

SHAPING SUCCESS

We continually build Abbott
to achieve a carefully defined
profile that we’ve found optimal
for achieving consistently strong
performance. We craft that
competitive profile to ensure
our company is structured on
these purposefully cultivated
core strengths:

Balance
The diversity of Abbott’s business
portfolio not only expands our
opportunities to more areas of
healthcare, it’s the key to our ability
to deliver superior results. By
managing a careful balance between
diverse elements in our business mix,
our customer base, and the markets
we serve, we have more ways to win
without being overly dependent on
any single part of our business.

Global Presence
Abbott has strong commercial,
manufacturing, and R&D
infrastructure throughout the
world’s largest and fastest-growing
markets. And our marketing efforts
have now brought Abbott’s corporate
identity to more than three billion
people worldwide.

Alignment
Abbott goes where significant
health needs align with scientific
opportunity in order to make the
greatest impact for patients and,
consequently, shareholders. Our
ability to understand the needs of our
customers allows us to move with
the evolution of our markets.

Leadership
Our intent is to be the leading
company in the markets in which we
compete. And we’re fulfilling that
objective, with #1 or #2 positions in
virtually every market we serve.

INCREASING OUR IMPACT

DIAGNOSTICS

CARDIOVASCULAR

NUTRITION

6 NEW
SYSTEMS
in our
Alinity Family

12 NEW
PRODUCTS
Launched
across
categories

#1

in Worldwide
Adult Nutrition

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L E T T E R T O O U R S H A R E H O L D E R S

CRE ATING VALUE

The results of the steps we’ve taken
bear out the strategies behind them.
The amount of value Abbott has
created – near- and long-term –
is extraordinary.

Our company performed very well
in 2017, and the result was a stellar
year for Abbott shares. Our stock
grew almost 50 percent in 2017 –
its best performance in 20 years –
hitting more than 20 all-time highs
along the way.

Combined with dividends paid,
this resulted in total shareholder
return of 52 percent, the best in
our fundamental peer group. And,
for the long term, we’ve paid rising
dividends for the past 46 consecutive
years, keeping us a member of the
S&P Dividend Aristocrats Index
since its inception.

Thanks to our continual shaping
of the company, Abbott is in a
range of businesses, geographies,
and technologies that will allow
us to keep growing, evolving, and
succeeding. With our eyes always on
the way ahead, our company is new
again, for the 130th time, and readier
than ever to create the ultimate
value – in human lives improved and
potential realized.

Miles D. White
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
March 2, 2018

We’re able to create great value
financially because we first do so
in the lives of the people who use
our products and for others whose
lives we touch. In 2017, our efforts in
global citizenship led us to be named
to the Dow Jones Sustainability
Indexes for the 13th consecutive
year, the fifth in a row as the leader
in our industry. As a result of this
strong performance across our
operations, Fortune magazine
recently named us the Most Admired
Company in our industry, also for the
fifth consecutive year.

2017 was, then, a landmark
year of building and putting the
pieces in place for our next leap
forward. In the years ahead we will
capitalize on those investments and
advancements. As this report makes
clear, we are superbly positioned
to do so.

A TRADITION OF GROWTH
Consistent long-term performance and outstanding shareholder returns

90+

years

of consecutive quarterly
dividends paid

Abbott has been an S&P 500
Dividend Aristocrat since the list
was first compiled

4

52%

1-year Total Return
to Shareholders

as of December 29, 2017

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ABBOTT

Executing our strategies,
accelerating our growth, expanding
our impact.

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BALANCE
in our business mix, our
customer base, and the
markets we serve

BUILDING
ON OUR
CORE
STRENGTHS.

ALIGNMENT
with the most significant
needs and trends in
healthcare

6

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in the world’s largest and
fastest-growing markets

LEADERSHIP
with #1 or #2 positions in virtually
every market we serve

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7
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LIFE-CHANGING
TECHNOLOGY

8

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Abbott creates life-changing technologies that help
people live healthier, fuller lives. Our relentless
pursuit of invention is delivering an unprecedented
number of advances that will extend our impact
and sustain our growth for years to come.

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HELPING PEOPLE WITH DIABETES
live fuller, healthier lives.

FREEST YLE LIBRE

1 0

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ABBOTT IS COMMITTED TO
HELPING PEOPLE ACROSS
THE WORLD MANAGE
THEIR DIABETES MORE
COMFORTABLY AND
EFFECTIVELY.

PARADIGM-SHIFTING
TECHNOLOGY

Abbott is revolutionizing the way
people monitor their glucose with
our FreeStyle Libre system. This
breakthrough technology measures
glucose levels through a small sensor
worn on the back of the upper
arm, eliminating the need for routine
finger sticks.5

More than half a million people
worldwide rely on the FreeStyle Libre
system to provide real-time glucose
results, a graph depicting the latest
eight hours of glucose history, and a
trend arrow showing the direction
their glucose is heading. The system’s
touch-screen reader retains up to 90
days of data, allowing people to track
their glucose levels over time.

NEXT-GENERATION SOLUTIONS

In 2017, Abbott began collaborating
with Bigfoot Biomedical to develop
diabetes-management systems,
integrating our FreeStyle Libre
technology with Bigfoot’s insulin-
delivery solutions. Through this
collaboration, we aim to provide more
actionable information for people who
rely on daily insulin injections
to manage their diabetes.

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GABRIELLE
WEMPE
Rotterdam,
The Netherlands

Gabrielle appreciates
the freedom afforded her by
Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre
glucose-monitoring system

425

million
people worldwide
have some
form of diabetes.3

48%

INCREASE
projected in the number
of people living
with diabetes by 2045 4

FREESTYLE
LIBRELINK
Abbott’s mobile application
brings FreeStyle Libre
monitoring functionality to
users’ smartphones.

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ABBOTT IS CONTINUALLY
FOCUSED ON INCREASING
THE BREADTH AND
DEPTH OF ITS CARDIAC-
RHYTHM-MANAGEMENT
PORTFOLIO.

Hearts that beat too fast, too slow, or out of
sync pump blood less effectively, which can
result in damage to the brain, heart, and
other organs. Abbott’s portfolio of cardiac-
rhythm-management devices includes
pacemakers that restore normal rhythm,
implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD)
that help slow abnormally fast-beating
hearts, and cardiac-resynchronization
devices that help the heart pump in a more
coordinated way. Doctors can also analyze
and treat abnormal heart rhythms using
our advanced mapping and visualization
systems, along with our diagnostic and
ablation catheters.

EXPANDING OUR PORTFOLIO

In 2017, we expanded our market-
leading cardiac-rhythm-management
portfolio with the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) approvals of several
important advances: our FlexAbility
Ablation Catheter, designed to improve
versatility and precision during procedures
to treat atrial flutter, a type of irregular
heartbeat; Confirm Rx, the world’s
first and only smartphone-compatible
insertable cardiac monitor, designed to
help physicians remotely identify cardiac
arrhythmias; and our full suite of cardiac-
rhythm-management products, including
our Assurity MRI pacemaker and Ellipse
ICD, that are specifically designed to allow
full-body MRI scans.

1 2

ENSITE PRECISION
CARDIAC
MAPPING SYSTEM

Abbott’s cardiac mapping
system offers next-generation
technology that provides a
high level of automation,
flexibility, and precision to
help doctors more effectively
diagnose a wide range of
arrhythmias.

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RACHAEL
JARNAGIN
Chicago, Illinois,
USA

With a family history of heart
disease, and evidence that she’d
suffered an undiagnosed attack
herself, Rachael appreciates the
peace of mind offered by her
Abbott Fortify VR implantable
cardioverter defibrillator.

KEEPING HEARTS HEALTHY
and beating at a steady pace.

ASSURIT Y
MRI
PACEMAKER

1009764ab_txt.indd 13

>14 million

Estimated number of people in the
United States who experience some
form of cardiac arrhythmia.6

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BREAKTHROUGH SOLUTIONS
to help heart-failure patients live fuller lives.

LEFT-
VENTRICULAR
ASSIST
DEVICE

HEARTMATE 3

1 4

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_p_14_15_27_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abfviruetKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

ABBOTT OFFERS A
COMPREHENSIVE PORTFOLIO
OF DEVICES AND SYSTEMS
DESIGNED TO ADDRESS EVERY
TYPE OF HEART FAILURE.

Abbott’s Heart Failure portfolio
comprises devices and systems to
treat and manage heart failure for
many different kinds of patients. Our
comprehensive offering includes
implantable cardiac-resynchronization
devices; specially designed pacemakers
and defibrillators; our CardioMEMS
pulmonary-artery pressure monitor,
which lets doctors detect worsening
heart failure before a patient feels
symptoms; a remote monitoring system
that communicates with doctors
without the need for an in-office visit;
and left ventricular assist devices
(LVAD), implantable pumps that
support patients living with advanced
heart failure.

Our newest device in this category
is the HeartMate 3 LVAD, which
is the first implantable device of
its kind to use our proprietary Full
MagLev technology, designed to
reduce trauma to the blood passing
through the pump, while optimizing
blood flow. Improved blood flow can
help reduce the risk of blood-clot
formation, while continuing to deliver
the best patient therapy possible.

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REGGIE
WILLIAMS
Raleigh,
North Carolina,
USA

Reggie relies on Abbott’s
HeartMate 3 Left-Ventricular
Assist Device to help him
enjoy a fuller life with
his wife, Michelle, while he
awaits his transplant.

26 million

people worldwide
suffer from
heart failure 7

46%

Projected rise
in heart failure in
the U.S. by 2030 8

The HeartMate 3 LVAD,
for advanced heart-
failure patients, uses
full magnetic levitation
as it pumps, reducing
trauma to blood passing
through the system.

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ABBOTT IS IMPROVING
TREATMENT OPTIONS
IN BOTH STRUCTURAL HEART
AND VASCULAR DISEASE.

LESS-INVASIVE THERAPIES

With mitral-valve-repair devices, as well as
transcatheter aortic-valve replacement and
surgical valve products, Abbott now has
the broadest offering of technologies that
treat structural-heart diseases, such as non-
functioning heart valves and life-threatening
holes in the heart.

Our MitraClip, a first-of-its-kind mitral-
valve-repair device, has provided a
minimally invasive treatment option for
more than 50,000 people worldwide. And
our AMPLATZER septal occluder is the first
approved medical device indicated to reduce
the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in
patients with a small opening between the
upper chambers of the heart.

ADVANCING THE STATE OF THE ART

Today, our vascular business offers market-
leading stents, catheters, guidewires,
and vessel-closure devices, along with
diagnostic and imaging devices that allow
cardiologists to better visualize damaged
arteries. By combining imaging capability
with stenting, we can offer the right
combination of information and tools to help
doctors make better decisions in treating
coronary artery disease.

In 2017, Abbott received European approval
for XIENCE Sierra, a next-generation stent
designed to make it easier to access difficult-
to-reach lesions.

1 6

>71,000

children in the U.S.
and European Union
are born with structural
heart defects each year.9

AMPLATZER
SEPTAL
OCCLUDER

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

DICK
COTHRAN
Avon Park, Florida,
USA

After doctors used Abbott’s
MitraClip device to repair his
leaky mitral valve, Dick regained
the energy he needed to truly
enjoy his retirement.

REPAIRING DAMAGED HEARTS
and restoring healthy blood flow.

MITRACLIP
MITRAL-VALVE
REPAIR DEVICE

XIENCE SIERRA
CORONARY
STENT

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CUTTING-EDGE SCIENCE
to treat chronic pain and movement disorders.

PROCLAIM
NEUROSTIMULATION
SYSTEM

INFINITY
Deep Brain
Stimulation
System

1 8

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK8.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7 A N N U A L R E P O R T

ABBOTT TECHNOLOGY
IMPROVES THE LIVES OF
PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM
CHRONIC PAIN AND
MOVEMENT DISORDERS.

REDEFINING CHRONIC-PAIN RELIEF

Neuromodulation is a new area of
expertise for Abbott, and our advanced
approach to this technology has resulted
in cutting-edge pain-relief devices.

Recent advances in this area include
our Proclaim Elite recharge-free
spinal-cord-stimulation system, which
features Abbott’s proprietary BurstDR
stimulation. By emulating natural firing
patterns of nerves in the brain, BurstDR
can give patients relief from both their
physical pain and its associated emotional
suffering. We also offer our Proclaim DRG
neurostimulation system, designed to
deliver therapy for focal chronic pain of
the lower limbs.

NEW HOPE FOR PEOPLE WITH
MOVEMENT DISORDERS

We are transforming the standard of care
for movement disorders with deep-brain
stimulation products that can help treat
and manage patients with Parkinson’s
disease and essential tremor.

A leading product in this area is our
Infinity DBS, which delivers mild
electrical pulses to certain targets in the
brain to stimulate the structures involved
in motor control, while blocking the
electrical signals that cause involuntary
movements.

DR. MARK
MALONE
Austin, Texas,
USA

Mark is both a physician
who specializes in
treating chronic pain and a
pain patient himself. Abbott’s
BurstDR technology has
helped him manage his once-
debilitating back pain.

1.5 BILLION

people worldwide suffer
from chronic pain.10

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

ABBOTT’S MEDICINES
BUSINESS IS A UNIQUELY
POWERFUL GROWTH ENGINE
FOCUSED ENTIRELY IN FAST-
GROWING MARKETS.

Built on the foundation of the trust
consumers and healthcare providers
have in Abbott, our medicines business
continues to deliver excellent growth
by meeting the need for high-quality,
affordable medications in emerging
markets.

We’ve built this business to be powered
globally, but driven locally. Our global
scale provides a solid base to sustain
competitiveness – particularly when it
comes to manufacturing and innovation
– and our local decision making makes us
nimble in fast-changing markets.

We have a portfolio of more than 1,500
products across multiple therapeutic
areas, including gastroenterology,
women’s health, cardiometabolic, pain
management/central nervous system,
respiratory, and influenza vaccines.
And, within this offering, we’ve created
new ways of using existing medicines,
new delivery methods, new dosage
combinations, new indications, different
flavors, and enhanced packaging and
digital solutions that improve patient
adherence.

2 0

31

manufacturing
sites

12

development
centers

>1,500

Products in Abbott’s
portfolio, with more
than 400 currently in
development

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BUDI PUTRA
Jakarta, Indonesia

Budi trusts our Depakote
tablets to help control his
seizures, letting him focus
on living his best possible
life with his family.

TRUSTED, BRANDED MEDICINES
meeting the needs of fast-growing markets.

DEPAKOTE

DIVERSE PORTFOLIO

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

SCIENCE-BASED NOURISHMENT
at every stage of life, all around the world.

ELEVA
INFANT
FORMULA

2 2

ENSURE
ADVANCE

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ABBOTT’S PORTFOLIO
OF NUTRITION PRODUCTS
HELPS PEOPLE GET HEALTHY
AND STAY THAT WAY.

HELPING GIVE CHILDREN A
STRONG START

For infants and toddlers, we make
powdered and ready-to-drink products
that are trusted around the world to
support healthy growth, address the
special nutrition needs of children
who are ill, and help kids rehydrate
after diarrhea or vomiting. Beyond
our Similac line of infant and toddler
formulas, we also offer PediaSure,
our complete, balanced nutritional
supplement that supports healthy growth
and development, and Pedialyte, an oral
electrolyte solution specially formulated
to help prevent dehydration.

HELPING ADULTS ACHIEVE
THEIR HEALTH GOALS

For adults, Abbott has a broad portfolio of
products that includes modular products,
which are added to existing formulas
to address specific nutritional needs;
supplemental nutrition to help fill gaps in
the diet; and oral nutritional supplements
and tube feeding, which provide a source
of complete and balanced nutrition. In
addition to our market-leading Ensure
family of products, Abbott has developed
a number of formulations that support
the unique nutritional needs of people
with chronic illnesses, including
Glucerna, for people with diabetes, and
Nepro, for patients on dialysis.

2 3

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ELISA FORTI
Buenos Aires,
Argentina

At 82, Elisa still has the
energy to keep doing
the things she loves. She
relies on Ensure Advance
nutritional supplement
to support her strength and
mobility to help maintain
her active lifestyle.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP

#1

Adult Nutrition
worldwide

Pediatric Nutrition
U.S. and many
international markets

Ensure Gold wheat
flavor appeals
to local tastes in
Vietnam

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7 A N N U A L R E P O R T

EXPANDING OUR
IMPACT
with continual product
improvements.

ELISA FORTI
and her grandsons

SIMILAC

The first infant
formula with
2’-FL Human Milk
Oligosaccharides

ENSURE

#1 Doctor-
recommended
brand in
the U.S.

PEDIALYTE

Specially
formulated to
help prevent
dehydration

PURE BLISS

For parents who
want a non-
GMO formula.
Made with
fresh milk from
grass-fed cows

2 4

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK292530258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

ABBOTT DRAWS UPON
CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH
TO DEVELOP MORE
EFFECTIVE NUTRITIONAL
PRODUCTS.

A BREAKTHROUGH IN
INFANT FORMULA

Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)
are the third most abundant solid
component of breast milk after fat and
carbohydrates. They feed beneficial
bacteria in the gut, where 70% of the
immune system exists. Until recently,
only breastfed babies have been able to
benefit from these important prebiotics.
Today, thanks to Abbott scientists,
these compounds are available in our
Similac Pro-Advance and Similac Pro-
Sensitive infant formulas.

SCIENCE-BASED NUTRITION

In 2017, Abbott introduced science-
based nutrition drinks to help patients
have a better recovery from surgery.
Research shows that staying nourished
in the days and hours prior to a
procedure can help patients prepare for
and recover from surgery. New Ensure
Surgery Immunonutrition Shake and
Ensure Pre-Surgery Clear nutrition
drinks are designed for hospitals
implementing surgical guidelines for
enhancing patient recovery.

>25

KEY
PRODUCT
LAUNCHES
IN 2017

5

Nutrition R&D centers
worldwide let Abbott
respond quickly to
regional differences in
consumer preferences,
from taste to packaging

GLUCERNA

Leading nutritional
product formulated to
help people maintain
healthy glucose levels
and manage diabetes

ENSURE SURGERY AND
PRE-SURGERY CLEAR

Specifically designed to
help patients prepare for,
and recover from, surgery

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ACCURATE, TIMELY INFORMATION
to better manage health and help improve outcomes.

OUR EASIEST-TO-USE
POINT-OF-CARE TESTING
DEVICE YET

2 6

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK30258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

ABBOTT’S PRODUCTS PROVIDE
INFORMATION THAT HELPS
PREVENT, DIAGNOSE, AND
TREAT A BROAD SPECTRUM OF
HEALTH CONDITIONS.

Abbott offers a wide range of diagnostic
instrument systems and tests for
hospitals, reference labs, molecular
labs, blood banks, physician offices,
and clinics.

CORE LABORATORY AND
TRANSFUSION MEDICINE
Abbott offers a comprehensive array of
immunoassay and clinical-chemistry
instrument platforms, tests, and services.
We are addressing our customers’ need
for greater efficiencies through the use of
analytics, informatics, and automation.

POINT OF CARE
The foundation of Abbott’s point-of-care
testing business is the i-STAT System, our
market-leading portable blood analyzer,
which can perform many of the most
commonly ordered blood tests at the
bedside, using only a few drops of blood.

MOLECULAR
Abbott offers tests that analyze DNA and
RNA at the molecular level, providing
more-accurate means to detect and
monitor diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

INFORMATICS
Our informatics solutions, such as
STARLIMS, help create smarter labs
while addressing the full spectrum
of clinical needs, making actionable
information available through mobile
devices in a secure, user-friendly manner.

TAONGA
SHACKELL
Whangarei,
New Zealand

Born prematurely, Taonga has a
number of health issues that require
regular blood tests. His mother,
Miranda, is grateful that Abbott’s
i-STAT System uses only a few drops
of blood, which helps minimize
Taonga’s discomfort.11

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
IN DIAGNOSTICS

#1

IN BLOOD SCREENING

LEADING
point-of-care platform in the
United States

BEST-IN-CLASS
molecular tests

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_p_14_15_27_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abfviruetKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK292530258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

ALINITY
A DIAGNOSTICS
REVOLUTION
A unified, holistic family
of systems.

ALINITY FAMILY

• CLINICAL CHEMISTRY

Alinity c

• IMMUNOASSAY

Alinity i

• HEMATOLOGY
Alinity hs/hq

• BLOOD SCREENING

Alinity s

• MOLECULAR
Alinity m

• POINT OF CARE
i-STAT Alinity

• INFORMATICS
Alinity PRO

2 8

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK30258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

ALINITY OFFERS A MAJOR
LEAP FORWARD IN
TERMS OF RELIABILITY,
COST, CAPACITY, SPACE
EFFICIENCY, AND EASE
OF USE.

Today’s healthcare systems face a host
of challenges that impact their ability
to deliver the fast and accurate results
doctors need. They’re being asked to
handle unprecedented volumes of tests
on limited budgets, with limited staff
and limited space.

Abbott’s new family of systems – which
includes next-generation instruments
for clinical chemistry, immunoassay,
hematology, point of care, blood and
plasma screening, and molecular
diagnostics – will help lab professionals
and clinicians meet these challenges
better than any technology available
today.

Systems in the Alinity family share a
number of key attributes: they offer
features that align with the needs of
today’s labs; they provide innovative
solutions to current and future
challenges; they’re designed to be
interconnected and work together
seamlessly while using less space in
today’s smaller labs; and they have
common software and hardware
platforms, plus universal, intuitive
interfaces that make them simpler
to use.

2 9

3/2/18 11:40 AM

ALIGNED With Customer Goals

Fueled By INNOVATIVE Possibilities

Working in UNITY To Deliver Results

GAME-CHANGING
TECHNOLOGY

Alinity is a total enterprise solution designed to
help hospitals and diagnostic laboratories achieve
measurably better healthcare performance.

1009764ab_txt.indd 29

Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK30258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7 A N N U A L R E P O R T

IMPROVING
ACCESS TO CARE
with our newly expanded
offering in rapid diagnostics.

DELIVERING FAST, RELIABLE AND
ACTIONABLE INFORMATION

Rapid diagnostic testing can give doctors the insights
they need – in minutes – to deliver the right care, at
the right time. Abbott is the world leader in point-of-
care testing, with a targeted portfolio of systems and
tests designed to improve the overall quality of care
and help our customers deliver better clinical and

OUR RAPID
TESTS FOR HIV
HAVE BEEN AN
IMPORTANT
TOOL IN THE
FIGHT AGAINST
AIDS AROUND
THE WORLD.

economic healthcare outcomes. In 2017, we
delivered more than one billion tests to healthcare
professionals and patients around the world.
Abbott also offers drug testing and services that
allow for informed decisions by employers.

FOCUSED IN THREE KEY AREAS

CARDIOMETABOLIC

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

TOXICOLOGY

3 0

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMYK30258.5000 X 11.0000ABBOTT

FUTURE

We’re shaping Abbott for long-term growth by
building significant positions in those areas where
the need for new solutions is greatest.

GROWING WORLDWIDE NEEDS

DIABETES

+114%

Estimated percentage
change in the number
of people with diabetes
2000-2030 12

CHRONIC PAIN

1 in 10

Adults worldwide are
newly diagnosed with
chronic pain each year 14

CARDIOVASCULAR
DISEASE

>400M

Global prevalent cases
of cardiovascular disease 13

EMERGING-MARKET
PHARMACEUTICALS

+100%

Projected change in size of
emerging pharmaceutical
markets 2015-2025 15

1009764ab_txt.indd 31

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com05-Mar-181009764ab_txt_p31_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abfviruetKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMY3025PANTONE 3025_sp8.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

2017
FINANCIAL
REPORT

33 Consolidated Statement of Earnings

58 Report of Independent Registered

34 Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income

35 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

36 Consolidated Balance Sheet

38 Consolidated Statement of
Shareholders’ Investment

39 Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements

58 Management Report on Internal

Control Over Financial Reporting

Public Accounting Firm

59 Report of Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

60 Financial Instruments and

Risk Management

61 Financial Review

75 Performance Graph

76 Summary of Selected Financial Data

77 Directors and Corporate Officers

78 Shareholder and Corporate Information

3 2

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com02-Mar-181009764ab_txt_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552CMK30258.5000 X 11.0000C O N S O L I D AT E D S TAT E M E N T O F E A R N I N G S

(in millions except per share data)

Year Ended December 31

Net Sales
Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets
Amortization of intangible assets
Research and development
Selling, general and administrative
Total Operating Cost and Expenses
Operating Earnings
Interest expense
Interest income
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss
Other (income) expense, net
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Taxes
Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations

Earnings from Continuing Operations

Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes
Gain on sale of Discontinued Operations, net of taxes
Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

2017
$27,390
12,337
1,975
2,235
9,117
25,664
1,726
904
(124)
(34)
(1,251)
2,231
1,878

353

124
—
124

2016
$20,853
9,024
550
1,422
6,672
17,668
3,185
431
(99)
495
945
1,413
350

1,063

321
16
337

2015
$20,405
8,747
601
1,405
6,785
17,538
2,867
163
(105)
(93)
(281)
3,183
577

2,606

65
1,752
1,817

Net Earnings

$÷÷«477

$÷1,400

$÷4,423

Basic Earnings Per Common Share—
Continuing Operations
Discontinued Operations
Net Earnings

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share—
Continuing Operations
Discontinued Operations
Net Earnings

Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic
Earnings Per Common Share
Dilutive Common Stock Options
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive
Common Stock Options

Outstanding Common Stock Options Having No Dilutive Effect

$÷÷0.20
0.07
$÷÷0.27

$÷÷0.20
0.07
$÷÷0.27

1,740
9

1,749

—

$÷÷0.71
0.23
$÷÷0.94

$÷÷0.71
0.23
$÷÷0.94

1,477
6

1,483

5

$÷÷1.73
1.21
$÷÷2.94

$÷÷1.72
1.20
$÷÷2.92

1,496
10

1,506

1

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

1009764ab_fin.indd 33

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com01-Mar-181009764ab_fin_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552K29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

C O N S O L I D AT E D S TAT E M E N T O F C O M P R E H E N S I V E I N C O M E

(in millions)

Year Ended December 31

Net Earnings
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) adjustments
Net actuarial gains (losses) and prior service cost and credits and amortization
of net actuarial losses and prior service cost and credits, net of taxes of
$(61) in 2017, $(125) in 2016 and $101 in 2015
Unrealized gains (losses) on marketable equity securities, net of taxes of
$(76) in 2017, $(28) in 2016 and $104 in 2015
Net (losses) gains on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges,
net of taxes of $(43) in 2017, $(4) in 2016 and $(9) in 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive Income

Supplemental Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Information,
net of tax as of December 31:
Cumulative foreign currency translation (loss) adjustments
Net actuarial (losses) and prior service (cost) and credits
Cumulative unrealized (losses) gains on marketable equity securities
Cumulative (losses) gains on derivative instruments designated as
cash flow hedges
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

2017
$÷÷477
1,365

(243)

64

(134)
1,052
$«1,529

$(3,452)
(2,521)
(5)

(84)
$(6,062)

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

2016
$«1,400
(130)

(326)

(134)

(15)
(605)
$÷÷795

$(4,959)
(2,284)
(69)

49
$(7,263)

2015
$«4,423
(2,013)

252

64

(35)
(1,732)
$«2,691

$(4,829)
(1,958)
65

64
$(6,658)

3 4

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com01-Mar-181009764ab_fin_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552K29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

2017

2016

2015

$÷÷÷477

$ 1,400

$«4,423

C O N S O L I D AT E D S TAT E M E N T O F C A S H F L O W S

(in millions)

Year Ended December 31

Cash Flow From (Used in) Operating Activities:
Net earnings
Adjustments to reconcile earnings to net cash from operating activities—
Depreciation
Amortization of intangible assets
Share‑based compensation
Impact of currency devaluation
Amortization of inventory step‑up
Investing and financing (gains) losses, net
Amortization of bridge financing fees
Gains on sale of businesses
Mylan N.V. equity investment adjustment
Gain on sale of Mylan N.V. shares
Trade receivables
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Trade accounts payable and other liabilities
Income taxes
Net Cash From Operating Activities

Cash Flow From (Used in) Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of property and equipment
Acquisitions of businesses and technologies, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from business dispositions
Proceeds from the sale of Mylan N.V. shares
Purchases of investment securities
Proceeds from sales of investment securities
Other
Net Cash From (Used in) Investing Activities

Cash Flow From (Used in) Financing Activities:
Proceeds from issuance of (repayments of ) short‑term debt and other
Proceeds from issuance of long‑term debt and debt with maturities
over 3 months
Repayments of long‑term debt and debt with maturities over 3 months
Payment of bridge financing fees
Purchase of Alere preferred stock
Acquisition and contingent consideration payments related to business
acquisitions
Purchases of common shares
Proceeds from stock options exercised
Dividends paid
Net Cash From (Used in) Financing Activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Income taxes paid
Interest paid

1,046
1,975
406
—
907
47
5
(1,163)
—
(45)
(207)
249
109
615
1,149
5,570

(1,135)
(17,183)
6,042
2,704
(210)
129
35
(9,618)

(1,034)

6,742
(8,650)
—
(710)

(13)
(117)
350
(1,849)
(5,281)

116
(9,213)
18,620
$÷«9,407

$÷÷÷570
917

803
550
310
480
—
86
165
(25)
947
—
(177)
(98)
113
(652)
(699)
3,203

(1,121)
(80)
25
—
(2,823)
3,709
42
(248)

(1,767)

14,934
(12)
(170)
—

(25)
(522)
248
(1,539)
11,147

(483)
13,619
5,001
$18,620

$

620
181

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

871
601
292
—
—
(18)
—
(2,840)
—
(207)
(171)
(257)
57
(742)
957
2,966

(1,110)
(235)
230
2,290
(4,933)
4,112
52
406

(1,281)

2,485
(57)
—
—

(17)
(2,237)
314
(1,443)
(2,236)

(198)
938
4,063
$«5,001

$÷÷631
166

3 5

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com01-Mar-181009764ab_fin_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552K29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

C O N S O L I D AT E D B A L A N C E S H E E T

(dollars in millions)

December 31

Assets

Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments, primarily bank time deposits and U.S. treasury bills
Trade receivables, less allowances of—2017: $294; 2016: $250
Inventories:

Finished products
Work in process
Materials
Total inventories

Other prepaid expenses and receivables
Current assets held for disposition

Total Current Assets

Investments

Property and Equipment, at Cost:

Land
Buildings
Equipment
Construction in progress

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Net Property and Equipment

Intangible Assets, net of amortization
Goodwill
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Assets
Non‑current Assets Held for Disposition

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

2017

2016

$÷9,407
203
5,249

2,339
472
790
3,601
1,667
20
20,147

883

526
3,613
10,394
732

15,265
7,658
7,607

21,473
24,020
1,944
176
$76,250

$18,620
155
3,248

1,624
294
516
2,434
1,806
513
26,776

2,947

408
2,602
8,394
962

12,366
6,661
5,705

4,539
7,683
2,263
2,753
$52,666

3 6

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com01-Mar-181009764ab_fin_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552K29258.5000 X 11.0000C O N S O L I D AT E D B A L A N C E S H E E T

(dollars in millions)

December 31

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Investment

Current Liabilities:
Short‑term borrowings
Trade accounts payable
Salaries, wages and commissions
Other accrued liabilities
Dividends payable
Income taxes payable
Current portion of long‑term debt
Current liabilities held for disposition
Total Current Liabilities
Long‑term Debt
Post‑employment obligations and other long‑term liabilities
Non‑current liabilities held for disposition

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: 2017: 1,965,908,188; 2016: 1,707,475,455
Common shares held in treasury, at cost—
Shares: 2017: 222,305,719; 2016: 234,606,250
Earnings employed in the business
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Total Abbott Shareholders’ Investment
Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries
Total Shareholders’ Investment

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

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

2017

2016

$÷÷÷206
2,402
1,187
3,811
489
309
508
—
8,912
27,210
9,030
—

$÷«1,322
1,178
752
2,581
391
188
3
245
6,660
20,681
4,549
59

—

—

23,206

13,027

(10,225)
23,978
(6,062)
30,897
201
31,098
$«76,250

(10,791)
25,565
(7,263)
20,538
179
20,717
$«52,666

1009764ab_fin.indd 37

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com01-Mar-181009764ab_fin_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552K29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

C O N S O L I D AT E D S TAT E M E N T O F S H A R E H O L D E R S ’ I N V E S T M E N T

(in millions except shares and per share data)

Year Ended December 31

2017

2016

2015

Common Shares:
Beginning of Year
Shares: 2017: 1,707,475,455; 2016: 1,702,017,390; 2015: 1,694,929,949

Issued under incentive stock programs
Shares: 2017: 8,834,924; 2016: 5,458,065; 2015: 7,087,441

Issued for St. Jude Medical acquisition
Shares: 2017: 249,597,809
Share‑based compensation
Issuance of restricted stock awards

$«13,027

$«12,734

$«12,383

242

9,835
406
(304)

222

—
311
(240)

289

—
292
(230)

End of Year
Shares: 2017: 1,965,908,188; 2016: 1,707,475,455; 2015: 1,702,017,390

$«23,206

$«13,027

$«12,734

Common Shares Held in Treasury:
Beginning of Year
Shares: 2017: 234,606,250; 2016: 229,352,338; 2015: 186,894,515
Issued under incentive stock programs
Shares: 2017: 8,696,320; 2016: 5,398,469; 2015: 5,381,586
Issued for St. Jude Medical acquisition
Shares: 2017: 3,906,848
Purchased
Shares: 2017: 302,637; 2016: 10,652,381; 2015: 47,839,409

End of Year
Shares: 2017: 222,305,719; 2016: 234,606,250; 2015: 229,352,338

Earnings Employed in the Business:
Beginning of Year
Net earnings
Cash dividends declared on common shares (per share—
2017: $1.075; 2016: $1.045; 2015: $0.98)
Effect of common and treasury share transactions

End of Year

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Beginning of Year
Business dispositions / separation
Other comprehensive income (loss)

End of Year

Noncontrolling Interests in Subsidiaries:
Beginning of Year
Noncontrolling Interests’ share of income, business combinations,
net of distributions and share repurchases
End of Year

$(10,791)

$(10,622)

$÷(8,678)

400

180

(14)

250

—

(419)

250

—

(2,194)

$(10,225)

$(10,791)

$(10,622)

$«25,565
477

(1,947)
(117)

$«23,978

$÷(7,263)
149
1,052

$÷(6,062)

$÷÷÷179

22
$÷÷÷201

$«25,757
1,400

(1,547)
(45)

$«25,565

$÷(6,658)
—
(605)

$÷(7,263)

$÷÷÷115

64
$÷÷÷179

$«22,874
4,423

(1,464)
(76)

$«25,757

$÷(5,053)
127
(1,732)

$÷(6,658)

$÷÷÷113

2
$÷÷÷115

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

3 8

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NOTE 1—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business—Abbott’s principal business is the discovery,
development, manufacture and sale of a broad line of health care
products.

Changes in Presentation—In September 2016, Abbott announced
that it had entered into an agreement to sell Abbott Medical Optics
(AMO), its vision care business, to Johnson & Johnson. The trans‑
action closed in February 2017. The operating results of AMO up
to the date of sale were reported as part of continuing operations
as AMO did not qualify for reporting as a discontinued operation.
The assets and liabilities of AMO are reported as held for disposi‑
tion in Abbott’s Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2016.

On February 27, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its developed
markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc.
(Mylan) for equity ownership of a newly formed entity that com‑
bined Mylan’s existing business and Abbott’s developed markets
pharmaceuticals business. On February 10, 2015, Abbott completed
the sale of its animal health business to Zoetis Inc. The historical
operating results of these two businesses up to the date of sale
are excluded from Earnings from Continuing Operations and are
presented on the Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of
taxes line in Abbott’s Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The
cash flows of these businesses are included in Abbott’s Consolidated
Statement of Cash Flows up to the date of disposition. See Note 2—
Discontinued Operations for additional information.

Basis of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of the parent company and subsidiaries,
after elimination of intercompany transactions.

Use of Estimates—The consolidated financial statements have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States and necessarily include amounts
based on estimates and assumptions by management. Actual
results could differ from those amounts. Significant estimates
include amounts for sales rebates; income taxes; pension and
other post‑employment benefits, including certain asset values
that are based on significant unobservable inputs; valuation of
intangible assets; litigation; derivative financial instruments;
and inventory and accounts receivable exposures.

Foreign Currency Translation—The statements of earnings of foreign
subsidiaries whose functional currencies are other than the U.S.
dollar are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates
for the period. The net assets of foreign subsidiaries whose func‑
tional currencies are other than the U.S. dollar are translated into
U.S. dollars using exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. The
U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these
subsidiaries at changing rates are recorded in the foreign currency
translation adjustment account, which is included in equity as a
component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Transaction gains and losses are recorded on the Net foreign
exchange (gain) loss line of the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

Revenue Recognition—Revenue from product sales is recognized
upon passage of title and risk of loss to customers. Provisions for
discounts, rebates and sales incentives to customers, and returns
and other adjustments are provided for in the period the related
sales are recorded. Sales incentives to customers are not material.
Historical data is readily available and reliable, and is used for
estimating the amount of the reduction in gross sales. Revenue
from the launch of a new product, from an improved version of an
existing product, or for shipments in excess of a customer’s nor‑
mal requirements are recorded when the conditions noted above

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

are met. In those situations, management records a returns reserve
for such revenue, if necessary. In certain of Abbott’s businesses,
primarily within diagnostics and medical optics, prior to its dives‑
titure, Abbott participates in selling arrangements that include
multiple deliverables (e.g., instruments, reagents, procedures, and
service agreements). Under these arrangements, Abbott recog‑
nizes revenue upon delivery of the product or performance of the
service and allocates the revenue based on the relative selling
price of each deliverable, which is based primarily on vendor
specific objective evidence. Sales of product rights for marketable
products are recorded as revenue upon disposition of the rights.
Revenue from license of product rights, or for performance of
research or selling activities, is recorded over the periods earned.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014‑09, Revenue from
Contracts with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive
model for accounting for revenue from contracts with customers
and will supersede most existing revenue recognition guidance. The
standard becomes effective for Abbott in the first quarter of 2018.
Abbott’s revenues are primarily comprised of product sales. Abbott
completed a thorough evaluation of the new standard including a
detailed review of Abbott’s revenue streams and contracts. Abbott
does not expect the adoption of the new standard to have a material
impact on its consolidated financial statements. Abbott will use the
modified retrospective method to adopt this standard.

Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes are provided for the tax effect
of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and
their reported amounts in the financial statements at the enacted
statutory rate to be in effect when the taxes are paid. No additional
income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed
foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax related to the U.S.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or any additional outside basis differences
that exist, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested
in foreign operations. Interest and penalties on income tax obliga‑
tions are included in taxes on income.

Earnings Per Share—Unvested restricted stock units and awards that
contain non‑forfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participat‑
ing 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 com‑
mon shares in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $346 million, $1.057 billion
and $2.595 billion, respectively. Net earnings allocated to common
shares in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $468 million, $1.393 billion and
$4.403 billion, respectively.

Pension and Post-Employment Benefits—Abbott accrues for the
actuarially determined cost of pension and post‑employment
benefits over the service attribution periods of the employees.
Abbott must develop long‑term assumptions, the most significant
of which are the health care cost trend rates, discount rates and the
expected return on plan assets. Differences between the expected
long‑term return on plan assets and the actual return are amortized
over a five‑year period. Actuarial losses and gains are amortized
over the remaining service attribution periods of the employees
under the corridor method.

Fair Value Measurements—For assets and liabilities that are
measured using quoted prices in active markets, total fair value
is the published market price per unit multiplied by the number
of units held without consideration of transaction costs. Assets
and liabilities that are measured using significant other observable
inputs are valued by reference to similar assets or liabilities,

1009764ab_fin.indd 39

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

adjusted for contract restrictions and other terms specific to that
asset or liability. For these items, a significant portion of fair value
is derived by reference to quoted prices of similar assets or liabili‑
ties in active markets. For all remaining assets and liabilities, fair
value is derived using a fair value model, such as a discounted cash
flow model or Black‑Scholes model. Purchased intangible assets
are recorded at fair value. The fair value of significant purchased
intangible assets is based on independent appraisals. Abbott uses
a discounted cash flow model to value intangible assets. The
discounted cash flow model requires assumptions about the timing
and amount of future net cash flows, risk, the cost of capital, termi‑
nal values and market participants. Intangible assets are reviewed
for impairment on a quarterly basis. Goodwill and indefinite‑lived
intangible assets are tested for impairment at least annually.

Share-Based Compensation—The fair value of stock options and
restricted stock awards and units are amortized over their requi‑
site service period, which could be shorter than the vesting period
if an employee is retirement eligible, with a charge to compensa‑
tion expense.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑09, Improvements to
Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016‑09 modi‑
fies several aspects of the accounting for share‑based payment
transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and
classification on the statement of cash flows. Abbott adopted the
standard in the first quarter of 2017 and the following changes
were made to the presentation of Abbott’s financial statements:

• All excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies are now recognized
as income tax benefit or expense as applicable. Previously,
Abbott recorded the benefits to Shareholders’ Investment.
The tax benefit recorded in Abbott’s Consolidated Statement
of Earnings for 2017 was $120 million. The standard does not
permit retrospective presentation of this benefit in prior years.

• The tax benefit or deficiency is required to be classified as an
operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Previously, it
was required to be classified within financing activities. Abbott
has adopted this standard on a prospective basis and has not
revised the classification of the excess tax benefit in the prior
year’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

Litigation—Abbott accounts for litigation losses in accordance
with FASB ASC No. 450, “Contingencies.” Under ASC No. 450,
loss contingency provisions are recorded for probable losses at
management’s best estimate of a loss, or when a best estimate
cannot be made, a minimum loss contingency amount is recorded.
Legal fees are recorded as incurred.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments—Cash equivalents consist
of bank time deposits, U.S. government securities money market
funds and U.S. treasury bills with original maturities of three
months or less. Abbott holds certain investments with a carrying
value of approximately $235 million that are accounted for under
the equity method of accounting. Investments held in a rabbi trust
are accounted for as trading securities. All other investments in
marketable equity securities are classified as available‑for‑sale and
are recorded at fair value with any unrealized holding gains or
losses, net of tax, included in Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss). Investments in equity securities that are not traded
on public stock exchanges are recorded at cost. Investments in debt
securities are classified as held‑to‑maturity, as management has
both the intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity, and

4 0

are reported at cost, net of any unamortized premium or discount.
Income relating to these securities is reported as interest income.

Abbott reviews the carrying value of investments each quarter to
determine whether an other than temporary decline in fair value
exists. Abbott considers factors affecting the investee, factors
affecting the industry the investee operates in and general equity
market trends. Abbott considers the length of time an investment’s
fair value has been below carrying value and the near‑term pros‑
pects for recovery to carrying value. When Abbott determines that
an other than temporary decline has occurred, the investment is
written down with a charge to Other (income) expense, net.

Trade Receivable Valuations—Accounts receivable are stated at
their net realizable value. The allowance against gross trade
receivables reflects the best estimate of probable losses inherent
in the receivables portfolio determined on the basis of historical
experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts and
other currently available information. Accounts receivable are
charged off after all reasonable means to collect the full amount
(including litigation, where appropriate) have been exhausted.

Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first‑in, first‑
out basis) or market. Cost includes material and conversion costs.

Property and Equipment—Depreciation and amortization are
provided on a straight‑line basis over the estimated useful lives of
the assets. The following table shows estimated useful lives of
property and equipment:

Classification
Buildings
Equipment

Estimated Useful Lives
10 to 50 years (average 27 years)
3 to 20 years (average 11 years)

Product Liability—Abbott accrues for product liability claims
when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the
amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on
existing information. The liabilities are adjusted quarterly as
additional information becomes available. Receivables for insur‑
ance recoveries for product liability claims are recorded as assets,
on an undiscounted basis, when it is probable that a recovery
will be realized. Product liability losses are self‑insured.

Research and Development Costs—Internal research and develop‑
ment costs are expensed as incurred. Clinical trial costs incurred
by third parties are expensed as the contracted work is performed.
Where contingent milestone payments are due to third parties under
research and development arrangements, the milestone payment
obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved.

Acquired In-Process and Collaborations Research and Development
(IPR&D)—The initial costs of rights to IPR&D projects obtained
in an asset acquisition are expensed as IPR&D unless the project
has an alternative future use. These costs include initial payments
incurred prior to regulatory approval in connection with research
and development collaboration agreements that provide rights to
develop, manufacture, market and/or sell pharmaceutical prod‑
ucts. The fair value of IPR&D projects acquired in a business
combination are capitalized and accounted for as indefinite‑lived
intangible assets until completed and are then amortized over the
remaining useful life. Collaborations are not significant.

Concentration of Risk and Guarantees—Due to the nature of its
operations, Abbott is not subject to significant concentration risks
relating to customers, products or geographic locations. Product
warranties are not significant.

1009764ab_fin.indd 40

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Abbott has no material exposures to off‑balance sheet arrange‑
ments; no special purpose entities; nor activities that include
non‑exchange‑traded contracts accounted for at fair value. Abbott
has periodically entered into agreements in the ordinary course of
business, such as assignment of product rights, with other compa‑
nies, which has resulted in Abbott becoming secondarily liable for
obligations that Abbott was previously primarily liable. Since
Abbott no longer maintains a business relationship with the other
parties, Abbott is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum
potential amount of future payments, if any, under these obliga‑
tions. Based upon past experience, the likelihood of payments
under these agreements is remote. Abbott periodically acquires a
business or product rights in which Abbott agrees to pay contin‑
gent consideration based on attaining certain thresholds or based
on the occurrence of certain events.

NOTE 2—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On February 27, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its developed
markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc.
(Mylan) for 110 million ordinary shares (or approximately 22%) of
a newly formed entity (Mylan N.V.) that combined Mylan’s existing
business and Abbott’s developed markets branded generics phar‑
maceuticals business. Mylan N.V. is publicly traded. Historically,
this business was included in Abbott’s Established Pharmaceutical
Products segment. Abbott retained its branded generics pharma‑
ceuticals business in emerging markets. At the date of closing, the
110 million Mylan N.V. ordinary shares that Abbott received were
valued at $5.77 billion and Abbott recorded an after‑tax gain on the
sale of the business of approximately $1.6 billion. The shareholder
agreement with Mylan N.V. includes voting and other restrictions
that prevent Abbott from exercising significant influence over the
operating and financial policies of Mylan N.V.

At the close of this transaction Abbott and Mylan entered into
a transition services agreement pursuant to which Abbott and
Mylan provided various back office support services to each other
on an interim transitional basis for up to 2 years. Certain services
were extended for an additional five to ten months. Charges by
Abbott under this transition services agreement were recorded
as a reduction of the costs to provide the respective service in the
applicable expense category in the Consolidated Statement of
Earnings. This transition support did not constitute significant
continuing involvement in Mylan’s operations. Abbott also entered
into manufacturing supply agreements with Mylan related to
certain products, with the supply term ranging from 3 to 10 years
and requiring a 2 year notice prior to termination. The cash flows
associated with these transition services and manufacturing sup‑
ply agreements are not expected to be significant, and therefore,
these cash flows are not direct cash flows of the disposed compo‑
nent under Accounting Standards Codification 205.

In April 2015, Abbott sold 40.25 million of the 110 million ordinary
shares of Mylan N.V. received in the sale of the developed markets
branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan. Abbott
recorded a pretax gain of $207 million on $2.29 billion in net
proceeds from the sale of these shares. The gain is recognized in
the Other (income) expense line of the 2015 Consolidated
Statement of Earnings. As a result of this sale, Abbott’s ownership
interest in Mylan N.V. decreased to approximately 14%.

In 2017, Abbott sold 69.75 million ordinary shares of Mylan N.V.
and received $2.704 billion in proceeds. Abbott recorded a
$45 million gain from the sale of these ordinary shares in 2017,

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

which was recognized in the Other (income) expense, net line of
the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. Abbott no longer has an
ownership interest in Mylan N.V.

On February 10, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its animal
health business to Zoetis Inc.  Abbott received cash proceeds of
$230 million and reported an after tax gain on the sale of approxi‑
mately $130 million. In the first quarter of 2016, Abbott received
an additional $25 million of proceeds due to the expiration of a
holdback agreement associated with the sale of this business and
reported an after‑tax gain of $16 million.

As a result of the disposition of the above businesses, the operating
results of these businesses up to the date of sale are reported as
part of discontinued operations on the Earnings from Discontinued
Operations, net of taxes line in the Consolidated Statement of
Earnings. Discontinued operations include an allocation of inter‑
est expense assuming a uniform ratio of consolidated debt to
equity for all of Abbott’s historical operations.

On January 1, 2013, Abbott completed the separation of AbbVie
Inc. (AbbVie), which was formed to hold Abbott’s research‑based
proprietary pharmaceuticals business. Abbott has retained all
liabilities for all U.S. federal and foreign income taxes on income
prior to the separation, as well as certain non‑income taxes attrib‑
utable to AbbVie’s business. AbbVie generally will be liable for all
other taxes attributable to its business.

The operating results of Abbott’s developed markets branded
generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses, as well
as the income tax benefit related to the businesses transferred
to AbbVie, which are being reported as discontinued operations
are as follows:

(in millions)
Year Ended December 31

Net Sales

Developed markets generics
pharmaceuticals and animal
health businesses
AbbVie
Total

Earnings (Loss) Before Tax

Developed markets generics
pharmaceuticals and animal
health businesses
AbbVie
Total

Net Earnings

Developed markets generics
pharmaceuticals and animal
health businesses
AbbVie
Total

2017

2016

2015

$÷«—
—
$÷«—

$÷15
—
$÷15

$÷15
109
$124

$÷«—
—
$÷«—

$ «(4)
—
$ «(4)

$÷÷3
318
$321

$256
—
$256

$÷13
—
$÷13

$÷62
3
$÷65

The net earnings of discontinued operations include income
tax benefits of $109 million in 2017, $325 million in 2016 and
$52 million in 2015. The tax benefits in 2017 and 2016 primarily
relate to the resolution of various tax positions related to AbbVie’s
operations for years prior to the separation. 2015 includes
$48 million of tax benefits related to the resolution of various tax
positions related to prior years.

1009764ab_fin.indd 41

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

The sale of the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuti‑
cals and animal health business in 2015 resulted in the recognition
of a pretax gain of $2.840 billion, tax expense of $1.088 billion and
an after tax gain of $1.752 billion. The 2015 tax provision included
$667 million of tax expense on certain prior year income earned
outside the U.S. related to the developed markets branded generics
pharmaceuticals businesses that were not designated as perma‑
nently reinvested overseas.

NOTE 3—ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR DISPOSITION

In September 2016, Abbott announced that it entered into a
definitive agreement to sell Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), its
vision care business, to Johnson & Johnson for $4.325 billion in
cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments for cash,
debt and working capital. The decision to sell AMO reflected
Abbott’s proactive shaping of its portfolio in line with its strategic
priorities. In February 2017, Abbott completed the sale of AMO to
Johnson & Johnson and recognized a pre‑tax gain of $1.163 billion
including working capital adjustments, which was reported in the
Other (income) expense, net line of the Consolidated Statement of
Earnings in 2017. Abbott recorded an after‑tax gain of $728 million
in 2017 related to the sale of AMO. The operating results of AMO
up to the date of sale continued to be included in Earnings from
continuing operations as the business did not qualify for reporting
as discontinued operations. For 2017, 2016 and 2015, the AMO
earnings (losses) before taxes included in Abbott’s consolidated
earnings were $(18) million, $30 million and $64 million, respec‑
tively. Assets and liabilities of AMO were classified as held for
disposition in Abbott’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of
December 31, 2016.

As discussed in Note 6—Business Acquisitions, in conjunction
with the acquisition of Alere Inc. (Alere), Abbott sold the Triage
MeterPro cardiovascular and toxicology business and the assets
and liabilities related to its B‑type Natriuretic Peptide assay busi‑
ness run on Beckman Coulter analyzers to Quidel Corporation
(Quidel). The legal transfer of certain assets and liabilities related
to these businesses did not occur at the close of the sale to Quidel
due to, among other factors, the time required to transfer market‑
ing authorizations and other regulatory requirements in various
countries. Under the terms of the sale agreement with Abbott,
Quidel is subject to the risks and entitled to the benefits gener‑
ated by these operations and assets. The assets and liabilities
presented as held for disposition in the Consolidated Balance
Sheet as of December 31, 2017, primarily relate to the businesses
sold to Quidel.

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities held for
disposition as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

(in millions)
December 31
Trade receivables, net
Total inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Current assets held for disposition

Net property and equipment
Intangible assets, net of amortization
Goodwill
Deferred income taxes and other assets

Non‑current assets held for disposition
Total assets held for disposition

Trade accounts payable
Salaries, wages, commissions and other accrued
liabilities

Current liabilities held for disposition

Post‑employment obligations, deferred income
taxes and other long‑term liabilities
Total liabilities held for disposition

2017
$÷12
8
—
20
56
18
102
—
176
$196

$÷«—

—
—

—
$÷«—

2016
$ 222
240
51
513
247
529
1,966
11
2,753
$3,266

$ ÷«71

174
245

59
$ «304

NOTE 4—SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Other (income) expense, net, for 2017 includes a pre‑tax gain of
$1.163 billion related to the sale of AMO to Johnson & Johnson.
See Note 3—Assets and Liabilities Held for Disposition for further
details. Other (income) expense, net, for 2016 includes expense of
$947 million to adjust Abbott’s holding of Mylan N.V. ordinary
shares due to a decline in the fair value of the securities which was
considered by Abbott to be other than temporary. Other (income)
expense, net, for 2015 primarily relates to a $207 million gain on
the sale of a portion of Abbott’s position in Mylan N.V. stock and
$79 million of income resulting from a decrease in the fair value
of contingent consideration related to a business acquisition.

The detail of various balance sheet components is as follows:

(in millions)

Long‑term Investments:
Equity securities
Other

Total

2017

2016

$797
86
$883

$2,906
41
$2,947

The decrease in long‑term investments relates to the sale in 2017
of the remaining ordinary shares of Mylan N.V. that Abbott held.
Abbott sold 69.75 million ordinary shares of Mylan N.V. and
received $2.704 billion in proceeds. Abbott recorded a $45 million
pre‑tax gain in 2017 related to the sale of these ordinary shares,
which was recognized in the Other (income) expense, net line of
the Consolidated Statement of Earnings. As of December 31, 2017,
Abbott no longer has an ownership interest in Mylan N.V.

4 2

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

Abbott’s equity securities as of December 31, 2017, include
$363 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.

(in millions)

Other Accrued Liabilities:
Accrued rebates payable to government agencies
Accrued other rebates (a)
All other
Total

2017

2016

$ «124
498
3,189
$3,811

$ «110
296
2,175
$2,581

(a) Accrued wholesaler chargeback rebates of $178 million and $214 million at December 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively, are netted in trade receivables because Abbott’s customers are invoiced
at a higher catalog price but only remit to Abbott their contract price for the products.

(in millions)

2017

2016

Post‑employment Obligations and Other Long‑term
Liabilities:
Defined benefit pension plans and post‑employment
medical and dental plans for significant plans
Deferred income taxes
All other (b)
Total

$2,169
2,006
4,855
$9,030

$2,154
356
2,039
$4,549

(b) 2017 includes approximately $835 million of net unrecognized tax benefits, as well as

approximately $100 million of acquisition consideration payable. 2016 includes approxi‑
mately $560 million of net unrecognized tax benefits, as well as approximately
$130 million of acquisition consideration payable.

Since January 2010, Venezuela has been designated as a highly
inflationary economy under U.S. GAAP. In 2014 and 2015, the
government of Venezuela operated multiple mechanisms to
exchange bolivars into U.S. dollars. These mechanisms included
the CENCOEX, SICAD, and SIMADI rates, which stood at 6.3,
13.5, and approximately 200, respectively, at December 31, 2015.
In 2015, Abbott continued to use the CENCOEX rate of 6.3
Venezuelan bolivars to the U.S. dollar to report the results, finan‑
cial position, and cash flows related to its operations in Venezuela
since Abbott continued to qualify for this exchange rate to pay for
the import of various products into Venezuela.

On February 17, 2016, the Venezuelan government announced
that the three‑tier exchange rate system would be reduced to two
rates renamed the DIPRO and DICOM rates. The DIPRO rate is
the official rate for food and medicine imports and was adjusted
from 6.3 to 10 bolivars per U.S. dollar. The DICOM rate is a float‑
ing market rate published daily by the Venezuelan central bank,
which at the end of the first quarter of 2016 was approximately
263 bolivars per U.S. dollar. As a result of decreasing government
approvals to convert bolivars to U.S. dollars to pay for intercom‑
pany accounts, as well as the accelerating deterioration of
economic conditions in the country, Abbott concluded that it was
appropriate to move to the DICOM rate at the end of the first
quarter of 2016. As a result, Abbott recorded a foreign currency
exchange loss of $480 million in 2016 to revalue its net monetary
assets in Venezuela. Abbott is continuing to use the DICOM rate
to report the results of operations and to remeasure net monetary
assets for Venezuela at the end of each quarter. As of December 31,
2017, Abbott’s investment in its Venezuelan operations was not
significant. As a result, any additional future foreign currency
losses related to Venezuela would not be material.

NOTE 5—ACCUMUL ATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The components of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes,
are as follows:

(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2015
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income (a)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at December 31, 2016
Impact of business dispositions
Other comprehensive income (loss) before
reclassifications
(Income) loss amounts reclassified from accumulated
other comprehensive income (a)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at December 31, 2017

Cumulative
Foreign Currency
Translation
Adjustments
$(4,829)

Net Actuarial
Losses and Prior
Service Costs and
Credits
$(1,958)

Cumulative
Unrealized Gains
(Losses) on
Marketable Equity
Securities
$÷ 65

Cumulative Gains
(Losses) on
Derivative
Instruments
Designated as Cash
Flow Hedges
$ 64

(130)

—
(130)
(4,959)
142

1,365

—
1,365
$(3,452)

(393)

67
(326)
(2,284)
6

(333)

90
(243)
$(2,521)

(1,109)

975
(134)
(69)
—

182

(118)
64
$ ÷ «(5)

41

(56)
(15)
49
1

(170)

36
(134)
$÷(84)

Total
$(6,658)

(1,591)

986
(605)
(7,263)
149

1,044

8
1,052
$(6,062)

(a) Reclassified amounts for foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings as Net Foreign exchange (gain) loss; gains (losses) on marketable
equity securities are recorded as Other (income) expense and gains/losses related to cash flow hedges are recorded as Cost of product sold. Net actuarial losses and prior service cost is
included as a component of net periodic benefit plan cost—see Note 13 for additional information.

1009764ab_fin.indd 43

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

NOTE 6—BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

On January 4, 2017, Abbott completed the acquisition of St. Jude
Medical, a global medical device manufacturer, for approximately
$23.6 billion, including approximately $13.6 billion in cash and
approximately $10 billion in Abbott common shares, which
represented approximately 254 million shares of Abbott common
stock, based on Abbott’s closing stock price on the acquisition
date. As part of the acquisition, approximately $5.9 billion of
St. Jude Medical’s debt was assumed, repaid or refinanced by
Abbott. The acquisition provides expanded opportunities for
future growth and is an important part of the company’s ongoing
effort to develop a strong, diverse portfolio of devices, diagnostics,
nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The combined
business competes in nearly every area of the cardiovascular
device market, as well as in the neuromodulation market.

Under the terms of the agreement, for each St. Jude Medical
common share, St. Jude Medical shareholders received $46.75 in
cash and 0.8708 of an Abbott common share. At an Abbott stock
price of $39.36, which reflects the closing price on January 4, 2017,
this represented a value of approximately $81 per St. Jude Medical
common share and total purchase consideration of $23.6 billion.
The cash portion of the acquisition was funded through a combi‑
nation of medium and long‑term debt issued in November 2016
and a $2.0 billion 120‑day senior unsecured bridge term loan
facility which was subsequently repaid.

The final allocation of the fair value of the St. Jude Medical
acquisition is shown in the table below.

(in billions)
Acquired intangible assets, non‑deductible
Goodwill, non‑deductible
Acquired net tangible assets
Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition
Net debt
Total final allocation of fair value

$15.5
13.1
3.0
(2.7)
(5.3)
$23.6

The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies
from combining operations, as well as intangible assets that do
not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill is identifiable
to the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products reportable
segment. The acquired tangible assets consist primarily of trade
accounts receivable of approximately $1.1 billion, inventory of
approximately $1.7 billion, other current assets of $176 million,
property and equipment of approximately $1.5 billion, and other
long‑term assets of approximately $455 million. The acquired
tangible liabilities consist of trade accounts payable and other
current liabilities of approximately $1.1 billion and other non‑
current liabilities of approximately $870 million.

In 2016, Abbott and St. Jude Medical agreed to sell certain
businesses to Terumo Corporation (Terumo) for approximately
$1.12 billion. The sale included the St. Jude Medical Angio‑Seal™
and Femoseal™ vascular closure and Abbott’s Vado® Steerable
Sheath businesses. The sale closed on January 20, 2017 and no
gain or loss was recorded in the Consolidated Statement
of Earnings.

On October 3, 2017, Abbott acquired Alere Inc. (Alere), a diagnos‑
tic device and service provider, for $51.00 per common share in
cash, which equated to a purchase price of approximately
$4.5 billion. As part of the acquisition, Abbott tendered for Alere’s

4 4

preferred shares for a total value of approximately $0.7 billion. In
addition, approximately $3.0 billion of Alere’s debt was assumed
and subsequently repaid. The acquisition establishes Abbott as a
leader in point of care testing, expands Abbott’s global diagnostics
presence and provides access to new products, channels and
geographies. Abbott utilized a combination of cash on hand and
debt to fund the acquisition. See Note 10—Debt and Lines of Credit
for further details regarding the debt utilized for the acquisition.

The preliminary allocation of the fair value of the Alere acquisi‑
tion is shown in the table below. The allocation of the fair value of
the acquisition will be finalized when the valuation is completed
and differences between the preliminary and final allocation could
be material.

(in billions)
Acquired intangible assets, non‑deductible
Goodwill, non‑deductible
Acquired net tangible assets
Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition
Net debt
Preferred stock
Total preliminary allocation of fair value

$«3.5
4.1
0.9
(0.7)
(2.6)
(0.7)
$«4.5

The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies
from combining operations, as well as intangible assets that do
not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill is identifiable
to the Diagnostic Products reportable segment. The acquired
tangible assets consist primarily of trade accounts receivable of
approximately $430 million, inventory of approximately
$425 million, other current assets of $206 million, property and
equipment of approximately $540 million, and other long‑term
assets of $112 million. The acquired tangible liabilities consist of
trade accounts payable and other current liabilities of approxi‑
mately $625 million and other non‑current liabilities of
approximately $160 million.

In the third quarter of 2017, Alere entered into agreements to sell
its Triage MeterPro cardiovascular and toxicology business and
the assets and liabilities related to its B‑type Natriuretic Peptide
assay business run on Beckman Coulter analyzers to Quidel
Corporation (Quidel). The transactions with Quidel reflect a total
purchase price of $400 million payable at the close of the transac‑
tion, $240 million payable in six annual installments beginning
approximately six months after the close of the transaction, and
contingent consideration with a maximum value of $40 million.
In the third quarter of 2017, Alere entered into an agreement with
Siemens Diagnostics Holding II B.V. (Siemens) to sell its subsidi‑
ary, Epocal Inc., for approximately $200 million payable at the
close of the transaction. Alere agreed to divest these businesses in
connection with the review by the Federal Trade Commission and
the European Commission of Abbott’s agreement to acquire Alere.
The sale to Quidel closed on October 6, 2017, and the sale to
Siemens closed on October 31, 2017. No gain or loss on these sales
was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

In 2017, consolidated Abbott results include $6.5 billion of sales
and a pre‑tax loss of approximately $1.3 billion related to the
St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, including approximately
$1.5 billion of intangible amortization and $907 million of inven‑
tory step‑up amortization. The pre‑tax loss excludes acquisition,
integration and restructuring‑related costs.

1009764ab_fin.indd 44

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If the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical and Alere had occurred at
the beginning of 2016, unaudited pro forma consolidated net sales
would have been approximately $28.9 billion and the unaudited
pro forma consolidated net loss from continuing operations would
have been approximately $485 million in 2016. This includes
amortization of approximately $940 million of inventory step‑up
and $1.7 billion of intangibles related to St. Jude Medical and
Alere. For 2017, unaudited pro forma consolidated net sales would
have been approximately $28.9 billion and unaudited pro forma
consolidated net earnings from continuing operations would have
been approximately $750 million, which includes $225 million of
intangible amortization related to Alere. The unaudited pro forma
consolidated net earnings from continuing operations for 2017
exclude inventory step‑up amortization related to St. Jude
Medical and Alere of approximately $907 million which was
recorded in 2017 but included in the 2016 unaudited pro forma
results as noted above. The unaudited pro forma information is
not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations
that would have been realized had the St. Jude Medical and Alere
acquisitions been completed as of the beginning of 2016, nor is it
meant to be indicative of future results of operations that the
combined entity will experience.

On July 17, 2017, Abbott commenced a tender offer to purchase
for cash the 1.77 million outstanding shares of Alere’s Series B
Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock at a price of $402 per share,
plus accrued but unpaid dividends to, but not including, the settle‑
ment date of the tender offer. This tender offer was subject to the
satisfaction of certain conditions, including Abbott’s acquisition
of Alere and upon there being validly tendered (and not properly
withdrawn) at the expiration date of the tender offer that number
of shares of Preferred Stock that equaled at least a majority of the
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at the expiration of the
tender offer. The tender offer expired on October 3, 2017. All con‑
ditions to the offer were satisfied and Abbott accepted for payment
the 1.748 million shares of Preferred Stock that were validly ten‑
dered (and not properly withdrawn). The remaining shares were
cashed out for an amount equal to the $400.00 per share liquida‑
tion preference of such shares, plus accrued but unpaid dividends,
without interest. Payment for all of the shares of Preferred Stock
was made in the fourth quarter of 2017.

In August 2015, Abbott completed the acquisition of the equity of
Tendyne Holdings, Inc. (Tendyne) that Abbott did not already own
for approximately $225 million in cash plus additional payments
up to $150 million to be made upon completion of certain regula‑
tory milestones. The acquisition of Tendyne, which is focused on
developing minimally invasive mitral valve replacement therapies,
allows Abbott to broaden its foundation in the treatment of mitral
valve disease. The final allocation of the fair value of the acquisi‑
tion resulted in non‑deductible acquired in‑process research and
development of approximately $220 million, which is accounted
for as an indefinite‑lived intangible asset until regulatory approval
or discontinuation, non‑deductible goodwill of approximately
$142 million, deferred tax assets and other net assets of approxi‑
mately $18 million, deferred tax liabilities of approximately
$85 million, and contingent consideration of approximately
$70 million. The goodwill is identifiable to the Cardiovascular and
Neuromodulation Products segment. If the acquisition of Tendyne
had taken place as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual
reporting period, consolidated net sales and earnings would not
have been significantly different from reported amounts.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTE 7—GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The total amount of goodwill reported was $24.0 billion at
December 31, 2017 and $7.7 billion at December 31, 2016.
The amounts reported at December 31, 2017 and 2016 exclude
goodwill reported in non‑current assets held for disposition.
In 2017, approximately $2.0 billion of goodwill was included as
part of the net assets sold in the AMO divestiture. Goodwill
increased by $17.2 billion in 2017 due to the completion of the
St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, partially offset by a
decrease of $1.5 billion due to the sale of certain businesses to
Terumo, Quidel and Siemens. Foreign currency translation
increased goodwill by $653 million in 2017 and decreased goodwill
by $66 million in 2016. Business acquisitions increased goodwill
by approximately $79 million during 2016. The amount of good‑
will related to reportable segments at December 31, 2017 was
$3.2 billion for the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment,
$286 million for the Nutritional Products segment, $4.1 billion for
the Diagnostic Products segment, and $15.5 billion for the
Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment. The
Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment includes
the amount previously reported under Abbott’s Vascular Products
segment, as well as the goodwill related to the St. Jude Medical
acquisition. In 2017, there was no significant reduction of goodwill
relating to impairments.

The gross amount of amortizable intangible assets, primarily
product rights and technology was $25.6 billion and $10.4 billion
as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and accumulated
amortization was $8.1 billion and $6.2 billion as of December 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively. The December 31, 2016 amounts
exclude net intangible assets reported in non‑current assets held
for disposition. As part of the sale of AMO in 2017, approximately
$529 million of net intangible assets were included in the net
assets sold. In 2017, the gross amount of amortizable intangible
assets increased by approximately $14.5 billion due to the comple‑
tion of the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, partially offset
by a decrease of $210 million due to the sale of certain businesses
to Quidel and Siemens. In 2016, intangible assets increased by
approximately $104 million related to business acquisitions.

Indefinite‑lived intangible assets, which relate to in‑process
research and development acquired in a business combination,
were approximately $3.9 billion and $349 million at December 31,
2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2017, in‑process research and
development increased by $4.5 billion due to the completion of
the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, a portion of which
became amortizable during the year. In 2017, Abbott also recorded
a $53 million impairment of an in‑process research and develop‑
ment project related to the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation
Products segment. In 2016, Abbott recorded an impairment of a
$59 million in‑process research and development project related
to a non‑reportable segment. Foreign currency translation
increased intangible assets by $227 million in 2017 and $6 million
in 2016.

The estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets
recorded at December 31, 2017 is approximately $2.4 billion in
2018, $2.3 billion in 2019, $2.1 billion in 2020, $2.0 billion in 2021
and $2.0 billion in 2022. Amortizable intangible assets are amor‑
tized over 2 to 20 years (average 14 years).

1009764ab_fin.indd 45

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

NOTE 8—RESTRUCTURING PL ANS

NOTE 9—INCENTIVE STOCK PROGRAM

In 2017, Abbott management approved restructuring plans as
part of the integration of the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical into
the cardiovascular and neuromodulation segment and Alere into
the diagnostics segment, in order to leverage economies of scale
and reduce costs. In 2017, charges of approximately $187 million,
including one‑time employee termination benefits were recorded,
of which approximately $5 million is recorded in Cost of products
sold and approximately $182 million in Selling, general and admin‑
istrative expense. Abbott also assumed restructuring liabilities of
approximately $23 million as part of the St. Jude Medical and
Alere acquisitions. The following summarizes the activity in 2017
related to these actions and the status of the related accrual as of
December 31, 2017:

(in millions)
Liabilities assumed as part of business acquisitions
Restructuring charges
Payments and other adjustments
Accrued balance at December 31, 2017

$÷«23
187
(142)
$÷«68

From 2014 to 2017, Abbott management approved plans to stream‑
line operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies
in various Abbott businesses including the nutritional, established
pharmaceuticals and vascular businesses. Abbott recorded
employee related severance and other charges of approximately
$120 million in 2017, $33 million in 2016, and $95 million in 2015.
Approximately $7 million in 2017, $9 million in 2016 and
$18 million in 2015 are recorded in Cost of products sold, approxi‑
mately $77 million in 2017, $5 million in 2016 and $34 million in
2015 are recorded in Research and development and approxi‑
mately $36 million in 2017, $19 million in 2016 and $43 million in
2015 are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense.
Additional charges of approximately $2 million in 2017, $2 million
in 2016 and $45 million in 2015 were recorded primarily for accel‑
erated depreciation. The following summarizes the activity for
these restructurings:

(in millions)
Restructuring charges recorded in 2014
Payments and other adjustments
Accrued balance at December 31, 2014
Restructuring charges
Payments and other adjustments
Accrued balance at December 31, 2015
Restructuring charges
Payments and other adjustments
Accrued balance at December 31, 2016
Restructuring charges
Payments and other adjustments
Accrued balance at December 31, 2017

$«164
(46)
118
95
(113)
100
33
(67)
66
120
(45)
$«141

In connection with the completion of the St. Jude Medical
acquisition in the first quarter of 2017, unvested St. Jude Medical
stock options and restricted stock units were assumed by Abbott
and converted into Abbott options and restricted stock units
(as applicable) of substantially equivalent value, in accordance
with the merger agreement. The number of shares underlying
the converted options was 7,364,571 at a weighted average exercise
price of $30.50. The number of restricted stock units converted
was 2,324,500 at a weighted average grant date fair value of $37.69.

The 2017 Incentive Stock Program authorizes the granting of
nonqualified stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted
stock units, performance awards, foreign benefits and other
share‑based awards. Stock options and restricted stock awards
and units comprise the majority of benefits that have been granted
and are currently outstanding under this program and a prior
program. In 2017, Abbott granted 4,985,970 stock options, 580,203
restricted stock awards and 7,687,009 restricted stock units under
this program.

Under Abbott’s stock incentive programs, the purchase price of
shares under option must be at least equal to the fair market
value of the common stock on the date of grant, and the maximum
term of an option is 10 years. Options generally vest equally over
three years. Restricted stock awards generally vest between 3 and
5 years and for restricted stock awards that vest over 5 years, no
more than one‑third of the award vests in any one year upon
Abbott reaching a minimum return on equity target. Restricted
stock units vest over three years and upon vesting, the recipient
receives one share of Abbott stock for each vested restricted stock
unit. The aggregate fair market value of restricted stock awards and
units is recognized as expense over the requisite service period,
which may be shorter than the vesting period if an employee is
retirement eligible. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant.
Restricted stock awards and settlement of vested restricted stock
units are issued out of treasury shares. Abbott generally issues new
shares for exercises of stock options. As a policy, Abbott does not
purchase its shares relating to its share‑based programs.

In April 2017, Abbott’s shareholders authorized the 2017 Incentive
Stock Program under which a maximum of 170 million shares
were available for issuance. At December 31, 2017, approximately
169 million shares remained available for future issuance.

The number of restricted stock awards and units outstanding and
the weighted‑average grant‑date fair value at December 31, 2017
and December 31, 2016 was 15,518,719 and $42.82 and 13,705,511
and $41.03, respectively. The number of restricted stock awards
and units, and the weighted‑average grant‑date fair value, that
were granted, converted, vested and lapsed during 2017 were
8,267,212 and $45.20, 2,324,500 and $37.69, 7,553,969 and $40.77
and 1,224,535 and $41.76, respectively. The fair market value of
restricted stock awards and units vested in 2017, 2016 and 2015
was $348 million, $225 million and $312 million, respectively.

4 6

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A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Options Outstanding
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
5.3

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$34.17

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
$30.48

Exercisable Options
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
3.5

Shares
23,290,260

December 31, 2016

Granted
Converted for St. Jude Medical
Exercised
Lapsed
December 31, 2017

Shares
35,888,333

4,985,970
7,364,571
(11,620,026)
(805,048)
35,813,800

45.03
30.50
27.85
39.76
$36.85

The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and
exercisable at December 31, 2017 were each $500 million. The
total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2017, 2016 and 2015
was $233 million, $98 million and $167 million, respectively. The
total unrecognized compensation cost related to all share‑based
compensation plans at December 31, 2017 amounted to approxi‑
mately $291 million, which is expected to be recognized over
the next three years.

Total non‑cash stock compensation expense charged against
income from continuing operations in 2017, 2016 and 2015
for share‑based plans totaled approximately $406 million,
$310 million and $291 million, respectively, and the tax benefit
recognized was approximately $242 million, $100 million and
$98 million, respectively. The increase in the 2017 tax benefit
primarily relates to the $120 million of tax benefit recorded in
income after the adoption of ASU 2016‑09. Stock compensation
cost capitalized as part of inventory is not significant.

The fair value of an option granted in 2017, 2016 and 2015 was
$6.54, $4.38, and $6.67, respectively. The fair value of an option
grant was estimated using the Black‑Scholes option‑pricing
model with the following assumptions:

Risk‑free interest rate
Average life of options (years)
Volatility
Dividend yield

2017
2.1%
6.0
18.0%
2.4%

2016
1.4%
6.0
17.0%
2.7%

2015
1.8%
6.0
17.0%
2.0%

The risk‑free interest rate is based on the rates available at the
time of the grant for zero‑coupon U.S. government issues with a
remaining term equal to the option’s expected life. The average
life of an option is based on both historical and projected exercise
and lapsing data. Expected volatility is based on implied volatili‑
ties from traded options on Abbott’s stock and historical volatility
of Abbott’s stock over the expected life of the option. Dividend
yield is based on the option’s exercise price and annual dividend
rate at the time of grant.

5.8

22,216,890

$34.54

4.7

NOTE 10—DEBT AND LINES OF CREDIT

The following is a summary of long‑term debt at December 31:

(in millions)
5.125% Notes, due 2019
2.35% Notes, due 2019
2.50% Line of credit borrowing due 2019
2.80% Notes, due 2020
4.125% Notes, due 2020
2.00% Notes, due 2020
2.90% Notes, due 2021
2.55% Notes, due 2022
2.62% Term loan due 2022
3.25% Notes, due 2023
3.40% Notes, due 2023
3.875% Notes, due 2025
2.95% Notes, due 2025
3.75% Notes, due 2026
4.75% Notes, due 2036
6.15% Notes, due 2037
6.0% Notes, due 2039
5.3% Notes, due 2040
4.75% Notes, due 2043
4.90% Notes, due 2046
Unamortized debt issuance costs
Other, including fair value adjustments relating
to interest rate hedge contracts designated as fair
value hedges
Total, net of current maturities
Current maturities of long‑term debt
Total carrying amount

2017
$ « 947
2,850
1,150
500
597
750
2,850
750
2,800
900
1,500
500
1,000
3,000
1,650
547
515
694
700
3,250
(119)

(121)
27,210
508
$27,718

2016
$ « 947
2,850
—
—
597
750
2,850
750
—
—
1,500
—
1,000
3,000
1,650
547
515
694
—
3,250
(117)

(102)
20,681
3
$20,684

In the first quarter of 2017, as part of the acquisition of St. Jude
Medical, Abbott’s long‑term debt increased due to the assumption
of outstanding debt previously issued by St. Jude Medical. Abbott
exchanged certain St. Jude Medical debt obligations with an

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

aggregate principal amount of approximately $2.9 billion for debt
issued by Abbott which consists of:

2.00% Senior Notes due 2018
2.80% Senior Notes due 2020
3.25% Senior Notes due 2023
3.875% Senior Notes due 2025
4.75% Senior Notes due 2043

Principal Amount
$473.8 million
$483.7 million
$818.4 million
$490.7 million
$ 639.1 million

Following this exchange, approximately $194.2 million of existing
St. Jude Medical notes remain outstanding across the five series
of existing notes which have the same coupons and maturities as
those listed above. There were no significant costs associated
with the exchange of debt. In addition, during the first quarter
of 2017, Abbott assumed and subsequently repaid approximately
$2.8 billion of various St. Jude Medical debt obligations.

On January 4, 2017, as part of funding the cash portion of the
St. Jude Medical acquisition, Abbott borrowed $2.0 billion under
a 120‑day senior unsecured bridge term loan facility. This facility
was repaid during the first quarter of 2017.

In 2017, Abbott issued 364‑day yen‑denominated debt, of which
$195 million was outstanding at December 31, 2017. Abbott also
paid off a $479 million yen‑denominated short‑term borrowing
during the year.

On July 31, 2017, Abbott entered into a 5‑year term loan agreement
that allowed Abbott to borrow up to $2.8 billion on an unsecured
basis for the acquisition of Alere. On October 3, 2017, Abbott bor‑
rowed $2.8 billion under this term loan agreement to finance the
acquisition of Alere, to repay certain indebtedness of Abbott and
Alere, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the acqui‑
sition. Borrowings under the term loan bore interest based on a
Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin based on Abbott’s credit
ratings. Abbott paid off this term loan on January 5, 2018.

On October 3, 2017 Abbott borrowed $1.7 billion under its lines
of credit. Proceeds from such borrowing were used to finance the
acquisition of Alere, to repay certain indebtedness of Abbott and
Alere, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the acqui‑
sition. These lines of credit are part of a 2014 revolving credit
agreement that provides Abbott with the ability to borrow up to
$5 billion on an unsecured basis. Advances under the revolving
credit agreement, including the $1.7 billion borrowing in October
2017, will mature and be payable on July 10, 2019. The $1.7 billion
borrowing bore interest based on a Eurodollar rate, plus an appli‑
cable margin based on Abbott’s credit ratings. Prior to October 3,
2017, no amounts were previously drawn under the revolving
credit agreement. In the fourth quarter of 2017, Abbott paid off
$550 million on the revolving loan. Abbott paid off the remaining
balance on this revolving loan on January 5, 2018.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, in conjunction with the acquisition
of Alere, Abbott assumed and subsequently repaid $3.0 billion of
Alere’s debt.

In November 2016, Abbott issued $15.1 billion of medium and
long‑term debt to primarily fund the cash portion of the acquisi‑
tion of St. Jude Medical. Abbott issued $2.85 billion of 2.35%
Senior Notes due November 22, 2019; $2.85 billion of 2.90% Senior
Notes due November 30, 2021; $1.50 billion of 3.40% Senior Notes
due November 30, 2023; $3.00 billion of 3.75% Senior Notes due
November 30, 2026; $1.65 billion of 4.75% Senior Notes due

4 8

November 30, 2036; and $3.25 billion of 4.90% Senior Notes due
November 30, 2046. In November 2016, Abbott also entered into
interest rate swap contracts totaling $3.0 billion related to the
new debt, which have the effect of changing Abbott’s obligation
from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate obligation on
the related debt instruments.

In March 2015, Abbott issued $2.5 billion of long‑term debt con‑
sisting of $750 million of 2.00% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020;
$750 million of 2.55% Senior Notes due March 15, 2022; and
$1.0 billion of 2.95% Senior Notes due March 15, 2025. Proceeds
from this debt were used to pay down short‑term borrowings.
Abbott also entered into interest rate swap contracts totaling
$2.5 billion, of which $1.5 billion was unwound in 2017. These
contracts have the effect of changing Abbott’s obligation from a
fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate obligation.

Principal payments required on long‑term debt outstanding at
December 31, 2017 are $508 million in 2018, $5.0 billion in 2019,
$1.8 billion in 2020, $2.9 billion in 2021, $3.6 billion in 2022 and
$14.3 billion in 2023 and thereafter.

At December 31, 2017, Abbott’s long‑term debt rating was BBB
by Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Baa3 by Moody’s Investors
Service (Moody’s). In February 2018, Moody’s raised Abbott’s
rating to Baa2 with a positive outlook. Abbott has readily available
financial resources, including lines of credit of $5.0 billion which
expire in 2019 and that support commercial paper borrowing
arrangements. Abbott’s weighted‑average interest rate on short‑
term borrowings was 0.3% at December 31, 2017, 0.6% at
December 31, 2016 and 0.2% at December 31, 2015.

In February 2016, Abbott obtained a commitment for a 364‑day
senior unsecured bridge term loan facility for an amount not to
exceed $9 billion in conjunction with its pending acquisition of
Alere. This commitment, which was automatically extended for
up to 90 days on January 29, 2017, expired on April 30, 2017 and
was not renewed since Abbott did not need this bridge facility
to finance the Alere acquisition. The fees associated with the
bridge facilities were recognized in interest expense.

NOTE 11—FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, DERIVATIVES AND FAIR
VALUE MEASURES

Certain Abbott foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency
forward exchange contracts to manage exposures to changes in
foreign exchange rates for anticipated intercompany purchases
by those subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not the U.S.
dollar. These contracts, with notional amounts totaling $3.3 billion
at December 31, 2017, and $2.6 billion at December 31, 2016, 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. At December 31, 2016, $107 million of the notional amount
related to AMO, a business that was divested in the first quarter
of 2017. Accumulated gains and losses as of December 31, 2017
will be included in Cost of products sold at the time the products
are sold, generally through the next twelve to eighteen months.
The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not significant in 2017,
2016 and 2015.

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

1009764ab_fin.indd 48

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of the entity. For intercompany loans, the contracts require Abbott
to sell or buy foreign currencies, primarily European currencies
and Japanese yen, 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,
European currencies and Japanese yen. At December 31, 2017,
2016 and 2015, Abbott held notional amounts of $20.1 billion,
$14.9 billion and $14.0 billion, respectively, of such foreign currency
forward exchange contracts. At December 31, 2016, $1.2 billion of
the contracts related to AMO, a business that was divested in the
first quarter of 2017.

In March 2017, Abbott repaid its $479 million foreign denomi‑
nated short‑term debt which was designated as a hedge of the
net investment in a foreign subsidiary. At December 31, 2016
and 2015, the value of this short‑term debt was $454 million
and $439 million, respectively, and changes in the fair value of
the debt up through the date of repayment due to changes in
exchange rates were recorded in Accumulated other compre‑
hensive income (loss), net of tax.

Abbott is a party to interest rate hedge contracts totaling notional
amounts of $4.0 billion at December 31, 2017, $5.5 billion at
December 31, 2016 and $4.0 billion at December 31, 2015, to man‑
age its exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed‑rate debt.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

These contracts are designated as fair value hedges of the variabil‑
ity 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. No hedge ineffectiveness was recorded in income in 2017,
2016 and 2015 for these hedges.

In the second quarter of 2017, Abbott unwound approximately
$1.5 billion in interest rate swaps relating to the 2.00% Note due in
2020 and the 2.55% Note due in 2022. The proceeds received were
not significant.

In December 2016, Abbott unwound approximately $1.5 billion in
interest rate swaps relating to the 4.125% Note due in 2020 and the
5.125% Note due in 2019. As part of the unwinding, Abbott
received approximately $55 million in cash, which was included in
the Cash Flow From Financing Activities section of the
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in 2016.

Gross unrealized holding gains (losses) on available‑for‑sale
equity securities totaled $(5) million, $10 million and $171 million
at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The following table summarizes the amounts and location of certain derivative financial instruments as of December 31:

(in millions)

2017

2016

Balance Sheet Caption

2017

Fair Value—Assets

Fair Value—Liabilities
2016

Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts—

Hedging instruments

Others not designated as hedges

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

$÷«—

$ 8

Deferred income taxes
and other assets

$÷93

$÷74

21

99

117

177

—
$138

—
$284

Other prepaid expenses
and receivables
Other prepaid expenses
and receivables

106

99

15

67

N/A

—
$298

454
$610

Balance Sheet Caption
Post‑employment
obligations and other
long‑term liabilities

Other accrued
liabilities
Other accrued
liabilities
Short‑term
borrowings

The following table summarizes the activity for foreign currency
forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges, debt
designated as a hedge of net investment in a foreign subsidiary and
certain other derivative financial instruments, as well as the

amounts and location of income (expense) and gain (loss) reclassi‑
fied into income. The amount of hedge ineffectiveness was not
significant in 2017, 2016 and 2015 for these hedges.

 (in millions)
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
designated as cash flow hedges
Debt designated as a hedge of net investment in a
foreign subsidiary
Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges

Gain (loss) Recognized in Other
Comprehensive Income (loss)
2015
2016

2017

$(226)

(25)

N/A

$«49

(15)

N/A

$91

6

N/A

Income (expense) and Gain (loss)
Reclassified into Income
2015

2016

2017

Income Statement Caption

$(48)

$÷«48

$124

Cost of products sold

—
(24)

—
(127)

—
15

N/A

Interest expense

Losses of $64 million, gains of $8 million and losses of $77 million
were recognized in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to
foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as
hedges. These amounts are reported in the Consolidated Statement
of Earnings on the Net foreign exchange (gain) loss line.

The interest rate swaps 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 hedged debt is
marked to market, offsetting the effect of marking the interest
rate swaps to market.

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

The carrying values and fair values of certain financial instruments
as of December 31 are shown in the table below. 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 nonperformance by these counterparties.

(in millions)
Long-term Investment Securities:

Equity securities
Other

Total Long-term Debt
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:

Receivable position
(Payable) position

Interest Rate Hedge Contracts:

Receivable position
(Payable) position

Carrying Value

$÷ ÷797
86
(27,718)

138
(205)

—
(93)

2017
Fair Value

$÷ ÷797
86
(29,018)

138
(205)

—
(93)

Carrying Value

$ «2,906
41
(20,684)

276
(82)

8
(74)

2016
Fair Value

$ «2,906
42
(21,147)

276
(82)

8
(74)

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

(in millions)

December 31, 2017:

Equity securities
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Total Assets

Fair value of hedged long-term debt
Interest rate swap financial instruments
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Contingent consideration related to business combinations

Total Liabilities

December 31, 2016:

Equity securities
Interest rate swap financial instruments
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts

Total Assets

Fair value of hedged long-term debt
Interest rate swap financial instruments
Foreign currency forward exchange contracts
Contingent consideration related to business combinations

Total Liabilities

Outstanding
Balances

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets

Basis of Fair Value Measurement
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs

$ «374
138
$ «512

$3,898
93
205
120
$4,316

$2,676
8
276
$2,960

$5,413
74
82
136
$5,705

$ «374
—
$ «374

$ —
—
—
—
$ —

$2,676
—
—
$2,676

$ —
—
—
—
$ —

$ —
138
$ «138

$3,898
93
205
—
$4,196

$ —
8
276
$ «284

$5,413
74
82
—
$5,569

$÷«—
—
$÷«—

$÷«—
—
—
120
$120

$÷«—
—
—
$÷«—

$÷«—
—
—
136
$136

The decrease in equity securities in 2017 was driven by the sale of
the remaining Mylan N.V. ordinary shares held by Abbott. Abbott
sold 69.75 million ordinary shares of Mylan N.V. in 2017 which had
a value of approximately $2.7 billion. The fair value of the Mylan
N.V. equity securities up through the date of sale was determined
based on the value of the publicly-traded ordinary shares. The fair
value of foreign currency forward exchange contracts is deter-
mined using a market approach, which utilizes values for
comparable derivative instruments. The fair value of the 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 adjusted for the time value of
money and other changes in fair value primarily resulting from
changes in regulatory timelines. Contingent consideration relates
to businesses acquired by Abbott. The maximum amount for
certain contingent consideration is not determinable as it is based
on a percent of certain sales. Excluding such contingent consider-
ation, the maximum amount estimated to be due is approximately
$525 million, which is dependent upon attaining certain sales
thresholds or based on the occurrence of certain events, such
as regulatory approvals.

5 0

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

NOTE 12—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 proceed‑
ings and environmental exposures to be from approximately
$115 million to $160 million. The recorded accrual balance at
December 31, 2017 for these proceedings and exposures was

approximately $135 million. This accrual represents manage‑
ment’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 out‑
come 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 13—POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Retirement plans consist of defined benefit, defined contribution
and medical and dental plans. Information for Abbott’s major
defined benefit plans and post‑employment medical and dental
benefit plans is as follows:

(in millions)

Projected benefit obligations, January 1
Service cost—benefits earned during the year
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations
(Gains) losses, primarily changes in discount rates, plan design
changes, law changes and differences between actual and estimated health care costs
Benefits paid
Other, including foreign currency translation
Projected benefit obligations, December 31

Plan assets at fair value, January 1
Actual return on plans’ assets
Company contributions
Benefits paid
Other, including foreign currency translation
Plan assets at fair value, December 31

Projected benefit obligations greater than plan assets, December 31

Long‑term assets
Short‑term liabilities
Long‑term liabilities
Net liability

Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss):

Actuarial losses, net
Prior service cost (credits)
Total

Defined Benefit Plans
2016
2017
$7,820
$«8,517
263
283
288
287

Medical and Dental Plans
2016
$1,262
26
43

2017
$1,274
25
45

752
(276)
390
$«9,953

$«7,542
1,107
645
(276)
280
$«9,298

$ «(655)

$ ÷563
(21)
(1,197)
$ «(655)

$«3,466
(9)
$«3,457

645
(242)
(257)
$8,517

$6,772
631
582
(242)
(201)
$7,542

$÷(975)

$ 340
(18)
(1,297)
$÷(975)

$3,301
—
$3,301

149
(80)
(20)
$1,393

$÷ 416
65
12
(74)
—
$÷ 419

$÷(974)

$÷ ÷—
(2)
(972)
$÷(974)

$÷ 456
(208)
$÷ 248

13
(71)
1
$1,274

$÷ 441
28
10
(63)
—
$÷ 416

$÷(858)

$÷ ÷—
(1)
(857)
$÷(858)

$÷ 373
(254)
$÷ 119

The projected benefit obligations for non‑U.S. defined benefit plans
was $3.0 billion and $2.5 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016,
respectively. The accumulated benefit obligations for all defined
benefit plans were $8.9 billion and $7.4 billion at December 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively.

For plans where the accumulated benefit obligations exceeded
plan assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate

accumulated benefit obligations, the projected benefit obligations
and the aggregate plan assets were as follows:

(in millions)
Accumulated benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

2017
$1,664
1,892
696

2016
$1,485
1,697
653

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com05-Mar-181009764ab_fin_p51_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abtbujakKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552K29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

The components of the net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

(in millions)

Service cost—benefits earned during the year
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations
Expected return on plans’ assets
Amortization of actuarial losses
Amortization of prior service cost (credits)
Total cost
Less: Discontinued operations
Net cost—continuing operations

2017
$«283
287
(613)
163
1
121
—
$«121

Defined Benefit Plans
2015
2016
$«307
$«263
314
288
(511)
(565)
184
129
—
1
295
115
—
(3)
$«292
$«115

2017
$«25
45
(33)
23
(45)
15
—
$«15

Medical and Dental Plans
2015
$«33
52
(39)
23
(48)
21
—
$«21

2016
$«26
43
(35)
16
(45)
5
—
$÷«5

In 2017, Abbott recognized a $10 million curtailment gain related
to the sale of AMO.

Other comprehensive income (loss) for each respective year
includes the amortization of actuarial losses and prior service
costs (credits) as noted in the previous table. Other comprehensive
income (loss) for each respective year also includes: net actuarial
losses of $247 million for defined benefit plans and $97 million
for medical and dental plans in 2017; net actuarial losses of
$571 million for defined benefit plans and $20 million for medical
and dental plans in 2016; net actuarial gains of $37 million for
defined benefit plans and $116 million for medical and dental
plans in 2015.

The pretax amount of actuarial losses and prior service cost
(credits) included in Accumulated other comprehensive income
(loss) at December 31, 2017 that is expected to be recognized in
the net periodic benefit cost in 2018 is $213 million and $1 million
of expense, respectively, for defined benefit pension plans and
$31 million of expense and $45 million of income, respectively,
for medical and dental plans.

The weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit
obligations for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans
are as follows:

Discount rate
Expected aggregate average long‑
term change in compensation

2017
3.4%

4.4%

2016
3.9%

4.3%

2015
4.3%

4.4%

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the
net cost for defined benefit plans and medical and dental plans
are as follows:

Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
Expected aggregate average long‑
term change in compensation

2017
3.9%
7.6%

4.3%

2016
4.3%
7.6%

4.3%

2015
3.9%
7.4%

4.3%

The assumed health care cost trend rates for medical and dental
plans at December 31 were as follows:

Health care cost trend rate assumed
for the next year
Rate that the cost trend rate
gradually declines to
Year that rate reaches the assumed
ultimate rate

2017

2016

2015

9%

5%

8%

5%

8%

5%

2027

2027

2028

The discount rates used to measure liabilities were determined
based on high‑quality fixed income securities that match the
duration of the expected retiree benefits. The health care cost
trend rates represent Abbott’s expected annual rates of change
in the cost of health care benefits and are forward projections of
health care costs as of the measurement date. A one‑percentage
point increase/(decrease) in the assumed health care cost trend
rate would increase/(decrease) the accumulated post‑employment
benefit obligations as of December 31, 2017, by $179 million/
$(150) million, and the total of the service and interest cost com‑
ponents of net post‑employment health care cost for the year
then ended by approximately $11 million/$(9) million.

5 2

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The following table summarizes the basis used to measure the defined benefit and medical and dental plan assets at fair value:

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

(in millions)

December 31, 2017:
Equities:

U.S. large cap (a)
U.S. mid and small cap (b)
International (c)

Fixed income securities:

U.S. government securities (d)
Corporate debt instruments (e)
Non‑U.S. government securities (f )
Other (g)

Absolute return funds (h)
Commodities (i)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Other ( j)

December 31, 2016:
Equities:

U.S. large cap (a)
U.S. mid and small cap (b)
International (c)

Fixed income securities:

U.S. government securities (d)
Corporate debt instruments (e)
Non‑U.S. government securities (f )
Other (g)

Absolute return funds (h)
Commodities (i)
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Other ( j)

Outstanding
Balances

Quoted
Prices in
Active Markets

Significant
Other Observable
Inputs

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

Measured
at NAV (k)

Basis of Fair Value Measurement

$2,506
670
1,937

510
930
625
216
1,814
60
178
271
$9,717

$1,889
549
1,345

437
813
514
183
1,891
84
100
153
$7,958

$1,600
243
448

11
107
222
93
135
—
12
7
$2,878

$1,284
183
356

5
100
175
80
106
—
8
—
$2,297

$ —
—
—

286
411
—
27
—
—
—
—
$724

$÷«—
—
—

258
348
—
20
—
—
—
—
$626

$ —
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
4
—
—
$ 4

$ —
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
12
—
—
$12

$ «906
427
1,489

213
412
403
96
1,679
56
166
264
$6,111

$ «605
366
989

174
365
339
83
1,785
72
92
153
$5,023

(a) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various large cap indices.

(b) A mix of index funds and actively managed equity accounts that are benchmarked to various mid and small cap indices.

(c) A mix of index funds and actively managed pooled investment funds that are benchmarked to various non‑U.S. equity indices in both developed and emerging markets.

(d) A mix of index funds and actively managed accounts that are benchmarked to various U.S. government bond indices.

(e) A mix of index funds and actively managed accounts that are benchmarked to various corporate bond indices.

(f ) Primarily United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands and Irish government‑issued bonds.

(g) Primarily asset backed securities and an actively managed, diversified fixed income vehicle benchmarked to the one‑month Libor / Euribor.

(h) Primarily funds invested by managers that have a global mandate with the flexibility to allocate capital broadly across a wide range of asset classes and strategies including, but not limited to

equities, fixed income, commodities, interest rate futures, currencies and other securities to outperform an agreed upon benchmark with specific return and volatility targets.

(i) Primarily investments in liquid commodity future contracts and private energy funds.

( j) Primarily investments in private funds, such as private equity, private credit and private real estate.

(k) In accordance with ASU 2015‑07, investments measured at fair value using the NAV practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts

presented in this table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts presented in the consolidated balance sheet.

Equities that are valued using quoted prices are valued at the
published market prices. Equities in a common collective trust or
a registered investment company that are valued using significant
other observable inputs are valued at the NAV provided by the
fund administrator. The NAV is based on the value of the underly‑
ing assets owned by the fund minus its liabilities. For
approximately half of these funds, investments may be redeemed
once per month, with a required 7 to 30 day notice period. For the
remaining funds, daily redemption of an investment is allowed.

Fixed income securities that are valued using significant other
observable inputs are valued at prices obtained from independent
financial service industry recognized vendors. Abbott did not have
any unfunded commitments related to fixed income funds at
December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the majority of these funds,
investments may be redeemed either weekly or monthly, with a
required 2 to 14 day notice period. For the remaining funds, invest‑
ments may be generally redeemed daily.

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com01-Mar-181009764ab_fin_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552K29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

Absolute return funds and commodities are valued at the NAV
provided by the fund administrator. All private funds are valued
at the NAV provided by the fund on a one‑quarter lag adjusted for
known cash flows and significant events through the reporting
date. Abbott did not have any unfunded commitments related to
absolute return funds at December 31, 2017 and 2016. Investments
in these funds may be generally redeemed monthly or quarterly
with required notice periods ranging from 5 to 45 days. For
approximately $100 million of the absolute return funds, redemp‑
tions are subject to a 25% gate. For commodities, investments in
the private energy funds cannot be redeemed but the funds will
make distributions through liquidation. The estimate of the liqui‑
dation period for each fund ranges from 2018 to 2022. Abbott’s
unfunded commitments in these funds as of December 31, 2017
and 2016 were not significant. Investments in the private funds
(excluding private energy funds) cannot be redeemed but the
funds will make distributions through liquidation. The estimate
of the liquidation period for each fund ranges from 2018 to 2027.
Abbott’s unfunded commitment in these funds was $489 million
and $337 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The investment mix of equity securities, fixed income and other
asset allocation strategies is based upon achieving a desired return,
as well as balancing higher return, more volatile equity securities
with lower return, less volatile fixed income securities. Investment
allocations are made across a range of markets, industry sectors,
capitalization sizes, and in the case of fixed income securities,
maturities and credit quality. The plans do not directly hold any
securities of Abbott. There are no known significant concentrations
of risk in the plans’ assets. Abbott’s medical and dental plans’
assets are invested in a similar mix as the pension plan assets.
The actual asset allocation percentages at year end are consistent
with the company’s targeted asset allocation percentages.

The plans’ expected return on assets, as shown above is based on
management’s expectations of long‑term average rates of return to
be achieved by the underlying investment portfolios. In establishing
this assumption, management considers historical and expected
returns for the asset classes in which the plans are invested, as well
as current economic and capital market conditions.

Abbott funds its domestic pension plans according to IRS funding
limitations. International pension plans are funded according to
similar regulations. Abbott funded $645 million in 2017 and
$582 million in 2016 to defined pension plans. Abbott expects to
contribute approximately $114 million to its pension plans in 2018.

Total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants, which
includes payments funded from company assets, as well as paid
from the plans, are as follows:

(in millions)
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023 to 2027

Defined
Benefit Plans
$ «278
289
307
324
344
2,032

Medical and
Dental Plans
$ 68
71
74
77
79
421

The Abbott Stock Retirement Plan is the principal defined contri‑
bution plan. Abbott’s contributions to this plan were $79 million in
2017, $83 million in 2016 and $81 million in 2015.

5 4

NOTE 14—TAXES ON EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS

Taxes on earnings from continuing operations reflect the annual
effective rates, including charges for interest and penalties.
Deferred income taxes reflect the tax consequences on future
years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities
and their financial reporting amounts.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted in the U.S. on
December 22, 2017. The TCJA reduces the U.S. federal corporate
tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one‑time
transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that
were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain
foreign sourced earnings.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, Abbott recorded an estimate of net
tax expense of $1.46 billion for the impact of the TCJA, which is
included in Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations in the
Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The estimate is provisional
and includes a charge of approximately $2.89 billion for the
transition tax, partially offset by a net benefit of approximately
$1.42 billion for the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and
liabilities and a net benefit of approximately $10 million related
to certain other impacts of the TCJA.

The one‑time transition tax is based on Abbott’s total post‑1986
earnings and profits (E&P) that were previously deferred from
U.S. income taxes. Abbott has not yet completed its calculation
of the total post‑1986 E&P for its foreign subsidiaries. The tax
computation also requires the determination of the amount of
post‑1986 E&P considered held in cash and other specified assets.
This amount may change as Abbott finalizes the calculation of
post‑1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxa‑
tion and finalizes the amounts held in cash and other specified
assets. Abbott plans to elect to pay the transition tax over eight
years as allowed by the TCJA.

Given the significant complexity of the TCJA, Abbott will con‑
tinue to evaluate and analyze the impact of this legislation. The
$1.46 billion estimate is provisional and is based on Abbott’s initial
analysis of the TCJA and may be materially adjusted in future
periods due to among other things, additional analysis performed
by Abbott and additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S.
Department of Treasury, the Securities and Exchange
Commission, or the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

In 2017, taxes on earnings from continuing operations also
include $435 million of tax expense related to the gain on the sale
of the AMO business. In 2016, taxes on earnings from continuing
operations include the impact of a net tax benefit of approxi‑
mately $225 million, primarily as a result of the resolution of
various tax positions from prior years, partially offset by the
unfavorable impact of non‑deductible foreign exchange losses
related to Venezuela and the adjustment of the Mylan N.V. equity
investment, as well as the recognition of deferred taxes associated
with the then pending sale of AMO. In 2015, taxes on earnings
from continuing operations include a tax cost of $71 million
related to the disposal of shares of Mylan N.V. stock.

No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining
undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax.
Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability
related to any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not sub‑
ject to the transition tax and additional outside basis difference in

1009764ab_fin.indd 54

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these entities is not practicable. In the U.S., Abbott’s federal
income tax returns through 2013 are settled except for the federal
income tax returns of the former Alere consolidated group which
are settled through 2012. There are numerous other income tax
jurisdictions for which tax returns are not yet settled, none of
which are individually significant. Reserves for interest and
penalties are not significant.

Earnings from continuing operations before taxes, and the
related provisions for taxes on earnings from continuing
operations, were as follows:

(in millions)
Earnings From Continuing
Operations Before Taxes:
Domestic
Foreign
Total

(in millions)
Taxes on Earnings From
Continuing Operations:
Current:
Domestic
Foreign

Total current

Deferred:
Domestic
Foreign

Total deferred
Total

2017

2016

2015

$ «308
1,923
$2,231

$ «306
1,107
$1,413

$ «789
2,394
$3,183

2017

2016

2015

$2,260
508
2,768

(679)
(211)
(890)
$1,878

$÷«71
406
477

(147)
20
(127)
$«350

$ 64
220
284

313
(20)
293
$577

Differences between the effective income tax rate and the U.S.
statutory tax rate were as follows:

Statutory tax rate on earnings from
continuing operations
Impact of foreign operations
Impact of TCJA
Excess tax benefits related to stock
compensation
Research tax credit
Resolution of certain tax positions
pertaining to prior years
Mylan share adjustment
State taxes, net of federal benefit
Federal tax cost on sale of Mylan
N.V. shares
All other, net
Effective tax rate on earnings from
continuing operations

2017

2016

2015

35.0%
(16.3)
65.5

35.0%
(17.8)
—

35.0%
(18.2)
—

(5.4)
(1.9)

—
—
0.5

3.4
3.4

—
(1.8)

(16.1)
25.5
(1.3)

—
1.3

—
(0.6)

—
—
0.3

2.2
(0.6)

84.2%

24.8%

18.1%

Impact of foreign operations is primarily derived from operations
in Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Costa Rica,
and Singapore. The 2015 effective tax rate includes the impact of
the R&D tax credit that was made permanent in the U.S. by the
Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

The tax effect of the differences that give rise to deferred tax
assets and liabilities were as follows:

(in millions)
Deferred tax assets:

Compensation and employee benefits
Other, primarily reserves not currently
deductible, and NOL’s and credit carryforwards
Trade receivable reserves
Inventory reserves
Deferred intercompany profit
State income taxes
Total deferred tax assets before valuation
allowance
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Depreciation
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries
Other, primarily the excess of book basis over
tax basis of intangible assets
Total deferred tax liabilities

Total net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

2017

2016

$ ÷881

$ 1,061

2,795
185
152
249
62

4,324
(1,355)
$ 2,969

(200)
—

(3,385)
(3,585)
$ «(616)

2,384
207
157
231
164

4,204
(189)
$ 4,015

(152)
(175)

(2,018)
(2,345)
$«1,670

Abbott has incurred losses in a foreign jurisdiction where realiza‑
tion of the future economic benefit is so remote that the benefit is
not reflected as a deferred tax asset. The increase in the valuation
allowance from 2016 to 2017 relates to deferred tax assets
recorded in certain entities acquired as part of the acquisition of
St. Jude Medical. Abbott does not believe that it is more likely than
not that the benefits of these deferred tax assets will be realized.

The following table summarizes the gross amounts of unrecog‑
nized tax benefits without regard to reduction in tax liabilities or
additions to deferred tax assets and liabilities if such unrecognized
tax benefits were settled:

(in millions)
January 1
Increase in tax positions due to acquisitions
Increase due to current year tax positions
Increase due to prior year tax positions
Decrease due to prior year tax positions
Settlements
Lapse of statute
December 31

2017
$ «972
479
187
76
(176)
(57)
(41)
$1,440

2016
$1,438
—
145
101
(703)
(9)
—
$ «972

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized,
would impact the effective tax rate is approximately $1.36 billion.
Abbott believes that it is reasonably possible that the recorded
amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits may decrease within a
range of $150 million to $300 million, including cash adjustments,
within the next twelve months as a result of concluding various
domestic and international tax matters.

1009764ab_fin.indd 55

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N O T E S T O C O N S O L I D AT E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S

NOTE 15—SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA INFORMATION

Abbott’s principal business is the discovery, development, manu‑
facture 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. On January 4,
2017, Abbott completed the acquisition of St. Jude Medical.
Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, Abbott’s cardiovascular
and neuromodulation business includes the results of its histori‑
cal Vascular Products segment and the results of the businesses
acquired from St. Jude Medical from the date of acquisition.
On October 3, 2017, Abbott completed the acquisition of Alere.
Beginning with the fourth quarter of 2017, Abbott’s Diagnostic
Products reportable segment includes the results of Alere from
the date of acquisition.

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 and
alternate‑care testing sites. For segment reporting purposes, the
Core Laboratories Diagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics, Point of
Care, Rapid Diagnostics and Ibis diagnostic divisions are aggre‑
gated and reported as the Diagnostic Products segment. Rapid
Diagnostics is the business acquired from Alere.

Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products—Worldwide sales
of rhythm management, electrophysiology, heart failure, vascular,
structural heart and neuromodulation products.

Non‑reportable segments include AMO through the date of sale
and Diabetes Care.

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

(in millions)
Established
Pharmaceuticals
Nutritionals
Diagnostics
Cardiovascular and
Neuromodulation
Total Reportable
Segments

Other
Total

Net Sales to External
Customers (a)
2015
2016

2017

$ 4,287 $ 3,859 $ 3,720
6,975
4,646

6,899
4,813

6,925
5,616

Operating Earnings (a)
2015
2016
2017

$ «848 $ «723 $ «658
1,741
1,660
1,171
1,194

1,589
1,468

8,911

2,896

2,792

2,720

1,037

1,061

25,739

18,467

18,133

$6,625 $4,614 $4,631

1,651

2,272
$27,390 $20,853 $20,405

2,386

(a) Net sales were unfavorably affected by the relatively stronger U.S. dollar in 2016 and 2015.

Operating earnings were unfavorably affected by the impact of foreign exchange in 2017,
2016 and 2015.

(in millions)
Total Reportable Segment
Operating Earnings
Corporate functions and benefit
plans costs
Non‑reportable segments
Net interest expense
Share‑based compensation
Amortization of intangible assets
Other, net (b)
Earnings from Continuing
Operations before Taxes

2017

2016

2015

$«6,625

$«4,614

$4,631

(506)
306
(780)
(406)
(1,975)
(1,033)

(411)
304
(332)
(310)
(550)
(1,902)

(416)
268
(58)
(291)
(601)
(350)

$«2,231

$«1,413

$3,183

(b) Other, net includes inventory step‑up amortization, integration costs associated with

the acquisition of St. Jude Medical and Alere, and restructuring charges, partially offset
by the gain on the sale of the AMO business in 2017. In 2016, Other, net includes the
$947 million adjustment of the Mylan equity investment and $480 million of foreign
currency exchange loss related to operations in Venezuela. Charges for restructuring
actions and other cost reduction initiatives were approximately $384 million in 2017,
$167 million in 2016 and $310 million in 2015. 2015 includes a $207 million pre‑tax gain
on the sale of a portion of the Mylan N.V. ordinary shares.

(in millions)

Established Pharmaceuticals
Nutritionals
Diagnostics
Cardiovascular and
Neuromodulation

Total Reportable Segments

Other
Total

2017
$ ÷«90
164
300

298

852

194
$1,046

Depreciation
2015
$ 83
157
310

2016
$ 71
160
267

69

567

236
$803

74

624

247
$871

Additions to Property, Plant
and Equipment (c)
2015
2016
$ «112
$ «150
139
199
319
379

2017
$ «181
147
374

206

908

227
$1,135

23

751

370
$1,121

32

602

508
$1,110

2017
$ 2,728
3,160
4,226

5,074
$15,188

Total Assets
2015
$2,210
3,187
2,844

1,536
$9,777

2016
$ 2,486
3,189
2,945

1,425
$10,045

(c) Amounts exclude property, plant and equipment acquired through business acquisitions.

5 6

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(in millions)
Total Reportable Segment Assets
Cash and investments
Non‑reportable segments
Goodwill and intangible assets (d)
All other (d)
Total Assets

2017
$15,188
10,493
740
45,493
4,336
$76,250

2016
$10,045
21,722
1,280
12,222
7,397
$52,666

2015
$ 9,777
10,166
1,267
15,200
4,837
$41,247

(d) Goodwill and intangible assets related to AMO are included in the All other line in 2016.

(in millions)
United States
China
Germany
Japan
India
The Netherlands
Switzerland
Russia
France
Brazil
Italy
United Kingdom
Colombia
Canada
Vietnam
All Other Countries
Consolidated

Net Sales to
External Customers (e)
2015
$ 6,270
1,796
1,004
895
1,053
855
784
483
375
381
383
430
388
428
331
4,549
$20,405

2016
$ 6,486
1,728
1,044
924
1,114
830
766
554
352
410
365
377
424
408
434
4,637
$20,853

2017
$ 9,673
2,146
1,366
1,255
1,237
929
841
664
628
541
507
498
494
443
427
5,741
$27,390

(e) Sales by country are based on the country that sold the product.

Long‑lived assets on a geographic basis primarily include prop‑
erty, plant and equipment. It excludes goodwill, intangible assets,
deferred tax assets, and financial instruments. At December 31,
2017 and 2016, Long‑lived assets totaled $8.9 billion and
$6.6 billion, respectively, and in the United States such assets
totaled $4.5 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. Long‑lived asset
balances associated with other countries were not material on
an individual country basis in either of the two years.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

NOTE 16—QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

(in millions except per share data)

2017

2016

First Quarter
Continuing Operations:

Net Sales
Gross Profit
Earnings from Continuing Operations
Basic Earnings per Common Share
Diluted Earnings per Common Share

Net Earnings
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)
Market Price Per Share‑High
Market Price Per Share‑Low

Second Quarter
Continuing Operations:

Net Sales
Gross Profit
Earnings from Continuing Operations
Basic Earnings per Common Share
Diluted Earnings per Common Share

Net Earnings
Basic Earnings Per Common Share (a)
Diluted Earnings Per Common Share (a)
Market Price Per Share‑High
Market Price Per Share‑Low

Third Quarter
Continuing Operations:

Net Sales
Gross Profit
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

Net Earnings (Loss)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a)
Market Price Per Share‑High
Market Price Per Share‑Low

Fourth Quarter
Continuing Operations:

Net Sales
Gross Profit
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations
Basic Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share

Net Earnings (Loss)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share (a)
Market Price Per Share‑High
Market Price Per Share‑Low

$6,335
2,769
386
0.22
0.22
419
0.24
0.24
45.84
38.34

$6,637
3,072
270
0.15
0.15
283
0.16
0.16
49.59
42.31

$6,829
3,471
561
0.32
0.32
603
0.34
0.34
54.80
47.83

$7,589
3,766
(864)
(0.50)
(0.50)
(828)
(0.48)
(0.48)
57.77
53.20

$4,885
2,601
56
0.04
0.04
316
0.21
0.21
44.05
36.00

$5,333
2,901
599
0.40
0.40
615
0.41
0.41
44.58
36.76

$5,302
2,877
(357)
(0.24)
(0.24)
(329)
(0.22)
(0.22)
45.79
39.16

$5,333
2,900
765
0.51
0.51
798
0.54
0.53
43.78
37.38

(a) The sum of the four quarters of earnings per share for 2017 and 2016 may not add to the full
year earnings per share amount due to rounding and/or the use of quarter‑to‑date weighted
average shares to calculate the earnings per share amount in each respective quarter.

1009764ab_fin.indd 57

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M A N A G E M E N T R E P O R T O N I N T E R N A L

R E P O R T O F I N D E P E N D E N T R E G I S T E R E D

C O N T R O L O V E R F I N A N C I A L R E P O R T I N G

P U B L I C A C C O U N T I N G F I R M

The management of Abbott Laboratories is responsible for estab‑
lishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting. Abbott’s internal control system was designed to pro‑
vide reasonable assurance to the company’s management and
board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation
of published financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have
inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined
to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect
to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Abbott’s management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017.
In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth in Internal
Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As allowed
by SEC guidance, management excluded from its assessment the
October 2017 acquisition of Alere Inc. which accounted for
approximately 13% of Abbott’s total assets and 2% of Abbott’s total
net sales from continuing operations as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2017. Based on our assessment, we believe that, as
of December 31, 2017, the company’s internal control over financial
reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Abbott’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued
an audit report on their assessment of the effectiveness of the
company’s internal control over financial reporting. This report
appears on page 59.

Miles D. White
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Brian B. Yoor
Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Robert E. Funck
Vice President, Controller

February 16, 2018

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Abbott Laboratories

OPINION ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets
of Abbott Laboratories and subsidiaries (the Company) as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements
of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ investment
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as
the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and
the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in
conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal
Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013
framework), and our report dated February 16, 2018 expressed an
unqualified opinion thereon.

BASIS FOR OPINION

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company‘s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
the Company‘s financial statements based on our audits. We are a
public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required
to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with
the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regula‑
tions of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to
error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to
assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial state‑
ments, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures
that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining,
on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of
the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company‘s auditor since 2013.

Chicago, Illinois
February 16, 2018

5 8

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P U B L I C A C C O U N T I N G F I R M

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Abbott Laboratories

OPINION ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER
FINANCIAL REPORTING

We have audited Abbott Laboratories and subsidiaries’ internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on
criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).
In our opinion, Abbott Laboratories and subsidiaries (the
Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based
on the COSO criteria.

As indicated in the accompanying Management Report on Internal
Control Over Financial Reporting, management’s assessment of
and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over finan‑
cial reporting did not include the internal controls of Alere Inc.,
which is included in the 2017 consolidated financial statements of
the Company and constituted approximately 13% of total assets at
December 31, 2017 and 2% of total net sales from continuing oper‑
ations for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over
financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evalua‑
tion of the internal control over financial reporting of Alere Inc.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements
of earnings, comprehensive income, shareholders’ investment
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2017, and the related notes of the Company and
our report dated February 16, 2018 expressed an unqualified
opinion thereon.

BASIS FOR OPINION

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining
effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial
reporting included in the accompanying Management Report on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over finan‑
cial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of
the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all
material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal con‑
trol over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material
weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and
performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in
the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reason‑
able basis for our opinion.

DEFINITION AND LIMITATIONS OF INTERNAL CONTROL
OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial
reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately
and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of
the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of manage‑
ment and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unautho‑
rized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial
reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projec‑
tions of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois
February 16, 2018

1009764ab_fin.indd 59

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F I N A N C I A L I N S T R U M E N T S A N D R I S K M A N A G E M E N T

MARKET PRICE SENSITIVE INVESTMENTS

The fair value of the available‑for‑sale equity securities held by
Abbott was approximately $11 million and $2.7 billion as of
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The year‑over‑year
decrease is primarily due to sale of the remaining ordinary shares of
Mylan N.V. that Abbott received in the sale of its developed markets
branded generics pharmaceuticals business. As of December 31,
2017, Abbott no longer held an ownership interest in Mylan N.V. All
available‑for‑sale equity securities are subject to potential changes
in fair value. A hypothetical 20 percent decrease in the share prices
of these investments would decrease their fair value at December 31,
2017 by approximately $2 million. Abbott monitors these invest‑
ments for other than temporary declines in fair value, and charges
impairment losses to income when an other than temporary decline
in fair value occurs. Abbott also holds $363 million of investments in
mutual funds that are held in a rabbi trust for the purpose of paying
benefits under a deferred compensation plan. These investments
are classified as trading securities.

NON-PUBLICLY TRADED EQUIT Y SECURITIES

Abbott holds equity securities from strategic technology acquisi‑
tions that are not traded on public stock exchanges. The carrying
value of these investments was approximately $263 million and
$151 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
No individual investment is recorded at a value in excess of
$67 million. Abbott monitors these investments for other than
temporary declines in market value, and charges impairment
losses to income when an other than temporary decline in
estimated fair value occurs.

INTEREST RATE SENSITIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Abbott had interest rate hedge
contracts totaling $4.0 billion and $5.5 billion, respectively, to
manage its exposure to changes in the fair value of debt. The
effect of these hedges is to change the fixed interest rate to a vari‑
able rate for the portion of the debt that is hedged. Abbott does not
use derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to
manage its exposure to changes in interest rates for its investment
securities. The fair value of long‑term debt at December 31, 2017
and 2016 amounted to $29.0 billion and $21.1 billion, respectively
(average interest rates of 3.6% and 3.8% as of December 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively) with maturities through 2046. At
December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of current and

long‑term investment securities amounted to approximately
$1.1 billion and $3.1 billion, respectively. A hypothetical 100‑basis
point change in the interest rates would not have a material effect
on cash flows, income or fair values. (A 100‑basis point change is
believed to be a reasonably possible near‑term change in rates.)

FOREIGN CURRENCY SENSITIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Certain Abbott foreign subsidiaries enter into foreign currency
forward exchange contracts to manage exposures to changes in
foreign exchange rates for anticipated intercompany purchases
by those subsidiaries whose functional currencies are not the U.S.
dollar. These contracts are designated as cash flow hedges of the
variability of the cash flows due to changes in foreign currency
exchange rates and are marked‑to‑market with the resulting
gains or losses reflected in Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss). Gains or losses will be included in Cost of products
sold at the time the products are sold, generally within the next
twelve to eighteen months. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Abbott
held $3.3 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively, of such contracts.
Contracts held at December 31, 2017 will mature in 2018 or 2019
depending upon the contract. Contracts held at December 31,
2016 matured in 2017 or will mature in 2018 depending upon
the contract. At December 31, 2016, $107 million of the notional
amount related to AMO, a business that was divested in the
first quarter of 2017.

Abbott enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts
to manage its exposure to foreign currency denominated inter‑
company loans and trade payables and third‑party trade payables
and receivables. The contracts are marked‑to‑market, and result‑
ing gains or losses are reflected in income and are generally
offset by losses or gains on the foreign currency exposure being
managed. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, Abbott held $20.1 billion
and $14.9 billion, respectively, of such contracts, which generally
mature in the next twelve months. At December 31, 2016,
$1.2 billion of the contracts related to AMO, a business that was
divested in the first quarter of 2017.

In March 2017, Abbott repaid its $479 million foreign denominated
short‑term debt which was designated as a hedge of the net invest‑
ment in a foreign subsidiary. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, the
value of this short‑term debt was $454 million and $439 million,
respectively, and changes in the fair value of the debt up through the
date of repayment due to changes in exchange rates were recorded
in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax.

The following table reflects the total foreign currency forward contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

Weighted
Average
Exchange
Rate

1.1861
1.3300
110.5370
1.2799

N/A

2017
Fair and
Carrying
Value
Receivable/
(Payable)

$(24)
(5)
15
(4)
(49)
$(67)

Contract
Amount

$16,877
609
1,109
597
4,245
$23,437

Weighted
Average
Exchange
Rate

1.0570
1.2817
110.6955
1.3378

N/A

2016
Fair and
Carrying
Value
Receivable/
(Payable)

$ 28
15
44
3
104
$194

Contract
Amount

$11,110
514
1,024
639
4,166
$17,453

(dollars in millions)
Primarily U.S. Dollars to be exchanged for the following
currencies:

Euro
British Pound
Japanese Yen
Canadian Dollar
All other currencies
Total

6 0

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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 most
impact which products are sold; price controls, competition and
rebates most impact the net selling prices of products; and foreign
currency translation impacts the measurement of net sales and
costs. Abbott’s primary products are nutritional products, diagnostic
testing products, branded generic pharmaceuticals and cardiovas‑
cular and neuromodulation products. Sales in international markets
comprise approximately 65 percent of consolidated net sales.

On October 3, 2017, Abbott acquired Alere Inc. (Alere), a diagnos‑
tic device and service provider, for $51.00 per common share in
cash, which equated to a purchase price of approximately
$4.5 billion. As part of the acquisition, Abbott tendered for Alere’s
preferred shares for a total value of approximately $0.7 billion. In
addition, approximately $3.0 billion of Alere’s debt was assumed
and subsequently repaid. The acquisition establishes Abbott as a
leader in point of care testing, expands Abbott’s global diagnostics
presence and provides access to new products, channels and
geographies. Abbott’s Diagnostic Products reportable segment
includes the results of Alere from the date of acquisition.

On January 4, 2017, Abbott completed the acquisition of St. Jude
Medical, Inc. (St. Jude Medical), a global medical device manufac‑
turer, for approximately $23.6 billion, including approximately
$13.6 billion in cash and approximately $10 billion in Abbott com‑
mon shares, based on Abbott’s closing stock price on the acquisition
date. As part of the acquisition, approximately $5.9 billion of St.
Jude Medical’s debt was assumed, repaid or refinanced by Abbott.
The acquisition provides expanded opportunities for future growth
and is an important part of the company’s ongoing effort to develop
a strong, diverse portfolio of devices, diagnostics, nutritionals and
branded generic pharmaceuticals. The combined business competes
in nearly every area of the $30 billion cardiovascular device market,
as well as in neuromodulation which treats chronic pain and move‑
ment disorders. Abbott’s Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation
reportable segment includes the results of its historical Vascular
Products segment and the results of the businesses acquired from
St. Jude Medical from the date of acquisition.

In February 2017, Abbott completed the sale of Abbott Medical
Optics (AMO), its vision care business, to Johnson & Johnson for
$4.325 billion in cash. The decision to sell AMO reflected Abbott’s
proactive shaping of its portfolio in line with its strategic priorities.
In 2017, Abbott recognized a pre‑tax gain of $1.163 billion and an
after‑tax gain of $728 million related to the sale of AMO. The oper‑
ating results of AMO were included in Earnings from Continuing
Operations up to the date of sale as the business did not qualify for
reporting as discontinued operations.

On February 27, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its developed
markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business, which was
previously included in the Established Pharmaceutical Products
segment, to Mylan Inc. for 110 million ordinary shares of Mylan N.V.,
a newly formed entity that combined Mylan’s existing business with
Abbott’s developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals
business. Abbott retained the branded generics pharmaceuticals
business and products of its Established Pharmaceutical Products
segment in emerging markets. In April 2015, Abbott sold
40.25 million of its Mylan N.V. ordinary shares and in 2017, Abbott
sold the remaining 69.75 million ordinary shares. Proceeds from
the sale of the 110 million ordinary shares totaled $5.0 billion.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

The sales increase over the last three years was driven primarily
by the 2017 acquisitions of St. Jude Medical and Alere and sales
growth in the established pharmaceuticals and diagnostics busi‑
nesses. In 2017, the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical and Alere,
partially offset by the sale of AMO, contributed 26.5 percentage
points of Abbott’s total sales growth. Sales in emerging markets,
which represent approximately 40 percent of total company sales,
increased 13.9 percent in 2017 and 6.3 percent in 2016, excluding
the impact of foreign exchange. (Emerging markets include all
countries except the United States, Western Europe, Japan,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand.)

Over the last three years, Abbott’s operating margin was impacted
by several factors. In 2017, Abbott’s operating margin decreased by
approximately 900 basis points primarily due to costs associated
with the acquisitions, including higher intangible amortization
expense, inventory step‑up amortization and integration costs,
partially offset by operating margin improvement across various
businesses. In 2016 and 2015, Abbott expanded its operating mar‑
gin by approximately 120 basis points per year primarily due to
margin improvement in the nutritional and diagnostics businesses.

In Abbott’s worldwide nutritional products business, sales over
the last three years were positively impacted by demographics such
as an aging population and an increasing rate of chronic disease in
developed markets and the rise of a middle class in many emerging
markets, as well as by numerous new product introductions that
leveraged Abbott’s strong brands. These positive factors were
offset by challenging conditions in various markets over the last
three years. In 2017, the nutritionals business experienced growth
in the U.S. due to above‑market performance in Abbott’s infant
and toddler brands, including PediaSure®, Pedialyte® and Similac®.
Increased 2017 sales in China and India were partially offset by
challenging market conditions in the infant formula market in
various emerging markets. With respect to the profitability of the
nutritional products business, manufacturing and distribution
process changes, as well as other cost reductions drove margin
improvements across the business over the last three years
although such improvements were offset by increased commodity
costs in 2017. The decrease in operating margins for this business
from 25.0 percent of sales in 2015 to 22.9 percent in 2017 was
almost entirely due to the negative impact of foreign exchange.

In Abbott’s worldwide diagnostics business, sales growth over
the last three years reflected the acquisition of Alere in October
of 2017, as well as continued market penetration by the Core
Laboratory business in the U.S. and China, and growth in other
emerging markets. In addition, the Point of Care diagnostics busi‑
ness experienced sales growth led by the continued adoption of
Abbott’s i‑STAT® handheld system. Worldwide diagnostic sales
increased 16.7 percent in 2017 and 5.5 percent in 2016, excluding
the impact of foreign exchange. Excluding the impact of the Alere
acquisition, as well as the impact of foreign exchange, sales in the
Diagnostics Products segment increased 5.5 percent in 2017. In
2017, Abbott continued the international roll‑out of its recently
launched Alinity systems for the core laboratory, including “Alinity
c” for clinical chemistry, “Alinity i” for immunoassay diagnostics
and “Alinity s” for blood and plasma screening. In the fourth
quarter of 2017, Abbott received FDA approval in the U.S. for the
“Alinity c” and “Alinity i” instruments for clinical chemistry and
immunoassay diagnostics. Alinity is an integrated family of next‑
generation diagnostic systems and solutions which are designed to
increase efficiency by running more tests in less space, generating
test results faster and minimizing human errors while continuing
to provide quality results.

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F I N A N C I A L R E V I E W

Margin improvement continued to be a key focus for the diagnos‑
tics business in 2017 although such improvements were partially
offset by the negative impact of foreign exchange. Operating mar‑
gins increased from 25.2 percent of sales in 2015 to 26.1 percent in
2017 as the business continued to execute on efficiency initiatives
in the manufacturing and supply chain functions.

The Established Pharmaceutical Products segment focuses on the
sale of its products in emerging markets after the sale of its devel‑
oped markets business to Mylan on February 27, 2015. Excluding the
impact of foreign exchange, Established Pharmaceutical sales from
continuing operations increased 9.5 percent in 2017 and 10.5 percent
in 2016. The sales increase in 2017 was driven by double‑digit growth
in China and various countries in Latin America. Operating margins
increased from 17.7 percent of sales in 2015 to 19.8 percent in 2017.

Since the beginning of the first quarter of 2017, the results of
Abbott’s Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment
includes Abbott’s historical Vascular Products segment and St. Jude
Medical from the date of acquisition. Excluding the impact of for‑
eign exchange, sales in the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation
Products segment increased 207.4 percent in 2017 and 4.5 percent
in 2016. The sales increase in 2017 was driven by the acquisition of
St. Jude Medical. Excluding the impact of the acquisition, as well
as the impact of foreign exchange, sales in the Cardiovascular and
Neuromodulation Products segment were essentially unchanged
in 2017 versus the prior year. In 2017, higher Structural Heart and
endovascular sales were offset by lower coronary stent sales and
the comparison impact from the favorable 2016 resolution of a
third‑party royalty agreement. In 2016, sales growth was driven by
double‑digit growth in Abbott’s sales of its MitraClip structural
heart device for the treatment of mitral regurgitation, as well as
endovascular franchise sales growth. These increases were partially
offset by pricing pressures primarily related to drug‑eluting stents
(DES) and lower market share for Abbott’s XIENCE DES franchise
in certain geographies. In 2017, operating earnings for this segment
increased over 160 percent; the operating margin profile declined
from 38.0 percent of sales in 2015 to 30.5 percent in 2017 primarily
due to the mix of business resulting from the acquisition of St. Jude
Medical and ongoing pricing pressures in the coronary business.

In 2017, Abbott obtained regulatory approval for various products
in addition to the approvals described above in the diagnostics
business. In its Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products
segment, Abbott received U.S. FDA approvals for magnetic reso‑
nance (MR) conditional labeling across its full suite of pacemaker,
implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), and cardiac resyn‑
chronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‑D) devices. Abbott
announced CE Mark and received U.S. FDA clearance for its
Confirm Rx Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM), the first and only
smartphone‑compatible ICM designed to help physicians
remotely identify cardiac arrhythmias. Abbott received U.S. FDA
approval for its HeartMate 3 system, which helps a weak heart
pump blood through the body for advanced heart failure patients
in need of short‑term hemodynamic support (bridge‑to‑transplant
or bridge to myocardial recovery). Abbott obtained CE Mark for its
XIENCE Sierra product, which is the next generation of its drug‑
eluting coronary stent system. In its diabetes business, Abbott
received U.S. FDA approval for its FreeStyle Libre system, which is
the only continuous glucose monitoring system that does not
require any user calibration.

Abbott’s short‑ and long‑term debt totaled $27.9 billion and
$22.0 billion at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At
December 31, 2017, Abbott’s long‑term debt rating was BBB by
Standard and Poor’s Corporation and Baa3 by Moody’s Investors

6 2

Service (Moody’s). In February 2018, Moody’s raised Abbott’s
rating to Baa2 with a positive outlook. Abbott is committed to
reducing its debt levels following the recent acquisitions of St. Jude
Medical and Alere. In January 2018, Abbott repaid $3.95 billion of
debt and anticipates additional debt repayments throughout 2018.
On February 16, 2018, the board of directors authorized the addi‑
tional redemption of up to $5 billion of currently outstanding
long‑term notes.

In the first quarter of 2017, as part of the acquisition of St. Jude
Medical, Abbott assumed outstanding debt previously issued by
St. Jude Medical. Abbott exchanged certain St. Jude Medical debt
obligations with an aggregate principal amount of approximately
$2.9 billion for debt issued by Abbott which consists of:
$473.8 million of 2.00% Senior Notes due 2018; $483.7 million of
2.80% Senior Notes due 2020; $818.4 million of 3.25% Senior
Notes due 2023; $490.7 million of 3.875% Senior Notes due 2025;
and $639.1 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2043. Following this
exchange, approximately $194.2 million of existing St. Jude
Medical notes remain outstanding across the five series of existing
notes which have the same coupons and maturities as those listed
above. There were no significant costs associated with the
exchange of debt. In addition, during the first quarter of 2017,
Abbott assumed and subsequently repaid approximately
$2.8 billion of various St. Jude Medical debt obligations.

On January 4, 2017, as part of funding the cash portion of the St. Jude
Medical acquisition, Abbott borrowed $2.0 billion under a 120‑day
senior unsecured bridge term loan facility. This facility was repaid
during the first quarter of 2017. In 2017, Abbott also issued 364‑day
yen‑denominated debt, of which $195 million was outstanding at
December 31, 2017. Abbott also paid off a $479 million yen‑
denominated short‑term borrowing during the year.

On July 31, 2017, Abbott entered into a 5‑year term loan agreement
that allowed Abbott to borrow up to $2.8 billion on an unsecured
basis for the acquisition of Alere. On October 3, 2017, Abbott bor‑
rowed $2.8 billion under this term loan agreement to finance the
acquisition of Alere, to repay certain indebtedness of Abbott and
Alere, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the acqui‑
sition. Borrowings under the term loan bore interest based on a
Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin based on Abbott’s credit
ratings. Abbott paid off this term loan on January 5, 2018.

On October 3, 2017, Abbott borrowed $1.7 billion under its lines of
credit. Proceeds from such borrowing were used to finance the
acquisition of Alere, to repay certain indebtedness of Abbott and
Alere, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the acqui‑
sition. The $1.7 billion borrowing was payable on July 10, 2019 and
bore interest based on a Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin
based on Abbott’s credit ratings. In the fourth quarter of 2017,
Abbott paid off $550 million on the revolving loan. Abbott paid off
the remaining balance on this revolving loan on January 5, 2018.

In anticipation of the acquisition of St. Jude Medical, in November
2016, Abbott issued $15.1 billion of long‑term debt consisting of
$2.85 billion at 2.35% maturing in 2019; $2.85 billion at 2.90%
maturing in 2021; $1.50 billion at 3.40% maturing in 2023;
$3.00 billion at 3.75% maturing in 2026; $1.65 billion at 4.75%
maturing in 2036; and $3.25 billion at 4.90% maturing in 2046. In
November 2016, Abbott also entered into interest rate swap con‑
tracts totaling $3.0 billion related to the new debt, which have the
effect of changing Abbott’s obligation from a fixed interest rate to a
variable interest rate obligation on the related debt instruments.

Abbott declared dividends of $1.075 per share in 2017 compared to
$1.045 per share in 2016, an increase of approximately 3%.

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Dividends paid were $1.849 billion in 2017 compared to
$1.539 billion in 2016. The year‑over‑year change in dividends
reflects the impact of the increase in the dividend rate and the
additional shares issued to finance the St. Jude Medical acquisi‑
tion. In December 2017, Abbott increased the company’s quarterly
dividend by approximately 6% to $0.280 per share from $0.265
per share, effective with the dividend paid in February 2018.

In 2018, Abbott will focus on integrating Alere and paying down
debt, as well as several other key initiatives. The focus of the
integration will be to create an organization that expands Abbott’s
diagnostics business into new products, channels and geographies.
In the cardiovascular and neuromodulation business, Abbott will
continue to build its product portfolio and focus on obtaining
product approvals across numerous countries.

In the nutritional business, Abbott will continue to build its prod‑
uct portfolio with the introduction of new science‑based products,
expand in high‑growth emerging markets and implement addi‑
tional margin improvement initiatives. In the established
pharmaceuticals business, Abbott will continue to focus on obtain‑
ing additional product approvals across numerous countries and
increasing its penetration of emerging markets. In Abbott’s other
segments, Abbott will focus on developing differentiated technolo‑
gies in higher growth markets.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Sales Rebates—In 2017, approximately 43 percent of Abbott’s
consolidated gross revenues were subject to various forms of
rebates and allowances that Abbott recorded as reductions of
revenues at the time of sale. Most of these rebates and allowances
in 2017 are in the Nutritional Products and Diabetes Care seg‑
ments. Abbott provides rebates to state agencies that administer
the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,
and Children (WIC), wholesalers, group purchasing organizations,
and other government agencies and private entities. Rebate
amounts are usually based upon the volume of purchases using
contractual or statutory prices for a product. Factors used in the
rebate calculations include the identification of which products
have been sold subject to a rebate, which customer or government
agency price terms apply, and the estimated lag time between sale
and payment of a rebate. Using historical trends, adjusted for
current changes, Abbott estimates the amount of the rebate that
will be paid, and records the liability as a reduction of gross sales
when Abbott records its sale of the product. Settlement of the
rebate generally occurs from one to six months after sale. Abbott
regularly analyzes the historical rebate trends and makes adjust‑
ments to reserves for changes in trends and terms of rebate
programs. Rebates and chargebacks charged against gross sales in
2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to approximately $2.8 billion,
$2.5 billion and $2.2 billion, respectively, or 20.5 percent,
22.9 percent and 21.6 percent of gross sales, respectively, based on
gross sales of approximately $13.9 billion, $10.7 billion and
$10.3 billion, respectively, subject to rebate. A one‑percentage
point increase in the percentage of rebates to related gross sales
would decrease net sales by approximately $139 million in 2017.
Abbott considers a one‑percentage point increase to be a reason‑
ably likely increase in the percentage of rebates to related gross
sales. Other allowances charged against gross sales were approxi‑
mately $199 million, $160 million and $124 million for cash
discounts in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $204 million,
$242 million and $238 million for returns in 2017, 2016 and 2015,
respectively. Cash discounts are known within 15 to 30 days of
sale, and therefore can be reliably estimated. Returns can be

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

reliably estimated because Abbott’s historical returns are low, and
because sales returns terms and other sales terms have remained
relatively unchanged for several periods.

Management analyzes the adequacy of ending rebate accrual
balances each quarter. In the domestic nutritional business, man‑
agement uses both internal and external data available to estimate
the level of inventory in the distribution channel. Management has
access to several large customers’ inventory management data, and
for other customers, utilizes data from a third party that measures
time on the retail shelf. These sources allow management to make
reliable estimates of inventory in the distribution channel. Except
for a transition period before or after a change in the supplier for
the WIC business in a state, inventory in the distribution channel
does not vary substantially. Management also estimates the states’
processing lag time based on claims data. In the WIC business, the
state where the sale is made, which is the determining factor for
the applicable price, is reliably determinable. Estimates are
required for the amount of WIC sales within each state where
Abbott has the WIC business. External data sources utilized for
that estimate are participant data from the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA), which administers the WIC program, partici‑
pant data from some of the states, and internally administered
market research. The USDA has been making its data available for
many years. Internal data includes historical redemption rates and
pricing data. At December 31, 2017, Abbott had WIC business in
29 states.

Historically, adjustments to prior years’ rebate accruals have not
been material to net income. Abbott employs various techniques to
verify the accuracy of claims submitted to it, and where possible,
works with the organizations submitting claims to gain insight
into changes that might affect the rebate amounts. For government
agency programs, the calculation of a rebate involves interpreta‑
tions of relevant regulations, which are subject to challenge or
change in interpretation.

Income Taxes—Abbott operates in numerous countries where its
income tax returns are subject to audits and adjustments. Because
Abbott operates globally, the nature of the audit items is often very
complex, and the objectives of the government auditors can result
in a tax on the same income in more than one country. Abbott
employs internal and external tax professionals to minimize audit
adjustment amounts where possible. In accordance with the
accounting rules relating to the measurement of tax contingencies,
in order to recognize an uncertain tax benefit, the taxpayer must
be more likely than not of sustaining the position, and the mea‑
surement of the benefit is calculated as the largest amount that is
more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon resolution of the
benefit. Application of these rules requires a significant amount of
judgment. In the U.S., Abbott’s federal income tax returns through
2013 are settled except for the federal income tax returns of the
former Alere consolidated group which are settled through 2012.
No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining
undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax
related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or any additional outside
basis differences that exist, as these amounts continue to be indefi‑
nitely reinvested in foreign operations.

Pension and Post-Employment Benefits—Abbott offers pension
benefits and post‑employment health care to many of its employ‑
ees. Abbott engages outside actuaries to assist in the determination
of the obligations and costs under these programs. Abbott must
develop long‑term assumptions, the most significant of which are
the health care cost trend rates, discount rates and the expected
return on plan assets. The discount rates used to measure

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F I N A N C I A L R E V I E W

liabilities were determined based on high‑quality fixed income
securities that match the duration of the expected retiree benefits.
The health care cost trend rates represent Abbott’s expected
annual rates of change in the cost of health care benefits and are a
forward projection of health care costs as of the measurement
date. A difference between the assumed rates and the actual rates,
which will not be known for years, can be significant in relation to
the obligations and the annual cost recorded for these programs.
Low interest rates have significantly increased actuarial losses for
these plans. At December 31, 2017, pretax net actuarial losses and
prior service costs and (credits) recognized in Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) for Abbott’s defined benefit plans
and medical and dental plans were losses of $3.5 billion and
$248 million, respectively. Actuarial losses and gains are amor‑
tized over the remaining service attribution periods of the
employees under the corridor method, in accordance with the
rules for accounting for post‑employment benefits. Differences
between the expected long‑term return on plan assets and the
actual annual return are amortized over a five‑year period. Note 13
to the consolidated financial statements describes the impact of a
one‑percentage point change in the health care cost trend rate;
however, there can be no certainty that a change would be limited
to only one percentage point.

Valuation of Intangible Assets—Abbott has acquired and continues
to acquire significant intangible assets that Abbott records at fair
value at the acquisition date. Transactions involving the purchase
or sale of intangible assets occur with some frequency between
companies in the health care field and valuations are usually based
on a discounted cash flow analysis. The discounted cash flow
model requires assumptions about the timing and amount of
future net cash flows, risk, cost of capital, terminal values and
market participants. Each of these factors can significantly affect
the value of the intangible asset. Abbott engages independent
valuation experts who review Abbott’s critical assumptions and
calculations for acquisitions of significant intangibles. Abbott
reviews definite‑lived intangible assets for impairment each quar‑
ter using an undiscounted net cash flows approach. If the
undiscounted cash flows of an intangible asset are less than the
carrying value of an intangible asset, the intangible asset is written
down to its fair value, which is usually the discounted cash flow
amount. Where cash flows cannot be identified for an individual
asset, the review is applied at the lowest group level for which
cash flows are identifiable. Goodwill and indefinite‑lived intangi‑
ble assets, which relate to in‑process research and development
acquired in a business combination, are reviewed for impairment
annually or when an event that could result in impairment occurs.
At December 31, 2017, goodwill amounted to $24.0 billion and
intangibles amounted to $21.5 billion. Amortization expense in
continuing operations for intangible assets amounted to
$2.0 billion in 2017, $550 million in 2016 and $601 million in 2015.
There was no significant reduction of goodwill relating to impair‑
ments in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Litigation—Abbott accounts for litigation losses in accordance
with FASB Accounting Standards Codification No. 450,
“Contingencies.” Under ASC No. 450, loss contingency provisions
are recorded for probable losses at management’s best estimate of
a loss, or when a best estimate cannot be made, a minimum loss
contingency amount is recorded. These estimates are often ini‑
tially developed substantially earlier than the ultimate loss is
known, and the estimates are refined each accounting period as
additional information becomes known. Accordingly, Abbott is

6 4

often initially unable to develop a best estimate of loss, and there‑
fore the minimum amount, which could be zero, is recorded. As
information becomes known, either the minimum loss amount is
increased, resulting in additional loss provisions, or a best estimate
can be made, also resulting in additional loss provisions.
Occasionally, a best estimate amount is changed to a lower amount
when events result in an expectation of a more favorable outcome
than previously expected. Abbott estimates the range of possible
loss to be from approximately $115 million to $160 million for its
legal proceedings and environmental exposures. Accruals of
approximately $135 million have been recorded at December 31,
2017 for these proceedings and exposures. These accruals repre‑
sent management’s best estimate of probable loss, as defined by
FASB ASC No. 450, “Contingencies.”

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SALES

The following table details the components of sales growth by
reportable segment for the last two years:

Components of % Change

2017
Business
Acquisitions/
Divestitures

Total %
Change

Price Volume Exchange

Total Net Sales
2017 vs. 2016
2016 vs. 2015

Total U.S.
2017 vs. 2016
2016 vs. 2015

Total International
2017 vs. 2016
2016 vs. 2015

31.3
2.2

49.1
3.4

23.3
1.6

26.5
—

46.9
—

17.3
—

Established Pharmaceutical Products Segment
2017 vs. 2016
2016 vs. 2015

11.1
3.7

—
—

Nutritional Products Segment
2017 vs. 2016
2016 vs. 2015

0.4
(1.1)

Diagnostic Products Segment
2017 vs. 2016
2016 vs. 2015

16.7
3.6

—
—

11.2
—

(0.6)
(1.1)

(0.9)
(2.9)

(0.4)
(0.3)

2.3
3.0

0.3
(0.4)

(1.1)
(1.2)

Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products Segment
2017 vs. 2016
2016 vs. 2015

207.2
—

207.7
3.7

(4.3)
(5.3)

5.1
5.9

3.1
6.3

6.0
5.7

7.2
7.5

0.3
1.6

6.6
6.7

4.5
9.8

0.3
(2.6)

—
—

0.4
(3.8)

1.6
(6.8)

(0.2)
(2.3)

—
(1.9)

0.3
(0.8)

The increase in Total Net Sales in 2017 reflects the acquisitions of
St. Jude Medical and Alere, as well as organic growth in the estab‑
lished pharmaceuticals and diagnostics businesses. The increase
in 2016 reflects unit growth, partially offset by the impact of unfa‑
vorable foreign exchange. The price declines related to the
Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment in 2017
and 2016 primarily reflect pricing pressure on drug eluting stents
(DES) as a result of market competition in the U.S. and other
major markets.

A comparison of significant product and product group sales is as
follows. Percent changes are versus the prior year and are based
on unrounded numbers.

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(dollars in millions)
Total Established
Pharmaceuticals—

2017

Total
Change

Impact of
Exchange

Total
Change
Excl.
Exchange

Key Emerging Markets
Other

$3,307
980

14%
3

2%
1

12%
2

Nutritionals—

International Pediatric
Nutritionals
U.S. Pediatric Nutritionals
International Adult
Nutritionals
U.S. Adult Nutritionals

Diagnostics—

Core Laboratory
Molecular
Point of Care
Rapid Diagnostics

Cardiovascular and
Neuromodulation—

Rhythm Management
Electrophysiology
Heart Failure
Vascular
Structural Heart
Neuromodulation

n/m = Percent change is not meaningful.

2,112
1,777

1,782
1,254

4,063
463
550
540

2,103
1,382
643
2,892
1,083
808

(4)
6

3
(3)

6
2
7

—
—

(1)
—

—
1
—

(4)
6

4
(3)

6
1
7

n/m

n/m

n/m

n/m
n/m
n/m
14
208

n/m

n/m
n/m
n/m
—
1

n/m

n/m
n/m
n/m
14
207

n/m

2016

Total
Change

Impact of
Exchange

Total
Change
Excl.
Exchange

(dollars in millions)
Total Established
Pharmaceuticals—

Key Emerging Markets
Other

$2,912
947

5%
1

(8) %
(1)

13%
2

Nutritionals—

International Pediatric
Nutritionals
U.S. Pediatric Nutritionals
International Adult
Nutritionals
U.S. Adult Nutritionals

Diagnostics—

Core Laboratory
Molecular
Point of Care
Rapid Diagnostics

Cardiovascular and
Neuromodulation—

Rhythm Management
Electrophysiology
Heart Failure
Vascular
Structural Heart
Neuromodulation

2,206
1,677

1,724
1,292

3,844
456
513
—

—
12
—
2,532
352
—

(7)
5

—
1

4
(2)
8
—

—
(17)
—
1
35
—

(4)
—

(4)
—

(2)
(1)
—
—

—
—
—
—
(1)
—

(3)
5

4
1

6
(1)
8
—

—
(17)
—
1
36
—

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.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Total Established Pharmaceutical Products sales increased
9.5 percent in 2017 and 10.5 percent in 2016, excluding the impact
of foreign exchange. The Established Pharmaceutical Products
segment is focused on several key emerging markets including
India, Russia, China and Brazil. Excluding the impact of foreign
exchange, total sales in these key emerging markets increased
11.9 percent in 2017 and 13.3 percent in 2016. Excluding the impact
of foreign exchange, 2017 sales in several geographies including
China and various countries in Latin America experienced double‑
digit growth. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, sales in
Established Pharmaceuticals’ other emerging markets increased
2.2 percent in 2017 and increased 2.0 percent in 2016. The 2017
sales growth for Established Pharmaceuticals’ other emerging
markets includes the unfavorable impact of Venezuelan opera‑
tions. Excluding Venezuela and the effect of foreign exchange,
sales in other emerging markets increased 7.5 percent.

Total Nutritional Products sales increased 0.6 percent in 2017
and 1.2 percent in 2016, excluding the unfavorable impact of
foreign exchange. In Abbott’s International Pediatric Nutritional
business, the 2017 decrease in sales was driven by challenging
market conditions in the infant formula market in various emerg‑
ing markets, partially offset by growth in China and India. The
2017 growth in China reflects a partial recovery from the 2016
sales decline in China. The 2016 decrease in sales was driven by
challenging market conditions in China, including the impact of
new food safety regulations, which contributed to an oversupply
of product in the market. The 2016 sales decrease in China was
partially offset by strong performance in several markets across
Latin America and Southeast Asia.

The increases in U.S. Pediatric Nutritional 2017 and 2016 sales
primarily reflect continued above‑market performance in
Abbott’s infant and toddler brands, including PediaSure®,
Pedialyte® and Similac®.

Excluding the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange, the 2017
and 2016 increases in International Adult Nutritional sales are
due primarily to growth in Ensure®, Abbott’s market‑leading
complete and balanced nutrition brand, as well as volume growth
in emerging markets and continued expansion of the adult nutri‑
tion category internationally. U.S. Adult Nutritional revenues
decreased in 2017 due to competitive and market dynamics, while
sales increased in 2016 driven by the growth of Ensure® sales.

Total Diagnostic Products sales increased 16.7 percent in 2017
and 5.5 percent in 2016, excluding the impact of foreign exchange.
The sales increase in 2017 included the acquisition of Alere, which
was completed on October 3, 2017. Excluding the impact of the
acquisition, as well as the impact of foreign exchange, sales in the
Diagnostics Products segment increased 5.5 percent primarily
driven by share gains in the Core Laboratory markets globally, as
well as strong performance in Point of Care led by the continued
adoption of Abbott’s i‑STAT® handheld system. The 2016 sales
increase was primarily driven by share gains in the Core Laboratory
and Point of Care markets in the U.S. and internationally.

Excluding the effect of foreign exchange, total Cardiovascular
and Neuromodulation Products sales grew 207.4 percent in 2017
and 4.5 percent in 2016. The sales increase in 2017 was primarily
driven by the acquisition of St. Jude Medical which was completed
on January 4, 2017. Excluding the impact of the acquisition, as well
as the impact of foreign exchange, sales in the vascular business
were essentially flat in 2017 versus the prior year as lower coro‑
nary stent sales and the comparison impact from the favorable

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F I N A N C I A L R E V I E W

2016 resolution of a third‑party royalty agreement were offset by
higher Structural Heart and endovascular sales. In 2016, double‑digit
growth in sales of Abbott’s MitraClip structural heart device for the
treatment of mitral regurgitation was partially offset by lower sales
of DES products. The increase in the Endovascular business was
driven by higher Supera and vessel closure sales. Cardiovascular
and Neuromodulation Products sales in 2016 were also favorably
impacted by the resolution of previously disputed third party
royalty revenue related to the prior year. Excluding this royalty
impact, worldwide sales of Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation
Products would have increased 3.4 percent in 2016.

Abbott has periodically sold product rights to non‑strategic
products and has recorded the related gains in net sales in accor‑
dance with Abbott’s revenue recognition policies as discussed in
Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. Related net sales
were not significant in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

The expiration of licenses and patent protection can affect the
future revenues and operating income of Abbott. There are no
significant patent or license expirations in the next three years
that are expected to materially affect Abbott.

In April 2017, Abbott received a warning letter from the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (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. The warning letter relates to
the FDA’s observations from an inspection of this facility. Abbott
has prepared a comprehensive plan of corrective actions which has
been provided to the FDA. Execution of the plan is progressing.

OPERATING EARNINGS

Gross profit margins were 47.7 percent of net sales in 2017,
54.1 percent in 2016 and 54.2 percent in 2015. In 2017, the decrease
primarily reflects higher intangible amortization expense and
inventory step‑up amortization related to the St. Jude Medical
and Alere acquisitions, partially offset by margin improvements
in various businesses. In 2016, the unfavorable effect of foreign
exchange offset continued underlying margin expansion, primarily
in the Diagnostics and Nutritional segments.

Research and development expense was $2.235 billion in 2017,
$1.422 billion in 2016, and $1.405 billion in 2015 and represented
a 57.2 percent increase in 2017, and a 1.2 percent increase in 2016.
The 2017 increase in research and development expenses was pri‑
marily due to the acquisition of the St. Jude Medical business. The
2016 increase in research and development expenses was primarily
due to higher spending on various projects and the impairment
of an in‑process research and development asset related to a non‑
reportable segment, partially offset by lower restructuring costs
in 2016. In 2017, research and development expenditures totaled
$526 million for the Diagnostics Products segment, $967 million
for the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products segment,
$195 million for the Nutritional Products segment, and $164 million
for the Established Pharmaceutical Products segment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased
36.6 percent in 2017 and decreased 1.7 percent in 2016 versus
the respective prior year. The 2017 increase was primarily due
to the acquisition of the St. Jude Medical business, as well as the
incremental expenses to integrate St. Jude Medical with Abbott’s
existing vascular business, partially offset by the impact of cost

6 6

improvement initiatives across various functions and businesses.
The 2016 decrease reflects the favorable impact of foreign
exchange, continued efforts to reduce back office costs, and lower
restructuring charges compared to the prior year.

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

On January 4, 2017, Abbott completed the acquisition of St. Jude
Medical, a global medical device manufacturer, for approximately
$23.6 billion, including approximately $13.6 billion in cash and
approximately $10 billion in Abbott common shares, which repre‑
sented approximately 254 million shares of Abbott common stock,
based on Abbott’s closing stock price on the acquisition date. As
part of the acquisition, approximately $5.9 billion of St. Jude
Medical’s debt was assumed, repaid or refinanced by Abbott.
The acquisition provides expanded opportunities for future
growth and is an important part of the company’s ongoing effort
to develop a strong, diverse portfolio of devices, diagnostics,
nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The combined
business competes in nearly every area of the cardiovascular
device market, as well as in the neuromodulation market.

Under the terms of the agreement, for each St. Jude Medical
common share, St. Jude Medical shareholders received $46.75 in
cash and 0.8708 of an Abbott common share. At an Abbott stock
price of $39.36, which reflects the closing price on January 4, 2017,
this represented a value of approximately $81 per St. Jude Medical
common share and total purchase consideration of $23.6 billion.
The cash portion of the acquisition was funded through a combi‑
nation of medium and long‑term debt issued in November 2016
and a $2.0 billion 120‑day senior unsecured bridge term loan
facility which was subsequently repaid.

The final allocation of the fair value of the St. Jude Medical
acquisition is shown in the table below.

(in billions)
Acquired intangible assets, non‑deductible
Goodwill, non‑deductible
Acquired net tangible assets
Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition
Net debt
Total final allocation of fair value

$15.5
13.1
3.0
(2.7)
(5.3)
$23.6

The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies
from combining operations, as well as intangible assets that do
not qualify for separate recognition. The goodwill is identifiable
to the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation Products reportable
segment. The acquired tangible assets consist primarily of trade
accounts receivable of approximately $1.1 billion, inventory of
approximately $1.7 billion, other current assets of $176 million,
property and equipment of approximately $1.5 billion, and other
long‑term assets of approximately $455 million. The acquired
tangible liabilities consist of trade accounts payable and other
current liabilities of approximately $1.1 billion and other non‑
current liabilities of approximately $870 million.

In 2016, Abbott and St. Jude Medical agreed to sell certain busi‑
nesses to Terumo Corporation (Terumo) for approximately
$1.12 billion. The sale included the St. Jude Medical Angio‑Seal™
and Femoseal™ vascular closure and Abbott’s Vado® Steerable
Sheath businesses. The sale closed on January 20, 2017 and no gain
or loss was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

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On October 3, 2017, Abbott acquired Alere Inc. (Alere), a diagnos‑
tic device and service provider, for $51.00 per common share in
cash, which equated to a purchase price of approximately
$4.5 billion. As part of the acquisition, Abbott tendered for Alere’s
preferred shares for a total value of approximately $0.7 billion. In
addition, approximately $3.0 billion of Alere’s debt was assumed
and subsequently repaid. The acquisition establishes Abbott as a
leader in point of care testing, expands Abbott’s global diagnostics
presence and provides access to new products, channels and
geographies. Abbott utilized a combination of cash on hand and
debt to fund the acquisition. See Note 10—Debt and Lines of Credit
for further details regarding the debt utilized for the acquisition.

The preliminary allocation of the fair value of the Alere acquisi‑
tion is shown in the table below. The allocation of the fair value of
the acquisition will be finalized when the valuation is completed
and differences between the preliminary and final allocation could
be material.

(in billions)
Acquired intangible assets, non‑deductible
Goodwill, non‑deductible
Acquired net tangible assets
Deferred income taxes recorded at acquisition
Net debt
Preferred stock
Total preliminary allocation of fair value

$«3.5
4.1
0.9
(0.7)
(2.6)
(0.7)
$«4.5

The goodwill is primarily attributable to expected synergies from
combining operations, as well as intangible assets that do not qual‑
ify for separate recognition. The goodwill is identifiable to the
Diagnostic Products reportable segment. The acquired tangible
assets consist primarily of trade accounts receivable of approxi‑
mately $430 million, inventory of approximately $425 million, other
current assets of $206 million, property and equipment of approxi‑
mately $540 million, and other long‑term assets of $112 million.
The acquired tangible liabilities consist of trade accounts payable
and other current liabilities of approximately $625 million and
other non‑current liabilities of approximately $160 million.

In the third quarter of 2017, Alere entered into agreements to sell
its Triage MeterPro cardiovascular and toxicology business and
the assets and liabilities related to its B‑type Natriuretic Peptide
assay business run on Beckman Coulter analyzers to Quidel
Corporation (Quidel). The transactions with Quidel reflect a total
purchase price of $400 million payable at the close of the transac‑
tion, $240 million payable in six annual installments beginning
approximately six months after the close of the transaction, and
contingent consideration with a maximum value of $40 million.
In the third quarter of 2017, Alere entered into an agreement with
Siemens Diagnostics Holding II B.V. (Siemens) to sell its subsidi‑
ary, Epocal Inc., for approximately $200 million payable at the
close of the transaction. Alere agreed to divest these businesses in
connection with the review by the Federal Trade Commission and
the European Commission of Abbott’s agreement to acquire Alere.
The sale to Quidel closed on October 6, 2017, and the sale to
Siemens closed on October 31, 2017. No gain or loss on these sales
was recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

In 2017, consolidated Abbott results include $6.5 billion of sales
and a pre‑tax loss of approximately $1.3 billion related to the St.
Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions, including approximately
$1.5 billion of intangible amortization and $907 million of

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

inventory step‑up amortization. The pre‑tax loss excludes acquisi‑
tion, integration and restructuring‑related costs.

If the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical and Alere had occurred at the
beginning of 2016, unaudited pro forma consolidated net sales would
have been approximately $28.9 billion and the unaudited pro forma
consolidated net loss from continuing operations would have been
approximately $485 million in 2016. This includes amortization of
approximately $940 million of inventory step‑up and $1.7 billion of
intangibles related to St. Jude Medical and Alere. For 2017, unaudited
pro forma consolidated net sales would have been approximately
$28.9 billion and unaudited pro forma consolidated net earnings
from continuing operations would have been approximately
$750 million, which includes $225 million of intangible amortization
related to Alere. The unaudited pro forma consolidated net earnings
from continuing operations for 2017 exclude inventory step‑up
amortization related to St. Jude Medical and Alere of approxi‑
mately $907 million which was recorded in 2017 but included in
the 2016 unaudited pro forma results as noted above. The unau‑
dited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the
consolidated results of operations that would have been realized
had the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions been completed as
of the beginning of 2016, nor is it meant to be indicative of future
results of operations that the combined entity will experience.

On July 17, 2017, Abbott commenced a tender offer to purchase
for cash the 1.77 million outstanding shares of Alere’s Series B
Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock at a price of $402 per share,
plus accrued but unpaid dividends to, but not including, the settle‑
ment date of the tender offer. This tender offer was subject to the
satisfaction of certain conditions, including Abbott’s acquisition of
Alere and upon there being validly tendered (and not properly
withdrawn) at the expiration date of the tender offer that number
of shares of Preferred Stock that equaled at least a majority of the
Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at the expiration of the
tender offer. The tender offer expired on October 3, 2017. All con‑
ditions to the offer were satisfied and Abbott accepted for payment
the 1.748 million shares of Preferred Stock that were validly ten‑
dered (and not properly withdrawn). The remaining shares were
cashed out for an amount equal to the $400.00 per share liquida‑
tion preference of such shares, plus accrued but unpaid dividends,
without interest. Payment for all of the shares of Preferred Stock
was made in the fourth quarter of 2017.

In August 2015, Abbott completed the acquisition of the equity of
Tendyne Holdings, Inc. (Tendyne) that Abbott did not already own
for approximately $225 million in cash plus additional payments
up to $150 million to be made upon completion of certain regula‑
tory milestones. The acquisition of Tendyne, which is focused on
developing minimally invasive mitral valve replacement therapies,
allows Abbott to broaden its foundation in the treatment of mitral
valve disease. The final allocation of the fair value of the acquisi‑
tion resulted in non‑deductible acquired in‑process research and
development of approximately $220 million, which is accounted
for as an indefinite‑lived intangible asset until regulatory approval
or discontinuation, non‑deductible goodwill of approximately
$142 million, deferred tax assets and other net assets of approxi‑
mately $18 million, deferred tax liabilities of approximately
$85 million, and contingent consideration of approximately
$70 million. The goodwill is identifiable to the Cardiovascular and
Neuromodulation Products segment. If the acquisition of Tendyne
had taken place as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual
reporting period, consolidated net sales and earnings would not
have been significantly different from reported amounts.

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F I N A N C I A L R E V I E W

RESTRUCTURINGS

In 2017, Abbott management approved restructuring plans as part
of the integration of the acquisitions of St. Jude Medical into the
cardiovascular and neuromodulation segment and Alere into the
diagnostics segment, in order to leverage economies of scale and
reduce costs. In 2017, charges of approximately $187 million,
including one‑time employee termination benefits were recorded,
of which approximately $5 million is recorded in Cost of products
sold and approximately $182 million in Selling, general and admin‑
istrative expense.

From 2014 to 2017, Abbott management approved plans to stream‑
line operations in order to reduce costs and improve efficiencies
in various Abbott businesses including the nutritional, established
pharmaceuticals and vascular businesses. Abbott recorded
employee‑related severance and other charges of approximately
$120 million in 2017, $33 million in 2016 and $95 million in 2015.
Approximately $7 million in 2017, $9 million in 2016 and
$18 million in 2015 are recorded in Cost of products sold, approxi‑
mately $77 million in 2017, $5 million in 2016 and $34 million in
2015 are recorded in Research and development and approxi‑
mately $36 million in 2017, $19 million in 2016 and $43 million in
2015 are recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense.
Additional charges of approximately $2 million in 2017, $2 million
in 2016 and $45 million in 2015 were recorded primarily for accel‑
erated depreciation.

INTEREST EXPENSE AND INTEREST (INCOME)

In 2017, interest expense increased primarily due to the
$15.1 billion of debt issued in November of 2016 related to the
financing of the St. Jude Medical acquisition which closed on
January 4, 2017. In 2016, interest expense increased primarily due
to the amortization of bridge financing fees related to the financ‑
ing of the St. Jude Medical and Alere acquisitions. Interest
expense in 2016 also increased due to the $15.1 billion of debt
issued in November 2016. In 2015, interest expense increased due
to the issuance of $2.5 billion of long‑term debt during the year.

OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE, NET

Other (income) expense, net, for 2017 includes a pre‑tax gain of
$1.163 billion on the sale of AMO to Johnson & Johnson. 2016
includes $947 million of expense to adjust Abbott’s holding of
Mylan N.V. ordinary shares due to a decline in the fair value of the
securities which was considered by Abbott to be other than tem‑
porary. 2015 includes a $207 million pretax gain on the sale of a
portion of the Mylan N.V. ordinary shares received through the
sale of the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals
business and income resulting from a decrease in the fair value of
contingent consideration related to a business acquisition.

TAXES ON EARNINGS

The income tax rates on earnings from continuing operations
were 84.2 percent in 2017, 24.8 percent in 2016 and 18.1 percent
in 2015.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted in the U.S. on
December 22, 2017. The TCJA reduces the U.S. federal corporate
tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one‑time
transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were
previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign
sourced earnings.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, Abbott recorded an estimate of net
tax expense of $1.46 billion for the impact of the TCJA, which is
included in Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations in the
Consolidated Statement of Earnings. The estimate is provisional
and includes a charge of approximately $2.89 billion for the transi‑
tion tax, partially offset by a net benefit of approximately
$1.42 billion for the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and
liabilities and a net benefit of approximately $10 million related
to certain other impacts of the TCJA.

The one‑time transition tax is based on Abbott’s total post‑1986
earnings and profits (E&P) that were previously deferred from
U.S. income taxes. Abbott has not yet completed its calculation
of the total post‑1986 E&P for its foreign subsidiaries. The tax
computation also requires the determination of the amount of
post‑1986 E&P considered held in cash and other specified assets.
This amount may change as Abbott finalizes the calculation of
post‑1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxa‑
tion and finalizes the amounts held in cash and other specified
assets. Abbott plans to elect to pay the transition tax over eight
years as allowed by the TCJA.

Given the significant complexity of the TCJA, Abbott will con‑
tinue to evaluate and analyze the impact of this legislation. The
$1.46 billion estimate is provisional and is based on Abbott’s initial
analysis of the TCJA and may be materially adjusted in future
periods due to among other things, additional analysis performed
by Abbott and additional guidance that may be issued by the U.S.
Department of Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission
or the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

In 2017, taxes on earnings from continuing operations also include
$435 million of tax expense related to the gain on the sale of the
AMO business.

In 2016, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include the
impact of a net tax benefit of approximately $225 million, primar‑
ily as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior
years, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of non‑deductible
foreign exchange losses related to Venezuela and the adjustment
of the Mylan N.V. equity investment, as well as the recognition of
deferred taxes associated with the then pending sale of AMO. In
2015, taxes on earnings from continuing operations include
$71 million of tax expense related to gain on the disposal of shares
of Mylan N.V. stock. The 2015 effective tax rate includes the impact
of the R&D tax credit that was made permanent in the U.S. by the
Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015.

Exclusive of these discrete items, tax expense was favorably
impacted by lower tax rates and tax exemptions on foreign income
primarily derived from operations in Puerto Rico, Switzerland,
Ireland, the Netherlands, Costa Rica, and Singapore. Abbott bene‑
fits from a combination of favorable statutory tax rules, tax rulings,
grants, and exemptions in these tax jurisdictions. See Note 14 to
the consolidated financial statements for a full reconciliation of
the effective tax rate to the U.S. federal statutory rate.

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of tax, in 2017 and
2016 reflect the recognition of $109 million and $325 million,
respectively, of net tax benefits primarily as a result of the resolu‑
tion of various tax positions related to prior years. 2015 tax expense
related to discontinued operations includes $667 million of tax
expense on certain current‑year income earned outside of the U.S.
that were not designated as permanently reinvested overseas.

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DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On February 27, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its developed
markets branded generics pharmaceuticals business to Mylan Inc.
(Mylan) for equity ownership of a newly formed entity (Mylan
N.V.) that combined Mylan’s existing business and Abbott’s devel‑
oped markets pharmaceuticals business. Mylan N.V. is publicly
traded. Historically, this business was included in Abbott’s
Established Pharmaceutical Products segment. At the date of the
closing, the 110 million Mylan N.V. ordinary shares that Abbott
received were valued at $5.77 billion and Abbott recorded an
after‑tax gain on the sale of the business of approximately
$1.6 billion. Abbott retained its branded generics pharmaceuticals
business in emerging markets. At the close of this transaction,
Abbott and Mylan entered into a transition services agreement
pursuant to which Abbott and Mylan provided various back office
support services to each other on an interim transitional basis for
up to 2 years. Certain services were extended for an additional five
to ten months. Charges by Abbott under this transition services
agreement were recorded as a reduction of the costs to provide the
respective service in the applicable expense category in the
Consolidated Statement of Earnings. This transitional support
does not constitute significant continuing involvement in Mylan’s
operations. Abbott also entered into manufacturing supply agree‑
ments with Mylan related to certain products, with the supply
term ranging from 3 to 10 years and requiring a 2 year notice prior
to termination. The cash flows associated with these transition
services and manufacturing supply agreements are not expected to
be significant, and therefore, these cash flows are not direct cash
flows of the disposed component under Accounting Standards
Codification 205.

On February 10, 2015, Abbott completed the sale of its animal
health business to Zoetis Inc. In the first quarter of 2016, Abbott
received an additional $25 million of proceeds due to the expira‑
tion of a holdback agreement associated with the sale of this
business and reported an after‑tax gain of $16 million.

As a result of the disposition of the above businesses, the prior
years’ operating results of these businesses up to the date of sale
are reported as part of discontinued operations on the Earnings
from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes line in the Consolidated
Statement of Earnings. Discontinued operations include an alloca‑
tion of interest expense assuming a uniform ratio of consolidated
debt to equity for all of Abbott’s historical operations.

On January 1, 2013, Abbott completed the separation of AbbVie
Inc. (AbbVie), which was formed to hold Abbott’s research‑based
proprietary pharmaceuticals business. Abbott has retained all
liabilities for all U.S. federal and foreign income taxes on income
prior to the separation, as well as certain non‑income taxes attrib‑
utable to AbbVie’s business. AbbVie generally will be liable for all
other taxes attributable to its business. In 2017, 2016 and 2015,
discontinued operations include a favorable adjustment to tax
expense of $109 million, $318 million and $3 million, respectively,
as a result of the resolution of various tax positions pertaining to
AbbVie’s operations.

The operating results of Abbott’s developed markets branded
generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses, as well as
the income tax benefit related to the businesses transferred to

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

AbbVie, which are being reported as discontinued operations are
as follows:

(in millions)

Net Sales

Developed markets generics
pharmaceuticals and animal health
businesses
AbbVie
Total

Earnings (Loss) Before Tax

Developed markets generics
pharmaceuticals and animal health
businesses
AbbVie
Total

Net Earnings

Developed markets generics
pharmaceuticals and animal health
businesses
AbbVie
Total

Year Ended December 31
2015

2016

2017

$÷«—
—
$÷«—

$÷15
—
$÷15

$÷15
109
$124

$÷«—
—
$÷«—

$ «(4)
—
$ «(4)

$÷÷3
318
$321

$256
—
$256

$÷13
—
$÷13

$÷62
3
$÷65

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR DISPOSITION

In September 2016, Abbott announced that it entered into a defini‑
tive agreement to sell Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), its vision care
business, to Johnson & Johnson for $4.325 billion in cash, subject to
customary purchase price adjustments for cash, debt and working
capital. The decision to sell AMO reflected Abbott’s proactive shap‑
ing of its portfolio in line with its strategic priorities. In February
2017, Abbott completed the sale of AMO to Johnson & Johnson and
recognized a pre‑tax gain of $1.163 billion including working capital
adjustments, which was reported in the Other (income) expense,
net line of the Consolidated Statement of Earnings in 2017. Abbott
recorded an after‑tax gain of $728 million in 2017 related to the
sale of AMO. The operating results of AMO up to the date of sale
continued to be included in Earnings from continuing operations
as the business did not qualify for reporting as discontinued oper‑
ations. For 2017, 2016 and 2015, the AMO earnings (losses) before
taxes included in Abbott’s consolidated earnings were $(18) mil‑
lion, $30 million and $64 million, respectively. Assets and
liabilities of AMO were classified as held for disposition in
Abbott’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016.

As discussed in the Business Acquisitions section, in conjunction
with the acquisition of Alere, Abbott sold the Triage MeterPro
cardiovascular and toxicology business and the assets and liabili‑
ties related to its B‑type Natriuretic Peptide assay business run on
Beckman Coulter analyzers to Quidel. The legal transfer of certain
assets and liabilities related to these businesses did not occur at
the close of the sale to Quidel due to, among other factors, the time
required to transfer marketing authorizations and other regulatory
requirements in various countries. Under the terms of the sale
agreement with Abbott, Quidel is subject to the risks and entitled
to the benefits generated by these operations and assets. The
assets and liabilities presented as held for disposition in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017, primarily
relate to the businesses sold to Quidel.

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F I N A N C I A L R E V I E W

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities held for
disposition as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

In the Diagnostics segment, the phases of the research and
development process include:

(in millions)
December 31
Trade receivables, net
Total inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 Current assets held for disposition

Net property and equipment
Intangible assets, net of amortization
Goodwill
Deferred income taxes and other assets

Non‑current assets held for disposition
Total assets held for disposition

Trade accounts payable
Salaries, wages, commissions and other accrued
liabilities

Current liabilities held for disposition

Post‑employment obligations, deferred income
taxes and other long‑term liabilities
Total liabilities held for disposition

2017
$÷12
8
—
20
56
18
102
—
176
$196

$÷«—

—
—

—
$÷«—

2016
$ 222
240
51
513
247
529
1,966
11
2,753
$3,266

$71

174
245

59
$ «304

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Abbott currently has numerous pharmaceutical, medical devices,
diagnostic and nutritional products in development.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

In the Established Pharmaceuticals segment, the development
process focuses on the geographic expansion and continuous
improvement of the segment’s existing products to provide bene‑
fits to patients and customers. As Established Pharmaceuticals
does not actively pursue primary research, development usually
begins with work on existing products or after the acquisition
of an advanced stage licensing opportunity.

Depending upon the product, the phases of development
may include:

• Drug product development.

• Phase I bioequivalence studies to compare a future Established
Pharmaceutical’s brand with an already marketed compound
with the same active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

• Phase II studies to test the efficacy of benefits in a small group

of patients.

• Phase III studies to broaden the testing to a wider population

that reflects the actual medical use.

• Phase IV and other post‑marketing studies to obtain new clini‑
cal use data on existing products within approved indications.

The specific requirements (e.g., scope of clinical trials) for
obtaining regulatory approval vary across different countries and
geographic regions. The process may range from one year for a
bioequivalence study project to 6 or more years for complex for‑
mulations, new indications, or geographic expansion in specific
countries, such as China.

• Discovery which focuses on identification of a product that
will address a specific therapeutic area, platform, or unmet
clinical need.

• Concept/Feasibility during which the materials and

manufacturing processes are evaluated, testing may include
product characterization and analysis is performed to confirm
clinical utility.

• Development during which extensive testing is performed to
demonstrate that the product meets specified design require‑
ments and that the design specifications conform to user
needs and intended uses.

The regulatory requirements for diagnostic products vary across
different countries and geographic regions. In the U.S., the FDA
classifies diagnostic products into classes (I, II, or III) and the
classification determines the regulatory process for approval.
While the Diagnostics segment has products in all three classes,
the vast majority of its products are categorized as Class I or
Class II. Submission of a separate regulatory filing is not required
for Class I products. Class II devices typically require pre‑market
notification to the FDA through a regulatory filing known as a
510(k) submission. Most Class III products are subject to the FDA’s
Pre‑Marketing Approval (PMA) requirements. Other Class III
products, such as those used to screen blood, require the submis‑
sion and approval of a Biological License Application (BLA).

In the EU, diagnostic products are also categorized into different
categories and the regulatory process, which is governed by the
European In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Directive, depends
upon the category. Certain product categories require review and
approval by an independent company, known as a Notified Body,
before the manufacturer can affix a CE mark to the product to
show compliance with the Directive. Other products only require
a self‑certification process.

In the Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation segment, the research
and development process begins with research on a specific tech‑
nology that is evaluated for feasibility and commercial viability. If
the research program passes that hurdle, it moves forward into
development. The development process includes evaluation, selec‑
tion and qualification of a product design, completion of applicable
clinical trials to test the product’s safety and efficacy, and validation
of the manufacturing process to demonstrate its repeatability and
ability to consistently meet pre‑determined specifications.

Similar to the diagnostic products discussed above, in the U.S.,
cardiovascular and neuromodulation products are classified as
Class I, II, or III. Most of Abbott’s cardiovascular and neuromodu‑
lation products are classified as Class II devices that follow the
510(k) regulatory process or Class III devices that are subject to
the PMA process.

In the EU, cardiovascular and neuromodulation products are also
categorized into different classes and the regulatory process,
which is governed by the European Medical Device Directive and
the Active Implantable Medical Device Directive, varies by class.
Each product must bear a CE mark to show compliance with the
Directive. Some products require submission of a design dossier
to the appropriate regulatory authority for review and approval

7 0

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prior to CE marking of the device. For other products, the com‑
pany is required to prepare a technical file which includes testing
results and clinical evaluations but can self‑certify its ability to
apply the CE mark to the product. Outside the U.S. and the EU,
the regulatory requirements vary across different countries
and regions.

After approval and commercial launch of some cardiovascular and
neuromodulation products, post‑market trials may be conducted
either due to a conditional requirement of the regulatory market
approval or with the objective of proving product superiority.

In the second quarter of 2017, the EU adopted the new Medical
Devices Regulation (MDR) and the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation
(IVDR) which replace the existing directives in the EU for medical
devices and in vitro diagnostic products. The MDR and IVDR will
apply after a three‑year and five‑year transition period, respec‑
tively, and will impose additional regulatory requirements on
manufacturers of such products.

In the Nutritional segment, the research and development process
generally focuses on identifying and developing ingredients and
products that address the nutritional needs of particular popula‑
tions (e.g., infants and adults) or patients (e.g., people with
diabetes). Depending upon the country and/or region, if claims
regarding a product’s efficacy will be made, clinical studies typi‑
cally must be conducted.

In the U.S., the FDA requires that it be notified of proposed new
formulations and formulation or packaging changes related to
infant formula products. Prior to the launch of an infant formula
or product packaging change, the company is required to obtain
the FDA’s confirmation that it has no objections to the proposed
product or packaging. For other nutritional products, notification
or pre‑approval from the FDA is not required unless the product
includes a new food additive. In some countries, regulatory
approval may be required for certain nutritional products, includ‑
ing infant formula and medical nutritional products.

AREAS OF FOCUS

In 2018 and beyond, Abbott’s significant areas of therapeutic focus
will include the following:

Established Pharmaceuticals—Abbott focuses on building country‑
specific portfolios made up of high‑quality medicines that meet
the needs of people in emerging markets. More than 400 develop‑
ment projects are active for one or several emerging markets. Over
the next several years, Abbott plans to expand its product portfolio
in key therapeutic areas with the aim of being among the first to
launch new off‑patent and differentiated medicines. In addition,
Abbott continues to expand existing brands into new markets,
implement product enhancements that provide value to patients
and acquire strategic products and technology through licensing
activities. Abbott is also actively working on the further develop‑
ment of several key brands such as Creon, Duphaston, Duphalac
and Influvac. Depending on the product, the activities focus on
development of new data, markets, formulations, delivery systems,
or indications.

Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation—Abbott’s research and
development programs focus on:

• Cardiac Rhythm Management—Development of next‑generation
rhythm management technologies, including enhanced patient
engagement and expanded magnetic resonance (MR)‑compatibility.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

• Heart Failure—Continued enhancements to Abbott’s left

ventricular assist systems and pulmonary artery heart failure
system, including enhanced connectivity, user‑interfaces and
remote patient monitoring.

• Electrophysiology—Development of next‑generation technolo‑

gies in the areas of ablation, diagnostic, mapping and
visualization and recording and monitoring.

• Vascular—Development of next‑generation technologies for

use in coronary and peripheral vascular procedures.

• Structural Heart—Development of minimally‑invasive devices
for the repair and replacement of heart valves and other struc‑
tural heart conditions.

• Neuromodulation—Development of next‑generation technolo‑
gies with unique wave forms, enhanced patient and physician
engagement and expanded MR‑compatibility to treat chronic
pain, movement disorders and other indications.

Diabetes Care—Develop enhancements and additional indications
for the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system to
help patients improve their ability to manage diabetes.

Core Laboratory Diagnostics—Abbott continues to commercialize
its next‑generation blood screening, immunoassay, clinical chem‑
istry and hematology systems, along with assays in various areas
including infectious disease, cardiac care, metabolics, oncology,
as well as informatics and automation solutions to increase effi‑
ciency in laboratories.

Molecular Diagnostics—Several new molecular in vitro diagnostic
(IVD) products and a next generation instrument system are in
various stages of development and launch.

Rapid Diagnostics—Abbott’s research and development programs
focus on the development of diagnostic products for cardiometa‑
bolic disease, infectious disease and toxicology.

Nutritionals—Abbott is focusing its research and development
spend on platforms that span the pediatric, adult and performance
nutrition areas: gastro intestinal/immunity health, brain health,
mobility and metabolism, and user experience platforms.
Numerous new products that build on advances in these platforms
are currently under development, including clinical outcome
testing, and are expected to be launched over the coming years.

Given the diversity of Abbott’s business, its intention to remain a
broad‑based healthcare company and the numerous sources for
potential future growth, no individual project is expected to be
material to cash flows or results of operations over the next five
years. Factors considered included research and development
expenses projected to be incurred for the project over the next year
relative to Abbott’s total research and development expenses, as
well as qualitative factors, such as marketplace perceptions and
impact of a new product on Abbott’s overall market position. There
were no delays in Abbott’s 2017 research and development activi‑
ties that are expected to have a material impact on operations.

While the aggregate cost to complete the numerous projects cur‑
rently in development is expected to be material, the total cost to
complete will depend upon Abbott’s ability to successfully com‑
plete each project, the rate at which each project advances, and
the ultimate timing for completion. Given the potential for signifi‑
cant delays and the risk of failure inherent in the development of
pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostic products and
technologies, it is not possible to accurately estimate the total cost

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F I N A N C I A L R E V I E W

to complete all projects currently in development. Abbott plans to
manage its portfolio of projects to achieve research and develop‑
ment spending that will be competitive in each of the businesses
in which it participates, and such spending is expected to approxi‑
mate 7.5 percent of total Abbott sales in 2018. Abbott does not
regularly accumulate or make management decisions based on
the total expenses incurred for a particular development phase
in a given period.

GOODWILL

At December 31, 2017, goodwill recorded as a result of business
combinations totaled $24.0 billion. Goodwill is reviewed for
impairment annually in the third quarter or when an event that
could result in an impairment occurs, using a quantitative assess‑
ment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair
value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The
income and market approaches are used to calculate the fair
value of each reporting unit. The results of the last impairment
test indicated that the fair value of each reporting unit was sub‑
stantially in excess of its carrying value.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

CASH FLOW

Net cash from operating activities amounted to $5.6 billion,
$3.2 billion and $3.0 billion in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
The increase in Net cash from operating activities in 2017 was
primarily due to the favorable impact of improved working capital
management, the acquisition of the St. Jude Medical businesses,
and higher segment operating earnings. The increase in Net cash
from operating activities in 2016 reflects additional focus on the
management of working capital. The income tax component of
operating cash flow in 2017 includes the 2017 non‑cash impact of
$1.46 billion of net tax expense related to the estimated impact of
U.S. tax reform. The income tax component of operating cash flow
in 2016 and 2015 includes $550 million and $70 million, respec‑
tively, of non‑cash tax benefits primarily related to the favorable
resolution of various tax positions pertaining to prior years; 2015
reflects the non‑cash impact of approximately $1.1 billion of tax
expense associated with the gain on sale of businesses.

The foreign currency loss related to Venezuela reduced Abbott’s
cash by approximately $410 million in 2016 and is included in the
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents line
within the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Future fluctua‑
tions in the strength of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies
are not expected to materially impact Abbott’s liquidity.

While a significant portion of Abbott’s cash and cash equivalents
at December 31, 2017, are reinvested in foreign subsidiaries, Abbott
does not expect such reinvestment to affect its liquidity and capital
resources. Due to the enactment of the TCJA, if these funds were
needed for operations in the U.S., Abbott does not expect to incur
significant additional income taxes in the future to repatriate
these funds.

Abbott funded $645 million in 2017, $582 million in 2016 and
$579 million in 2015 to defined benefit pension plans. Abbott
expects pension funding of approximately $114 million in 2018 for
its pension plans. Abbott expects annual cash flow from operating
activities to continue to exceed Abbott’s capital expenditures and
cash dividends.

7 2

DEBT AND CAPITAL

At December 31, 2017, Abbott’s long‑term debt rating was BBB by
Standard & Poor’s Corporation and Baa3 by Moody’s Investors
Service (Moody’s). In February 2018, Moody’s raised Abbott’s
rating to Baa2 with a positive outlook. Abbott expects to maintain
an investment grade rating. Abbott is committed to reducing its
debt levels following the recent acquisitions of St. Jude Medical
and Alere. On February 16, 2018, the board of directors authorized
the redemption of up to $5 billion of currently outstanding long‑
term notes in addition to the $3.95 billion repaid in January 2018
discussed below.

Abbott has readily available financial resources, including lines
of credit of $5.0 billion which expire in 2019. These lines of credit
are part of a 2014 revolving credit agreement that provides Abbott
with the ability to borrow up to $5 billion on an unsecured basis.
Prior to October 3, 2017, no amounts were previously drawn under
the revolving credit agreement. On October 3, 2017, in connection
with the Alere acquisition, Abbott borrowed $1.7 billion under
these lines of credit. These borrowings were due to be repaid in
July 2019 and bore interest based on a Eurodollar rate, plus an
applicable margin based on Abbott’s credit ratings. In the fourth
quarter of 2017, Abbott paid off $550 million of these borrowings.
On January 5, 2018, Abbott paid off the remaining balance under
these lines of credit ahead of the 2019 due date.

On July 31, 2017, Abbott entered into a 5‑year term loan agreement
that allowed Abbott to borrow up to $2.8 billion on an unsecured
basis for the acquisition of Alere. On October 3, 2017, Abbott bor‑
rowed $2.8 billion under this term loan agreement to finance the
acquisition of Alere, to repay certain indebtedness of Abbott and
Alere, and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the acqui‑
sition. Borrowings under the term loan bore interest based on a
Eurodollar rate, plus an applicable margin based on Abbott’s
credit ratings. Abbott paid off this term loan on January 5, 2018,
ahead of its 2022 due date.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, in conjunction with the acquisition
of Alere, Abbott assumed and subsequently repaid $3.0 billion of
Alere’s debt. In 2017, Abbott also paid off a $479 million yen‑
denominated short‑term borrowing during the year and issued
364‑day yen‑denominated debt, of which $195 million was out‑
standing at December 31, 2017.

In the first quarter of 2017, as part of the acquisition of St. Jude
Medical, Abbott assumed outstanding debt previously issued by
St. Jude Medical. Abbott exchanged certain St. Jude Medical debt
obligations with an aggregate principal amount of approximately
$2.9 billion for debt issued by Abbott which consists of:
$473.8 million of 2.00% Senior Notes due 2018; $483.7 million of
2.80% Senior Notes due 2020; $818.4 million of 3.25% Senior
Notes due 2023; $490.7 million of 3.875% Senior Notes due 2025;
and $639.1 million of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2043. Following
this exchange, approximately $194.2 million of existing St. Jude
Medical notes remain outstanding across the five series of exist‑
ing notes which have the same coupons and maturities as those
listed above. There were no significant costs associated with the
exchange of debt. In addition, during the first quarter of 2017,
Abbott assumed and subsequently repaid approximately
$2.8 billion of various St. Jude Medical debt obligations.

In November 2016, Abbott issued $15.1 billion of medium and
long‑term debt to primarily fund the cash portion of the acquisi‑
tion of St. Jude Medical. Abbott issued $2.85 billion of 2.35%
Senior Notes due November 22, 2019; $2.85 billion of 2.90% Senior

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Notes due November 30, 2021; $1.50 billion of 3.40% Senior Notes
due November 30, 2023; $3.00 billion of 3.75% Senior Notes due
November 30, 2026; $1.65 billion of 4.75% Senior Notes due
November 30, 2036; and $3.25 billion of 4.90% Senior Notes due
November 30, 2046. In November 2016, Abbott also entered into
interest rate swap contracts totaling $3.0 billion related to the new
debt; the swaps have the effect of changing Abbott’s obligation
from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate obligation on
the related debt instruments.

In April 2016, Abbott obtained a commitment for a 364‑day senior
unsecured bridge term loan facility for an amount not to exceed
$17.2 billion, comprised of $15.2 billion for a 364‑day bridge loan
and $2.0 billion for a 120‑day bridge loan to provide financing for
the acquisition of St. Jude Medical. The $15.2 billion component of
the commitment terminated in November 2016 when Abbott issued
the $15.1 billion of long‑term debt. In December 2016, Abbott
formalized the $2.0 billion component and entered into a 120‑day
bridge term loan facility that provided Abbott the ability to borrow
up to $2.0 billion on an unsecured basis to partially fund the St.
Jude Medical acquisition. On January 4, 2017, as part of funding the
cash portion of the St. Jude Medical acquisition, Abbott borrowed
$2.0 billion under the 120‑day senior unsecured bridge term loan
facility. This facility was repaid during the first quarter of 2017.

In February 2016, Abbott obtained a commitment for a 364‑day
senior unsecured bridge term loan facility for an amount not to
exceed $9 billion in conjunction with its pending acquisition of
Alere. This commitment, which was automatically extended for
up to 90 days on January 29, 2017, expired on April 30, 2017 and
was not renewed since Abbott did not need this bridge facility to
finance the Alere acquisition. The fees associated with the bridge
facilities were recognized in interest expense.

In March 2015, Abbott issued $2.5 billion of long‑term debt con‑
sisting of $750 million of 2.00% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020;
$750 million of 2.55% Senior Notes due March 15, 2022; and
$1.0 billion of 2.95% Senior Notes due March 15, 2025. Proceeds
from this debt were used to pay down short‑term borrowings. In
March 2015, Abbott also entered into interest rate swap contracts
totaling $2.5 billion. These contracts have the effect of changing
Abbott’s obligation from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest
rate obligation.

In September 2014, the board of directors authorized the repur‑
chase of up to $3.0 billion of Abbott’s common shares from time
to time. The 2014 authorization was in addition to the $512 million
unused portion of a previous program announced in June 2013.
In 2016, Abbott repurchased 10.4 million shares at a cost of
$408 million under the program authorized in 2014. In 2015,
Abbott repurchased 11.3 million shares at a cost of $512 million
under the unused portion of the 2013 authorization and
36.2 million shares at a cost of $1.7 billion under the program
authorized in 2014 for a total of 47.5 million shares at a cost of
$2.2 billion.

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

Abbott declared dividends of $1.075 per share in 2017 compared
to $1.045 per share in 2016, an increase of approximately 3%.
Dividends paid were $1.849 billion in 2017 compared to $1.539 billion
in 2016. The year‑over‑year change in dividends reflects the
impact of the increase in the dividend rate and the additional
shares issued to finance the St. Jude Medical acquisition.

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

WORKING CAPITAL

Working capital was $11.2 billion at December 31, 2017 and
$20.1 billion at December 31, 2016. The decrease in working capital
in 2017 was due to a $9.2 billion decrease in cash and cash equiva‑
lents. Approximately $13.6 billion of the $18.6 billion in cash and
cash equivalents at December 31, 2016 was used to fund the cash
portion of the acquisition of St. Jude Medical on January 4, 2017.

Abbott monitors the credit worthiness of customers and establishes
an allowance against a trade receivable when it is probable that the
balance will not be collected. In addition to closely monitoring
economic conditions and budgetary and other fiscal developments,
Abbott regularly communicates with its customers regarding the
status of receivable balances, including their payment plans and
obtains positive confirmation of the validity of the receivables.
Abbott also monitors the potential for and periodically has utilized
factoring arrangements to mitigate credit risk although the receiv‑
ables included in such arrangements have historically not been a
material amount of total outstanding receivables.

VENEZUEL A OPERATIONS

Since January 2010, Venezuela has been designated as a highly
inflationary economy under U.S. GAAP. In 2014 and 2015, the
government of Venezuela operated multiple mechanisms to
exchange bolivars into U.S. dollars. These mechanisms included
the CENCOEX, SICAD, and SIMADI rates, which stood at 6.3,
13.5, and approximately 200, respectively, at December 31, 2015.
In 2015, Abbott continued to use the CENCOEX rate of 6.3
Venezuelan bolivars to the U.S. dollar to report the results, finan‑
cial position, and cash flows related to its operations in Venezuela
since Abbott continued to qualify for this exchange rate to pay for
the import of various products into Venezuela.

On February 17, 2016, the Venezuelan government announced
that the three‑tier exchange rate system would be reduced to two
rates renamed the DIPRO and DICOM rates. The DIPRO rate is
the official rate for food and medicine imports and was adjusted
from 6.3 to 10 bolivars per U.S. dollar. The DICOM rate is a float‑
ing market rate published daily by the Venezuelan central bank,
which at the end of the first quarter of 2016 was approximately
263 bolivars per U.S. dollar. As a result of decreasing government
approvals to convert bolivars to U.S. dollars to pay for intercom‑
pany accounts, as well as the accelerating deterioration of
economic conditions in the country, Abbott concluded that it was
appropriate to move to the DICOM rate at the end of the first
quarter of 2016. As a result, Abbott recorded a foreign currency
exchange loss of $480 million in 2016 to revalue its net monetary
assets in Venezuela. Abbott is continuing to use the DICOM rate
to report the results of operations and to remeasure net monetary
assets for Venezuela at the end of each quarter. As of December 31,
2017, Abbott’s investment in its Venezuelan operations was not
significant. As a result, any additional future foreign currency
losses related to Venezuela would not be material.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

Capital expenditures of $1.1 billion in 2017, 2016 and 2015 were
principally for upgrading and expanding manufacturing and
research and development facilities and equipment in various
segments, investments in information technology, and laboratory
instruments placed with customers.

1009764ab_fin.indd 73

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F I N A N C I A L R E V I E W

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The table below summarizes Abbott’s estimated contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017.

(in millions)
Long‑term debt, including current maturities (a)
Interest on debt obligations (a)
Operating lease obligations
Capitalized auto lease obligations
Purchase commitments (b)
Other long‑term liabilities (c)
Total (d)

Total
$27,970
12,107
1,141
37
2,242
3,997
$47,494

2018
$ «508
1,013
223
12
2,081
—
$3,837

2019‑2020
$ 6,802
1,773
317
25
124
1,439
$10,480

Payments Due By Period
2023 and
Thereafter
$14,256
7,833
405
—
8
1,585
$24,087

2021‑2022
$6,404
1,488
196
—
29
973
$9,090

(a) Amounts reported represent contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017. On January 5, 2018, Abbott repaid long term debt of $1.15 billion due July 10, 2019 and $2.80 billion due

November 3, 2022, which reduces future interest obligations on this debt by approximately $475 million over the term of the debt.

(b) Purchase commitments are for purchases made in the normal course of business to meet operational and capital expenditure requirements.

(c) Other long‑term liabilities include the estimated payments for the transition tax under the TCJA, net of applicable credits.

(d) Net unrecognized tax benefits totaling approximately $835 million are excluded from the table above as Abbott is unable to reasonably estimate the period of cash settlement with the respec‑

tive taxing authorities on such items. See Note 14—Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations for further details. The company has employee benefit obligations consisting of pensions and
other post‑employment benefits, including medical and life, which have been excluded from the table. A discussion of the company’s pension and post‑retirement plans, including funding
matters is included in Note 13—Post‑employment Benefits.

CONTINGENT OBLIGATIONS

Abbott has periodically entered into agreements with other com‑
panies in the ordinary course of business, such as assignment of
product rights, which has resulted in Abbott becoming secondarily
liable for obligations that Abbott was previously primarily liable.
Since Abbott no longer maintains a business relationship with the
other parties, Abbott is unable to develop an estimate of the maxi‑
mum potential amount of future payments, if any, under these
obligations. Based upon past experience, the likelihood of pay‑
ments under these agreements is remote. In addition, Abbott
periodically acquires a business or product rights in which Abbott
agrees to pay contingent consideration based on attaining certain
thresholds or based on the occurrence of certain events.

LEGISL ATIVE 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 deliv‑
ery, 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 con‑
tained in Item 1, Business, and Item 1A, Risk Factors.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2017‑12, Targeted
Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which makes
changes to the designation and measurement guidance for qualify‑
ing hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results.

The standard becomes effective for Abbott beginning in the first
quarter of 2019 and early adoption is permitted. Abbott is cur‑
rently evaluating the effect that ASU 2017‑12 will have on its
consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017‑07, Compensation—
Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net
Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
which changes the financial statement presentation requirements
for pension and other postretirement benefit expense. While
service cost will continue to be reported in the same financial
statement line items as other current employee compensation
costs, the ASU requires all other components of pension and other
postretirement benefit expense to be presented separately from
service cost, and outside any subtotal of income from operations.
The standard becomes effective for Abbott beginning in the first
quarter of 2018. When the change in the presentation of the com‑
ponents of pension cost is applied retrospectively to Abbott’s 2017
operating results, approximately $160 million of net pension‑
related income will be moved from the operating lines of the
Consolidated Statement of Earnings to non‑operating income.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑16, Income Taxes
(Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,
which requires the recognition of the income tax effects of inter‑
company sales and transfers of assets, other than inventory, in the
period in which the transfer occurs. The standard becomes effec‑
tive for Abbott beginning in the first quarter of 2018. Abbott does
not expect the adoption of the new standard to have a material
impact on its consolidated financial statements.

7 4

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F I N A N C I A L R E V I E W

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑02, Leases, which
requires lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases
on the balance sheet. The standard becomes effective for Abbott
beginning in the first quarter of 2019 and early adoption is permit‑
ted. Adoption requires application of the new guidance for all
periods presented. Abbott is currently evaluating the impact the
new guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑01, Financial
Instruments—Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities, which provides new guidance for the
recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of finan‑
cial assets and liabilities. The standard becomes effective for
Abbott beginning in the first quarter of 2018. Abbott does not

expect the adoption of the new standard to have a material impact
on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014‑09, Revenue from Contracts
with Customers, which provides a single comprehensive model for
accounting for revenue from contracts with customers and will
supersede most existing revenue recognition guidance. The stan‑
dard becomes effective for Abbott in the first quarter of 2018.
Abbott’s revenues are primarily comprised of product sales. Abbott
completed a thorough evaluation of the new standard including a
detailed review of Abbott’s revenue streams and contracts. Abbott
does not expect the adoption of the new standard to have a material
impact on its consolidated financial statements. Abbott will use the
modified retrospective method to adopt this standard.

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 investors that any
forward‑looking statements or projections made by Abbott,

including those made in this document, are subject to risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially
from those projected. Economic, competitive, governmental,
technological and other factors that may affect Abbott’s operations
are discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors.

P E R F O R M A N C E G R A P H

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Assuming $100 invested on December 31, 2012 with dividends reinvested.

This graph compares the change
in Abbott’s cumulative total shareholder
return on its common shares with the
Standard & Poor’s 500 Index and the
Standard & Poor’s 500 Health Care Index.

Abbott Laboratories

S&P 500 Index

S&P 500 Health Care

1009764ab_fin.indd 75

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Pleasecarefullydoafinalreviewofartandtexttoinsurecorrectnessandaccuracy.Digitalcolorrepresentationmaynotbeaccurate,useactualPantonecolorspecifications.Afterclient’sfinalapprovalisreceived,SandyAlexanderisnotresponsibleforerrorsorlegalcompliance.Anychangesmadeafterreceiptofclient’sfinalapprovalofartandtextisclient’sresponsibility.Dielinesandcall-outsexistonindividuallayerstoberemovedpriortoprocessing.Customer Name:Date:Operator:CSR:JobNumber:FileName:Page Size:File URL:200 Entin Road | Clifton, NewJersey 07014 | p 973.470.8100 | f 973.470.9269 |www.sandyinc.com01-Mar-181009764ab_fin_T1009764absanjfs5.sa1.com/Sandy/1009764abamizutaniKaren LasserAbbott Labs_1552K29258.5000 X 11.0000A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

S U M M A R Y O F S E L E C T E D F I N A N C I A L D ATA

(Dollars in millions except per share data)

Year Ended December 31

2017

2016

2015(a)

2014

2013

Summary of Operations:
Net Sales
Cost of products sold
Research & development
Selling, general, and administrative
Operating earnings
Interest expense
Interest income
Other (income) expense, net
Earnings before taxes
Taxes on earnings from continuing operations
Earnings from continuing operations
Net earnings
Basic earnings per common share from continuing operations
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations
Diluted earnings per common share

Financial Positions:
Working capital (b)
Long‑term investment securities
Net property & equipment
Total assets
Long‑term debt, including current portion
Shareholders’ investment
Book value per share

Other Statistics:
Gross profit margin
Research and development to net sales
Net cash from operating activities
Capital expenditures
Cash dividends declared per common share
Common shares outstanding (in thousands)
Number of common shareholders
Market price per share—high
Market price per share—low
Market price per share—close

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

27,390
14,312
2,235
9,117
1,726
904
(124)
(1,285)
2,231
1,878
353
477
0.20
0.27
0.20
0.27

11,235
883
7,607
76,250
27,718
31,098
17.84

20,853
9,574
1,422
6,672
3,185
 431
(99)
 1,440
1,413
 350
1,063
1,400
0.71
0.94
0.71
0.94

20,116
 2,947
5,705
52,666
20,684
20,717
14.07

20,405
9,348
1,405
6,785
2,867
163
(105)
(374)
3,183
577
2,606
4,423
1.73
2.94
1.72
2.92

4,969
4,041
5,730
41,247
5,874
21,326
14.48

20,247
9,773
1,345
6,530
2,599
150
(77)
8
2,518
797
1,721
2,284
1.13
1.50
1.12
1.49

3,089
229
5,935
41,207
3,448
21,639
14.35

19,657
9,781
1,371
6,372
2,133
145
(67)
14
2,041
53
1,988
2,576
1.27
1.64
1.26
1.62

7,247
119
5,905
42,937
3,381
25,267
16.32

%
%
$
$
$

$
$
$

47.7
8.2
5,570
1,135
1.075
1,743,602
44,581
57.77
38.34
57.07

54.1
6.8
3,203
1,121
1.045
1,472,869
45,545
45.79
36.00
38.41

54.2
6.9
2,966
1,110
0.98
1,472,665
47,278
51.74
39.00
44.91

51.7
6.6
3,675
1,077
0.90
1,508,035
55,171
46.50
35.65
45.02

50.2
7.0
3,324
1,145
0.64
1,548,098
57,854
38.81
31.64
38.33

(a) In February 2015, Abbott completed the disposition of the developed markets branded generics pharmaceuticals and animal health businesses.

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

(b) In 2016, working capital includes $13.6 billion of cash that was used to fund the cash portion of the St. Jude Medical acquisition on January 4, 2017.

7 6

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D I R EC TO R S

Robert J. Alpern, M.D.
Ensign Professor of Medicine,
Professor of Internal Medicine, and
Dean of Yale School of Medicine,
New Haven, Conn.

Roxanne S. Austin
President and Chief Executive Officer
Austin Investment Advisors,
Newport Beach, Calif.

Sally E. Blount, Ph.D.
Dean, J.L. Kellogg Graduate School
of Management and the
Michael L. Nemmers Professor of
Management and Organizations,
at Northwestern University,
Evanston, Ill.

Edward M. Liddy
Retired Chairman
and CEO,
The Allstate Corporation,
Northbrook, Ill.

Nancy McKinstry
Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the
Executive Board of
Wolters Kluwer N.V.,
Alphen aan den Rijn,
The Netherlands

Phebe N. Novakovic
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer,
General Dynamics Corporation,
Falls Church, Va.

William A. Osborn
Retired Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer,
Northern Trust Corporation
and The Northern Trust Company,
Chicago, Ill.

Samuel C. Scott III
Retired Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer,
Corn Products International, Inc.,
Westchester, Ill.

Daniel J. Starks
Retired Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer,
St. Jude Medical, Inc.,
St. Paul, Minn.

John G. Stratton
Executive Vice President and
President of Global Operations,
Verizon Communications Inc.,
New York, New York

Glenn F. Tilton
Retired Chairman of the Midwest,
JPMorgan Chase & Co.,
Chicago, Ill.

Miles D. White
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer,
Abbott Laboratories

S E N I O R M A N AG E M E N T

Miles D. White*
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer

Hubert L. Allen*
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

Brian J. Blaser*
Executive Vice President,
Diagnostics Products

John M. Capek, Ph.D.*
Executive Vice President,
Ventures

Robert B. Ford*
Executive Vice President,
Medical Devices

Stephen R. Fussell*
Executive Vice President,
Human Resources

Andrew H. Lane*
Executive Vice President,
Established Pharmaceuticals

Daniel Salvadori*
Executive Vice President,
Nutritional Products

Brian B. Yoor*
Executive Vice President,
Finance and
Chief Financial Officer

Roger M. Bird*
Senior Vice President,
U.S. Nutrition

Sharon J. Bracken*
Senior Vice President,
Rapid Diagnostics

Charles R. Brynelsen*
Senior Vice President,
Abbott Vascular

Jaime Contreras*
Senior Vice President,
Core Laboratory Diagnostics,
Commercial Operations

Denis Gestin
Senior Vice President,
Global Commercial Integration

Robert E. Funck*
Senior Vice President,
Finance and Controller

Elaine R. Leavenworth
Senior Vice President,
Chief Marketing and
External Affairs Officer

Joseph Manning*
Senior Vice President,
International Nutrition

Corlis D. Murray
Senior Vice President,
Quality Assurance, Regulatory and
Engineering Services

Michael J. Pederson*
Senior Vice President,
CRM and AF/EP

Sean Shrimpton*
Senior Vice President,
Established Pharmaceuticals,
Emerging Markets

Jared L. Watkin*
Senior Vice President,
Diabetes Care

Alejandro D. Wellisch*
Senior Vice President,
Established Pharmaceuticals,
Latin America

CO R P O R AT E V I C E
P R E S I D E N T S

Gregory A. Ahlberg
Vice President,
Diagnostics,
Commercial Operations,
Europe, Middle East and Africa

Jeffery G. Barton
Vice President,
Licensing and Acquisitions

Nancy Berce
Vice President,
Business and
Technology Services

Keith Boettiger
Vice President,
Neuromodulation

P. Claude Burcky
Vice President,
International Government Affairs

Christopher J. Calamari
Vice President,
Pediatric Nutrition

James Chiu
Vice President,
Nutrition,
North Asia

Kathryn S. Collins
Vice President,
Commercial Legal Operations

Michael D. Dale
Vice President,
Structural Heart

Jeffrey J. Devlin
Vice President,
Abbott Point of Care

Thomas C. Evers
Vice President,
U.S. Government Affairs

John S. Frels
Vice President,
Research and Development,
Immunoassay/Clinical Chemistry

John F. Ginascol
Vice President,
Nutrition, Supply Chain

Jeffrey N. Haas
Vice President,
Infectious Disease,
Developed Markets

Damian P. Halloran
Vice President,
Infectious Disease,
Emerging Markets

*Denotes executive officer

1009764ab_txt.indd 77

A B B O T T 2 0 1 7   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Gene Huang, Ph.D.
Vice President,
Chief Economist

Bhasker Iyer
Vice President,
Established Pharmaceuticals,
India

Gary C. Johnson
Vice President,
Clinical, Regulatory and Health
Economics Outcomes Research,
Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation

Scott M. Leinenweber
Vice President,
Investor Relations

David P. Mark
Vice President,
Internal Audit

Louis H. Morrone
Vice President,
Transfusion Medicine

Martin Nordenstahl
Vice President,
Nutrition,
Asia Pacific

Joseph L. Novak
Vice President,
Taxes

Stuart M. Paul
Vice President,
Toxicology

Karen M. Peterson
Vice President,
Treasurer

Christopher J. Scoggins
Vice President,
Diabetes Care,
Commercial Operations

Gregory A. Tazalla
Vice President,
Controller,
Rapid Diagnostics

King Hon To
Vice President,
Core Lab Diagnostics,
Commercial Operations,
Asia Pacific

Kwang Ming Tu
Vice President,
Abbott Diagnostics Division,
China

Andrea F. Wainer
Vice President,
Molecular Diagnostics

Frank Weitekamper
Vice President,
Abbott Transition Organization

Randel W. Woodgrift
Vice President,
Global Operations,
Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation

James E. Young
Vice President,
Chief Ethics and
Compliance Officer

7 7

3/2/18 11:40 AM

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S H A R E H O L D E R A N D C O R P O R AT E I N F O R M AT I O N

S TO CK L I S T I N G
The ticker symbol for Abbott’s common
stock is ABT. The principal market for
Abbott’s common shares is the New York
Stock Exchange. Shares are also listed on
the Chicago Stock Exchange and traded on
various regional and electronic exchanges.
Outside the United States, Abbott’s shares
are listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange.

Q UA R T E R LY D I V I D E N D DAT E S
Dividends are expected to be declared and
paid on the following schedule in 2018,
pending approval by the board of directors:

Quarter

Declared Record

First

Second

Third

Fourth

2/16

6/8

9/13

4/13

7/13

10/15

12/14

1/15/19

2/15/19

Paid

5/15

8/15

11/15

TA X INFORM ATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS
Abbott is an Illinois High Impact
Business and is located in a U.S. federal
Foreign Trade Sub-Zone (Sub-Zone 22F).
Dividends may be eligible for a subtraction
from base income for Illinois income-
tax purposes.
If you have any questions, please contact
your tax advisor.

D I V I D E N D R E I N V E S TM E N T P L A N
The Abbott Dividend Reinvestment
Plan offers registered shareholders
an opportunity to purchase additional
shares, commission-free, through
automatic dividend reinvestment and/or
optional cash investments. Interested
persons may contact the transfer
agent, or call Abbott’s Investor Newsline.

D I V I D E N D D I R EC T D E P O S I T
Shareholders may have quarterly dividends
deposited directly into a checking or savings
account at any financial institution that
participates in the Automated Clearing
House system. For more information,
please contact the transfer agent, listed
below, right.

D I R EC T R EG I S T R AT I O N S Y S T E M
In August 2008, Abbott implemented a
Direct Registration System (DRS) for all
registered shareholder transactions.
Shareholders will be sent a statement in
lieu of a physical stock certificate for
Abbott Laboratories stock. Please contact
the transfer agent with any questions.

A N N UA L M E E T I N G
The annual meeting of shareholders will
be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 27, 2018,
at Abbott’s corporate headquarters.
Questions regarding the annual meeting
may be directed to the Corporate Secretary.
A copy of Abbott’s 2017 Form 10-K Annual
Report, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, is available on the
Abbott Web site at www.abbott.com or by
contacting the Investor Newsline.

C EO A N D C FO C E R T I FI C AT I O N S
In 2017, Abbott’s chief executive officer
(CEO) provided to the New York Stock
Exchange the annual CEO certification
regarding Abbott’s compliance with the
New York Stock Exchange’s corporate-
governance listing standards. In addition,
Abbott’s CEO and chief financial officer
(CFO) filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission all required
certifications regarding the quality of
Abbott’s public disclosures in its fiscal
2017 reports.

I N V E S TO R N E W S L I N E
(224) 667-7300

I N V E S TO R R E L AT I O N S
Dept. 362, AP6D2
Abbott
100 Abbott Park Road
Abbott Park, IL 60064-6400 U.S.A.
(224) 667-6100

S H A R E H O L D E R S E R V I C E S
Computershare
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
(888) 332-2268 (U.S. or Canada)
(781) 575-3910 (outside U.S. or Canada)
www.computershare.com

CO R P O R AT E S EC R E TA RY
Dept. 364, AP6D2
Abbott
100 Abbott Park Road
Abbott Park, IL 60064-6400 U.S.A.
(224) 667-6100

WE B S I T E
www.abbott.com

A B B OT T O N L I N E A N N UA L R E P O R T
www.abbott.com/annualreport

G LO B A L C I T IZ E N S H I P R E P O R T
www.abbott.com/citizenship

T R A N S FE R AG E N T A N D R EG I S T R A R
Computershare
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
(888) 332-2268 (U.S. or Canada)
(781) 575-3910 (outside U.S. or Canada)
www.computershare.com

S H A R E H O L D E R I N FO R M AT I O N
Shareholders with questions about their
accounts may contact the transfer agent.
Individuals who would like to receive
additional information, or have questions
regarding Abbott’s business activities, may
call the Investor Newsline, write Abbott
Investor Relations, or visit Abbott’s Web site.

NOTES

1 The stated growth percentage is

on a comparable operational basis
which includes 2016 results for
St. Jude Medical and excludes
the impact of foreign exchange.
The reported growth rate is
not applicable due to the lack
of comparable results in the
prior year.

2 Excludes the impact of foreign

exchange

3

4

Source: International Diabetes
Federation

Source: International Diabetes
Federation

5 A finger-prick test using a blood-
glucose meter is required during
times of rapidly changing glucose
levels when interstitial-fluid
glucose levels may not accurately

7 8

reflect blood-glucose levels or
if hypoglycemia or impending
hypoglycemia is reported by the
system or when symptoms do
not match the system readings.

6

7

8

9

Source: Centers for Disease Control,
National Health Information Survey

Source: National Institutes of
Health, “Global Public Health
Burden of Heart Failure,” April 2017

Source: American Heart Association

Sources: National Institutes of
Health. “What are congenital
heart defects?”; Congenital heart
defects in Europe: Prevalence and
perinatal mortality, 2000 to 2005.
Circulation, 123

10 Source: The American Academy of

Pain Medicine

11 The i-STAT Alinity is currently

only approved for use outside the
United States

12 Source: World Health Organization,
Diabetes Fact Sheet, November
2017

13 Source: American College of

Cardiology

14 Source: “Pain as a global public
health priority.” Goldberg DS,
McGee SJ. BMC Public Health. 2011

15 Source: BMI Research (May 2017)
IMS Global Use of Medicines

Abbott trademarks and products
in-licensed by Abbott are shown in
italics in the text of this report.

© 2018 Abbott Laboratories

Some statements in this annual
report may be forward-looking
statements for purposes of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Abbott cautions that
these forward-looking statements
are subject to risks and uncertainties
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
our Securities and Exchange
Commission 2017 Form 10-K and
are incorporated by reference. We
undertake no obligation to release
publicly any revisions to forward-
looking statements as the result of
subsequent events or developments,
except as required by law.

The Abbott 2017 Annual Report was
printed with the use of renewable
wind power resulting in nearly
zero carbon emissions, keeping
16,425 pounds of CO2 from the
atmosphere. This amount of wind-
generated electricity is equivalent
to 14,251 miles not driven in an
automobile or 1,187 trees planted.
The Abbott Annual Report cover
and text is printed on recycled
paper that contains a minimum
of 10% post-consumer fiber and
the financial pages on 30% post-
consumer fiber.

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businesses help people live fuller lives through better
health. We keep hearts healthy, nourish bodies at every
stage of life, help people feel and move better, and provide
information, medicines, and breakthrough technologies
to manage people’s health. With growing businesses
in both developed and developing economies offering
market-leading products that align with long-term
demographic and technological trends, we are creating
long-term shareholder value by delivering consistent
growth, strong cash flow, and steadily increasing returns.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter to Shareholders
1
This is Abbott
5
10 Diabetes Care
12 Cardiac Rhythm Management
14 Heart Failure
16 Structural Heart and Vascular Care
18 Neuromodulation
20 Established Pharmaceuticals
22 Nutrition
26 Diagnostics
31 Abbott Future

on the cover:

GABRIELLE WEMPE
FreeStyle Libre user
The Netherlands

Since 2015, Gabrielle has
relied on the revolutionary
technology in Abbott’s
FreeStyle Libre system to
monitor her glucose levels.

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