ABBOTT PARK, Ill. - Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) reported second-quarter earnings that edged past Wall Street expectations and raised its full-year adjusted earnings guidance, signaling confidence in its diversified healthcare portfolio.
The company posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.14, surpassing analyst estimates of $1.11. Revenue for the quarter reached $10.38 billion, aligning closely with the consensus estimate of $10.37 billion.
The healthcare giant also lifted its full-year 2024 EPS forecast to a range of $4.61 to $4.71, from its previous projection, which now stands slightly above the midpoint compared to the analyst consensus of $4.63. This updated guidance reflects a robust underlying business performance, excluding specified items such as intangible amortization, restructuring, and cost reduction initiatives, which are anticipated to account for $1.31 per share.
"We achieved another quarter of strong growth in our underlying base business," said Robert B. Ford (NYSE:F), chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott. "We have a lot of positive momentum heading into the second half of the year and are raising our full-year guidance."
The company's second-quarter performance was bolstered by a 9.3% organic sales growth in its underlying base business, led by a notable double-digit increase in the Medical Devices segment. This growth comes despite the continued phase-out of COVID-19 testing-related sales, which have declined as the pandemic transitions to an endemic phase.
For the third quarter of 2024, Abbott anticipates adjusted diluted EPS to be between $1.18 and $1.22, excluding specified items, which is also in line with analysts' expectations.
Abbott's robust quarter and optimistic outlook reflect the successful navigation of a challenging healthcare landscape, with strategic product launches and a focus on innovation. The company's recent FDA approvals, including the Esprit™ BTK system and two new over-the-counter continuous glucose monitoring systems, Lingo™ and Libre Rio™, highlight its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.
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