The company has reported net earnings of $1.53 billion for the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 28%, compared to $1.20 billion posted in the fourth quarter of 2007. Diluted earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2008 were $0.98, an increase of 27.3%, compared to $0.77 in the fourth quarter of 2007.
For the 12 months ended December 2008, Abbott has posted net sales of $29.5 billion, an increase of 13.9%, compared to $25.91 billion reported in the prior-year period.
For the 12 months ended December 2008, the company has reported net earnings of $4.8 billion, an increase of 35.3%, compared to $3.6 billion reported in the prior-year period. Diluted earnings per share for the 12 months ended December 2008 were $3.12, an increase of 35.1%, compared to $2.31 posted in the year ended 2007.
Miles White, chairman and CEO of Abbott, said: We significantly outperformed our original growth expectations for the year and added to our diverse portfolio with a significant number of major new product launches. The strategic actions we’ve taken and our ongoing business momentum position Abbott to deliver continued double-digit growth in 2009.