Base Business Powers Abbott’s Second-Quarter Results

The company finishes the first half of 2023 with strong growth in the underlying base business and new product advancements.

Strategy and Strength|July 20, 2023

Abbott’s financial results in the second quarter of 2023 demonstrate the continued strength of the company’s underlying base business as people continue to focus on getting and staying healthy.

Worldwide sales for the quarter totaled approximately $10 billion, reflecting organic sales growth1 for the underlying base business2 of 11.5%, led by strong performance in Medical Devices, Established Pharmaceuticals and Nutrition. This marks the second consecutive quarter of double-digit organic sales growth for the base business. Reported sales decreased 11.4% on account of the anticipated decline in COVID-19 testing revenue versus the previous year.

Abbott’s adjusted diluted earnings per share was $1.08 (GAAP diluted EPS was $0.78). Due to an increased outlook for the underlying base business, the company’s full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $4.30 to $4.50 remains unchanged despite a lower forecasted earnings contribution from COVID-19 testing-related sales. The company now projects full-year diluted EPS on a GAAP basis of $3.02 to $3.22.  

Abbott now projects full-year organic sales growth, excluding COVID-19 testing-related revenue, to be in the low double digits3, an increased outlook versus the guidance provided in April.

Highlights from the second quarter include:

Medical Devices – up 14.2% organic (13.5% reported) – led by growth in Diabetes Care, Electrophysiology, Structural Heart and Neuromodulation. Sales of the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system also increased 24.7% organic (22.9% reported) to $1.3 billion globally. 

Established Pharmaceuticals – up 12.6% organic (5.2% reported) – driven by several emerging markets and therapeutic areas.

Nutrition – up 9.9% organic (6.3% reported) – fueled by U.S. market share recovery in the infant formula business and global growth of Ensure in the Adult business.

Diagnostics – up 7.1% organic excluding COVID testing sales (decreased 46% reported) – led by Core Laboratory.

Abbott continues to innovate and expand access for its products. Second-quarter new product and reimbursement news included:

  • FDA approval of the AVEIR dual chamber (DR) leadless pacemaker system, the world's first dual chamber leadless pacing system that treats people with abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Abbott announcing its FreeStyle Libre 2 system is the first and only continuous glucose monitoring system to receive expanded national reimbursement in France to now include all people with diabetes who use insulin.
  • FDA approval of the TactiFlex Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, the world's first ablation catheter with a unique flexible electrode tip and contact force sensing technology to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

For full financial data and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures, you can read Abbott's full press release.

For more information, view a summary of Abbott’s earnings highlights and download it here.

References

1Organic sales growth excludes the impact of foreign exchange, the impact of exiting the pediatric nutrition business in China and the impact of acquiring Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
2Excludes impact of COVID-19 testing-related sales. 
3Abbott has not provided the related GAAP financial measure for organic sales growth, excluding COVID-19 testing-related sales, on a forward-looking basis because the company is unable to predict the impact of foreign exchange due to the unpredictability of future changes in foreign exchange rates, which could significantly impact reported sales growth.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2022, and are incorporated herein by reference. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

AVEIR™ DR IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

TACTIFLEX™ ABLATION CATHETER, SENSOR ENABLED™

FREESTYLE LIBRE 14 DAY, FREESTYLE LIBRE 2 AND FREESTYLE LIBRE 3 SYSTEMS

Failure to use FreeStyle Libre systems as instructed in labeling may result in missing a severe low or high glucose event and/or making a treatment decision, resulting in injury. If glucose reading and alarms (if enabled) do not match symptoms or expectations, use a fingerstick value from a blood glucose meter for treatment decisions. Seek medical attention when appropriate or contact Abbott at 855-632-8658 or FreeStyleLibre.us for safety info.

*Please refer to www.freestylelibre.us for the indications and important safety information.

AVEIR™ DR IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Rx only

Brief Summary: Prior to using these devices, please review the Instructions for Use for a complete listing of indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events and directions for use.

Indications: The Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker system is indicated for management of one or more of the following permanent conditions: Syncope, Pre-syncope, Fatigue, Disorientation. Rate-modulated pacing is indicated for patients with chronotropic incompetence, and for those who would benefit from increased stimulation rates concurrent with physical activity. Dual-chamber pacing is indicated for patients exhibiting: Sick sinus syndrome, Chronic, symptomatic second- and third-degree AV block, Recurrent Adams-Stokes syndrome, Symptomatic bilateral bundle-branch block when tachyarrhythmia and other causes have been ruled out. Atrial pacing is indicated for patients with: Sinus node dysfunction and normal AV and intraventricular conduction systems. Ventricular pacing is indicated for patients with: Significant bradycardia and normal sinus rhythm with only rare episodes of AV block or sinus arrest, Chronic atrial fibrillation, Severe physical disability.

Intended Use: •The Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker (LP) is designed to provide bradycardia pacing as a pulse generator with built-in battery and electrodes for implantation in the right ventricle and/or right atrium. The LP is intended to provide sensing of intrinsic cardiac signals and delivery of cardiac pacing therapy within the implanted chamber for the target treatment group. The LP is also intended to operate optionally with another co-implanted LP to provide dual-chamber pacing therapy.

The Aveir™ Delivery Catheter is intended to be used in the peripheral vasculature and the cardiovascular system to deliver and manipulate an LP. Delivery and manipulation includes implanting an LP within the target chamber of the heart.

Contraindications: •Use of the Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker is contraindicated in these cases:

  • Use of any pacemaker is contraindicated in patients with a co-implanted ICD because high-voltage shocks could damage the pacemaker and the pacemaker could reduce shock effectiveness.
  • Single-chamber ventricular demand pacing is relatively contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated pacemaker syndrome, have retrograde VA conduction, or suffer a drop in arterial blood pressure with the onset of ventricular pacing.
  • Programming of rate-responsive pacing is contraindicated in patients with intolerance of high sensor driven rates.
  • Use is contraindicated in patients with an implanted vena cava filter or mechanical tricuspid valve because of interference between these devices and the delivery system during implantation.
  • Persons with known history of allergies to any of the components of this device may suffer an allergic reaction to this device. Prior to use on the patient, the patient should be counseled on the materials (listed in the Product Materials section of the IFU) contained in the device and a thorough history of allergies must be discussed.

Adverse Events: Potential complications associated with the use of the Aveir™ Leadless Pacemaker system are the same as with the use of single or dual chamber pacemakers with active fixation pacing leads including, but not limited to: Cardiac perforation, Cardiac tamponade, Pericardial effusion, Pericarditis, Valve damage and/or regurgitation, Heart failure, Pneumothorax/hemothorax, Cardiac arrhythmias, Diaphragmatic/phrenic nerve stimulation / extra-cardiac stimulation, Palpitations, Hypotension, Syncope, Cerebrovascular accident, Infection, Hypersensitivity reaction to device materials, contrast media, medications, or direct toxic effect of contrast media on kidney function, Pacemaker syndrome, Inability to interrogate or program the LP due to programmer or LP malfunction, Intermittent or complete loss of pacing and/or sensing due to dislodgement or mechanical malfunction of the LP (non-battery related), Loss of capture or sensing due to embolization or fibrotic tissue response at the electrode, Increased capture threshold, Inappropriate sensor response, Interruption of desired LP function due to electrical interference, either electromyogenic or electromagnetic, Battery malfunction/ premature battery depletion, Device-related complications (Premature deployment, Device dislodgement/embolization of foreign material, Helix distortion), Death. As with any percutaneous catheterization procedure, potential complications include, but are not limited to: Vascular access complications; such as perforation, dissection, puncture, groin pain, Bleeding or hematoma, Thrombus formation, Thromboembolism, Air embolism, Local and systemic infection, Peripheral nerve damage. General surgery risks and complications from comorbidities; such as hypotension, dyspnea, respiratory failure, syncope, pneumonia, hypertension, cardiac failure, reaction to sedation, renal failure, anemia, and death.

TACTIFLEX™ ABLATION CATHETER, SENSOR ENABLED™

CAUTION: This product is intended for use by or under the direction of a physician. Prior to use, reference Instructions for Use, inside the product carton (when available) or at manuals.sjm.com or eifu.abbottvascular.com for more detailed information on Indications, Contraindications, Warnings, Precautions and Adverse Events.

Indications: The TactiFlex™ Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled™ is indicated for use in cardiac electrophysiological mapping and for the treatment of drug refractory recurrent symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and concomitant atrial flutter, when used in conjunction with a compatible RF generator and three-dimensional mapping system. 

Contraindications: Do not use for any of the following conditions: recent ventriculotomy or atriotomy heart surgery; prosthetic valves; active systemic infection; use in coronary vasculature; myxoma or intracardiac thrombus, transseptal approach with an interatrial baffle or patch; retrograde trans-aortic approach in patients with aortic valve replacement; patients unable to receive heparin or an acceptable alternative to achieve adequate anticoagulation. 

Warnings: The temperature data transmitted by the sensor in this catheter is representative of the irrigated electrode only and does not provide tissue temperature data. Application of RF energy on the left atrial posterior wall exceeding 40 W in power, or use of contact force ≥15g, increases the risk of esophageal perforating complications including atrio-esophageal fistula and death. Application of RF energy outside of the power and duration recommendations may increase the likelihood of steam pop occurrence.  Patients undergoing septal accessory pathway ablation are at risk for complete AV block which requires the implantation of a permanent pacemaker. Implantable pacemakers and implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICDs) may be adversely affected by RF current. The combination of intracoronary placement of the ablation catheter and RF energy application has been associated with myocardial infarction and death. Inspect tubing, connections, and saline irrigation for air bubbles prior to and throughout its use in the procedure. Air or bubbles in the saline irrigation may cause emboli, potential injury, or fatality. Increased contact force may increase the risk for perforation during manipulation of the catheter. Contact force in excess of 20 g may not significantly change the characteristics of lesion formation. Contact force accuracy above 50 g has not been established. Caution should be taken when placing lesions in the proximity of the specialized conduction system. To avoid thromboemboli, intravenous heparin should be used when entering the left heart during ablation. Always maintain a constant saline irrigation flow to prevent coagulation within the lumen of the catheter. When using the catheter with conventional EP lab system (using fluoroscopy to determine catheter tip location) or with a 3D navigational system, careful catheter manipulation must be performed, especially when used in combination with a long sheath, in order to avoid cardiac damage, perforation, or tamponade. 

Precautions: Always straighten the catheter tip before insertion or withdrawal. If irrigation flow is interrupted, immediately inspect and re flush the catheter outside of the patient. Re-establish irrigation flow prior to placing catheter in the body. Irrigated ablation systems have been shown to create larger lesions than standard radiofrequency ablation catheters. Be careful when ablating near electrically vulnerable, thin walled, or other arterial structures. 

Potential Adverse Events: Potential adverse events include, but are not limited to, cardiovascular related complications, including hematoma, pericardial effusion and infection. More serious complications are rare, which can include damage to the heart or blood vessels; blood clots (which may lead to stroke); tamponade; severe pulmonary vein stenosis; heart block; myocardial infarction; esophageal fistula, or death.