Abbott Laboratories (ABT)

I believe medical diagnostics, specifically clinically validated test products is the next great growth area for biotechnology. ABT is a leader in this area, second only to Roche. In addition to the diagnostics, there is a solid pharmaceutical business. I like the size and growth of the dividend payout.

Negative is a government investigation into Medicare billing practices and as with all pharma - pipeline concerns.

‘Do not be fooled by Abbott Laboratories’, an innocuous name. It is one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world and engages in discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of health care products worldwide. It generates revenues from four segments namely Pharmaceutical, Diagnostic, Nutritional and Vascular Products.

The company is riding high on its favorable acquisition of Kos Pharmaceuticals. The acquisition would further strengthen the presence of the company in $20 billion lipid management market – the largest global pharmaceutical segment. Moreover, the acquisition has also strengthened the already elaborate pipeline of the company adding three more investigational drugs.

The Pharmaceutical segment of the company, which contributes 53% to the overall revenues, has been sliding for some time now in the wake of generic competition to some to its important drugs and softening market opportunities. This segment has been primarily driven by the continued strong performances of its leading drugs like Humira for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Tricor for lowering cholesterol and Kelatra for HIV and Depakote for Bipolar disorder. One concern though is that Depakote is set to go off patent in January 2008. However, the sluggish performance in the pharmaceutical segment has been offset by persistent growth in the other segments especially in the vascular segment where the company acquired Guidant’s vascular business. The most important driver of the integrated vascular business is going to be Abbott’s two drug eluting stents (DES)—Xience and ZoMaxx.

The company will continue to grow in light of favorable acquisitions, rich pipeline and growing market opportunities for its leading drugs.

good buz model and product line

Abbott has inherited the VI business from Boston Scientific ( Stents etc.. )

They are a solid player overall good performer.

The only problem could be themselves.

They are very slow in responding to the customers needs.

Playing in the Cardiology arena will force to change how they deal with customers very quickly.

They have the Guidant VI sales force that is eager to get the FDA approval for there own DES.

They have a better sales force ( VI ) than Boston and probably better experienced middle-managers. Boston have ( or had )so many middle managers and country Managers running around with MBA's with no selling experience that it was scarry in certain countries.

People allways liked doing business with the Guidant VI sales force.

They are non-threatening sales people. Customers like to buy from people they can trust and build a relationship.

Abbott has to learn from the Guidant people if they want to succeed in the Stent business.

Abbott Labs has many great products and an excellent pipeline.

Idaho has filed a lawsuit that alleges Abbott Laboratories falsified wholesale drug prices and that the state has overpaid Medicaid reimbursements because of the manipulated drug prices. In the complaint, the Idaho attorney general's office says the prices charged to hospitals and pharmacies for Abbott's prescription drugs were less than what the company reported to the state. About 175,000, an estimated 8-10% of the population, people in Idaho currently receive Medicaid benefits. This is most likely not an isolated incident and, in my experience, the Idaho AG's office has not moved against companies in consumer protection issues haphazardly.

Product lines, even in recession, drugs are still needed for treatment. Stable company with excellent track record.

My friend has been in a clinical trial for Humira for the treatment of a gastrointestinal autoimmune disease for 4 years, and has had no symptoms or sideeffects. He believes that the drug will soon be marketed for this illness and take off. It already works on R.A. patients, and clears psoriasis.

Diverse portfolio. Low generic exposure. Leadership share and product positions. Half international. All businesses growing double digits. Big growth drivers. Extremely well managed by seasoned management team. Consistently reliable.

ALREADY HAVE OWED FOR OVER 10 YEARS. WILL CONTINUE TO PUT MONEY INTO MY CHILDRENS PORTFOLIOS. BUY & HOLD-THIS WILL GROW & PAY GREAT DIVIDENDS FOR DECADES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This equity has been relatively flat of late compared to its peers, but has significantly outperformed the market over the past year. With an excellent earning report today and a very nice forecast for 2009, expect the stock to move higher, or at worst, to outperform in a bad market.

Dividends increased for the 34th straight year. Net income fell by nearly half for 2006, but that money went into r&d. Asset to liabilty ratio doesn't provide enough cushion. Consistent increase in net income 2003-2005. From 2000 to 2006 stock price went virtually no where. 2000 to 2005 return on investment was good but 2006 took a beating with 12.1%.

ABT due to be purchased this week. I am bullish on pharmaceuticals and medical equipment stocks. It is what will be greatly needed by Boomers and continues to develop great products both as generics and new over-the counter products. Great future.

You won't see sudden outstanding growth from this ticker, but, it is a sound company with sound financials. Not to mention, they are Democrat proof with the diversity of products they sell.

This is a company with a reliable long-term growth profile with the exception of a hiccup due to a breakdown in its manufacturing quality control, actually ordinarily an area of strength. ABT is a "Japanese-style" mfg company with injunction to improve productivity by 8% p.a. It is multi-faceted in the healthcare area with pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, nutritionals and miscellaneous and constantly-advancing other initiatives in areas like stents, RNA(i) and so on. Although the company will likely suffer from worry about Democratic price pressures on its pharmaceuticals, its other products are clearly cost-effective in lowering the cost of healthcare.

As the "Boomers" age they will need more and more health care products.

This stock looks a little pricey with a pe of 22.5 and a peg of 1.5. Yet, this could be a safe place to park some funds with the current market volatility showing no end in sight. Like JNJ it is a one stop shop for all things medical. They have pharma, nutritionals, and medical supplies. I can see slow price appreciation upcoming.

This hit a 52 week low today.
This is very cheap for this wonderful company.

Gaming the system again: banking a positive score (7.58), while lowering my cost basis form $52 to $46.

Needless to say, I remain positive on this one.