See Graham's ranking
5.0
Abbott Laboratories operates in the Health Care sector, within the Medical Equipment and Supplies subsector, and is listed on the NYSE under the ticker ABT. Founded by Wallace Calvin Abbott, its origins trace back to the initiative of developing standardized pharmaceutical formulations grounded in scientific rigor and quality control.
The initial motivation was driven by the need to create stable, precise, and reproducible medications at a time when the pharmaceutical industry lacked standardization and consistent industrial processes.
Its current portfolio includes medical devices, clinical diagnostic systems, specialized nutrition, cardiovascular products, continuous glucose monitoring solutions, and automated laboratory technologies. It also encompasses rapid testing technologies, biosensors, and molecular analysis equipment.
The company operates globally, with a presence in more than 160 countries, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, European Union member states, China, Japan, and regions of Africa and the Middle East. International operations are supported by commercial networks, distribution centers, and partnerships with medical institutions.
Key market factors influencing performance include international health regulations, demand for diagnostic technologies, population aging, the evolution of chronic disease treatments, and competition from multinational companies in the medical device and diagnostics sector.
The organizational structure comprises tens of thousands of employees distributed across manufacturing sites, research centers, commercial divisions, and support operations. Its customer base includes hospitals, clinics, laboratories, health professionals, and patients who use monitoring devices and specialized nutrition products.
Operations are segmented into four divisions: Diagnostics, Medical Devices, Nutrition, and Established Pharmaceuticals. Corporate headquarters are located in Abbott Park, Illinois, supported by subsidiaries across multiple continents, advanced research centers, and large-scale industrial units.
The registered trading ticker is ABT, listed exclusively on the NYSE.
History and foundation
Abbott Laboratories was established in 1888 in Chicago, United States, when Wallace Calvin Abbott began producing standardized medications derived from plant extracts, applying scientific methods to ensure formulation accuracy.
In its early years, challenges included expanding production capacity, establishing stable industrial processes, and introducing new products in a transforming pharmaceutical market. Initial achievements included recognition for drug standardization and innovation in therapeutic formulations.
Expansion continued throughout the 20th century, with entry into new segments, the creation of research laboratories, development of medical devices, and growing international presence. Strategic diversification strengthened its position in diagnostics, nutrition, and health equipment.
Historical milestones include its initial public offering (IPO) in 1929, the launch of immunodiagnostic technologies in subsequent decades, the acquisition of St. Jude Medical in 2017, and the expansion of its glucose monitoring portfolio with continuous sensing systems.
Between 2020 and 2024, relevant developments included rising demand for laboratory diagnostic systems, advancements in rapid testing technologies, expansion of cardiovascular device offerings, international regulatory adjustments, and market impacts stemming from shifts in global health product demand.
Additional Information
The Company Abbott Laboratories (United States), is listed on NYSE with a market cap of $ 214.39 Billions, having an equity of $ 51.26 Billions.
With a total of 107.000 employees, the company is listed in the sector of Health and categorized in industry of Medical Supplies and Equipment.
In the last 12 months the Company had a revenue of $ 43.84 Billions, which generated a profit in the amount of $ 13.98 Billions.
As for its main indicators, the Company has a P/E ratio of 15.34, a P/BV ratio of 4.18 and in the last 12 months the dividend yield of ABT was at 1.89%.
The Company is traded internationally through the ticker ABT.
