ABBOTT LABORATORIES
10-Q, 1998-11-12
PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATIONS
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<PAGE>
                                      FORM 10-Q
                                          
                         SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                          
                              WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549


(Mark One)

/X/  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
               SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998

                                         OR

/ /  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
          SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934    


For the transition period from  ________________________  to _________________



Commission File No. 1-2189 


                                ABBOTT LABORATORIES

An Illinois Corporation                       I.R.S. Employer Identification 
                                                        No. 36-0698440


                                100 Abbott Park Road
                         Abbott Park, Illinois  60064-3500

                             Telephone:  (847) 937-6l00
                                          

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section l3 or l5(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
l934 during the preceding l2 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.         Yes  X .  No     .     
                                                           ----     ----

As of October 31, 1998, the Corporation had 1,517,621,345 common shares 
without par value outstanding.

<PAGE>

                          PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                      ABBOTT LABORATORIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (UNAUDITED)




<PAGE>

                      ABBOTT LABORATORIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

                  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS

                                   (UNAUDITED)

             (Dollars and shares in thousands except per share data)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED                NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                      SEPTEMBER 30                      SEPTEMBER 30
                                             ----------------------------      ----------------------------
                                                 1998             1997             1998             1997
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
<S>                                          <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Net Sales ..............................     $ 3,035,767      $ 2,865,184      $ 9,147,433      $ 8,765,406
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Cost of products sold ..................       1,375,010        1,241,842        3,952,753        3,786,216
Research and development ...............         292,078          326,797          879,086          927,019
Selling, general and administrative ....         665,202          675,062        2,029,539        1,982,663
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
  Total Operating Cost and Expenses ....       2,332,290        2,243,701        6,861,378        6,695,898
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Operating Earnings .....................         703,477          621,483        2,286,055        2,069,508
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Interest expense .......................          41,027           33,470          119,388           97,612
Interest income ........................         (14,654)         (12,146)         (41,042)         (35,537)
Other (income) expense, net ............         (61,398)         (53,301)        (162,957)        (144,403)
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Earnings Before Taxes ..................         738,502          653,460        2,370,666        2,151,836

Taxes on earnings ......................         206,780          182,011          663,786          624,032
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Net Earnings ...........................     $   531,722      $   471,449      $ 1,706,880      $ 1,527,804
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------


Basic Earnings Per Common Share ........     $       .35      $       .31      $      1.12      $       .99
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Diluted Earnings Per Common Share ......     $       .34      $       .30      $      1.10      $       .97
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Cash Dividends Declared
  Per Common Share .....................     $       .15      $      .135      $       .45      $      .405
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Average Number of Common Shares
  Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings
    Per Common Share ...................       1,520,914        1,536,674        1,524,556        1,542,934

Dilutive Common Stock Options ..........          23,766           22,106           22,052           22,197
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Average Number of Common Shares
  Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common
    Stock Options ......................       1,544,680        1,558,780        1,546,608        1,565,131
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------

Outstanding Common Stock
  Options Having No Dilutive Effect ....             564              319              564              319
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
                                             -----------      -----------      -----------      -----------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an
integral part of this statement.

                                        2

<PAGE>

                      ABBOTT LABORATORIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                             (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          SEPTEMBER 30      DECEMBER 31
                                                                              1998              1997
                                                                          -------------     ------------
                                                                           (unaudited)
<S>                                                                       <C>               <C>
                                     ASSETS

Current Assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents............................................$   223,470       $   230,024
     Investment securities................................................     50,563            28,986
     Trade receivables, less allowances of $183,555 in 1998
       and $167,406 in 1997...............................................  1,732,647         1,782,326
     Inventories:
       Finished products..................................................    680,950           667,355
       Work in process....................................................    329,138           287,653
       Materials  ........................................................    384,026           324,892
                                                                          -----------       -----------

          Total inventories...............................................  1,394,114         1,279,900

     Prepaid expenses, income taxes, and other receivables................  1,665,416         1,716,972
                                                                          -----------       -----------

          Total Current Assets............................................  5,066,210         5,038,208
                                                                          -----------       -----------

Investment Securities Maturing after One Year.............................    745,149           630,967
                                                                          -----------       -----------

Property and Equipment, at Cost...........................................  9,201,129         8,790,157
     Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization......................  4,555,362         4,220,466
                                                                          -----------       -----------

          Net Property and Equipment......................................  4,645,767         4,569,691
Deferred Charges, Intangible and Other Assets.............................  2,145,908         1,822,202
                                                                          -----------       -----------
                                                                          $12,603,034       $12,061,068
                                                                          -----------       -----------
                                                                          -----------       -----------

                    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT

Current Liabilities:
     Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt..........$ 1,419,970       $ 1,781,352
     Trade accounts payable...............................................    922,341         1,001,058
     Salaries, income taxes, dividends payable, and other accruals........  2,322,201         2,252,058
                                                                          -----------       -----------

          Total Current Liabilities.......................................  4,664,512         5,034,468
                                                                          -----------       -----------

Long-Term Debt    ........................................................  1,340,845           937,983
                                                                          -----------       -----------

Other Liabilities and Deferrals...........................................  1,223,785         1,089,940
                                                                          -----------       -----------

Shareholders' Investment:
     Preferred shares, $1 par value
       Authorized - 1,000,000 shares, none issued.........................        ...               ...
     Common shares, without par value
       Authorized - 2,400,000,000 shares
       Issued at stated capital amount -
          Shares: 1998: 1,536,366,561; 1997: 1,546,468,504................  1,114,445           907,106

Earnings employed in the business.........................................  4,643,640         4,395,582

Accumulated other comprehensive income....................................   (307,152)         (230,241)
                                                                          -----------       -----------
                                                                            5,450,933         5,072,447

Less:
Common shares held in treasury, at cost -
     Shares: 1998: 17,710,838; 1997: 18,280,398 ..........................     46,735            48,238
Unearned compensation - restricted stock awards...........................     30,306            25,532
                                                                          -----------       -----------

          Total Shareholders' Investment..................................  5,373,892         4,998,677
                                                                          -----------       -----------
                                                                          $12,603,034       $12,061,068
                                                                          -----------       -----------
                                                                          -----------       -----------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an
integral part of this statement.

                                        3

<PAGE>

                      ABBOTT LABORATORIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                                   (UNAUDITED)

                             (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                                     1998                1997
                                                                 -----------         -----------
<S>                                                              <C>                 <C>
Cash Flow From (Used in) Operating Activities:

    Net earnings ...........................................     $ 1,706,880         $ 1,527,804
    Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to
      net cash from operating activities -
    Depreciation and amortization ..........................         591,032             547,044
    Trade receivables ......................................          14,671            (120,783)
    Inventories ............................................        (135,017)            (64,723)
    Other, net .............................................          90,547             120,869
                                                                 -----------         -----------

         Net Cash From Operating Activities ................       2,268,113           2,010,211
                                                                 -----------         -----------

Cash Flow From (Used in) Investing Activities:

    Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired .......        (242,713)           (201,030)
    Acquisitions of property and equipment .................        (703,677)           (732,388)
    Investment securities transactions .....................        (135,897)             25,515
    Other ..................................................          11,040             (14,088)
                                                                 -----------         -----------

         Net Cash (Used in) Investing Activities ...........      (1,071,247)           (921,991)
                                                                 -----------         -----------

Cash Flow From (Used in) Financing Activities:

      Proceeds from (repayment of) commercial paper, net ...        (301,000)            252,000
      Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt .............         400,000                   .
      Other borrowing transactions, net ....................         (51,748)             22,128
      Common share transactions ............................        (581,419)           (732,687)
      Dividends paid .......................................        (663,824)           (602,723)
                                                                 -----------         -----------

         Net Cash (Used in) Financing Activities ...........      (1,197,991)         (1,061,282)
                                                                 -----------         -----------

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and
    cash equivalents .......................................          (5,429)             (7,743)
                                                                 -----------         -----------

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents .......          (6,554)             19,195

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year ...............         230,024             110,209
                                                                 -----------         -----------

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period ...................     $   223,470         $   129,404
                                                                 -----------         -----------
                                                                 -----------         -----------
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an
integral part of this statement.

                                        4

<PAGE>

                      ABBOTT LABORATORIES AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                               SEPTEMBER 30, 1998

                                   (UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PREPARATION:

The accompanying unaudited, condensed consolidated financial statements have 
been prepared pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission and, therefore, do not include all information and 
footnote disclosures normally included in audited financial statements. 
However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include only 
normal adjustments) necessary to present fairly the results of operations, 
financial position and cash flows have been made. It is suggested that these 
statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements included in 
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.

NOTE 2 - TAXES ON EARNINGS:

Taxes on earnings reflect the estimated annual effective tax rates. The 
effective tax rates are less than the statutory U. S. Federal income tax rate 
principally due to tax incentive grants related to subsidiaries operating in 
Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Italy.

NOTE 3 - LITIGATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

The Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings including 
numerous antitrust suits and investigations in connection with the pricing of 
prescription pharmaceuticals. On September 9, 1998 the federal court approved 
the settlement of the independent retail pharmacy federal class action 
lawsuit for $57 million.

In addition, the Company has been identified as a potentially responsible 
party for investigation and cleanup costs at a number of locations in the 
United States and Puerto Rico under Federal and state remediation laws and is 
investigating potential contamination at a number of Company-owned locations.

The matters above are discussed more fully in Note 10 to the financial 
statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is 
available upon request, and in Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings, in this 
Form.

The Company expects that within the next year, progress in the legal 
proceedings described above may cause a change in the estimated reserves 
recorded by the Company. While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of 
such pending claims, proceedings and investigations with certainty, 
management is of the opinion that their ultimate disposition should not have 
a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows, or 
results of operations.

                                      5

<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
(Unaudited), Continued

NOTE 4 - ACQUISITIONS:

On April 17, 1998, the Company acquired the common stock of International 
Murex Technologies Corporation for approximately $234 million in cash. A 
substantial portion of the purchase price was allocated to intangible assets, 
including goodwill, which is being amortized over 40 years. Had this 
acquisition taken place on January 1, 1997, consolidated sales and net income 
would not have been significantly different from reported amounts.

NOTE 5 - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
         (Dollars in Thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                THREE MONTHS ENDED                     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                  SEPTEMBER 30                            SEPTEMBER 30
                                        -------------------------------         -------------------------------
                                            1998                1997                1998                1997
                                        -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
<S>                                     <C>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Net Earnings                            $   531,722         $   471,449         $ 1,706,880         $ 1,527,804
                                        -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
Other comprehensive income:
  Foreign currency translation
    adjustments                             (30,947)            (63,346)            (66,701)           (171,442)
  Unrealized (losses) gains on
    marketable equity securities               (850)             21,908             (16,245)             26,605
  Tax benefit (expense) related to
    items of other comprehensive
      income                                   (123)             (8,763)              6,035             (10,641)
                                        -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
Other comprehensive income
  (loss), net of tax                        (31,920)            (50,201)            (76,911)           (155,478)
                                        -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------

Comprehensive Income                    $   499,802         $   421,248         $ 1,629,969         $ 1,372,326
                                        -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
                                        -----------         -----------         -----------         -----------
</TABLE>

As of September 30, 1998, the cumulative net of tax balances for foreign 
currency translation loss adjustments and the unrealized (gains) on 
marketable equity securities were $329,820, and ($22,668), respectively.

NOTE 6 - STOCK SPLIT:

On February 13, 1998, the Board of Directors approved a two-for-one stock 
split. Shareholders of record on May 1, 1998 were issued an additional share 
of the Company's common stock on May 29, 1998 for each share owned on the 
record date. All shares and per share data in the condensed consolidated 
financial statements and notes have been adjusted to reflect the stock split.

NOTE 7 - RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARD:

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement requires the recognition 
of derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial 
position at fair value. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning 
after June 15, 1999. The Company is assessing the impact this statement will 
have on its financial statements.

                                       6

<PAGE>

FINANCIAL REVIEW

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - THIRD QUARTER AND FIRST NINE MONTHS 1998 COMPARED 
WITH SAME PERIODS IN 1997

Worldwide sales for the third quarter and first nine months increased 6.0 
percent and 4.4 percent, respectively, over the comparable 1997 periods. 
Excluding the negative effect of the relatively stronger U.S. dollar, sales 
increased 9.3 percent and 7.7 percent, respectively, over the comparable 1997 
periods. Net earnings increased 12.8 percent and 11.7 percent, respectively, 
in the third quarter and first nine months 1998. Basic earnings per common 
share increased 12.9 percent and 13.1 percent, respectively, over the prior 
year periods. Diluted earnings per common share increased 13.3 percent and 
13.4 percent, respectively, over the prior year periods.

Gross profit margin (sales less cost of products sold, including freight and 
distribution expenses) was 54.7 percent for the 1998 third quarter, compared 
to 56.7 percent for the 1997 third quarter, and was negatively affected by 
the unfavorable effects of the stronger U.S. dollar. First nine months 1998 
gross profit margin was 56.8 percent, the same as a year earlier.

Research and development expenses were $292.1 million for the third quarter 
1998 and $879.1 million for the first nine months 1998. Research and 
development represented 9.6 percent of net sales for both the third quarter 
and first nine months 1998, compared to 11.4 percent and 10.6 percent, 
respectively, for the third quarter and the first nine months 1997. The 
majority of research and development expenditures continues to be 
concentrated on pharmaceutical and diagnostic products.

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the third quarter and first 
nine months 1998 decreased 1.5 percent and increased 2.4 percent, 
respectively, over the comparable prior year periods, net of the favorable 
effect of the relatively stronger U.S. dollar of 3.3 percent and 3.4 percent, 
respectively. The net increases, exclusive of exchange impact, reflect 
inflation, additional selling and marketing support for new and existing 
products, primarily for pharmaceutical products, and litigation charges.

Other (income) expense, net, includes net foreign exchange losses of $5.6 
million for the third quarter and $20.6 million for the first nine months 
1998, compared to net foreign exchange gains of $4.3 million and $11.2 
million, respectively, for the corresponding prior year periods. Other 
(income) expense, net, also includes the Company's share of the net income 
from its joint venture, TAP Holdings, Inc., of $69.3 million for the 
third quarter and $189.9 million for the first nine months 1998, compared to 
$51.7 million and $142.3 million for the respective prior year periods.

On July 27, 1998, the Company announced that it was experiencing 
manufacturing difficulties with the capsule formulation of its protease 
inhibitor Norvir. The manufacturing difficulties with Norvir will result in 
shortages and interruption of the supply of capsules. The Company plans to 
supply Norvir liquid formulation to provide continued Norvir therapy for 
patients. During the first nine months

                                       7

<PAGE>

FINANCIAL REVIEW
(Continued)

of 1998, the Company recorded sales of Norvir of $197.0 million. The Company 
is unable to quantify the effect that the production problems will have on 
sales in future periods.

INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

Industry segment sales for the third quarter and first nine months 1998 and 
the related change from the comparable 1997 periods are shown in the table 
below. The Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Products segment includes a broad 
line of adult and pediatric pharmaceuticals and nutritionals, which are sold 
primarily on the prescription or recommendation of physicians or other health 
care professionals; consumer products; agricultural and chemical products; 
and bulk pharmaceuticals. The Hospital and Laboratory Products segment 
includes diagnostic systems for consumers, blood banks, hospitals, commercial 
laboratories and alternate-care testing sites; intravenous and irrigation 
fluids and related administration equipment; drugs and drug delivery systems; 
anesthetics; critical care products; and other medical specialty products for 
hospitals and alternate-care sites.

Domestic and international sales for the third quarter and first nine months 
1998 primarily reflect unit growth. Total sales were unfavorably affected 3.3 
percent and international sales were unfavorably affected 8.7 percent by the 
relatively stronger U.S. dollar in the third quarter. On a year-to-date 
basis, total sales were unfavorably affected 3.3 percent and international 
sales were unfavorably affected 8.6 percent by the relatively stronger U.S. 
dollar.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Third Quarter           Nine Months
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT SALES                           1998     Percent        1998    Percent
(in millions of dollars)               Sales     Change        Sales    Change
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>       <C>           <C>      <C>

Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Products:

Domestic                             $1,131.0        5.1     $3,455.0       2.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International                           585.2        6.4      1,801.7       2.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      1,716.2        5.5      5,256.7       2.5

Hospital and Laboratory Products:

Domestic                                781.8       10.7      2,274.0      11.5
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International                           537.8        0.9      1,616.7       1.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      1,319.6        6.5      3,890.7       7.0

Total All Segments:

Domestic                              1,912.8        7.3      5,729.0       6.0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International                         1,123.0        3.7      3,418.4       1.7
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     $3,035.8        6.0     $9,147.4       4.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

                                       8

<PAGE>

FINANCIAL REVIEW
(Continued)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES AT SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 31, 1997

Net cash from operating activities for the first nine months 1998 totaled 
$2.268 billion. The Company expects annual cash flow from operating 
activities to continue to approximate or exceed the Company's capital 
expenditures and cash dividends. The Company funded the acquisition of Murex 
through commercial paper borrowings.

The Company has maintained its favorable bond ratings (AAA by Standard & 
Poor's Corporation and Aa1 by Moody's Investors Service) and continues to 
have readily available financial resources, including unused domestic lines 
of credit of $2.505 billion at September 30, 1998. These lines of credit 
support domestic commercial paper borrowing arrangements.

During the first nine months 1998, the Company issued $400 million of debt 
securities under a registration statement filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission in 1996. The Company may issue up to $750 million of 
senior debt securities in the future under a registration statement filed 
with the Securities and Exchange Commission in September 1998.

During the first nine months 1998, the Company continued its program to 
purchase its common shares. The Company purchased and retired 17,248,000 
shares during this period at a cost of $673.7 million. As of September 30, 
1998, an additional 10,152,000 shares may be purchased in future periods 
under authorization granted by the Board of Directors in December 1997.

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

The Company's primary markets are highly competitive and subject to 
substantial government regulation. The Company expects debate to continue at 
both the federal and the state levels over the availability, method of 
delivery, and payment for health care products and services. The Company 
believes that if legislation is enacted, it could have the effect of reducing 
prices, or reducing the rate of price increases for medical products and 
services. International operations are also subject to a significant degree 
of government regulation. It is not possible to predict the extent to which 
the Company or the health care industry in general might be adversely 
affected by these factors in the future. A more complete discussion of these 
factors is contained in Item 1, Business, in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, 
which is available upon request.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARD

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of 
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement requires the recognition 
of derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial 
position at fair value. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning 
after June 15, 1999. The Company is assessing the impact this statement will 
have on its financial statements.

                                       9

<PAGE>

FINANCIAL REVIEW
(Continued)

YEAR 2000

The Year 2000 ("Y2K") issue results from the inability of some computer 
programs to identify the Year 2000 properly, potentially leading to errors or 
system failure.

The Company has organized its efforts to resolve the Y2K issue as follows: 
internal information systems; landlord and embedded systems; electronic 
products currently marketed or in the field; and suppliers providing products 
and services to the Company. Progress goals have been established in each area.

Internal information systems were inventoried and assessed, and remediation 
started in 1992. Virtually all remediation is scheduled to be completed by 
the end of 1998, and testing completed by mid-1999. Current progress is 
slightly better than plan.

Landlord and embedded systems were inventoried and Y2K assessment completed 
by May 1998. The Company's goal is to resolve 75 percent of critical systems 
by year-end 1998, and 100 percent of critical systems by July 1999. Current 
progress is according to plan.

The Company has assessed the ability of its medical electronic and software 
products to cope with the Y2K issue. Customers may access the Company's 
assessment on the Company's internet web page. Most of the Company's products 
are not affected by the Y2K issue. For those products requiring remediation, 
the Company's goal is to provide solutions by June 1999. Current progress is 
according to plan.

Beginning in March 1998 key suppliers were requested to certify that they 
were Y2K compliant or, if not, to provide their plans to become compliant. 
Fifty-four percent of suppliers responded; 39 percent of those responding 
certified compliance currently and 61 percent forwarded action plans.  
Follow-up with all key suppliers is being conducted according to plan.

Each of the above areas will begin developing contingency plans by the end of 
1998, and will continue to develop and update those plans throughout 1999.

The Company's policy is to expense Y2K remediation costs as incurred. Future 
expenditures to remediate the Company's systems for the Y2K issue are not 
material to the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash 
flows.

                                      10

<PAGE>

FINANCIAL REVIEW
(Continued)

EURO CONVERSION

On January 1, 1999, the European Economic and Monetary Union will take
effect and introduce the euro as the official single currency of the
eleven participating member countries. On that date the currency exchange
rates of the participating countries will be fixed against the euro.
There will be a three year transition to the euro, and at the end of 2001
the legacy currencies will be eliminated. In 1997 the Company organized
an internal cross-functional task force to address the euro issues and
expects to be ready for the conversion to the euro. Costs required to
prepare for the euro are not material to the Company's financial
position, results of operations or cash flows. The impact, if any, of the
euro on the Company's competitive position is unknown.

                                      11


<PAGE>

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

          As reported in the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 1997, the Company is involved in numerous antitrust suits and 
two investigations regarding the Company's pricing of pharmaceutical 
products.  As of September 30, 1998, 117 antitrust suits are pending in the 
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois as "In re: 
Brand Name Prescription Drug Antitrust Litigation, MDL 997."  A portion of 
the MDL 997 litigation has been certified as a class action on behalf of 
certain retail pharmacies.  In July 1998, the Company entered into an 
agreement to settle the class action portion of the MDL 997 litigation for 
$57 million.  On September 9, 1998, the United States District Court for the 
Northern District of Illinois approved that settlement agreement.  In 
addition, during the third quarter of 1998, three other lawsuits pending in 
the MDL 997 litigation, ALBERTSON'S V. ABBOTT, AMERICAN DRUG V. ABBOTT, and 
ECKERD V. ABBOTT, were settled and have now been dismissed.

          As of October 15, 1998, 24 pharmaceutical pricing cases were 
pending in various state courts and one case was pending in a District of 
Columbia court.   As reported in the Company's 10-K for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 1997, the Company has entered into settlement agreements in 
twelve consumer lawsuits pending in the following jurisdictions:  Arizona, 
Florida, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota (2), New York, North Carolina, 
Tennessee, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.  The court in each jurisdiction 
must approve the agreement before it becomes final.  Courts in Michigan and 
Wisconsin have approved the settlement agreement.

          The Company has previously disclosed that cases are pending in the 
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois between 
the Company and Geneva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Geneva"), Invamed, Inc. 
("Invamed"), Novopharm Limited ("Novopharm"), Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
("Mylan"), and Warner Chilcott, Inc. ("Warner") in which the validity of the 
Company's patent claim covering the form of terazosin hydrochloride used by 
those companies has been contested.  The Geneva, Invamed, and Novopharm cases 
are all pending before the same judge, who, on September 1, 1998, entered a 
judgment in each of those cases ruling that the Company's patent claim is 
invalid.  The Company has appealed those judgments.  Both Mylan and Warner 
have filed motions seeking to have the September 1 ruling applied in their 
cases.

          While it is not feasible to predict the outcome of such pending 
claims, proceedings, and investigations with certainty, management is of the 
opinion that their ultimate dispositions should not have a material adverse 
effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or cash 
flows.

<PAGE>


Item 5.   NOTICE OF DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS.

DATE FOR RECEIPT OF 1999 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

          Shareholder proposals for presentation at the 1999 Annual Meeting 
must be received by the corporation no later than November 10, 1998 and must 
otherwise comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities and 
Exchange Commission to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and 
proxy for the 1999 meeting.

PROCEDURE FOR RECOMMENDATION AND NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS AND TRANSACTION OF 
BUSINESS AT ANNUAL MEETINGS

          A shareholder may recommend persons as potential nominees for 
director by submitting the names of such persons in writing to the chairman 
of the nominations and board affairs committee or the secretary of the 
corporation.  Recommendations should be accompanied by a statement of 
qualifications and confirmation of the person's willingness to serve.

          A shareholder may directly nominate persons for director only by 
complying with the following procedure: the shareholder must submit the names 
of such persons in writing to the secretary of the corporation not earlier 
than the October 1 nor later than the first business day of January prior to 
the date of the Annual Meeting.  The nominations must be accompanied by a 
statement setting forth the name, age, business address, residence address, 
principal occupation, qualifications, and number of shares of the corporation 
owned by the nominee and the name, record address, and number of shares of 
the corporation owned by the shareholder making the nomination.

          A shareholder may properly bring business before the Annual Meeting 
of Shareholders only by complying with the following procedure: the 
shareholder must submit to the secretary of the corporation, not earlier than 
the October 1 nor later than the first business day of January prior to the 
date of the Annual Meeting, a written statement describing the business to be 
discussed, the reasons for conducting such business at the Annual Meeting, 
the name, record address, and number of shares of the corporation owned by 
the shareholder making the submission, and a description of any material 
interest of the shareholder in such business.
<PAGE>


Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

          a)  Exhibits

               3.   By-Laws of Abbott Laboratories, as amended effective as 
                    of October 9, 1998, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registration
                    Statement on Form S-3, file number 333-65601*.

               4.1  Resolution of the Company's Board of Directors relating to
                    the 5.40% Note filed as Exhibit 4.12 to the 1996 Abbott
                    Laboratories Annual Report on Form 10-K*.

               4.2  Form of $200,000,000 5.40% Note issued pursuant to 
                    Indenture - attached hereto.

               4.3  Actions of Authorized Officers with respect to the Company's
                    5.40% Note - attached hereto.

               4.4  Officers' Certificate and Company Order with respect to the
                    Company's 5.40% Note - attached hereto.

              12.   Statement re: computation of ratio of earnings to fixed
                    charges - attached hereto.

              27.   Financial Data Schedule - attached hereto.

               *    Incorporated herein by reference

          b)   Reports on Form 8-K

               None



                                     SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, 
the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the 
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                 ABBOTT LABORATORIES

                                  /s/ Theodore A. Olson
                                 --------------------------------------------
Date: November 11, 1998          Theodore A. Olson, Vice President
                                 and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)



<PAGE>




                              ABBOTT LABORATORIES

                          5.40% NOTE DUE SEPTEMBER 15, 2008




NO. 1001                                                         $200,000,000
CUSIP NO. 002824 AK6


          This Security is a Security in a global form within the meaning of 
the Indenture hereinafter referred to and is registered in the name of the 
Depositary or a nominee of a Depositary.  This global Security is 
exchangeable for Securities registered in the name of a Person other than the 
Depositary or its nominee only in the limited circumstances described in the 
Indenture, and no transfer of this Security (other than a transfer of this 
Security as a whole by the Depositary to a nomine of the Depositary or by a 
nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the 
Depositary) may be registered except in such limited circumstances.

          Unless this Security is presented by an authorized representative 
of The Depositary Trust Company (55 Water Street, New York, New York) to the 
issuer or its agent for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, and 
any Security issued upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or 
in lieu of, this Security is registered in the name of Cede & Co. or such 
other name as requested by an authorized representative of The Depository 
Trust Company and any payment hereon is made to Cede & Co., ANY TRANSFER, 
PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS 
WRONGFUL since the registered owner hereof, Cede & Co., has an interest 
herein.


<PAGE>

                                 ABBOTT LABORATORIES

          ABBOTT LABORATORIES, a corporation duly organized and existing 
under the laws of Illinois (herein called the "Company," which term includes 
any successor Person under the Indenture hereinafter referred to), for value 
received, hereby promises to pay to Cede & Co., as nominee for The Depository 
Trust Company, or registered assigns, the principal sum of Two Hundred 
Million Dollars ($200,000,000) on September 15, 2008 and to pay interest 
thereon from September 15, 1998 or from the most recent Interest Payment Date 
to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, semi-annually on 
March 15 and September 15 in each year, commencing March 15, 1999, at the 
rate of 5.40% per annum, until the principal hereof is paid or made available 
for payment.  The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided 
for, on any Interest Payment Date will, as provided in such Indenture, be paid 
to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more Predecessor 
Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date 
for such interest, which shall be the March 1 or September 1 (whether or not 
a Business Day), as the case may be, next preceding such Interest Payment 
Date.  Any such interest not so punctually paid or duly provided for will 
forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on such Regular Record Date and 
may either be paid to the Person in whose name this Security (or one or more 
Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on a Special 
Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the 
Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders of Securities of this 
series not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or be paid at 
any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of 
any securities exchange on which the Securities of this series may be listed, 
and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully 
provided in said Indenture.

          Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and any such 
interest on this Security will be made at the office or agency of the Company 
maintained for that purpose in Chicago, Illinois, in such coin or currency of 
the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for 
payment of public and private debts; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that at the option of 
the Company payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of 
the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Security 
Register.

          Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed 
by the Trustee referred to herein by manual signature, this Security shall 
not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory 
for any purpose.

          This Security is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of 
the Company (herein called the "Securities"), issued and to be issued in one 
or more series under an Indenture, dated as of October 1, 1993 (herein called 
the "Indenture"), between the Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as 
Trustee (herein called the "Trustee," which term includes any successor 
trustee under the Indenture), to which Indenture and all indentures 
supplemental thereto reference is hereby made for a statement of the 
respective rights,


                                     -2-

<PAGE>

limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the 
Trustee and the Holders of the Securities and of the terms upon which the 
Securities are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered.  This Security is 
one of the series designated on the face hereof, limited in aggregate 
principal amount to $200,000,000.

          The Securities of this Series are not redeemable prior to maturity 
and do not provide for a sinking fund.

          If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of this series 
shall occur and be continuing, the principal of the Securities of this series 
may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in 
the Indenture.

          The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the 
entire indebtedness of this Security or certain restrictive covenants and 
Events of Default with respect to this Security, in each case upon compliance 
with certain conditions set forth therein.

          The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, 
the amendment thereof and the modification of the rights and obligations of 
the Company and the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each series to 
be affected under the Indenture at any time by the Company and the Trustee 
with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the 
Securities at the time Outstanding of each series to be affected.  The 
Indenture also contains provisions permitting the Holders of specified 
percentages in principal amount of the Securities of each series at the time 
Outstanding, on behalf of the Holders of all Securities of such series, to 
waive compliance by the Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and 
certain past defaults under the Indenture and their consequences.  Any such 
consent or waiver by the Holder of this Security shall be conclusive and 
binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Security and of 
any Security issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange 
herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver 
is made upon this Security.

          No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this 
Security or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the 
Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any 
premium and interest on this Security at the times, place and rate, and in 
the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

          As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations 
therein set forth, the transfer of this Security is registerable in the 
Security Register, upon surrender of this Security for registration of 
transfer at the office or agency of the Company in any place where the 
principal of and any premium and interest on this Security are payable, duly 
endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form 
satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by, the 
Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one 
or more new Securities of this series and of like


                                     -3-

<PAGE>

tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal 
amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

          The Securities of this series are issuable only in registered form 
without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. 
As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set 
forth, Securities of this series are exchangeable for a like aggregate 
principal amount of Securities of this series and of like tenor of a 
different authorized denomination, as requested by the Holder surrendering 
the same.

          No service charge shall be made for any such registration of 
transfer or exchange, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient 
to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

          Prior to due presentment of this Security for registration of 
transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the 
Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Security is registered as the 
owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Security be overdue, and 
neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by 
notice to the contrary.

          All terms used in this Security which are defined in the Indenture 
shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

                                    *     *     *


                                     -4-

<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be 
duly executed under its corporate seal.

Dated: September 15, 1998


                                   ABBOTT LABORATORIES


                                   By: /s/ Thomas C. Freyman
                                       ---------------------------------
                                   Name: Thomas C. Freyman
                                   Title:   Vice President and Treasurer


Attest:


/s/ Jose M. de Lasa
- -------------------



TRUSTEE'S CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK,
as Trustee, certifies that this is one of the 
Securities referred to in the within-mentioned 
Indenture.


By /s/ C. Potter
- -------------------------
  Authorized Signature

                                     -5-


<PAGE>


                                 ABBOTT LABORATORIES

                          ACTIONS OF THE AUTHORIZED OFFICERS


     Pursuant to the authority granted by the Board of Directors of Abbott 
Laboratories ("Corporation") in its June 14, 1996 resolutions, the 
undersigned agree as follows:

     1.   The Corporation shall issue $200,000,000 aggregate principal amount 
of the Corporation's 5.40% Notes due September 15, 2008 ("Notes").

     2.   The Corporation shall issue and sell Notes to Goldman, Sachs & Co., 
ABN AMRO Incorporated, BancAmerica Securities, Inc., Morgan Stanley & Co. 
Incorporated and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. (collectively, "Underwriters") 
pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement dated December 4, 1996 and a Pricing 
Agreement dated September 10, 1998 ("Pricing Agreement") between the 
Corporation and the Underwriters, upon the terms and conditions set forth 
therein, to be issued under and in accordance with an Indenture dated as of 
October 1, 1993, between the Corporation and the Harris Trust and Savings 
Bank, as Trustee ("Trustee"), relating to the Corporation's Notes and other 
obligations ("Indenture").

     3.   In addition to the other terms provided in the Indenture with 
respect to securities issued thereunder, all as more particularly described 
in the Pricing Agreement, the Prospectus and the Prospectus Supplement 
relating to the Notes and the form of Note referred to below, the Notes shall 
contain the following terms:

     (a)  The Notes shall be entitled "5.40% Notes due
     September 15, 2008";

     (b)  The Notes shall be limited in aggregate principal amount to
     $200,000,000;

     (c)  Interest shall be payable to the persons in whose names the Notes are
     registered at the close of business on the applicable Regular Record Date
     (as defined below); 

     (d)  The principal of the Notes is payable on September 15, 2008;
     
     (e)  The Notes shall bear interest at the rate of 5.40% per annum beginning
     September 15, 1998.  Interest on the Notes will be payable semi-annually on
     the fifteenth day of March and September of each year (each an "Interest
     Payment Date"), commencing on March 15, 1999.  Interest shall be paid to
     persons in whose names the Notes are registered on


<PAGE>

     the March 1 or September 1 preceding the Interest Payment Date (each a 
     "Regular Record Date");

     (f)  Payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, the
     Notes will be made at the office or agency of the Corporation maintained
     for that purpose in Chicago, Illinois;
     
     (g)  The Notes shall not be redeemable or repayable prior to maturity;
  
     (h)  The Notes shall not provide for any sinking fund;

     (i)  The Notes are issuable only in registered form without coupons in
     denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;

     (j)  The payment of the principal of, and any premium and interest on, the
     Notes shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of
     America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and
     private debts;

     (k)  The payment of principal of, and any premium and interest on, the
     Notes shall not be determined with reference to an index or formula;

     (l)  There shall be no optional currency or currency unit in which the
     payment of principal of, and any premium and interest on, the Notes shall
     be payable;

     (m)  Both Section 13.2 and 13.3 of the Indenture shall apply to the Notes;

     (n)  The Notes shall be in the form of Book-Entry Securities as set forth
     in the Indenture; 

     (o)  The principal amount of the Notes shall be payable upon declaration of
     acceleration pursuant to Section 5.2 of the Indenture; and 

     (p)  The other terms and conditions of the Notes shall be substantially as
     set forth in the Indenture and in the Prospectus and the Prospectus
     Supplement relating to the Notes.

     4.   The form of the Notes shall be substantially as attached hereto as
EXHIBIT A. 

     5.   The price at which the Notes shall be sold by the Corporation to the
Underwriters pursuant to the Pricing Agreement


                                     -2-

<PAGE>

shall be 99.151% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest, if 
any, from September 15, 1998 to the time of Delivery;

     6.   The Notes initially will be offered to the public by the Underwriters
at 99.801% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest, if any, from
September 15, 1998 to the time of Delivery;

     7.   The execution and delivery of the Pricing Agreement, dated September
10, 1998, and substantially in the form attached hereto as EXHIBIT B, is hereby
approved.

     8.   Any officer of this Corporation is hereby authorized and empowered to
execute the Notes of this Corporation in the form he or she deems appropriate,
and to deliver such Notes to the Trustee with a written order directing the
Trustee to have the Notes authenticated and delivered to such persons as such
officer designates.

     9.   The Harris Trust and Savings Bank is hereby designated and appointed
as Paying Agent and Securities Registrar with respect to the Notes.


                                     -3-

<PAGE>

Dated:    September 10, 1998

                                   Authorized Officers of
                                   Abbott Laboratories



                                   By /s/ Thomas C. Freyman
                                      ----------------------
                                      Name:  Thomas C. Freyman
                                      Title: Vice President and
                                             Treasurer


                                   By /s/ Gary P. Coughlan
                                      --------------------------
                                      Name:  Gary P. Coughlan
                                      Title: Senior Vice President,
                                             Finance and Chief
                                             Financial Officer

                                     -4-


<PAGE>


                                 ABBOTT LABORATORIES

                                OFFICERS' CERTIFICATE

                                         AND

                                    COMPANY ORDER

     With respect to the issuance by Abbott Laboratories (the "Company") of 
$200,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 5.40% Notes due September 15, 
2008 (the "Notes"), Jose M. de Lasa and Thomas C. Freyman, officers of the 
Company, certify pursuant to Sections 3.1 and 3.3 of the Indenture, dated as 
of October 1, 1993 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and Harris Trust 
and Savings Bank, as Trustee (the "Trustee"), as follows:

     1.   We have read Sections 2.1, 3.1 and 3.3 of the Indenture and the 
          definitions therein relating hereto, reviewed the resolutions of 
          the Board of Directors of the Company adopted on June 14, 1996 
          (attached as Exhibit B to the Secretary's Certificate of even date 
          herewith), the Action of Authorized Officers of September 10, 1998 
          (attached as Exhibit C to the Secretary's Certificate of even date 
          herewith), conferred with executive officers of the Company and, in 
          our opinion, made such other examinations and investigations as are 
          necessary to enable us to express an informed opinion as to whether 
          Sections 2.1, 3.1 and 3.3 of the Indenture have been complied with.

     2.   Based on the above-described examinations and investigations, in 
          our opinion, all conditions precedent relating to the 
          authentication and delivery of the Notes, including those 
          conditions under Sections 2.1, 3.1 and 3.3 of the Indenture, have 
          been complied with.

     3.   The terms of the Notes are set forth in the Action of Authorized 
          Officers, dated September 10, 1998 (attached as Exhibit C to the 
          Secretary's Certificate of even date herewith).

     4.   In accordance with the provisions of Section 3.3 of the Indenture, 
          the Trustee is hereby authorized and requested to authenticate the 
          Notes and to deliver the Notes to or at the direction of Goldman, 
          Sachs & Co., ABN AMRO Incorporated, BancAmerica Securities, Inc., 
          Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and Salomon Smith Barney Inc.

     Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall 
have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Indenture.


<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Officers' 
Certificate as of this 15th day of September, 1998.

                              ABBOTT LABORATORIES


                              By:/s/ Jose M. de Lasa
                                 ----------------------------
                                 Jose M. de Lasa, Senior Vice
                                 President, Secretary and 
                                 General Counsel

                    
                              By:/s/ Thomas C. Freyman
                                 ------------------------
                                 Thomas C. Freyman, Vice 
                                 President and Treasurer


                                      -2-

<PAGE>




                                                                      EXHIBIT 12

                               ABBOTT LABORATORIES

                 COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

                                   (Unaudited)

                              (Millions of Dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                   SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
                                                   ------------------
<S>                                                     <C>
Net Earnings                                            $1,707

Add (deduct):
   Income taxes                                            664
   Minority interest                                         5
                                                        ------
   Net earnings as adjusted                             $2,376
                                                        ------


Fixed Charges:

   Interest on long-term and
      short-term debt                                   $  119
   Capitalized interest cost                                10
   Rental expense representative
      of an interest factor                                 30
                                                        ------

Total Fixed Charges                                        159
                                                        ------

Total adjusted earnings available for
   payment of fixed charges                             $2,535
                                                        ------
                                                        ------

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                        15.9
                                                        ------
                                                        ------
</TABLE>


NOTE:    For the purpose of calculating this ratio, (i) earnings have
         been calculated by adjusting net earnings for taxes on
         earnings; interest expense; capitalized interest cost, net of
         amortization; minority interest; and the portion of rentals
         representative of the interest factor, (ii) the Company
         considers one-third of rental expense to be the amount
         representing return on capital, and (iii) fixed charges
         comprise total interest expense, including capitalized
         interest and such portion of rentals.


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM ABBOTT
LABORATORIES' 1998 THIRD QUARTER FORM 10-Q AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FORM 10-Q FILING.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                         223,470
<SECURITIES>                                    50,563
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,916,202
<ALLOWANCES>                                   183,555
<INVENTORY>                                  1,394,114
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             5,066,210
<PP&E>                                       9,201,129
<DEPRECIATION>                               4,555,362
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              12,603,034
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        4,664,112
<BONDS>                                      1,340,845
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                     1,114,445
<OTHER-SE>                                   4,259,447
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                12,603,034
<SALES>                                      9,147,433
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             9,147,433
<CGS>                                        3,952,753
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                3,952,753
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               879,086<F1>
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                27,294
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             119,388
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              2,370,666
<INCOME-TAX>                                   663,786
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          1,706,880
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 1,706,880
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.12<F2>
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.10<F2>
<FN>
<F1>Other expenses consist of research and development expenses.
<F2>The EPS information in this exhibit has been prepared in accordance with SFAS
No. 128 and basic and diluted EPS have been entered in place of primary and
fully diluted EPS, respectively.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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