The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[DewDiligence]

ABT -4% on tepid 4Q13 results and 2014 outlook:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/abbott-revenue-misses-hurt-dollar-130719156.html

Abbott Laboratories Inc reported weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue, hurt by the stronger dollar and an overseas sales disruption earlier in the year of its baby formulas. Excluding special items, Abbott earned 58 cents per share, matching the average analyst's forecast, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S. Global sales of $5.66 billion came in below Wall Street expectations of $5.72 billion.

Inasmuch as ABT warned on the 3Q13 CC that 4Q13 results would be hurt by the strong dollar and the lingering effects of the interruption in nutritionals supply in China, today’s minor sell-off probably has more to do with 2014 guidance than with 4Q13 results.

In ABT’s own PR (http://finance.yahoo.com/news/abbott-reports-fourth-quarter-full-124400257.html ), the guidance for 2014 non-GAAP EPS is $2.16-2.26, an increase of 8-13% vs the $2.01 figure in 2013.