Abbott announces 10.1 per cent increase in worldwide sales

Abbott has announced a 10.1 per cent increase in worldwide sales to $8 billion (5.76 billion pounds), as part of its fourth-quarter results.

The company also recorded a 14 per cent growth in its diluted earnings per share – meaning it now stands at $1.06 – and a rise in global nutritional sales of 11 per cent.

Commenting on the results, Miles White, chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott, said 2008 was “highly productive and successful” for the organisation.

He added: “We significantly outperformed our original growth expectations for the year and added to our diverse portfolio with a significant number of major new product launches.”

Other figures announced by Abbott showed medical product sales increased 15.6 per cent, including a 58.9 per cent rise in global vascular therapies.

Earlier this month, the company declared its full-year earnings per share guidance for 2008 was $3.31 to $3.33.

The organisation said it expected the figure to increase to $3.65 to $3.70 this year.