Abbott continues growth in third quarter of 2013

Abbott has published its financial report for the third quarter of 2013, reporting a sales total of $5.37 billion (3.33 billion pounds) for the period.

This represented a two percent year-on-year increase on an operational basis, while its adjusted diluted earnings per share came to $0.55, above the previous guidance range.

Though a sales disruption to its international nutrition business created a negative impact on its overall performance, the company was nevertheless able to record strong growth within its diagnostics and medical device segments, while its emerging market presence also increased.

Additionally, the firm's recent acquisitions of IDEV Technologies and OptiMedica are expected to expand its stature in the endovascular and laser cataract surgery markets.

Miles White, chairman and chief executive officer at Abbott, said: "We continued to have strong earnings performance, in spite of a supplier recall that impacted our international nutrition business. We also are announcing a significant increase in our quarterly dividend."

This comes after the firm was granted European CE Mark approval for its new FreeStyle Optium Neo Blood Glucose and Ketone Monitoring System last month.