Exhibit 99.1
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Financial Review, incorporated herein by reference, and other sections of this Form 10-K contain forward-
looking statements that are based on management's current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such
as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," variations of these words and similar
expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Certain factors, including but not limited to
those listed below, may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations, estimates, projections
and from past results.
-- Economic factors including changes in the rate of inflation, business conditions, interest rates and foreign
currency exchange rates.
-- Competitive factors, including: (i) pricing pressures, both in the United States and abroad, primarily from
managed care groups and government agencies, (ii) the development of new products by competitors having
lower prices or superior performance or that are otherwise competitive with Abbott's current products, (iii)
generic competition when Abbott's products lose their patent protection, (iv) technological advances and patents
obtained by competitors and (v) problems with licensors, suppliers and distributors.
-- Difficulties and delays inherent in the development, manufacturing, marketing, or sale of products including: (i)
efficacy or safety concerns,
(ii) delays in the receipt of or the inability to obtain required approvals, (iii) the suspension or revocation of the
authority necessary for manufacture, marketing, or sale, (iv) the imposition of additional or different regulatory
requirements, such as those affecting labeling, (v) seizure or recall of products, (vi) the failure to obtain, the
imposition of limitations on the use of, or the loss of patent and other intellectual property rights, and (vii)
manufacturing or distribution problems.
-- Governmental action including: (i) new law