Abbott Laboratories has been in the business of improving lives for more than a century. Our 70,000 employees around the world are dedicated to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical, diagnostic, nutritional and hospital products. To improve lives by providing cost-effective health care products and services. That's the mission of Abbott Laboratories. And it's the guiding force behind who we are and what we do.
With a shared commitment to the advancement of medical science, Abbott's employees worldwide with a presence in more than 130 countries have devoted their careers to achieving our ambitious mission. Around the world, people demand the highest quality in every product the company manufactures.
This dedication to excellence has led to an outstanding record of long-term financial performance and continuous growth. Abbott consistently ranks high in the performance measures that determine the Fortune 500 and other comparisons of the world's leading corporations. In 2002, Abbott achieved record sales and net earnings of $17.7 billion and $3.2 billion respectively, with diluted earnings per share of $2.06.
Everyday, Abbott scientists are making news by discovering innovative medical technologies to improve your health. Their efforts support our overriding objective: to improve lives.
Since our beginning, in 1888, Abbott has focused on producing innovative solutions for the rapidly changing health care marketplace. M