Debt to Equity
since 2005
Calculation
Abbott Laboratories, debt to equity, long-term trends, calculation
| Debt to equity | = | Total debt1 | ÷ | Total Abbott shareholders’ investment1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2024 | 0.30 | = | 14,125) | ÷ | 47,664) |
| Dec 31, 2023 | 0.38 | = | 14,679) | ÷ | 38,603) |
| Dec 31, 2022 | 0.46 | = | 16,773) | ÷ | 36,686) |
| Dec 31, 2021 | 0.50 | = | 18,050) | ÷ | 35,802) |
| Dec 31, 2020 | 0.57 | = | 18,747) | ÷ | 32,784) |
| Dec 31, 2019 | 0.58 | = | 18,139) | ÷ | 31,088) |
| Dec 31, 2018 | 0.64 | = | 19,566) | ÷ | 30,524) |
| Dec 31, 2017 | 0.90 | = | 27,924) | ÷ | 30,897) |
| Dec 31, 2016 | 1.07 | = | 22,006) | ÷ | 20,538) |
| Dec 31, 2015 | 0.42 | = | 9,001) | ÷ | 21,211) |
| Dec 31, 2014 | 0.36 | = | 7,845) | ÷ | 21,526) |
| Dec 31, 2013 | 0.26 | = | 6,561) | ÷ | 25,171) |
| Dec 31, 2012 | 0.77 | = | 20,476) | ÷ | 26,721) |
| Dec 31, 2011 | 0.63 | = | 15,415) | ÷ | 24,440) |
| Dec 31, 2010 | 0.85 | = | 18,918) | ÷ | 22,388) |
| Dec 31, 2009 | 0.72 | = | 16,456) | ÷ | 22,856) |
| Dec 31, 2008 | 0.65 | = | 11,445) | ÷ | 17,480) |
| Dec 31, 2007 | 0.69 | = | 12,214) | ÷ | 17,779) |
| Dec 31, 2006 | 0.88 | = | 12,411) | ÷ | 14,054) |
| Dec 31, 2005 | 0.46 | = | 6,634) | ÷ | 14,415) |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
The analysis of the financial data reveals several noteworthy trends in the company's capital structure over the period from 2005 to 2024. The measures of total debt, total shareholders' equity, and the debt-to-equity ratio provide insights into the company's leverage and financial strategy.
- Total Debt
- Total debt experienced considerable fluctuations throughout the period. Starting at approximately $6.6 billion in 2005, the debt level rose sharply by 2006, nearly doubling to over $12.4 billion. It remained relatively high with some variability until 2009, when it peaked at $16.5 billion. After peaking again around 2010 at $18.9 billion, debt decreased in 2011 but surged in 2012 to a new high near $20.5 billion. Subsequently, a marked decline occurred from 2012 through 2015, dropping to about $9 billion. However, in 2016 and 2017, total debt sharply increased again, reaching its highest observed value of $27.9 billion in 2017. From 2018 onward, a general downward trend in debt is evident, declining consistently to $14.1 billion by 2024.
- Total Abbott Shareholders' Investment
- Shareholders’ equity showed a generally upward trajectory across the analysis period. Beginning at approximately $14.4 billion in 2005, equity remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations until 2008. After 2008, equity increased steadily, reaching around $22.9 billion in 2009 and continuing this upward trend to about $26.7 billion by 2012. A brief dip occurred during 2013 and 2014 but was followed by growth resuming from 2015 onward. From 2016 forward, equity escalated significantly, surpassing $30 billion in 2017 and maintaining a rising trend to reach $47.7 billion by 2024, reflecting strengthening ownership value and retained earnings.
- Debt to Equity Ratio
- The debt-to-equity ratio mirrors the interplay between debt and equity levels and signals changes in financial leverage. The ratio rose from 0.46 in 2005 to a peak of 0.88 in 2006, coinciding with the increase in debt. It then fell steadily to a low of 0.26 in 2013, reflecting a period where equity growth outpaced debt accumulation. Starting in 2014, the ratio climbed notably, exceeding 1.0 in 2016, indicating a phase where debt surpassed shareholders’ equity. Subsequently, from 2017 onward, the ratio decreased progressively, falling from 0.9 to 0.3 by 2024. This reduction corresponds with both decreasing debt levels and the substantial growth in equity, showcasing a strategic move towards deleveraging and strengthening the balance sheet.
Overall, the data reveals a cyclical pattern of increasing and then decreasing debt levels, with consistent growth in shareholders’ equity. The company experienced periods of higher leverage, particularly around 2016-2017, followed by a deliberate reduction in debt and strengthening of equity in recent years, enhancing financial stability and lowering risk. The declining debt-to-equity ratio in the final years underscores a conservative capital structure strategy focused on reducing reliance on debt financing while expanding shareholder value.
Comparison to Competitors
Abbott Laboratories, debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to competitors
| Abbott Laboratories | CVS Health Corp. | Elevance Health Inc. | Intuitive Surgical Inc. | Medtronic PLC | UnitedHealth Group Inc. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2024 | 0.30 | 0.88 | 0.76 | 0.00 | 0.50 | 0.83 |
| Dec 31, 2023 | 0.38 | 0.81 | 0.64 | 0.00 | 0.47 | 0.70 |
| Dec 31, 2022 | 0.46 | 0.74 | 0.66 | 0.00 | 0.46 | 0.74 |
| Dec 31, 2021 | 0.50 | 0.75 | 0.64 | 0.00 | 0.51 | 0.64 |
| Dec 31, 2020 | 0.57 | 0.93 | 0.60 | 0.00 | 0.49 | 0.66 |
| Dec 31, 2019 | 0.58 | 1.07 | 0.63 | 0.00 | 0.51 | 0.71 |
| Dec 31, 2018 | 0.64 | 1.26 | 0.67 | 0.00 | 0.51 | 0.71 |
| Dec 31, 2017 | 0.90 | 0.72 | 0.75 | 0.00 | 0.66 | 0.66 |
| Dec 31, 2016 | 1.07 | 0.75 | 0.63 | 0.00 | 0.60 | 0.86 |
| Dec 31, 2015 | 0.42 | 0.74 | 0.69 | 0.00 | 0.68 | 0.95 |
| Dec 31, 2014 | 0.36 | 0.34 | 0.62 | 0.00 | 0.61 | 0.54 |
| Dec 31, 2013 | 0.26 | 0.35 | 0.59 | 0.00 | 0.57 | 0.52 |
| Dec 31, 2012 | 0.77 | 0.26 | 0.63 | 0.00 | 0.62 | 0.54 |
| Dec 31, 2011 | 0.63 | 0.26 | 0.42 | 0.00 | 0.62 | 0.41 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | 0.85 | 0.27 | 0.38 | 0.00 | 0.65 | 0.43 |
| Dec 31, 2009 | 0.72 | 0.31 | 0.34 | 0.00 | 0.57 | 0.47 |
| Dec 31, 2008 | 0.65 | 0.34 | 0.41 | 0.00 | 0.60 | 0.62 |
| Dec 31, 2007 | 0.69 | 0.33 | 0.39 | 0.00 | 0.55 | 0.55 |
| Dec 31, 2006 | 0.88 | 0.51 | 0.29 | 0.00 | 0.84 | 0.36 |
| Dec 31, 2005 | 0.46 | 0.26 | 0.27 | 0.00 | 0.23 | 0.40 |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).
Comparison to Sector (Health Care Equipment & Services)
Abbott Laboratories, debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to sector (health care equipment & services)
| Abbott Laboratories | Health Care Equipment & Services | |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2024 | 0.30 | 0.66 |
| Dec 31, 2023 | 0.38 | 0.61 |
| Dec 31, 2022 | 0.46 | 0.61 |
| Dec 31, 2021 | 0.50 | 0.60 |
| Dec 31, 2020 | 0.57 | 0.66 |
| Dec 31, 2019 | 0.58 | 0.71 |
| Dec 31, 2018 | 0.64 | 0.77 |
| Dec 31, 2017 | 0.90 | 0.71 |
| Dec 31, 2016 | 1.07 | 0.73 |
| Dec 31, 2015 | 0.42 | 0.70 |
| Dec 31, 2014 | 0.36 | 0.47 |
| Dec 31, 2013 | 0.26 | 0.44 |
| Dec 31, 2012 | 0.77 | 0.52 |
| Dec 31, 2011 | 0.63 | 0.43 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | 0.85 | 0.46 |
| Dec 31, 2009 | 0.72 | 0.45 |
| Dec 31, 2008 | 0.65 | 0.48 |
| Dec 31, 2007 | 0.69 | 0.47 |
| Dec 31, 2006 | 0.88 | 0.50 |
| Dec 31, 2005 | 0.46 | 0.33 |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).
Comparison to Industry (Health Care)
Abbott Laboratories, debt to equity, long-term trends, comparison to industry (health care)
| Abbott Laboratories | Health Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2024 | 0.30 | 0.87 |
| Dec 31, 2023 | 0.38 | 0.82 |
| Dec 31, 2022 | 0.46 | 0.73 |
| Dec 31, 2021 | 0.50 | 0.79 |
| Dec 31, 2020 | 0.57 | 0.92 |
| Dec 31, 2019 | 0.58 | 0.92 |
| Dec 31, 2018 | 0.64 | 0.86 |
| Dec 31, 2017 | 0.90 | 0.81 |
| Dec 31, 2016 | 1.07 | 0.76 |
| Dec 31, 2015 | 0.42 | 0.69 |
| Dec 31, 2014 | 0.36 | 0.52 |
| Dec 31, 2013 | 0.26 | 0.49 |
| Dec 31, 2012 | 0.77 | 0.51 |
| Dec 31, 2011 | 0.63 | 0.45 |
| Dec 31, 2010 | 0.85 | 0.42 |
| Dec 31, 2009 | 0.72 | 0.41 |
| Dec 31, 2008 | 0.65 | 0.41 |
| Dec 31, 2007 | 0.69 | 0.36 |
| Dec 31, 2006 | 0.88 | 0.33 |
| Dec 31, 2005 | 0.46 | 0.30 |
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2011-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2010-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2009-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2008-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2007-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2006-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2005-12-31).