Abbott Included on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for Six Consecutive Years in Recognition of Leading Corporate Citizenship Performance

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that it was included on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and North America Index for the sixth consecutive year.  The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) recognize the leading companies in each industry sector for responsible economic, environmental and social performance.

Abbott was named the industry leader in several categories, including a score of 100 percent in environmental management and climate strategy, key areas of focus in the company's comprehensive effort to safeguard the environment.  Abbott also led the industry in responsible marketing practices, standards for suppliers, innovative philanthropy, and employee health and safety.

Abbott is one of only two U.S.-based companies in its industry sector to be listed on both the North America and World Indexes.  The company's overall score of 84 percent is significantly higher than the average score of 53 percent for other companies in the sector.

Abbott's scores increased in 19 of 23 categories compared to the previous year, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to continuous improvement in citizenship and sustainability.  This included significant improvement in the company's efforts to improve patient health outcomes, and strengthen risk and crisis management.  

"The environments in which we operate – natural, social, economic and political – are particularly sensitive and challenging, requiring companies like Abbott to be more thoughtful than ever about the ways we operate our business," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott.  "We believe that Abbott has met that challenge, across the spectrum of its business activities."

As a member of the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, Abbott is among the top 300 of the 2,500 largest companies worldwide in terms of sustainability. The DJSI annual review considers sustainability leaders from each industry on a global and regional level, and involves thorough analyses of corporate governance, risk management, branding, climate change mitigation, supply chain standards, labor practices and related citizenship issues.

About Abbott's Approach to Citizenship

Global citizenship is an integral part of Abbott's mission to improve people's lives, focused on four key areas:  innovating for the future, enhancing access to health care, protecting patients and consumers, and safeguarding the environment.  Working in partnership with others, Abbott leverages its core business expertise and resources to create sustainable solutions in countries around the world.

In addition to being included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes, Abbott ranked sixth overall on the global "100 Best Corporate Citizens List 2010" compiled by Corporate Responsibility magazine.  The company was named one of the top three "2010 Best in Class" companies in its industry sector by Storebrand Investments, a leading socially responsible investment (SRI) firm.

FORTUNE magazine also named Abbott the No. 1 Most Admired Company in its industry sector in 2010, in part for the company's strong performance in social responsibility.  In addition to these global honors, Abbott has been recognized for its sustainability efforts in countries around the world, including Brazil, China, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Tanzania and the United States.  

To learn more about Abbott's sustainability initiatives and to read or download the company's 2009 global citizenship report, please visit www.abbott.com/citizenship.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

SOURCE Abbott