Abbott Recognized for Leading Citizenship Performance for Eighth Consecutive Year by Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes

- Abbott Leads Industry in Environmental Reporting and Climate Strategy, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk and Crisis Management, and Innovative Philanthropy

ABBOTT PARK, Illinois, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today that it was included on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and North America Index for the eighth consecutive year. As a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, Abbott ranks among the top 300 of the 2,500 largest companies worldwide in corporate sustainability. The prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) recognize the leading companies in each industry sector for responsible economic, environmental and social performance. 

"By applying core capabilities and expertise in new and innovative ways, companies today can help address critical societal issues, while strengthening their business," said Katherine Pickus, divisional vice president, Global Citizenship & Policy, Abbott. "Continued recognition by Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes helps us to benchmark our efforts compared to other leading companies, and also inspires us to continue pursuing new opportunities for our business and employees to help improve lives around the world."

Abbott was named the industry sector leader in several categ*thories, including environmental reporting and climate strategy, key areas of focus in the company's comprehensive effort to safeguard the environment. Abbott also led the industry in innovative philanthropy, stakeholder engagement, and risk and crisis management.

Abbott is one of only two U.S.-headquartered companies in its industry sector to be listed on both the North America and World Indexes. The company's overall score of 76 percent is significantly higher than the average score of 48 percent for other companies in the sector.

The DJSI annual review evaluates sustainability leaders from each industry on a global and regional level, and involves thorough analyses of corporate governance, innovation, environmental standards, marketing practices, risk management, supply chain standards, labor practices and related sustainability topics, as well as sector-specific measures in expanding access, health outcomes and other areas.

About Abbott's Approach to Citizenship
Responsible 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 No. 29 on Barron's magazine 2012 ranking of the world's most respected companies. Abbott was selected by leading investment and analysis firm MSCI for inclusion on three of its sustainability indices in 2012, and the company has been included in the global 100 Best Corporate Citizens list compiled by Corporate Responsibility magazine for four consecutive years. Abbott also was named one of the top three "Best in Class" companies in its industry sector by Storebrand Investments, a leading socially responsible investment (SRI) firm, and has been included on the Ethibel Excellence Investment Register since 2005 in recognition of the company's economic, social and environmental performance.

To learn more about Abbott's sustainability initiatives and to read or download the company's 2011 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 approximately 91,000 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.