Using the attached earnings statement, for each period presented,

1. Compute the gross margin %

Note: Gross margin % = [(Net sales Cost of products sold)/Net sales] x 100

2. Compute the net profit margin on sales %

Note: Net profit margin % = (Net earnings/Net sales) x 100

3. Considering the 3-year trend for a. and b. above, provide a brief comment about the companys performance for:

1. Gross margin % and
2. Net profit margin %.

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statement of Earnings (in millions except per share data) Net Sales Cost of products sold, excluding amortization of intangible assets Amortization of intangible assets Research and development Selling, general and administrative Total Operating cost and Expenses Operating Earnings Interest expense Interest income Net foreign exchange (gain) loss Debt extinguishment costs Other (income) expense, net Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Taxes Taxes on Earnings from Continuing Operations Year Ended December 31 2019 2018 2017 $ 31,904 $ 30,578 $ 27,390 13,231 12,706 12,409 1,936 2,178 1,975 2,440 2,300 2,260 9,765 9,744 9,182 27,372 26,928 25,826 4,532 3,650 1,564 670 826 904 (94) (105) (124) 7 28 (34) 63 (191) (139) (1,413) 2,873 2,231 390 539 1,878 167 4,077 Earnings from Continuing Operations 3,687 2,334 353 Net Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes 34 124 Net Earnings $ 3,687 $ 2,368 $ 477 $ 2.07 $ $ Basic Earnings Per Common Share -- Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Net Earnings 1.32 0.02 1.34 0.20 0.07 0.27 $ 2.07 $ $ $ 2.06 $ $ Diluted Earnings Per Common Share -- Continuing Operations Discontinued Operations Net Earnings 1.31 0.02 1.33 0.20 0.07 0.27 $ 2.06 $ $ 1,768 13 1,758 12 1,740 9 Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Used for Basic Earnings Per Common Share Dilutive Common Stock Options Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options Outstanding Common Stock Options Having No Dilutive Effect 1,770 1,749 1,781 61 The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this statement