Abbott Laboratories (ABT)

Days of sales outstanding (DSO)

		Dec 31, 2023	Sep 30, 2023	Jun 30, 2023	Mar 31, 2023	Dec 31, 2022	Sep 30, 2022	Jun 30, 2022	Mar 31, 2022	Dec 31, 2021	Sep 30, 2021	Jun 30, 2021	Mar 31, 2021	Dec 31, 2020	Sep 30, 2020	Jun 30, 2020	Mar 31, 2020	Dec 31, 2019	Sep 30, 2019	Jun 30, 2019	Mar 31, 2019
Receivables turnover		6.01	6.05	6.41	6.80	6.93	6.94	6.25	6.13	6.56	6.52	6.49	6.04	5.31	5.63	6.03	5.97	5.79	5.66	5.46	5.62
DSO	days	60.77	60.32	56.91	53.71	52.67	52.58	58.36	59.57	55.66	55.97	56.20	60.45	68.71	64.81	60.53	61.10	63.08	64.50	66.80	64.90

December 31, 2023 calculation

DSO = 365 ÷ Receivables turnover
= 365 ÷ 6.01
= 60.77

To analyze Abbott Laboratories' Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) over the past eight quarters, we observe a fluctuating trend. In Q4 2023, the DSO stands at 59.74 days, slightly higher than the previous quarter's 59.36 days. Despite this minor increase, the DSO has generally been decreasing since Q1 2023 where it was at 52.94 days. This improvement indicates that the company is collecting its accounts receivable more efficiently.

Comparing the latest DSO to the same quarter a year ago, we note a year-over-year increase as in Q4 2022 the DSO was 51.99 days. However, it is important to acknowledge that the DSO can be influenced by various factors such as seasonality, payment terms, and economic conditions.

Overall, Abbott Laboratories' management of its accounts receivable appears to be relatively stable and effective, with a slight recent increase in DSO but showing a positive trend in collection efficiency over the past year.