Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

With doubts around geopolitical issues combined with the stock market trading near record highs, it's natural to wonder whether a painful sell-off is overdue. If it is, Abbott Laboratories (ABT -0.42%) could be one of the best dividend stocks to own through the storm. Abbott is a Dividend King, a company that has increased its dividend for at least 50 consecutive years. In Abbott's case, it has raised its dividend for the past 54 consecutive years.

If the market crashes, Abbott could provide investors with a stable income stream, helping to soften the blow as they wait for a recovery.

The bigger question now is whether Abbott can keep it going.

Image source: Getty Images.

Abbott's dividend looks sustainable, even in a slowdown In the second quarter, the company reported sales of $12.6 billion, up 13% year over year, while adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.31, beating Wall Street expectations. Management is confident that momentum can continue, as the company raised its full-year adjusted EPS forecast to between $5.45 and $5.60 per share.

Meanwhile, Abbott's dividend payout ratio is about 46%, meaning the company pays out less than half of its earnings as dividends. For dividend investors, that means Abbott earns more than enough to keep paying shareholders while still leaving room to reinvest in the business. And the more the business grows, the more it can support future dividend increases.

In fact, Abbott returned $2.1 billion to shareholders in the second quarter alone through a combination of share repurchases and dividends. Today, the stock's forward dividend yield is roughly 2.3%.

So, can Abbott keep increasing its dividends?

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New products and a major deal could lift growth in 2026 Management believes sales and earnings will accelerate in the second half of 2026, creating a favorable setup for continued dividend increases. Abbott's medical devices business has been one of its bright spots.

The segment is seeing solid growth thanks to the U.S. launch of the Volt PFA system and the international rollout of Volt and TactiFlex Duo, devices used to treat certain heart conditions.

But perhaps the biggest catalyst this year was Abbott's $21 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences. With the deal, Abbott is expanding into the fast-growing cancer diagnostics market. Granted, the acquisition closed only in March, so there is still plenty of runway ahead, especially as the new business contributes more to earnings.

Investors are already seeing promising signs that this investment is paying off. Revenue in Abbott's cancer diagnostics segment grew 13.3% in the second quarter, driven by precision oncology, international growth, and Cologuard, a noninvasive colorectal cancer screening test.

Looking ahead, this segment is well-positioned to deliver stronger growth in the second half of the year, especially as Abbott ramps up newly launched tests, care gap programs, and overseas expansion.

So, what do analysts think about Abbott stock?

Should dividend investors consider buying Abbott now? For dividend investors who own Abbott, the appeal is a compelling combination of income and stability. The company has raised its dividend for more than five decades, and its latest results prove that earnings and cash flow can support future payouts.

At the same time, Abbott's medical devices and cancer diagnostics businesses provide clear avenues for growth. If those segments continue to expand and generate cash, they could give Abbott an even stronger cushion to maintain and potentially raise its dividend, even if the broader market stumbles.

Wall Street appears bullish, with analyst offering "strong buy" rating on average. If a crash happens, investors will likely want holdings that can keep paying them while they wait it out, and Abbott Laboratories fits that profile.

In the latest close session, Abbott (ABT - Free Report) was up +1.41% at $110.47. This move outpaced the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.46%. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.56%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 0.45%.

The maker of infant formula, medical devices and drugs's shares have seen an increase of 3.29% over the last month, not keeping up with the Medical sector's gain of 4.16% and outstripping the S&P 500's gain of 2%.

The upcoming earnings release of Abbott will be of great interest to investors. In that report, analysts expect Abbott to post earnings of $1.43 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 10%. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $12.91 billion, reflecting a 13.52% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.

Looking at the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $5.52 per share and revenue of $50.32 billion. These totals would mark changes of +7.18% and +13.51%, respectively, from last year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Abbott. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.

Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.03% higher. Right now, Abbott possesses a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

In the context of valuation, Abbott is at present trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 19.73. This signifies a discount in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 21.18 for its industry.

One should further note that ABT currently holds a PEG ratio of 2.02. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. As the market closed yesterday, the Medical - Products industry was having an average PEG ratio of 1.88.

The Medical - Products industry is part of the Medical sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 97, putting it in the top 40% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.

Aberdeen Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 9,291 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock, valued at approximately $843,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Visionary Wealth Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 2nd quarter worth $348,000. Ames National Corp purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the 2nd quarter valued at about $211,000. Asset One Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the 2nd quarter valued at about $328,000. Safeguard Investment Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the second quarter valued at about $273,000. Finally, Ally Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the second quarter worth about $7,350,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ABT has been the subject of several research reports. BTIG Research lifted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $131.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, July 17th. Piper Sandler restated an “overweight” rating and set a $118.00 price target (up from $115.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $109.00 to $112.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Wolfe Research upgraded Abbott Laboratories from a “peer perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $130.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday, July 17th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $119.50.

Check Out Our Latest Report on ABT Abbott Laboratories News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: New infant formula expands Abbott’s nutrition portfolio. Abbott launched Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk, described as the first commercially sterile, ready-to-feed liquid whole-milk infant formula available in the U.S. The product targets growing parental interest in whole-milk formulas while offering convenience at a price similar to Similac’s powdered formula. Wider distribution and consumer adoption could provide incremental growth for Abbott’s Nutrition segment. Abbott launches whole-milk liquid infant formula Positive Sentiment: Analysts remain optimistic despite relative underperformance. Coverage notes that ABT has lagged the broader healthcare sector over the past year, but Wall Street analysts continue to express confidence in the company’s outlook. Recent earnings also showed revenue growth, an earnings-per-share beat and reaffirmed 2026 guidance, supporting the bullish view. Abbott stock and healthcare-sector performance Neutral Sentiment: Abbott is positioning the launch around changing consumer and policy preferences. The whole-milk formula introduction aligns with interest in “Make America Healthy Again” themes, but the financial impact will depend on demand, pricing and market share gains. Abbott and the Make America Healthy Again movement Negative Sentiment: Formula-related advertising scrutiny remains a risk. In a challenge brought by Abbott, the National Advertising Division supported certain Kendamil whole-milk claims but recommended that other nutritional, ingredient and heritage claims be modified or discontinued. The decision is not a direct finding against Abbott, but it highlights competitive scrutiny in the infant-formula market. NAD decision on Kendamil infant formula claims Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $108.86 on Wednesday. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $81.97 and a one year high of $137.49. The company has a market cap of $188.37 billion, a PE ratio of 35.23, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.38. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $103.43 and a 200-day simple moving average of $100.09.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.69%. The company had revenue of $12.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $12.52 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.26 EPS. The firm’s revenue was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 17th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th were issued a dividend of $0.63 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 81.55%.

Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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E Fund Management Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 9,773 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock, valued at approximately $887,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of ABT. J. Stern & Co. LLP boosted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 12,439.6% in the fourth quarter. J. Stern & Co. LLP now owns 39,319,009 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $4,926,279,000 after acquiring an additional 39,005,451 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $2,938,892,000. Flossbach Von Storch SE bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the second quarter valued at $902,938,000. BlackRock Inc. raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 4.6% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 152,563,476 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $13,843,610,000 after buying an additional 6,769,518 shares during the period. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 217.0% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 5,522,222 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $566,967,000 after buying an additional 3,780,402 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the company’s stock.

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance ABT stock opened at $112.63 on Monday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $102.61 and a 200-day moving average of $100.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $194.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.59. Abbott Laboratories has a 12 month low of $81.97 and a 12 month high of $137.49. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.69%. The business had revenue of $12.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $12.52 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.26 EPS. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 17th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th were paid a $0.63 dividend. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio is currently 81.55%.

Trending Headlines about Abbott Laboratories Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: The FDA approved Abbott’s Libre Duo 10 Day Continuous Dual Glucose Ketone Monitoring System for diabetes patients age two and older. The wearable is the first of its kind to track both glucose and ketones, strengthening Abbott’s position in diabetes care and creating potential for future integration with insulin-pump systems. FDA Approves Abbott’s First Wearable Device for Dual Ketone and Glucose Tracking Positive Sentiment: Abbott received the European CE Mark for its next-generation Amulet 360 left atrial appendage occluder. The device is designed to reduce stroke risk in certain atrial-fibrillation patients and may reduce reliance on blood-thinning medication, supporting growth in Abbott’s structural-heart business. Abbott’s next-generation Amulet 360 device receives CE Mark Positive Sentiment: Analyst coverage remains supportive, with TD Cowen expecting Abbott’s stock to rise. Separately, Zacks highlighted ABT as a strong long-term momentum candidate, suggesting improving price trends and investor interest despite its premium valuation. TD Cowen Analyst Says Abbott Stock Price Expected to Rise Neutral Sentiment: Abbott’s latest reported quarter exceeded consensus estimates, with earnings and revenue growing year over year. Management’s 2026 earnings guidance also points to continued expansion, but ABT’s elevated price-to-earnings ratio leaves the stock sensitive to execution and valuation concerns. Negative Sentiment: Recent coverage noted that Abbott shares fell 2.2% in the prior session even as the broader market advanced, reflecting near-term underperformance and possible profit-taking. The stock remains well below its 12-month high, so investors may want evidence that the new devices translate into meaningful sales growth. Abbott Stock Sinks as Market Gains Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on ABT shares. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $121.00 to $113.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, May 27th. Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $108.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $102.00 in a research note on Friday, June 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 6th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have assigned a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $119.50.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ABT

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

Read More Five stocks we like better than Abbott Laboratories Strike a Balance Between Growth and Stability With These 3 Names Ready to Rally Rubrik’s AI Security Bet Could Power the Next Leg Higher Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Be a Catalyst, But Not a Cure-All Snowflake Is Up Nearly 50% in 2026—What Are Short Sellers Betting Against? Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

Advisors Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 48,015 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock, valued at approximately $4,357,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. MidAtlantic Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Cornerstone Financial Management LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Purpose Unlimited Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Portfolio Resources Advisor Group Inc. bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Finally, Abound Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the company’s stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $109.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Robert W. Baird initiated coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Wednesday, July 1st. They set an “outperform” rating and a $121.00 price target on the stock. Wolfe Research raised Abbott Laboratories from a “peer perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $130.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 13th. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $115.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 25th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $119.50.

Get Our Latest Analysis on ABT Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.1% Shares of ABT stock opened at $112.63 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Abbott Laboratories has a 12 month low of $81.97 and a 12 month high of $137.49. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $102.61 and a 200-day moving average of $100.14. The firm has a market cap of $194.89 billion, a PE ratio of 36.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.59.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $12.59 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.52 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.69%. The business’s revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.26 EPS. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 EPS for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 15th were paid a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. Abbott Laboratories’s payout ratio is currently 81.55%.

Key Headlines Impacting Abbott Laboratories Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: The FDA approved Abbott’s Libre Duo 10 Day Continuous Dual Glucose Ketone Monitoring System for diabetes patients age two and older. The wearable is the first of its kind to track both glucose and ketones, strengthening Abbott’s position in diabetes care and creating potential for future integration with insulin-pump systems. FDA Approves Abbott’s First Wearable Device for Dual Ketone and Glucose Tracking Positive Sentiment: Abbott received the European CE Mark for its next-generation Amulet 360 left atrial appendage occluder. The device is designed to reduce stroke risk in certain atrial-fibrillation patients and may reduce reliance on blood-thinning medication, supporting growth in Abbott’s structural-heart business. Abbott’s next-generation Amulet 360 device receives CE Mark Positive Sentiment: Analyst coverage remains supportive, with TD Cowen expecting Abbott’s stock to rise. Separately, Zacks highlighted ABT as a strong long-term momentum candidate, suggesting improving price trends and investor interest despite its premium valuation. TD Cowen Analyst Says Abbott Stock Price Expected to Rise Neutral Sentiment: Abbott’s latest reported quarter exceeded consensus estimates, with earnings and revenue growing year over year. Management’s 2026 earnings guidance also points to continued expansion, but ABT’s elevated price-to-earnings ratio leaves the stock sensitive to execution and valuation concerns. Negative Sentiment: Recent coverage noted that Abbott shares fell 2.2% in the prior session even as the broader market advanced, reflecting near-term underperformance and possible profit-taking. The stock remains well below its 12-month high, so investors may want evidence that the new devices translate into meaningful sales growth. Abbott Stock Sinks as Market Gains (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

Read More Five stocks we like better than Abbott Laboratories Strike a Balance Between Growth and Stability With These 3 Names Ready to Rally Rubrik’s AI Security Bet Could Power the Next Leg Higher Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Be a Catalyst, But Not a Cure-All Snowflake Is Up Nearly 50% in 2026—What Are Short Sellers Betting Against? Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

New Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk combines creamy whole milk for a fat blend that more closely resembles the fats in breast milk and five immune-nourishing prebiotics to help support baby's natural defenses—making it Similac's closest formula to breast milk Abbott's liquid-only launch reflects growing parent interest in infant formulas made with whole milk while offering the convenience and reassurance that comes with commercially sterile, ready-to-feed formula Product is available at prices similar to the per-feeding cost of powdered Similac 360 Total Care and is available online and at major U.S. retailers , /PRNewswire/ -- Parents looking for an infant formula made with whole milk now have a new option. Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced the launch of Similac® 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk—the first and only commercially sterile, ready-to-feed liquid infant formula made with whole milk in the United States. This new formula is available at launch pricing similar to the per-feeding cost of Similac 360 Total Care powdered infant formulas.

Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk Ready to Feed

Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk Ready to Feed

Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk Ready to Feed

Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk Ready to Feed

Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk Ready to Feed

Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk Ready to Feed Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/abbott/9415851-en-abbott-launches-similac-360-total-care-made-with-whole-milk

Infant formulas made with whole milk have become a popular choice because they provide a fat blend that more closely resembles the fats found in breast milk. Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk is Similac's closest formula to breast milk. It combines whole milk and an exclusive blend of five human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are prebiotics structurally identical to five of those found in breast milk. This formula is designed to help support a baby's immune system, brain development, and digestive health. Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk is also non-GMOi and does not contain artificial growth hormonesii, corn syrup or palm olein oil.

"Parents have been asking for more whole milk options, and we wanted to give them something they couldn't get anywhere else," said Misha Pardubicka-Jenkins, Abbott's U.S. vice president and general manager for pediatric nutrition. "We decided on a liquid-only approach to give families the benefits of whole milk, the convenience of a formula that's ready when baby is, and the reassurance that comes with a commercially sterile liquid formula. And through launch, we'll make it accessible to more families by offering it at powder-like prices."

Abbott made the decision to bring this new formula to American families in a commercially sterile, liquid offering only. This gives parents the choice of formula made with whole milk in a convenient, ready-to-feed format, and it provides the inherent peace of mind that comes with liquid infant formulas. Unlike powdered formula, ready-to-feed liquid formula requires no preparation. Parents can simply open and feed, whether at home, while traveling or during overnight feedings. Whether powder or liquid, parents can use all Similac formulas confidently.

"As a pediatrician, I've spent decades helping parents navigate infant feeding, so I know how meaningful it is to find a formula option parents feel confident choosing," said Karyn Wulf, M.D., pediatrician and senior medical director in Abbott's nutrition division. "All Similac formulas start with high-quality ingredients that provide the essential nutrition babies need to grow and develop. Ready-to-feed infant formulas offer parents convenience because they require no mixing and the reassurance that comes with a commercially sterile liquid."

Availability and pricing
Starting today, Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk is available at Target and Amazon. Over the coming weeks, customers can find the liquid formula at Walmart and additional retail and club locations, grocers and pharmacy chains.

While liquid infant formulas typically cost more than powdered, Abbott is launching the 8 fl oz and 32 fl oz sizes of Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk at prices similar to the per-feeding cost of Similac 360 Total Care powdered infant formulas. This gives more families access to the convenience of ready-to-feed formula at pricing similar to powder.

Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk joins Abbott's extensive portfolio of infant formulas and expands feeding options for families seeking a formula made with whole milk. Each batch of Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk will be produced at Abbott's own manufacturing facility in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Abbott discontinuing its original Similac 360 Total Care liquid infant formula?
No. For parents who prefer the original Similac 360 Total Care formula, that product will remain in 2 fl oz and 8 fl oz ready-to-feed format. Nothing changes in our original Similac 360 Total Care powdered formulas, which will still be available at various sizes and price points.

What does it mean for an infant formula to be commercially sterile?
While all formulas, including powdered formulas, are manufactured to eliminate potentially harmful microorganisms, commercial sterility means a liquid infant formula has undergone an additional, carefully controlled, validated heat treatment process designed to eliminate spores of potentially harmful microorganisms, particularly Clostridium spores. The nutritional quality of all Abbott's liquid, ready-to-feed infant formulas is maintained throughout the heat treatment process. All of Abbott's liquid, ready-to-feed infant formulas are commercially sterile.

Why are liquid, ready-to-feed infant formulas considered a safer formula option for certain babies?
Ready-to-feed liquid formulas are often used for convenience, especially in those late-night hours when mixing formula is less than ideal. However, both FDA and CDC advise parents of infants under two months of age and those with weakened immune systems should also consider feeding a commercially sterile liquid formula for infants not receiving breast milk.

Are powdered infant formulas safe?
Yes. Parents can continue using Similac powdered infant formulas with confidence, knowing that we design our manufacturing processes to help prevent the presence and growth of potentially harmful bacteria across both liquid and powder formula production. All of Abbott's powdered infant formulas are manufactured under rigorous quality and safety controls and meet or exceed industry regulations for infant formula testing.

About Similac®
Similac has been feeding babies for more than 100 years. Backed by Abbott's science and research, Similac is committed to supporting parents with high-quality infant nutrition that meets a wide variety of babies' needs and parents' preferences. Connect with us at Similac.com and on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. Connect with us at abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

i *Ingredients not genetically engineered

ii Milk ingredients are derived from milk of non-rbST-treated cows, which is not different from milk of rbST-treated cows.

SOURCE Abbott

Bank Hapoalim BM boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) by 80.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 12,765 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 5,699 shares during the quarter. Bank Hapoalim BM’s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $1,158,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Cornerstone Financial Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. MidAtlantic Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Purpose Unlimited Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at about $25,000. Portfolio Resources Advisor Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the fourth quarter valued at about $26,000. Finally, Abound Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the fourth quarter worth about $26,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the company’s stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. BTIG Research raised their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $131.00 to $134.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an “outperform” rating and set a $130.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Friday, July 17th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $125.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 28th. Weiss Ratings raised Abbott Laboratories from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 6th. Finally, Piper Sandler reaffirmed an “overweight” rating and issued a $118.00 target price (up from $115.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have given a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $119.50.

Get Our Latest Research Report on Abbott Laboratories Abbott Laboratories Price Performance Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $116.12 on Wednesday. The business’s fifty day moving average price is $101.15 and its 200 day moving average price is $100.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $200.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.58, a PEG ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $81.97 and a twelve month high of $137.49.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.28 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.69%. The business had revenue of $12.59 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.52 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.26 EPS. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th were paid a dividend of $0.63 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 81.55%.

Key Headlines Impacting Abbott Laboratories Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: The FDA authorized Abbott’s Libre Duo 10 Day, the first continuous monitor designed to track both glucose and ketone levels. The device could strengthen Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre ecosystem, help identify rising ketones before diabetic ketoacidosis emergencies, and support compatibility with automated insulin-delivery systems. Reuters article Positive Sentiment: TD Cowen raised its price target for ABT to $135 from $115 and maintained a “buy” rating. The upgrade signals confidence in Abbott’s growth prospects, particularly in continuous glucose monitoring and medical devices. Benzinga article Positive Sentiment: Medtronic’s MiniMed Flex insulin pump has begun shipping with an Abbott-made glucose sensor, expanding the potential distribution and application of Abbott’s sensor technology in automated insulin delivery. MedTech Dive article Neutral Sentiment: Recent comparisons portray Abbott as a relatively attractive healthcare and continuous glucose monitoring investment, citing valuation, liquidity and price-target upside. These assessments may support sentiment but do not represent new company operating results. Yahoo Finance article Negative Sentiment: Abbott agreed to pay $670 million to settle claims that its specialized premature-infant formulas contributed to necrotizing enterocolitis. The settlement removes some litigation uncertainty but highlights continuing legal and financial risks. Insider Monkey article Negative Sentiment: Diagnostics growth remains uneven: strong routine testing and 13% cancer-diagnostics growth are being partly offset by weaker respiratory testing demand. This could temper near-term revenue momentum. Yahoo Finance article (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 152,563,476 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after acquiring an additional 6,769,518 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. owned approximately 8.82% of Abbott Laboratories worth $13,843,610,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. MidAtlantic Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Cornerstone Financial Management LLC acquired a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the fourth quarter worth approximately $25,000. Purpose Unlimited Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Portfolio Resources Advisor Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at $26,000. Finally, Abound Financial LLC acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the fourth quarter valued at $26,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the company’s stock.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance ABT opened at $112.63 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $102.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.22. The stock has a market cap of $194.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.45, a P/E/G ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 0.59. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $81.97 and a 1-year high of $137.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 1.38 and a quick ratio of 0.97.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $12.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.52 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.69% and a net margin of 11.65%.Abbott Laboratories’s revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.26 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th were given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio is currently 81.55%.

Trending Headlines about Abbott Laboratories Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: The FDA approved Abbott’s Libre Duo 10 Day Continuous Dual Glucose Ketone Monitoring System for diabetes patients age two and older. The wearable is the first of its kind to track both glucose and ketones, strengthening Abbott’s position in diabetes care and creating potential for future integration with insulin-pump systems. FDA Approves Abbott’s First Wearable Device for Dual Ketone and Glucose Tracking Positive Sentiment: Abbott received the European CE Mark for its next-generation Amulet 360 left atrial appendage occluder. The device is designed to reduce stroke risk in certain atrial-fibrillation patients and may reduce reliance on blood-thinning medication, supporting growth in Abbott’s structural-heart business. Abbott’s next-generation Amulet 360 device receives CE Mark Positive Sentiment: Analyst coverage remains supportive, with TD Cowen expecting Abbott’s stock to rise. Separately, Zacks highlighted ABT as a strong long-term momentum candidate, suggesting improving price trends and investor interest despite its premium valuation. TD Cowen Analyst Says Abbott Stock Price Expected to Rise Neutral Sentiment: Abbott’s latest reported quarter exceeded consensus estimates, with earnings and revenue growing year over year. Management’s 2026 earnings guidance also points to continued expansion, but ABT’s elevated price-to-earnings ratio leaves the stock sensitive to execution and valuation concerns. Negative Sentiment: Recent coverage noted that Abbott shares fell 2.2% in the prior session even as the broader market advanced, reflecting near-term underperformance and possible profit-taking. The stock remains well below its 12-month high, so investors may want evidence that the new devices translate into meaningful sales growth. Abbott Stock Sinks as Market Gains Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an “outperform” rating and issued a $130.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Friday, July 17th. Weiss Ratings raised Abbott Laboratories from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a report on Thursday, August 6th. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $102.00 in a research report on Friday, June 12th. Robert W. Baird began coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Wednesday, July 1st. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $121.00 price target for the company. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $108.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $119.50.

View Our Latest Report on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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Golden Reserve Retirement LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) by 155.2% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,138 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after acquiring an additional 5,557 shares during the quarter. Golden Reserve Retirement LLC’s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $829,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Freemont Management S.A. increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 197.2% in the 4th quarter. Freemont Management S.A. now owns 10,700 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $1,341,000 after acquiring an additional 7,100 shares during the period. PFA Pension Forsikringsaktieselskab acquired a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth about $116,580,000. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 24.3% during the 4th quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 246,586 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $30,931,000 after purchasing an additional 48,286 shares during the last quarter. Aureus Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 25.0% in the first quarter. Aureus Asset Management LLC now owns 331,920 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $34,078,000 after purchasing an additional 66,422 shares during the last quarter. Finally, North Dakota State Investment Board acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the fourth quarter worth about $7,439,000. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance NYSE:ABT opened at $116.70 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $201.94 billion, a PE ratio of 37.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.59. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $81.97 and a 52 week high of $137.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The stock’s 50-day moving average price is $100.64 and its 200-day moving average price is $100.03.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.28 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.69% and a net margin of 11.65%.The business had revenue of $12.59 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $12.52 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.26 earnings per share. The business’s revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th were given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 81.55%.

Key Abbott Laboratories News Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: New diabetes-device opportunity: Medtronic has begun shipping its MiniMed Flex insulin pump, which uses an Abbott-made glucose sensor. The launch and accompanying marketing campaign could expand Abbott’s sensor presence in the growing diabetes-care market. MiniMed starts shipping new insulin pump with Abbott-made sensor Positive Sentiment: Underlying business remains diversified: Analyst commentary highlights Abbott’s established diagnostics, medical-device and nutrition franchises, along with long-term growth opportunities. Its latest reported quarter also exceeded consensus earnings and revenue estimates, with revenue up 13% year over year. Ken Griffin Just Loaded Up on AbbVie and Abbott Neutral Sentiment: Formula litigation clarity: Abbott agreed to pay approximately $670 million to resolve the Gill case and about 2,000 additional necrotizing-enterocolitis claims without admitting liability. The settlement is costly, but it removes uncertainty tied to a large jury award and provides greater visibility into remaining litigation exposure. How Investors Are Reacting To Abbott Laboratories US$670 Million NEC Settlement Neutral Sentiment: Investor comparisons are favorable but valuation-sensitive: Articles describe Abbott as a potential long-term healthcare and dividend investment, though comparisons with Envista, Intuitive Surgical, Thermo Fisher and Johnson & Johnson emphasize differing growth, recovery and valuation profiles. NVST or ABT: Which Is the Better Value Stock Right Now? Negative Sentiment: Diagnostics growth is uneven: Weaker respiratory-testing demand is offsetting healthy routine testing and approximately 13% growth in cancer diagnostics. This mix could moderate near-term Diagnostics momentum despite strength in higher-growth categories. Here’s What Is Shaping Abbott’s Diagnostics Growth Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently weighed in on ABT. TD Cowen reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $115.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Friday, July 17th. Robert W. Baird assumed coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Wednesday, July 1st. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $121.00 price objective on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Wolfe Research upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a “peer perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and set a $130.00 target price for the company in a research report on Thursday, August 13th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $125.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 28th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $118.67.

View Our Latest Stock Report on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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Key Takeaways Abbott's Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics sales fell 8% as respiratory virus testing declined. ABT's Cancer Diagnostics sales rose 13%, driven by mid-teens Cologuard growth and oncology gains. Respiratory testing variability may keep Abbott's quarterly Diagnostics growth uneven. Abbott Laboratories’ (ABT - Free Report) Diagnostics business continues to face some near-term variability from the seasonal nature of respiratory testing, even as its underlying routine-testing and cancer franchises remain healthy. In the second quarter of 2026, Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics sales declined 8% on a comparable basis, driven by the anticipated falloff in respiratory virus testing following a weaker-than-normal respiratory season. This creates a difficult mix dynamic because fluctuations in flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory testing volumes can meaningfully affect quarterly growth despite relatively stable demand elsewhere in the Diagnostics business.  

However, the Cancer Diagnostics arm helped offset the weakness in respiratory testing. The segment’s sales grew 13% in the second quarter, driven by mid-teens growth in Cologuard. Growth also came from new and repeat Cologuard users, along with contributions from precision oncology and international markets. Accordingly, Abbott’s Diagnostics outlook is increasingly supported by Cancer Diagnostics rather than respiratory testing.

Thus, even with solid routine laboratory demand and expanding oncology testing, the segment’s quarterly growth rate can remain uneven because the timing and severity of respiratory outbreaks are difficult to forecast.

Peer UpdateRespiratory testing remains a swing factor for QuidelOrtho’s (QDEL - Free Report) revenues, mix and cash conversion. For the first six months of 2026, respiratory products accounted for 9% of total revenues compared with 13% in the prior-year period, as weaker flu and COVID-19 demand weighed on results. Although second-quarter 2026 Point of Care revenues increased 16% year over year, management said respiratory positivity rates remained markedly below 2025 levels.

Softness in the molecular diagnostics business due to sluggish demand for respiratory disease tests has been weighing on the performance of the Danaher’s (DHR - Free Report) Diagnostics segment. Volume-based procurement and increased reimbursement changes in China are concerning as well. The segment’s core revenues declined 4% on a year-over-year basis in the first quarter of 2026. However, solid momentum in the clinical diagnostics businesses, led by growth in the Beckman Colter Diagnostics unit, has been buoying the segment. 

ABT Price PerformanceIn the past year, Abbott shares have plunged 11.6% compared with the industry’s 22.9% decline. 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Expensive ValuationABT currently trades at a forward 12-month Price-to-Sales (P/S) of 3.81X compared with the industry’s median of 2.81X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ABT Stock Estimate TrendIn the past 30 days, ABT’s EPS estimate for 2026 has remained unchanged.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ABT stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

D.A. Davidson & CO. trimmed its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) by 20.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 148,208 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after selling 38,578 shares during the quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO.’s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $13,448,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of ABT. MidAtlantic Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the fourth quarter worth $25,000. Cornerstone Financial Management LLC purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at $25,000. Purpose Unlimited Inc. bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Portfolio Resources Advisor Group Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the fourth quarter valued at about $26,000. Finally, Abound Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the fourth quarter valued at about $26,000. Institutional investors own 75.18% of the company’s stock.

Abbott Laboratories News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: Abbott’s Instinct continuous glucose sensor is now commercially shipping in the U.S. integrated with MiniMed’s Flex automated insulin-delivery system. The partnership expands Abbott’s presence in diabetes technology and could support sensor adoption and recurring revenue. MiniMed Ships MiniMed Flex With Abbott’s Smallest Instinct Sensor Positive Sentiment: Abbott also entered a multiyear agreement with HealthTab to distribute its Afinion 2 point-of-care analyzers through NHS-linked pharmacies in the United Kingdom. The deal may broaden access to Abbott’s HbA1c and lipid-testing products, although financial details were not disclosed. HealthTab Enters Multi-Year Collaboration Agreement with Abbott Neutral Sentiment: Abbott agreed to pay approximately $670 million to resolve the Gill case and claims from roughly 2,000 individuals involving specialty formulas for premature infants. The settlement resolves a portion of the litigation, including the appeal of a prior $495 million verdict, reducing uncertainty and potentially avoiding additional legal costs. Abbott denied that its products cause necrotizing enterocolitis and said regulators and medical professionals consider the formulas safe and necessary. Abbott agrees to $670 million settlement of infant formula cases Negative Sentiment: The settlement represents a significant cash and earnings cost and does not resolve all potential litigation related to the infant formulas. Investors may continue to assess the scope of remaining claims and the effect on Abbott’s legal reserves and profitability. Abbott reaches agreements to resolve a portion of litigation involving its specialty formulas Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently issued reports on ABT. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an “outperform” rating and issued a $130.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Robert W. Baird started coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a report on Wednesday, July 1st. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $121.00 price objective for the company. Piper Sandler reiterated an “overweight” rating and issued a $118.00 price objective (up from $115.00) on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Citigroup upped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $108.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, July 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a report on Thursday, August 6th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $118.67. Get Our Latest Analysis on Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 2.2% Shares of NYSE:ABT opened at $116.62 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $201.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.74, a PEG ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.59. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $81.97 and a 12-month high of $137.49. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $100.08 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $100.05.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.28 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.69%. The firm had revenue of $12.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $12.52 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.26 earnings per share. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 17th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th were issued a dividend of $0.63 per share. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio is presently 81.55%.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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Agreements will resolve the Gill case and claims involving approximately 2,000 other individuals Abbott and the medical community stand by the safety of preterm infant formulas Regulators and medical professionals recognize that these products are safe and necessary, and there is no reliable scientific evidence that they cause necrotizing enterocolitis , /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) has reached agreements with three law firms to resolve the Gill case and claims involving approximately 2,000 other individuals relating to the company's specialty formulas for preterm infants.

In July 2024, a St. Louis jury awarded the plaintiff in the Gill case $495 million in damages. Abbott appealed the verdict to the Missouri Court of Appeals in December 2024, but the appeal was denied. Rather than continuing to appeal or paying approximately $600 million, representing the Gill judgment plus accrued interest to date, Abbott entered into agreements to resolve the Gill case as well as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) claims asserted on behalf of approximately 2,000 additional infants for an aggregate amount of approximately $670 million.

These agreements are a compromise of disputed claims and not in any way an admission of liability. Abbott stands by the safety of these products and the essential role they play in helping the medical community care for preterm infants. The Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, NEC Society, neonatologists and other medical professionals recognize that these products are safe and necessary, and that there is no reliable scientific evidence that they cause NEC.

The agreements follow a series of favorable rulings for preterm formula manufacturers in federal and state courts, including victories in all three federal Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) bellwether cases. In July 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit affirmed a pretrial judgment for Abbott in the first federal MDL bellwether case involving the company's preterm infant formulas. In June 2026, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed a $60 million verdict against Mead Johnson, finding that the trial court failed to properly apply the learned intermediary doctrine governing a manufacturer's duty to warn, a defense relevant in a substantial number of cases. In March 2026, a Florida state court, applying the learned intermediary doctrine, also dismissed claims involving preterm infant formula.

While Abbott remains confident in the safety of these products and the science supporting them, the company believes these agreements are in its best long-term interest and represent a constructive step toward substantially resolving the overall litigation.

Following these agreements, there are roughly 1,700 lawsuits pending in federal and state courts involving claims on behalf of approximately 12,700 individual infants. That population includes claims on behalf of individuals who named both Abbott and Mead Johnson without identifying which manufacturer's formula was administered, individuals diagnosed with NEC before receiving any formula, individuals who were never diagnosed with NEC, and individuals who appear in multiple lawsuits in different jurisdictions. Abbott continues to work to identify and eliminate such claims and others like them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NEC?
Necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC, is an inflammatory intestinal disease, which typically affects premature infants. Challenges associated with prematurity – such as an underdeveloped intestinal tract and immature immune system – can combine to lead to NEC, which explains why infants born the most prematurely are at the highest risk of NEC. 

Does preterm infant formula cause NEC?
No. Numerous scientific papers and NEC authorities have made clear that preterm infant formula does not cause NEC. Indeed, a 100-page report authored by a blue-ribbon Working Group of 24 doctors and eight government officials organized by the Department of Health and Human Services explained that "[a]vailable evidence supports the hypothesis that it is the absence of human milk – rather than the exposure to formula – that is associated with an increase in the risk of NEC."

Earlier this year, the AAP confirmed that "[p]reterm infant formula is recommended when [mother's own milk] is not available and [pasteurized donor human milk] is either not available or the family declines use." Dr. Mark Corkins, division chief of pediatric gastroenterology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, said: "There is no evidence that the formulas cause NEC. That is why these court cases make no sense to the folks who understand the actual science."

What is preterm infant formula?
Preterm infant formulas are specialty formulas that are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm and low-birth-weight infants, who need more calories and nutrients than full-term infants to survive and thrive. Thus, these products differ from infant formulas for full-term infants that are sold in stores directly to parents and caregivers. For decades, Abbott has researched, developed and produced these specialized nutrition products, and today Abbott is one of only two companies in the U.S. providing these products. FDA regulates preterm infant formula and has not asked for changes or additions to the ingredients or label. Abbott complies with all applicable FDA regulations.

Is preterm infant formula part of the standard of care?
Yes. The AAP has explained that "[p]roviding special formula is a routine and necessary part of care of these preterm infants." Likewise, the NEC Society – a non-profit focused on eradicating NEC – explained that "[s]ometimes, formula is necessary and chosen by the baby's care team as the best available plan of care." Preterm formula is especially important because mothers of premature infants may have trouble expressing a sufficient supply of breast milk and donor human milk is not always available. In these situations, preterm infant formula is a critical option.

In a brief filed on Aug. 7, 2026, to the U.S. Supreme Court, the AAP, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Perinatal Research Society, Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium, and March of Dimes wrote: "Preterm infant formula is an indispensable component of neonatal medicine" and that "[t]he medical community universally regards preterm formula as an essential, life-saving component of neonatal care."

What have federal health authorities and the medical community said about preterm infant formula?
The FDA, CDC and NIH, the AAP, and the NEC Society agree that preterm infant formulas are a vital necessity in caring for premature infants and that feeding decisions should be made in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), not in courtrooms.

In October 2024, the FDA, CDC and NIH said: "There is no conclusive evidence that preterm infant formula causes NEC." Instead, "[a]vailable evidence supports the hypothesis that it is the absence of human milk – rather than the exposure to formula – that is associated with an increase in the risk of NEC." These groups also said: "These formulas can be critical for premature infants for whom parental or donor milk is not an option, or where a supplement to parental or donor milk is necessary for the health of the infant."

In September 2024, the American Academy of Pediatrics said: "Specialty formulas and fortifiers provide an essential source of nutrition for premature infants. While breastmilk is preferred, it does not eliminate the risk of NEC, and there is not always enough supply from a parent or donors."

In July 2024, the American Academy of Pediatrics said: "Courtrooms are not the best place to determine clinical recommendations for the care of infants. Feeding decisions should be made by clinicians and families. These need to be individualized in the context of human milk availability, specific patient needs, and individual family preferences."

In July 2024, the NEC Society said: "Feeding decisions should be made in the NICU, not in courtrooms."

In April 2024, the NEC Society said: "In the ICU, feeding decisions are medical decisions. It is imperative for medical decisions to be made by those who practice medicine in partnership with patient-families. The medical team, in collaboration with patient-families, should decide how babies are fed in the ICU. These medical feeding decisions aim to protect against NEC while providing optimal nutrition for discharge and long-term health outcomes. Neonatal feeding decisions should be made at patients' bedsides, not in courtrooms."

Why does access to preterm infant formula matter?
About 1 in every 10 infants born in the U.S. is premature, per the CDC. But per the AAP: "there is not always enough [human milk] supply from a parent or donors" for premature infants. As Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, the judge in the federal MDL has recognized, "[t]his means that cow's-milk-based formulas, including [Similac Special Care 24], will remain essential products until the production of human-milk formula is sufficient to eliminate any risk of shortfalls in all NICUs nationwide." And "[f]ormula is designed to serve as a replacement whenever donor milk or mother's milk is unavailable, so the product's utility is categorical, not marginal." To use the Court's analogy, it is a "lifeboat" product.

Is the medical community concerned about continued access to preterm infant formula?
Yes. As the AAP has said: "Feeding decisions should be made by clinicians and families," not litigants. When these decisions are taken from clinicians, physicians, medical organizations and policymakers have expressed concern about continued access to preterm infant nutrition products. These groups have warned of potential impact on availability if manufacturers cannot continue supplying them given the threat of unending litigation.

In a brief filed on Aug. 7, 2026, to the U.S. Supreme Court, the AAP, North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Perinatal Research Society, Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium, and March of Dimes wrote: "The substantial verdicts already entered in other cases, together with the thousands of similar claims now pending, pose a grave threat to the preterm formula supply. Should that supply diminish or be withdrawn, neonatologists and pediatric clinicians would lose an essential instrument of care and with foreseeable consequences: increased infant mortality, impaired neurological development, and permanent degradation of the standard of care for the Nation's most vulnerable patients."

What is the learned intermediary doctrine?
In both Watson v. Mead Johnson (Ill. App. Ct. 2026) and Ennix v. Abbott (Fla. Cir. Ct. 2026), courts held that the learned intermediary doctrine applies to preterm formula used in the NICU. That doctrine provides that a manufacturer's duty is to communicate to doctors, not directly to the patient, because it recognizes that doctors – not manufacturers – are in the best position to evaluate risks and benefits and advise parents accordingly.

About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. 

SOURCE Abbott

Key Takeaways Abbott's EPD sales rose 8.7% comparably in Q2 2026, led by 10.7% growth in Key Emerging Markets. Healthcare access, aging populations and treatment needs are supporting demand for established therapies.Abbott is expanding its biosimilar pipeline to broaden EPD's portfolio and create growth opportunities. Abbott Laboratories’ (ABT - Free Report) Established Pharmaceuticals Division (“EPD”) continues to be a solid growth contributor, supported by its broad portfolio of branded generic medicines and strong commercial presence across emerging markets. 

In the second quarter of 2026, EPD sales increased 8.4% on a reported basis and 8.7% on a comparable basis. Key Emerging Markets delivered 10.7% comparable sales growth, driven by double-digit growth in several countries across Latin America and Asia Pacific. The strong performance highlights the benefits of EPD’s diversified geographic footprint and its ability to capitalize on growing healthcare demand across emerging markets.

The EPD business continues to benefit from favorable structural trends, including expanding access to healthcare, aging populations and increasing treatment needs for both acute and chronic conditions. These trends are expanding the addressable patient population and supporting sustained demand for established pharmaceutical therapies.

Meanwhile, Abbott is expanding its biosimilar pipeline, which should broaden EPD’s product portfolio and create additional growth opportunities across key markets. The combination of a broad product portfolio, expanding pipeline, strong brand equity and disciplined commercial execution positions EPD to sustain high-single-digit sales growth over the long term.

Peer UpdateBoston Scientific’s (BSX - Free Report) international operations continue to support its growth profile, benefiting from a broad geographic presence across developed and emerging markets. In the second quarter of 2026, operational sales increased 4.2% in EMEA, 11.2% in APAC and 16.2% in Latin America and Canada. 

Growth in APAC was particularly strong, with double-digit gains across Japan, China and Korea, supported by momentum in Interventional Cardiology, Electrophysiology and WATCHMAN. Looking ahead, continued expansion of the FARAPULSE ecosystem, OPAL mapping platform and WATCHMAN FLX Pro should strengthen the company’s presence and support further penetration across key international markets. 

Medtronic (MDT - Free Report) also maintains a significant international presence, supported by broad-based demand for its medical technologies across multiple therapeutic areas. In fiscal 2026, international revenues totaled $18.26 billion and increased 6.2% organically, outpacing the 5.4% organic growth recorded in the United States. 

International revenues maintained 6.2% organic growth in the fourth quarter, with Cardiovascular increasing 7.1%, Neuroscience growing 5.8% and Diabetes up 12.2%. Structural Heart also delivered stronger performance outside the United States, while Diabetes continued to benefit from product innovation and geographic expansion, including Simplera Sync and the EMEA launch of MiniMed Go Smart MDI with Simplera. 

ABT Price PerformanceIn the past year, Abbott shares have plunged 14.3% compared with the industry’s 22.7% decline. 

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ABT's ValuationABT currently trades at a forward 12-month Price-to-Sales (P/S) of 3.63X compared with the industry median of 2.81X.

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ABT Stock Estimate TrendIn the past 30 days, ABT’s EPS estimate for 2026 has moved north 0.2%.

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ABT stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways Abbott's Diagnostics sales rose 42.3% reported and 2.9% comparable in Q2 2026, led by routine testing.Cancer Diagnostics sales grew 13.3%, driven by Cologuard, precision oncology and international operations. ABT expects faster Cancer Diagnostics growth in the second half on screenings and newer tests. Abbott Laboratories’ (ABT - Free Report) Diagnostics business manufactures and markets diagnostic systems and tests. The segment is transitioning from a pandemic-driven profile to a broader portfolio supported by routine testing and oncology.

In the second quarter of 2026, Diagnostics sales increased 42.3% on a reported basis and 2.9% on a comparable basis. Core Laboratory sales grew 3.2% on a comparable basis, including 7.5% growth in the United States. Testing demand remained resilient across hospitals and other laboratories. Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics sales declined 8% as respiratory testing normalized. However, the company expects easier comparisons in China and sustained demand outside China to support an improved growth trajectory in the second half.

Following the March 2026 acquisition of Exact Sciences, Diagnostics now includes the Cancer Diagnostics business. Cancer Diagnostics sales grew 13.3%, driven by mid-teens growth in Cologuard and a colorectal cancer screening test, along with contributions from precision oncology and international operations. Abbott expects Cancer Diagnostics’ growth to accelerate in the second half. This growth is expected to benefit from care gap programs, repeat screenings, newer tests and increased international adoption. 

Peer UpdateDanaher Corporation (DHR - Free Report) Diagnostics segment continued to perform strong in the second quarter, with core revenues increasing 2% year over year. Clinical diagnostics revenues grew at a mid-single-digit rate, supported by solid performance at Beckman Coulter Diagnostics and high-single-digit growth at Leica Biosystems and Radiometer. Cepheid’s non-respiratory revenues increased at a low-double-digit rate, driven by strength in hospital-acquired infection and sexual-health assays, while lower seasonal infection rates continued to pressure respiratory testing revenues. In China, declines at Beckman began to moderate as pricing stabilized and volumes improved, easing some of the pressure from volume-based procurement and reimbursement changes. 

QuidelOrtho Corporation (QDEL - Free Report) continues to benefit from its focus on the diagnostics business, supported by healthy growth across several key areas during the second quarter. Labs revenues increased 4% as reported driven by strength in the core business, although slower sales in China related to changes in In Vitro Diagnostics pricing partially offset growth. Immunohematology revenues increased 1% with growth improving to 5% outside China. Meanwhile, Point of Care remained a notable growth driver, with revenues advancing 16%, including a 10% increase in Triage revenues, highlighting solid momentum across the company’s diagnostics portfolio.

ABT Price PerformanceIn the past year, Abbott shares have plunged 19.6% compared with the industry’s 25.9% decline. 

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Expensive ValuationABT currently trades at a forward 12-month Price-to-Sales (P/S) of 3.54X compared with the industry median of 2.81X.

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ABT Stock Estimate TrendIn the past 30 days, ABT’s EPS estimate for 2026 has moved north 0.2%.

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ABT stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Posted by Defense World Staff on Jul 26th, 2026

Bank of Nova Scotia lessened its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) by 16.8% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 259,747 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after selling 52,490 shares during the quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia’s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $26,668,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in ABT. Dickmeyer Boyce Financial Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter valued at approximately $829,000. Ascension Capital Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter worth approximately $459,000. Forefront Analytics LLC increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 34.3% in the 1st quarter. Forefront Analytics LLC now owns 5,043 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $518,000 after acquiring an additional 1,287 shares during the last quarter. B&D White Capital Company LLC bought a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $2,413,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.7% during the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 613,310 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $62,968,000 after acquiring an additional 4,030 shares in the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $121.00 to $113.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, May 27th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $145.00 to $120.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, April 17th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $110.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a report on Friday, April 17th. Bank of America lowered their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $120.00 to $102.00 in a research report on Friday, June 12th. Finally, BTIG Research increased their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $131.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, July 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have given a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $118.61.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Abbott Laboratories

Insiders Place Their Bets In other Abbott Laboratories news, Director Daniel J. Starks bought 10,000 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Monday, April 27th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $92.65 per share, with a total value of $926,500.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 6,751,103 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $625,489,692.95. The trade was a 0.15% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.46% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 2.4% Shares of NYSE:ABT opened at $103.13 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $91.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $101.33. The company has a market cap of $179.63 billion, a PE ratio of 33.38, a P/E/G ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.61. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $81.97 and a fifty-two week high of $137.49.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.03. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.65%. The firm had revenue of $12.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $12.52 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.26 EPS. Abbott Laboratories’s quarterly revenue was up 13.0% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 15th will be given a $0.63 dividend. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 81.55%.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

See Also Five stocks we like better than Abbott Laboratories Telecom Earnings Reveal a Sector That Finally Looks Healthier Defense Earnings Show Readiness Now and Modernization Ahead Why Palantir Investors Aren’t Panicking While the Rest of AI Sells Off MarketBeat Week in Review – 07/20- 07/24 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report).

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Key Takeaways ISRG is favored for its expanding robotic surgery ecosystem and stronger long-term growth outlook.Intuitive Surgical grew procedures, expanded its installed base and advanced da Vinci 5, SP and Ion.Abbott posted broad-based growth across devices, diagnostics, diabetes care and nutrition. Despite sharp declines in 2026, Intuitive Surgical (ISRG - Free Report) and Abbott Laboratories (ABT - Free Report) remain among the highest-quality names in MedTech. ISRG has declined 32.1% year to date, while ABT is down 20.1%, though both continue to execute well in their core businesses.

Intuitive Surgical’s growth is being fueled by the expanding adoption of its robotic surgery ecosystem, including da Vinci 5, SP and Ion platforms, while Abbott is benefiting from balanced momentum across cardiovascular devices, diagnostics, diabetes care and nutrition.

Looking ahead, both companies expect growth to continue through 2026, although Intuitive Surgical’s expanding robotic surgery franchise and innovation pipeline position it for stronger long-term upside.

YTD Price Chart ISRG vs ABT

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Case for ISRGIntuitive Surgical continues to widen its competitive moat by building a comprehensive robotic-assisted surgery ecosystem rather than relying on a single platform. During the second quarter, total procedures increased 16%, supported by 15% growth in da Vinci procedures and an impressive 36% increase in Ion procedures.

Adoption remained strong across da Vinci 5, single-port (SP) systems and Ion, while the company expanded its installed base to nearly 13,000 systems globally. Continued upgrades to da Vinci 5, broader adoption of XiR in ambulatory surgery centers and cost-sensitive international markets, and ongoing investments in AI-enabled workflow, simulation and telepresence reinforce management's long-term growth strategy.

Growth opportunities extend well beyond traditional robotic surgery. SP procedures surged 61%, Ion procedures surpassed 400,000 cumulatively, and management continues to invest in new disease areas such as gastrointestinal robotics, cardiac surgery and nipple-sparing mastectomy. Programs designed to reduce customer costs, including the upcoming EndoWrist extended-use initiative, should further expand adoption across outpatient procedures and international markets.

The company also faces several challenges, including slower U.S. elective procedure growth tied to changing patient coverage dynamics, competitive pressure in China, GLP-1-related weakness in bariatric surgery and higher R&D spending. Nevertheless, Intuitive Surgical continues to guide toward healthy procedure growth for 2026 while investing aggressively to extend its technology leadership.

ISRG’s Sales & EPS Growth Estimate

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Case for ABTAbbott's growth strategy is built on diversification across multiple healthcare markets rather than dependence on any single business. Medical Devices remained a key contributor in the second quarter, with 8.5% growth driven by electrophysiology, rhythm management, heart failure and continuous glucose monitoring. Management expects growth to accelerate further as Volt 2.0, TactiFlex Duo, Libre Duo, Amulet 360 and several cardiovascular products are commercialized over the coming year. Strong momentum in diagnostics, emerging-market pharmaceuticals and improving nutrition performance also support ABT’s balanced growth outlook.

Abbott's broad portfolio provides resilience, but it also means growth is spread across numerous franchises rather than being driven by a single transformational platform. While continuous glucose monitoring remains a significant long-term opportunity, management acknowledged that reimbursement expansion timing remains difficult to predict.

Cancer diagnostics, core laboratory testing and electrophysiology are expected to drive second-half acceleration, while nutrition continues recovering steadily. Risks include declining respiratory testing volumes, reimbursement uncertainties for diabetes products and the need to execute multiple product launches successfully to sustain projected acceleration. Overall, Abbott's diversified model provides stability but offers a less concentrated growth story than Intuitive Surgical's robotics franchise.

ABT’s Sales & EPS Growth Estimate

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Valuation ComparisonDespite a steep fall in its valuation since the beginning of 2025, ISRG trades at a premium, supported by sustained double-digit growth, expanding global adoption, and a long runway in minimally invasive surgery. Its performance demonstrates resilience despite external pressures, such as tariffs. The company currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 30.55, above the industry average of 24.41, and carries a Value Score of D.

ISRG’s P/E F12M Chart

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ABT offers a more balanced risk profile, with dependable earnings growth and margin expansion driven by operational discipline. Its upside potential appears comparatively constrained, given its mature and diversified business mix. The company currently trades at P/E F12M ratio of 17.33X, slightly above the industry average of 16.02X. ABT carries a Value Score of C.

ABT’s P/E F12M Chart

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ConclusionBoth companies possess durable competitive advantages and robust innovation pipelines. Abbott offers investors diversified exposure across diagnostics, cardiovascular devices, diabetes care and nutrition, helping reduce reliance on any single market. Intuitive Surgical stands out for its leadership in robotic-assisted surgery, expanding clinical indications, accelerating adoption of da Vinci 5, SP and Ion, and sustained investment in next-generation technologies. Although ISRG trades at a premium valuation, its stronger innovation pipeline, faster-growing robotic ecosystem and Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) make it a more compelling long-term MedTech investment than Abbott, which carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

AlTi Global Inc. lowered its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) by 54.7% in the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,563 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after selling 12,779 shares during the period. AlTi Global Inc.’s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $1,085,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.4% during the fourth quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 175,556,716 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $21,995,501,000 after buying an additional 2,402,408 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. State Street Corp now owns 79,853,782 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $10,004,880,000 after purchasing an additional 1,627,791 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.6% during the 4th quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 63,229,445 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $7,922,519,000 after purchasing an additional 1,614,706 shares during the last quarter. J. Stern & Co. LLP grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 12,439.6% in the fourth quarter. J. Stern & Co. LLP now owns 39,319,009 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $4,926,279,000 after purchasing an additional 39,005,451 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.0% in the fourth quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 39,169,239 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $4,907,523,000 after purchasing an additional 400,400 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Daiwa Securities Group lowered Abbott Laboratories from an “outperform” rating to a “neutral” rating and set a $92.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Wednesday, April 22nd. Robert W. Baird started coverage on Abbott Laboratories in a report on Wednesday, July 1st. They set an “outperform” rating and a $121.00 price target on the stock. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Abbott Laboratories from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 7th. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $108.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $110.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 17th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $118.61.

Read Our Latest Report on Abbott Laboratories

Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Daniel J. Starks bought 10,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, April 27th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $92.65 per share, with a total value of $926,500.00. Following the purchase, the director owned 6,751,103 shares in the company, valued at approximately $625,489,692.95. The trade was a 0.15% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Philip P. Boudreau bought 2,200 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, April 23rd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $91.50 per share, with a total value of $201,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 2,200 shares in the company, valued at $201,300. This represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 0.46% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 1.0% Shares of ABT opened at $101.72 on Tuesday. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $90.28 and its 200 day moving average price is $101.84. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $81.97 and a 12-month high of $137.49. The company has a current ratio of 1.39, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56. The firm has a market cap of $177.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.61.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $12.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.52 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.65%. Abbott Laboratories’s revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.26 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.48 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 17th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, July 15th will be given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. Abbott Laboratories’s payout ratio is presently 81.55%.

Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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Posted by Defense World Staff on Jul 19th, 2026

Assetmark Inc. grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) by 8.9% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 202,552 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock after purchasing an additional 16,506 shares during the period. Assetmark Inc.’s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $20,796,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. MidAtlantic Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Cornerstone Financial Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Purpose Unlimited Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Portfolio Resources Advisor Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Finally, Abound Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the fourth quarter worth $26,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ABT has been the subject of a number of research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday. Barclays decreased their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $143.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Monday, April 20th. Leerink Partners lowered their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $106.00 and set a “market perform” rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, April 21st. Raymond James Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $115.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, April 17th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an “outperform” rating and issued a $130.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Friday. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $118.61.

View Our Latest Stock Report on ABT

Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 1.9% Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $100.71 on Friday. Abbott Laboratories has a one year low of $81.97 and a one year high of $137.49. The business’s fifty day moving average is $89.89 and its 200 day moving average is $102.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $175.41 billion, a PE ratio of 32.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 1.39 and a quick ratio of 1.01.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $12.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $12.52 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.65%. The business’s revenue for the quarter was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.26 EPS. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.48 EPS for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 15th will be given a dividend of $0.63 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 15th. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio is 70.59%.

Key Abbott Laboratories News Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: Abbott beat Q2 earnings expectations and raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $5.45-$5.60, signaling better profit momentum for the rest of the year. Abbott Reports Second-Quarter 2026 Results and Raises Full-Year EPS Guidance Positive Sentiment: Management pointed to stronger second-half demand across multiple businesses, including nutrition, medical devices, diagnostics, and diabetes care, which supports a faster growth profile. ABT Q2 Earnings Call Flags Stronger Second-Half Setup Positive Sentiment: Analysts turned more constructive after the results, with JPMorgan, Citi, Piper Sandler, Wells Fargo, TD Cowen, BTIG, and RBC all lifting targets or reaffirming bullish views. These Analysts Increase Their Forecasts On Abbott Following Better-Than-Expected Q2 Results Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories In other news, CFO Philip P. Boudreau purchased 2,200 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, April 23rd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $91.50 per share, with a total value of $201,300.00. Following the acquisition, the chief financial officer directly owned 2,200 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $201,300. This represents a ∞ increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Daniel J. Starks purchased 10,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, April 27th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $92.65 per share, for a total transaction of $926,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 6,751,103 shares in the company, valued at approximately $625,489,692.95. The trade was a 0.15% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 0.46% of the company’s stock.

Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

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Why Abbott Laboratories Stock Is Suddenly Winning Back Wall StreetAbbott Laboratories NYSE: ABT reported second-quarter 2026 comparable sales growth of 4.8% and adjusted earnings per share of $1.31, with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert Ford saying results marked an acceleration from the prior two quarters.

The company reaffirmed its full-year comparable sales growth guidance of 6.5% to 7.5% and raised its adjusted EPS guidance range to $5.45 to $5.60. Chief Financial Officer Phil Boudreau said Abbott expects third-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.38 to $1.46.

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AbbVie Fires Healthy Trend-Following Signal: Is a Rebound Ahead?Ford said Abbott entered the second half of the year with “momentum building across the portfolio” and “clear line of sight” to the drivers behind expected sales growth acceleration. He said the company’s focus on gross margin expansion supported the higher earnings outlook.

Margins Improve as Sales Growth Accelerates Boudreau said second-quarter adjusted gross margin was 58.0% of sales, up 100 basis points from the prior year. He attributed the improvement to favorable business mix within Abbott’s legacy portfolio, the addition of Exact Sciences, operational improvements and disciplined execution of margin expansion initiatives.

Abbott Stock Crash: Rebound Could Be Coming FastAdjusted research and development expense was 6.9% of sales, while adjusted selling, general and administrative expense was 28.6% of sales. Foreign exchange had a favorable 0.8% year-over-year impact on second-quarter sales, slightly better than Abbott expected in April. Based on current rates, Boudreau said the company expects foreign exchange to have a positive impact of about 1% on full-year sales, including an expected negative impact of about 1% in the third quarter.

Diagnostics and Nutrition Show Mixed Trends In diagnostics, Ford said Abbott’s core laboratory business reflected strong demand for testing, which he described as a useful indicator of broader healthcare activity. U.S. core laboratory sales grew 7.5%, and Ford said the company continued to post strong performance in Latin America. During the question-and-answer session, he said hospital lab testing within Abbott’s U.S. core lab business was up 13% in the quarter.

Rapid and molecular diagnostics sales declined 8%, driven by an expected drop in respiratory virus testing following a weaker-than-normal season that ended during the quarter.

Cancer diagnostics sales grew 13%, supported by mid-teens growth in Cologuard, contributions from precision oncology and international growth. Ford said Abbott continues to expect cancer diagnostics growth in the second half to exceed first-half growth, helped by care gap programs, recently launched tests and international adoption. He also noted that the American Cancer Society updated its colorectal cancer screening guidelines in May, reaffirming Cologuard and Cologuard Plus as preferred screening options.

Nutrition sales came in slightly ahead of Abbott’s expectations for the second straight quarter, according to Ford. Sales increased sequentially by $125 million, supported by improving trends in both pediatric and adult nutrition. International pediatric nutrition returned to positive growth, rising 6.5% in the quarter. In the U.S. pediatric business, Ford said Abbott exited the quarter with the full benefit of recent WIC contract wins in its run rate and is now the market leader in both WIC and non-WIC segments.

In adult nutrition, Ford said the company continued to see positive volume trends after price actions taken late last year. U.S. retail consumption of Ensure rose by double digits compared with levels exiting last year. Abbott is also seeing contributions from new versions of Ensure featuring higher protein, lower sugar and updated labeling and packaging.

Medical Devices Growth Led by EP, Rhythm Management and Diabetes Care Medical devices sales grew 8.5%, with Abbott’s cardiovascular device portfolio also up 8.5%. Ford said growth was led by low-teens growth in electrophysiology and high-single-digit growth in rhythm management and heart failure.

In electrophysiology, Ford said the second quarter marked the beginning of an acceleration in the business. Abbott launched its next-generation Volt pulsed field ablation catheter, commonly called Volt 2.0, in the U.S. in May and expects to move from limited market release to full market release in the third quarter. Internationally, the rollout of Volt and TactiFlex Duo is gaining traction, with growth of more than 20% in Europe.

Rhythm management sales grew 9.5%, supported by expanded use of the AVEIR pacemaker across single- and dual-chamber segments and broader international adoption. Heart failure sales grew 9%, led by double-digit growth in the U.S. from Abbott’s heart assist devices.

In diabetes care, continuous glucose monitoring sales exceeded $2 billion and grew 9.5%. Abbott received CE mark in May for Libre Duo, which Ford described as the world’s first dual glucose-ketone wearable sensor. The company plans to begin the international rollout in the fall and bring the product to the U.S. after FDA approval.

Pipeline Updates Include New Launches and Clinical Trials Ford highlighted several pipeline milestones, including completion of patient enrollment in the TECTONIC coronary intravascular lithotripsy pivotal trial and completion of Abbott’s FDA submission for approval of its new Amulet 360 left atrial appendage device.

He said Abbott expects to launch Amulet 360, Libre Duo, its coronary IVL product and TactiFlex Duo PFA catheter in the U.S. over the next 12 months. The company also remains on track to begin patient enrollment in the fourth quarter for several clinical trials, including studies for a balloon-expandable TAVR valve, a leadless conduction system pacing device using the AVEIR platform, a mitral replacement valve developed after Abbott’s acquisition of Cephea Valve Technologies, a peripheral IVL device developed after the acquisition of CSI and a wearable continuous lactate monitoring sensor intended to reduce sepsis risk after hospital discharge.

Management Addresses Demand, CGM Reimbursement and 2027 Setup During the call’s Q&A session, Ford said Abbott is not seeing signs of weakening procedure volumes in its businesses, despite investor concerns tied to hospital-sector preannouncements and possible Medicaid disenrollment. He said Medicare, not Medicaid, is the larger payer for many medical device procedures, including more than two-thirds of Abbott’s U.S. cardiovascular business. He also said demand for high-acuity, life-saving products is “very inelastic.”

Ford said 80% of Abbott’s expected second-half growth acceleration is expected to come from four areas: nutrition, electrophysiology, core laboratory and cancer diagnostics.

On continuous glucose monitoring, Ford said Abbott remains bullish on the market, estimating that 75 million to 80 million people globally could realistically use CGM, compared with about 15 million today. He said reimbursement expansion is the most immediate driver of adoption, and Abbott is in discussions with about a dozen countries on introducing or expanding coverage. In the U.S., he said broader type 2 diabetes coverage could unlock about 10 million Medicare beneficiaries and accelerate commercial insurance coverage, though he did not provide a specific timing forecast.

Looking beyond 2026, Ford declined to provide specific 2027 guidance but said Abbott continues to target high-single-digit top-line growth and double-digit earnings growth. He described 7% sales growth as a sustainable target for the company, supported by its mix of nutrition, diagnostics, established pharmaceuticals and medical technology businesses.

About Abbott Laboratories NYSE: ABTAbbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

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Abbott (ABT - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.31 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.28 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.26 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +2.34%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this maker of infant formula, medical devices and drugs would post earnings of $1.14 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.15, delivering a surprise of +0.88%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.

Abbott, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Products industry, posted revenues of $12.59 billion for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.91%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $11.14 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

Abbott shares have lost about 28.8% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 10.6%.

What's Next for Abbott?While Abbott has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Abbott was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $1.42 on $13.15 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $5.48 on $50.42 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Medical - Products is currently in the bottom 29% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Perrigo (PRGO - Free Report) , another stock in the same industry, has yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026.

This drug company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.39 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -31.6%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

Perrigo's revenues are expected to be $1 billion, down 5% from the year-ago quarter.

Abbott (ABT - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $92.71, moving -1.5% from the previous trading session. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily gain of 1.18%. Meanwhile, the Dow gained 0.59%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, added 2.07%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the maker of infant formula, medical devices and drugs had gained 9.95% outpaced the Medical sector's gain of 7.96% and the S&P 500's loss of 2.9%.

Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Abbott in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to go public on July 16, 2026. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be $1.28, reflecting a 1.59% increase from the same quarter last year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $12.53 billion, indicating a 12.43% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $5.48 per share and revenue of $50.49 billion, which would represent changes of +6.41% and +13.9%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for Abbott. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.

Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-term stock moves. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.

The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.02% higher. Abbott presently features a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Abbott has a Forward P/E ratio of 17.18 right now. This valuation marks a discount compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 18.95.

Meanwhile, ABT's PEG ratio is currently 1.62. Comparable to the widely accepted P/E ratio, the PEG ratio also accounts for the company's projected earnings growth. ABT's industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.65 as of yesterday's close.

The Medical - Products industry is part of the Medical sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 169, finds itself in the bottom 31% echelons of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow ABT in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

Abbott's milk powder products are displayed on a shelf at a supermarket in Beijing August 7, 2013. Abbott Laboratories has agreed to pay a fine amounting to around $12 million, a spokeswoman... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more

CompaniesJune 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department closed a criminal probe into Abbott Laboratories (ABT.N), opens new tab over ​its handling of a baby formula plant linked to potentially deadly ‌bacteria and infant deaths, opting instead for civil penalties, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The U.S. Department of Justice ​and Abbott Laboratories did not immediately respond to a request for ​comment outside business hours.

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Abbott initiated a recall of its infant formula ⁠products and closed its Michigan plant in 2022 after investigators found traces ​of a potentially deadly bacteria at that plant. The recall and the ​plant closure worsened a national shortage of baby formula that had begun with pandemic supply chain issues.

Abbott had said at the time that there was no evidence linking ​its formulas to these illnesses. No unopened, distributed Abbott infant formulas have ​tested positive for the bacteria that sickened the babies, a company spokesman told the ‌WSJ.

Some ⁠prosecutors believed they had evidence to criminally charge the company, but top decision makers closed the probe, according to the WSJ report. Instead, they opted for the lighter option of clawing back money the company earned from ​selling formula through ​federally funded nutrition ⁠programs, the report added.

“Ensuring the safety of our nation’s food supply is a top priority for the Trump ​administration; however, this Department of Justice does not believe ​in regulation ⁠by prosecution,” a spokeswoman for the DOJ told WSJ.

Prosecutors had been considering a misdemeanor charge against Abbott for violating the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic ⁠Act and ​a separate count for misleading the government ​before dropping the case, the report said, and added that prosecutors were also considering charging ​at least one individual.

Reporting by Akanksha Khushi in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich

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Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT | ABT Price Prediction) is a stock with characteristics suited to multi-decade ownership, because its four-segment healthcare engine, 54 consecutive years of dividend increases, and recession-resistant end markets give a retirement-focused portfolio something rare: cash compounding that does not require monitoring.

Pillar One: Durability Built Into the Business Model Abbott’s revenue flows from four distinct segments spanning multiple geographies and therapeutic areas, and the latest quarter shows why that matters. In Q1 2026, Medical Devices delivered $5.54 billion (+13.2% YoY), Diagnostics added $2.18 billion (+6.1%), Established Pharmaceuticals grew +13.2% in emerging markets, and Nutrition shrank 6.0%. Three segments offset the weak one, and total revenue still grew 7.8% to $11.16 billion, exactly the four-headed structure that absorbs localized blows while sustaining cash flow.

The moat keeps widening. The $21 billion Exact Sciences acquisition closed March 23, 2026, adding Cologuard and Cancerguard to the diagnostics arsenal. FreeStyle Libre, the continuous glucose monitor franchise, generated $2.08 billion (+13.8% YoY) in the first quarter alone, a consumable razor-and-blade business that, as global diabetes rates climb, creates an exceptionally sticky customer relationship.

Pillar Two: Income You Can Set and Forget Abbott just paid its 409th consecutive quarterly dividend. The quarterly payout has climbed from $0.14 in 2013 to $0.63 in early 2026, with the most recent declaration set at $0.740243 per share, payable August 17, 2026. The trailing dividend currently yields 2.76%, modest at the surface, meaningful when paired with a multi-decade compounding curve. Backing the payout: trailing twelve-month revenue of $45.1 billion, a 13.9% profit margin, and a forward P/E of 16.

Pillar Three: Why It Survives Cycles Healthcare demand is largely non-discretionary. Glucose monitors, heart valves, lab diagnostics, and infant nutrition do not get postponed when GDP wobbles. The numbers reflect that defensive profile: a beta of 0.62, 82.67% institutional ownership, and operations across 160-plus countries. Management is guiding full-year 2026 to comparable sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5% and adjusted EPS of $5.38 to $5.58, even after absorbing $0.20 of Exact Sciences dilution.

Where It Underperforms In low-rate, high-growth bull markets, a defensive aristocrat with a beta of 0.62 will trail high-beta technology and small caps. Abbott is also down 30.67% over the past year as the market rotated toward speculative names. That lag does not change the forever thesis. Owners of a Dividend Aristocrat are paid in compounding payouts and capital preservation, not in narrative-driven rallies, and the same low-volatility profile that caps upside in bull runs is what protects capital when the rotation reverses.

At a price of $90.53, well below the analyst target of $116.54 and the 200-day moving average of $113.41, the current setup combines a meaningful yield, a 54-year dividend-growth track record, and exposure to chronic-disease secular growth. The setup favors long-duration ownership over short-term trading.

Key Takeaways Abbott shares are down 29.4% YTD, lagging its industry, sector and selected peers.Abbott cited weaker respiratory testing demand, China uncertainty and higher costs as challenges.Abbott expects 2026 sales growth of 6.5%-7.5% and adjusted EPS of $5.38-$5.58. Abbott (ABT - Free Report) has struggled in the market this year despite a series of regulatory, clinical and business developments. Shares have declined 29.4% year to date, underperforming the industry’s 24.1% drop and the Medical sector’s 5.8% plunge, while the S&P 500 composite has gained 9.7%. ABT closed the last trading session at $88.41, roughly 36.4% below its 52-week high of $139.06 and only 8% above its 52-week low of $81.97.

The stock’s performance has also lagged some notable peers. Shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX - Free Report) , or BD, have declined 25.8% this year, while Labcorp (LH - Free Report) has risen 2%. Since separating its Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business and its combination with Waters, BD has sharpened its focus as a pure-play MedTech company, which appears to be gaining traction. Labcorp, too, continues to benefit from its ongoing momentum in key specialty testing areas and strengthens its position as a top partner for health systems and regional local laboratories.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a technical standpoint, ABT is currently trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, suggesting that shares could remain under pressure.

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Illinois-based Abbott is a major player in the healthcare space with several growth drivers across its diversified portfolio. The Established Pharmaceuticals Division is a steady contributor to the revenue base, supported by branded generics positions in faster-growing geographies. Within the Nutrition segment, the company is working through a transition that is intended to restore a healthier balance between price and volume over time. Medical Devices continues to benefit from scale advantages and new product cycles across Cardiovascular and Diabetes units. Still, several challenges continue to weigh on the near-term outlook.

What’s Holding Back Abbott?Respiratory Testing Demand Remains Volatile: Abbott’s Diagnostics results still face mixed swings as respiratory virus testing continues to normalize from prior years. In the first quarter of 2026, Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics declined 9.6% on a comparable basis, reflecting lower demand for respiratory virus tests versus the prior-year season. While Core Laboratory grew 3.3% on a comparable basis and Cancer Diagnostics added growth following the Exact Sciences acquisition, the segment’s near-term reported profile can remain uneven as respiratory seasons fluctuate and pandemic-related comparisons fade.

Macro-Driven Cost Pressures: Abbott continues to operate against an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop that can influence input costs and demand patterns across categories. In the first quarter of 2026, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 22.2% year over year, partly reflecting acquisition-related items, and the company continues to incur incremental costs tied to European MDR and IVDR compliance. If pricing, mix or volumes weaken in areas such as Nutrition, Abbott may have less flexibility to offset these costs, which could weigh on profitability even with ongoing cost actions.

China Policy Uncertainty Lingers:China remains a source of uncertainty, particularly within Diagnostics, where government procurement policies have affected pricing and volumes. Management indicated that Core Laboratory trends in China were flat in the first quarter of 2026 and expects China to remain down for the full year, even as the company laps parts of prior pricing actions. Future procurement rounds and policy shifts can still alter demand visibility and create additional volatility versus Abbott’s more stable geographies.

Abbott’s FY 2026 GuidanceWith the Exact Sciences acquisition now complete, Abbott expects full-year 2026 sales growth outlook 6.5% to 7.5% on both a reported and comparable basis. The company also updated its adjusted earnings per share (EPS) guidance to $5.38-$5.58. The new midpoint of $5.48 reflects roughly $0.20 of dilution tied to the acquisition.

At present, the Zacks Consensus Estimate expects Abbott’s earnings to rise 6.4% in 2026 and another 10.5% in 2027. However, estimates have seen downward revisions over the past 90 days.

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The consensus mark for Abbott’s revenues calls for 13.9% and 8.9% growth in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

ABT’s Valuation SnapshotWith a Value Score of C, Abbott is currently trading at a forward, five-year, Price/Sales of 2.93X, representing a premium to the industry average of 2.05X.

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ABT also has a higher sales multiple compared to Labcorp’s 1.39X five-year P/S, as well as Becton, Dickinson’s P/S of 2.02X.

ConclusionAbbott’s sharp year-to-date decline reflects the impact of a weaker-than-expected respiratory season on its quarterly results, dilution risk from the Exact Sciences acquisition and ongoing macroeconomic pressures, among others. In China, management continues to maintain a cautious outlook despite flat Core Laboratory trends in the first quarter. The company’s technical indicators also point to continued weakness. Analysts have revised Abbott’s fiscal-year 2026 and 2027 estimates lower in recent months. Given its elevated valuation relative to industry and peers, existing ABT holders may want to exit their positions until visibility into near-term performance improves.

Abbott currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.