Abbott beats Q2 profit estimates, raises full-year forecast

Overview

• US healthcare firm's Q2 revenue rose 13% reported, 4.8% comparable, adjusted EPS beat expectations

• Company raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance, reaffirmed sales growth outlook

• Abbott returned $2.1 bln to shareholders via dividends and buybacks in Q2

Outlook

• Abbott raises full-year 2026 adj diluted EPS guidance to $5.45-$5.60 from $5.38-$5.58

• Abbott reaffirms full-year 2026 comparable sales growth guidance of 6.5%-7.5%

• Company projects third-quarter 2026 adj diluted EPS of $1.38-$1.46

Result Drivers

• MEDICAL DEVICES GROWTH - Sales rose 8.4% on a comparable basis, led by low-teens growth in Electrophysiology and high-single-digit gains in Rhythm Management, Diabetes Care, and Heart Failure

• NUTRITION SALES DECLINE - Nutrition sales fell 3.6% on a comparable basis, reflecting lower sales volumes and the impact of prior strategic pricing actions

• DIAGNOSTICS MIXED PERFORMANCE - Core Laboratory and Cancer Diagnostics grew, but Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics declined due to lower respiratory virus test sales

Company press release: ID:nPn4kKXsna

Key Details

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "buy" and the breakdown of recommendations is 22 "strong buy" or "buy", 8 "hold" and no "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the medical equipment, supplies distribution peer group is "buy"

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for Abbott Laboratories is $115.00, about 28.8% above its July 15 closing price of $89.27

• The stock recently traded at 15 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 18 three months ago

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(This story was created using Reuters automation and AI based on LSEG and company data. It was checked and edited by a Reuters journalist prior to publication.)