Abbott Laboratories discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide through four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. Its pharmaceutical offerings include generic treatments for conditions such as pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome, and hypertension, as well as anti-infective clarithromycin and influenza vaccine. The company also provides diagnostic systems for laboratory, transfusion medicine, molecular, and point-of-care testing, along with nutritional products and medical devices for cardiovascular, diabetes, and neuromodulation care. Formerly Abbott Alkaloidal Company, it changed its name to Abbott Laboratories in 1915, was founded in 1888, and is based in Abbott Park, Illinois.
Abbott's legal cloud lifts, dividend grows, and new products drive optimism
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DOJ ends criminal probe into baby formula plant The U.S. Justice Department closed its criminal investigation into Abbott's Michigan baby formula plant, opting for civil penalties instead. This removes a major legal risk that had been hanging over the company, making the stock more attractive to investors.
This is a new development that directly reduces regulatory uncertainty and boosts investor confidence.
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Abbott raises dividend for 54th straight year Abbott increased its dividend for the 54th consecutive year, with a quarterly payout of $0.740243 per share, yielding 2.76%. This signals financial strength and a commitment to returning cash to shareholders, which can support the stock price.
This is a new event that highlights Abbott's financial health and shareholder returns.
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New Alzheimer's blood test licensing deal ALZpath licensed its pTau217 antibody to Abbott for a blood-based Alzheimer's test on Abbott's Alinity systems. This expands Abbott's diagnostic portfolio into a large, growing market, potentially adding new revenue streams.
This is a new partnership that opens a new market opportunity for Abbott.
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FreeStyle Libre expansion into Type 2 basal insulin market Abbott's FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor is expanding into the large Type 2 basal-insulin market, with trial data showing improved outcomes. This could significantly increase the addressable market and drive future sales growth.
This is a new catalyst that could accelerate growth in Abbott's diabetes care business.
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Abbott's legal clouds clear as new heart and diabetes devices win approvals
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FDA clears first dual glucose-ketone sensor Abbott won FDA authorization for Libre Duo 10 Day, the first biowearable that tracks both glucose and ketones, with a U.S. launch planned for later this year. A genuinely new product with no direct rival strengthens Abbott's fast-growing diabetes sensor business and supports a higher stock price.
A first-of-its-kind product approval is a real new growth driver, not a repeat of earlier news.
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Two new heart-device approvals widen Abbott's lead Abbott received CE Mark for the Amulet 360 stroke-prevention device and FDA approval for the TactiFlex Duo ablation catheter, its fourth and fifth heart-rhythm approvals in about a year. More approved tools mean more procedures and recurring sales, pushing the stock up.
These are new regulatory wins that expand Abbott's electrophysiology lineup and revenue runway.
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Infant formula legal overhang largely resolved Abbott agreed to pay $385 million to settle Department of Justice and state claims over its 2022 Sturgis formula recall, with no finding of fault and the criminal probe closed. Removing this legal cloud lets investors focus on the core business, lifting the stock.
This is a new settlement that clears a major legal risk, a direct positive for the share price.
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Citi sees Abbott taking heart-device share from Boston Scientific Citi downgraded rival Boston Scientific, saying it will lose market share in left atrial appendage closure when Abbott's Amulet device launches in 2027. That independent view of Abbott as the winner in a growing market supports the stock.
A fresh analyst call frames Abbott as a competitive gainer, a new reason for optimism.
Q3 2026
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Abbott's Q3: strong sales, new products, but Exact Sciences deal weighs
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Record Q2 sales and raised guidance Abbott reported record second-quarter sales of $12.6 billion, beat expectations, and raised its earnings guidance. Diagnostics grew 42.3% and Medical Devices grew 9%, showing broad strength across the business.
This is the core financial result that drove positive sentiment in the period.
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New product approvals and partnerships FDA approved Freenome's colorectal cancer blood test, Abbott partnered with Google Health for Lingo, and won approvals for diabetes and heart devices like Libre Duo and Amulet 360. These expand future revenue streams.
These pipeline advances strengthen Abbott's long-term growth prospects.
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Legal clouds ease with settlements Abbott partly settled NEC claims for $670 million and infant-formula claims for $385 million. This reduces legal uncertainty, though about 1,700 NEC lawsuits remain outstanding.
Legal settlements remove overhangs that had pressured the stock.
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$21B Exact Sciences deal dilutes guidance Abbott's $21 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences diluted earnings guidance and increased interest expense. While it may boost long-term growth, the near-term financial impact weighed on the stock.
This is the main negative factor that offset positive developments.
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ABT▲
Disposable Medical Sensors Market to Reach $16.13 Billion by 2031
The global disposable medical device sensors market is projected to grow from USD 11.86 billion in 2026 to USD 16.13 billion by 2031, a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%, according to a new ResearchAndMarkets.com report. Growth is driven by the rising prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases, remote patient monitoring, point-of-care diagnostics, wearable devices, home healthcare, and infection-prevention needs. By type, biosensors currently hold the largest share of the market, while strip sensors are expected to capture the largest share over the forecast period. The United States is expected to record the highest CAGR within North America, supported by advanced healthcare infrastructure and high adoption of innovative medical technologies. Key players profiled include Abbott Laboratories, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Medtronic, and GE HealthCare Technologies Inc.
ABT · Demand · Positive Named as a key player in the growing disposable medical sensors market, which is expanding on rising chronic disease and remote monitoring demand.
GEHC · Demand · Positive Profiled as a key player in the disposable medical sensors market projected to grow to $16.13B by 2031.
MDT · Demand · Positive Listed among key players in the expanding disposable medical sensors market driven by remote monitoring and point-of-care diagnostics.
ROP.SW · Demand · Positive Named as a key player in the disposable medical sensors market forecast to grow at 6.4% CAGR through 2031.
Abbott Laboratories Launches FDA-Approved SimpleScreen CRC Blood Test in US
Abbott Laboratories has launched SimpleScreen CRC in the United States, an FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test aimed at average-risk adults who decline traditional screening methods. The rollout comes alongside new clinical use of Abbott's Volt PFA system for atrial fibrillation and the continuation of its long-running dividend stream. Abbott's shares have fallen about 10.2% over the past month while gaining 9.5% over 90 days, leaving the 1 year total shareholder return down 22.9%, the 3 year total shareholder return up 12.2% and the 5 year total shareholder return slightly negative at 4.0%, with the stock at US$100.95. The most followed analyst narrative puts Abbott's fair value at $120.26, implying the shares are 16% undervalued, while the SWS DCF model points to a future cash flow value of $80.68. That narrative assumes scaling of the cancer diagnostics portfolio following the Exact Sciences acquisition, with 13% comparable growth in early 2026, care gap programs ramping in the second half and an expected contribution of about US$3b of 2026 sales, though ongoing Nutrition legal settlements and higher Libre expansion spending remain pressure points.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Diagnostics & Precision Testing ▲Technology
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Tools, Diagnostics & CDMO ▲Technology
ABT · Technology · Positive Abbott launched its FDA-approved SimpleScreen CRC blood-based colorectal cancer screening test in the US, expanding its cancer diagnostics portfolio.
ABT · Capital · Neutral Analyst narrative puts fair value at $120.26 (16% undervalued) while DCF model implies $80.68, with mixed valuation signals.
Abbott launches SimpleScreen CRC blood test for colorectal cancer screening
Abbott announced the U.S. commercial launch of SimpleScreen CRC, an FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test for adults age 45 and older at average risk for the disease. Developed and manufactured by Freenome and exclusively commercialized by Abbott, SimpleScreen CRC joins the Cologuard Plus test in Abbott's colorectal cancer screening portfolio, giving healthcare providers both stool- and blood-based options. The test was evaluated in PREEMPT CRC, the largest prospective clinical validation study for a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test, which enrolled more than 48,000 asymptomatic, average-risk adults ages 45 to 85. In a prespecified analysis adjusted to match the U.S. Census, SimpleScreen CRC demonstrated 81.1% overall sensitivity for colorectal cancer, including 63.5% sensitivity for Stage I CRC, 13.7% sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions, and 90.4% specificity for advanced colorectal neoplasia. SimpleScreen CRC is covered by Medicare, with no out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients with Medicare Part B, while Medicare Advantage patients may have out-of-pocket costs.
Focus Wealth Management Opens New Position in Abbott Laboratories
Focus Wealth Management initiated a position in Abbott Laboratories during the second quarter of 2026, according to its Q2 2026 investor letter. The fund described Abbott as a diversified healthcare company with leading franchises across medical devices, diagnostics and nutrition, and said recent operational challenges that weighed on the share price appear temporary rather than structural. Abbott has raised its dividend for more than 50 consecutive years and continues to invest heavily in innovation, which the firm said offers an attractive combination of quality, resilience and valuation. Abbott closed at $103.69 per share on September 22, 2026, down 9.12% over the past month and 22.56% over the past 52 weeks, with a market capitalization of $179.42 billion and a 52-week range of $81.97 to $136.83. The fund also said it continues to see selective opportunities in U.S. health care, a sector that has largely sat outside the center of market enthusiasm.
ABT · Capital · Positive Focus Wealth Management initiated a new position in Abbott, calling its recent operational challenges temporary and citing quality, resilience and attractive valuation.
Abbott and Berry Street Launch Exclusive Lingo Nutrition Coaching Partnership
Abbott and Berry Street announced an exclusive partnership to pair Abbott's Lingo continuous glucose monitor with Berry Street's insurance-covered registered dietitian support, helping consumers turn glucose insights into healthier behaviors. Under the deal, Berry Street and Lingo users can access registered dietitians specially trained on Lingo and continuous glucose monitors, receive personalized nutrition recommendations informed by their glucose trends, and meet virtually through one-to-one appointments. For the first time through this exclusive partnership, Berry Street users can obtain Lingo at a discounted price, receiving 15% off 4-week Lingo plans, while Lingo users are directed to sign up for Berry Street nutritionist services on the Lingo website and through Lingo email communications. Berry Street nutrition services are in-network with more than 1,250 health plans, with 96% of people paying no out-of-pocket costs, though coverage depends on the specific details of an individual's insurance plan. Abbott cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showing more than 115 million US adults have prediabetes, yet approximately 80% are unaware they have it, and noted published research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showing registered dietitian-led nutrition therapy can improve glucose control, weight management, cholesterol levels and other cardiometabolic markers. Olivier Ropars, divisional vice president of Abbott's Lingo business, said the combination of Lingo's biosensing technology with expert nutrition guidance can help people make informed nutrition and lifestyle decisions, while Berry Street chief executive officer and co-founder Noah Kotlove said continuous glucose insights plus registered dietitian expertise create a more personalized approach to nutrition.
Aging Population › Chronic-Disease Pharma Franchises Demand
ABT · Demand · Positive Exclusive partnership pairs Abbott's Lingo CGM with Berry Street dietitian services, expanding adoption and offering discounted Lingo plans to Berry Street users.
Berry Street · Demand · Positive Exclusive deal gives Berry Street users discounted Lingo access and directs Lingo users to its insurance-covered dietitian services, expanding its customer base.
Boston Scientific Eyes 2027-2028 Launch Wave as EP Growth Set to Stall
Boston Scientific is preparing a steady stream of product launches over the next two years that it expects to become an important source of incremental growth. In Interventional Cardiology, the company plans to launch the SEISMIQ 4CE Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy Catheter in the first half of 2027, following FRACTURE trial data presented as a late-breaker at EuroPCR in May that met all endpoints. In Endoscopy, Boston Scientific has received FDA clearance for RIVOS, a first-of-its-kind single device designed to consolidate multiple exchanges and streamline endoscopic ultrasound biliary drainage, while advancing enrollment in the THRIVE trial of the TIVUS Ultrasound System for renal denervation, a technology acquired through the SoniVie Ltd. acquisition that management still expects to reach the market in 2028. Within Cardiac Rhythm Management, the company faces competitive pressure and portfolio gaps it expects to address with PRECEDENT, its new defibrillation platform scheduled to launch in the second half of 2027. In Electrophysiology, where FARAPULSE has driven a faster-than-anticipated transition to pulsed-field ablation and U.S. PFA revenues now account for approximately 80% of the atrial fibrillation market, Boston Scientific now expects global EP growth to emerge flat in the second half of 2026, with the U.S. EP business expected to regain momentum in the second half of 2027 on the launch of FARAWAVE Ultra and its entry into the intracardiac echocardiography market, and further improvement forecast for 2028 with FARAFLEX. Among peers, Abbott announced its Volt PFS system was used for the first time in Canada at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal to treat AFib patients after receiving Health Canada authorization in April 2026, and Globus Medical secured CE Mark for Excelsius3D, its intelligent mobile imaging platform that combines 3D cone-beam computed tomography, 2D fluoroscopy and digital radiography in a single system. Over the past 12 months, Boston Scientific shares have dropped 55.4% compared with the industry's 29.7% decline, and the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
BSX · Competition · Negative Boston Scientific expects global EP growth to be flat in H2 2026 amid competitive pressure and portfolio gaps in CRM.
BSX · Technology · Positive Boston Scientific detailed a 2027-2028 launch wave including SEISMIQ 4CE, FDA-cleared RIVOS, PRECEDENT, and FARAWAVE Ultra/FARAFLEX.
ABT · Competition · Neutral Abbott's Volt PFS was used for the first time in Canada after Health Canada authorization, a competitive PFA milestone mentioned alongside Boston Scientific's EP franchise.
Abbott Declares 411th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend of 63 Cents
Abbott's board of directors declared a quarterly common dividend of 63 cents per share, marking the 411th consecutive quarterly dividend the company has paid since 1924. The cash dividend is payable Nov. 16, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Oct. 15, 2026. Abbott has increased its dividend payout for 54 consecutive years and is a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have raised dividends annually for at least 25 consecutive years. The company, based in Abbott Park, Illinois, describes itself as a global healthcare leader with 122,000 colleagues serving people in more than 160 countries.
Citi Downgrades Boston Scientific to Neutral on Competition and Cyberattack Fallout
Citi downgraded Boston Scientific to Neutral from Buy, citing the lingering aftermath of an August cyberattack and rising competition across several of its businesses. The bank cut its price target on the medical device maker to $50 from $57, implying roughly 14% upside based on the Sept. 16 close. Analyst Joanne Wuensch said Boston Scientific has been hurt this year by a more mature U.S. pulsed field ablation market with increased competition, a stagnating left atrial appendage closure market, Urology hiccups, and the cybersecurity attack, and she has revised her estimates down eight times year to date. Wuensch warned that new proposed guidelines from the Heart Rhythm Society could weigh on sales of the company's key Watchman LAAC device, projecting Watchman sales will fall 7.6% in the second half of the year followed by an 8.8% drop in 2027, and said Boston Scientific is likely to lose market share when Abbott Laboratories' Amulet LAAC launches in 2027. She added that while she is confident the company will work through its problems, the time to resolution is opaque, investor patience has run thin, and the recovery path remains unclear.
BSX · Competition · Negative Citi downgraded Boston Scientific to Neutral, citing rising competition in pulsed field ablation and LAAC plus expected share loss to Abbott's Amulet.
BSX · Regulation · Negative New proposed Heart Rhythm Society guidelines could weigh on sales of Boston Scientific's key Watchman LAAC device.
ABT · Competition · Positive Citi expects Boston Scientific to lose LAAC market share when Abbott's Amulet device launches in 2027, a competitive gain for Abbott.
Abbott Laboratories Reaches $385 Million Settlement Over 2022 Infant Formula Recall
Abbott Laboratories has agreed to a US$385 million settlement tied to its 2022 infant formula recall and the shutdown of its Sturgis plant. The agreement resolves civil claims from families, states, and other plaintiffs who alleged product safety failures and gaps in compliance with federal standards, and it follows investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice and multiple states into Abbott's infant formula operations. The settlement, which covers only the civil claims and includes no admission of liability, gives Abbott clearer visibility on its infant nutrition liabilities and removes a high-profile government probe that had been flagged as an ongoing litigation risk. Abbott Laboratories is a large global healthcare manufacturer with a US$178.4b market cap, so issues in its infant formula segment sit alongside a broad mix of medical equipment and other health products. Investors will be watching for concrete follow-through on manufacturing and quality control, especially at Sturgis and Casa Grande, with key signposts in future FDA or USDA plant inspection findings and any new disclosures on remediation spending or compliance milestones in upcoming quarterly filings and earnings calls.
ABT · Regulation · Positive Abbott's $385M settlement resolves civil claims and removes a high-profile DOJ/state probe into its 2022 infant formula recall, clearing a flagged litigation risk.
Abbott's Volt Pulsed Field Ablation System Used for First Time in Canada at McGill University Health Centre
Abbott announced that its Volt Pulsed Field Ablation System was used for the first time in Canada at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal to treat patients with atrial fibrillation. The system, which received Health Canada authorization in April 2026, is designed to deliver more precise, targeted energy with fewer catheter exchanges and reduced radiation exposure than earlier-generation systems, and is also approved and available in the United States, Europe and Australia. Health Canada authorization was based on results from Abbott's VOLT-AF IDE study, a clinical trial of 392 patients conducted at 40 centres in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia, which demonstrated clinically meaningful performance in both safety and effectiveness in treating paroxysmal AFib and persistent AFib. Dr. Atul Verma, director of cardiology at the McGill University Health Centre, said innovations like Volt are notable for combining real-time feedback with a distinctive catheter design that may help optimize contact and energy delivery during procedures. Christopher Piorkowski, chief medical officer of Abbott's electrophysiology business, said the system's introduction in Canada enables an approach that can support conscious sedation and may help make procedures more efficient while supporting quicker recovery. AFib affects between 500,000 to nearly one million Canadians, and people with the condition have 3 to 5 times greater risk for ischemic stroke.
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Cardiovascular & Heart-Failure Therapeutics Technology
ABT · Technology · Positive Abbott's Volt Pulsed Field Ablation System was used for the first time in Canada after Health Canada authorization, advancing its electrophysiology product adoption.
Abbott wins FDA approval for dual-energy TactiFlex Duo ablation catheter
Abbott has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its TactiFlex Duo Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, a dual-energy device that combines pulsed field ablation and radiofrequency energy in a single catheter to treat complex cases of atrial fibrillation. The approval, announced September 8, 2026, is based on results from the FlexPulse IDE study, which showed favorable safety and effectiveness in patients with paroxysmal AFib. Abbott will begin commercial cases across the country in the coming weeks. This marks the company's fifth major electrophysiology approval in just over a year, following European approvals of the Amulet 360 and TactiFlex Duo, and U.S. and European approvals of the Volt PFA System in 2025. The catheter integrates with Abbott's EnSite X EP System, which provides real-time feedback and a PFA Index to guide lesion formation.
Abbott Launches First Whole-Milk Ready-to-Feed Infant Formula
Abbott Laboratories has launched Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk, the first commercially sterile ready-to-feed liquid infant formula in the U.S. to combine whole milk with a ready-to-feed format. The product, which uses whole milk and a blend of human milk oligosaccharides to more closely mirror breast milk, expands Abbott's infant nutrition portfolio and targets parents seeking convenient, nutritionally advanced options. Priced similarly per feeding to its powder formula, the new product is initially rolling out at Target and Amazon, with broader retail availability expected to be a key indicator of traction. Investors will watch upcoming quarterly reports for U.S. nutrition revenue mix and uptake of ready-to-feed formats, while legal risks around preterm formulas remain a watchpoint after recent NEC settlement agreements.
NAD Backs Some Kendamil Claims, Orders Changes to Others
In a challenge brought by Abbott Laboratories, the National Advertising Division determined that Kendal Nutricare Limited substantiated certain claims about the use of whole milk in its Kendamil infant formula, but recommended that the company modify or discontinue other claims regarding nutritional benefits, ingredients, and heritage. NAD found that Kendal's whole milk ingredient claims were supported, but it recommended discontinuing the claim that competing formulas lose "natural milk fats and important nutrients" because it implied nutritional inferiority without evidence. The division also recommended discontinuing claims that Kendamil's whole milk keeps natural fats closer to breast milk and that its HMO blend supports immune health, as the evidence did not fit those product-specific claims. Additionally, NAD advised Kendal to modify or discontinue heritage claims like "Est. 1962" and "60 years of experience" to clarify they refer to the manufacturing facility, not the brand's age. Kendal stated it will comply with NAD's recommendations.
Kendal Nutricare Limited · Regulation · Negative NAD recommended Kendal modify or discontinue multiple claims about nutritional benefits, ingredients, and heritage, though some whole-milk claims were substantiated.
ABT · Regulation · Positive Abbott brought the NAD challenge and won recommendations that Kendal discontinue or modify several comparative claims about its formula.
FDA Approves Abbott's First Wearable Dual Ketone and Glucose Monitor
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved Abbott Laboratories' Libre Duo 10 Day Continuous Dual Glucose Ketone Monitoring System for diabetes patients aged two and older, making it the first wearable in the U.S. to continuously monitor ketone levels and the first global system to track blood sugar and ketones simultaneously in a single unit. The agency granted marketing authorization via the De Novo pathway for new low-to-moderate-risk devices, following a review of six clinical studies involving over 600 participants that demonstrated accurate tracking of clinically significant ketone variations. The sensor, which offers up to 10 days of wear, alerts users when ketones rise, replacing single-point urine or blood tests. Abbott is working with pump companies to integrate the sensor with automated insulin delivery systems, expecting compatibility with iLet from Beta Bionics Inc and twiist from Sequel Med Tech by the end of this year, and with systems from Insulet Corp and Tandem Diabetes Care Inc by 2027, alongside an exclusive integration with MiniMedGroup Inc for smart dosing systems. William Blair analyst Brandon Vazquez noted the clearance may create a new competitive dynamic for DexCom Inc shares, with the sensor likely most competitive in the pediatric population once integrated with AID pumps next year.
ABT · Technology · Positive FDA approves Abbott's first wearable dual glucose-ketone monitor, a new product/regulatory milestone for its Libre line.
MMED · Demand · Positive Abbott is working with MiniMedGroup on an exclusive integration of the Libre Duo sensor for smart dosing systems, a concrete product partnership.
Sequel Med Tech · Demand · Positive Abbott expects its Libre Duo dual ketone/glucose sensor to be compatible with Sequel Med Tech's twiist automated insulin delivery system by end of this year.
DXCM · Competition · Negative William Blair analyst notes Abbott's clearance may create a new competitive dynamic for DexCom shares, especially in pediatrics.
BBNX · Demand · Positive Abbott expects its new ketone sensor to be compatible with Beta Bionics' iLet automated insulin delivery system by year-end.
PODD · Demand · Positive Abbott plans integration of its new dual sensor with Insulet's automated insulin delivery systems by 2027.
Abbott's Amulet 360 Receives CE Mark for Stroke Prevention in AFib Patients
Abbott announced it has received CE Mark for its next-generation Amulet 360 Left Atrial Appendage Occluder, designed to reduce stroke risk in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. The device, which seals the left atrial appendage to prevent blood clots, builds on Abbott's first-generation LAA occluder with a softer, more conformable lobe and smaller anchors to treat a wider range of anatomies. Clinical data from the VERITAS Study, involving 400 patients at over 30 hospitals, showed successful implantation in 99.8% of patients, no early complications, and complete closure in 93.9% of patients at 45 days. The first European procedures were completed in Germany and Denmark, with broader rollout planned in coming weeks. This approval marks Abbott's fourth major electrophysiology approval in just over a year, following the Volt PFA System and TactiFlex Duo.
ABT · Technology · Positive Abbott's Amulet 360 received CE Mark, a regulatory approval for its next-generation device, with positive clinical data and planned rollout.
Atrial Fibrillation Device Market to Reach $29B by 2035
The global atrial fibrillation treatment devices market is projected to grow from USD 9.6 billion in 2026 to USD 29.0 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 13.1%, according to a new report from ResearchAndMarkets.com. The market expansion is driven by the rising prevalence of atrial fibrillation, an aging population, and increasing adoption of advanced ablation and left atrial appendage closure technologies. Ablation catheters are expected to account for approximately 75% of market revenue, while the left atrial appendage closure segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.4%, the fastest among device types. Pulsed field ablation is forecast to generate more than 60% of total market revenue by 2035. North America is projected to retain close to 50% of global revenue, while Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest regional growth. Key players include Abbott, AtriCure, Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic.
Abbott Laboratories has agreed to pay $670 million to settle claims involving about 2,000 people who alleged that its specialized preterm infant formulas contributed to necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious bowel disease affecting premature infants. The settlement also resolves Abbott's appeal of a $495 million verdict involving an Illinois mother, after that judgment was upheld by a Missouri appeals court. Abbott did not admit liability and continues to maintain that its products are safe. The company says claims from as many as 12,700 people remain, although that figure includes duplicate and unsupported claims as well as cases where it is unclear which manufacturer's formula was used. More than 825 federal cases are consolidated in Chicago, with additional cases pending in state courts.
ABT · Regulation · Negative Abbott pays $670 million to settle claims over preterm infant formulas linked to necrotizing enterocolitis, with more claims pending.
Abbott Diagnostics Growth Shifts to Cancer Testing
Abbott Laboratories' Diagnostics business is increasingly relying on its Cancer Diagnostics arm as respiratory testing volumes remain weak. In the second quarter of 2026, Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics sales fell 8% on a comparable basis due to a weaker-than-normal respiratory season, while Cancer Diagnostics sales grew 13%, driven by mid-teens growth in Cologuard. Peer QuidelOrtho reported respiratory products accounted for 9% of total revenues in the first half of 2026, down from 13% a year earlier, and Danaher's Diagnostics segment core revenues declined 4% in the first quarter of 2026. Abbott shares have fallen 11.6% over the past year, and the stock trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 3.81 times versus the industry median of 2.81 times.
Abbott Laboratories and Thermo Fisher Scientific both reported encouraging quarterly results, with Abbott's diagnostics segment sales rising 42% to $3.09 billion in fiscal Q2, surpassing the estimate of $3.02 billion. Abbott reaffirmed its full-year comparable sales growth guidance of 6.5% to 7.5%, while Thermo Fisher's organic revenue increased 5%, signaling a potential recovery in life sciences spending. Thermo Fisher's management highlighted improving customer activity across pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets, and its Analytical Instruments business returned to growth after nearly two years of weak demand. Abbott's diversified portfolio across diagnostics, medical devices, and nutrition provides resilience, while Thermo Fisher's outlook depends more heavily on continued recovery in pharmaceutical and biotechnology spending.
Abbott Laboratories Settles Infant Formula Claims for $670 Million
Abbott Laboratories has agreed to resolve the Gill case and about 2,000 related necrotizing enterocolitis claims linked to its preterm infant formulas for roughly US$670 million. The settlement reframes investors' view of the company's legal overhang, and the stock has rebounded sharply, rising 13.18% over 30 days and 33.44% over 90 days. At a last close of $116.64, Abbott is framed as slightly undervalued versus a narrative fair value of $119.13, though its 37.4x P/E is above the US Medical Equipment industry average of 27.4x. Risks remain around pricing pressure in diagnostics and potential margin strain from tariffs and foreign exchange.
MiniMed Flex System Ships in U.S. with Abbott Instinct Sensor
MiniMed Group announced on August 17 that its MiniMed Flex automated insulin delivery system is now commercially shipping in the U.S., integrated with Abbott Laboratories' Instinct continuous glucose sensor. The system pairs MiniMed's smallest, only app-controlled insulin pump with Abbott's world's-smallest 15-day sensor, holds 300 units of insulin, and connects to a 7-day Extended infusion set. Real-world data shows the system reaches 80% Time in Range and over 90% overnight. Abbott reported $12.6 billion in quarterly revenue for Q2 2026, a 13.0% reported growth rate, and raised full-year EPS guidance to $5.45–$5.60. MiniMed, with a market cap of roughly $5.67 billion, is scheduled to report fiscal Q1 2027 results on September 1, 2026.
HealthTab Enters Multi-Year Collaboration with Abbott for UK Point-of-Care Testing
Avricore Health's subsidiary HealthTab has signed a multi-year collaboration agreement with Abbott to supply and distribute Abbott's point-of-care testing products through the HealthTab platform in the UK. The agreement allows HealthTab to distribute Abbott's Afinion 2 Analyzer in NHS-linked pharmacies to test for HbA1c and lipid profiles, and establishes a framework for expanding point-of-care testing through community pharmacies. CEO Rodger Seccombe called it the company's most significant milestone to date, citing fifteen years of building the pharmacy-based testing model and the need for an industry-leading partner. HealthTab provides a turnkey solution including instruments, consumables, onboarding, training, and a secure cloud-based platform connecting analyzers, patient results, QC data, and pharmacist workflows. The platform's quality program, run with reference laboratory CEQAL, includes centralized lot monitoring, internal quality control, and external quality-assessment events to ensure accurate and traceable results.
Abbott and Intuitive Surgical Post Strong Q2 Results
Abbott Laboratories and Intuitive Surgical both reported strong fiscal second quarter 2026 results, with Abbott beating estimates and raising its annual profit forecast while Intuitive Surgical also topped consensus on revenue and earnings. Abbott's sales rose 13% on a reported basis and 4.8% on a comparable basis, driven by a 42% jump in diagnostics revenue to $3.09 billion, while Intuitive Surgical's revenue grew 19% to $2.89 billion with adjusted EPS of $2.80 exceeding expectations by $0.30. Abbott reaffirmed its full-year comparable sales growth guidance of 6.5% to 7.5%, while Intuitive Surgical kept its 2026 da Vinci procedure growth outlook at 13.5% to 15.5% and warned that tariffs could materially affect margins. Hedge fund ownership data showed Abbott's count rising from 71 to 73 and Intuitive Surgical's falling from 109 to 103 between the two quarters.
Abbott's Medical Devices Arm Drives Growth Through Electrophysiology and Diabetes Care
Abbott Laboratories' Medical Devices business continues to be one of the company's strongest growth engines, supported by accelerating momentum in electrophysiology, continued adoption of cardiovascular technologies and the large long-term opportunity in continuous glucose monitoring. The company launched the next-generation Volt PFA catheter in the United States in May and expects to move from a limited release to a full commercial launch in the coming quarters. Abbott estimates that roughly 75-80 million people globally could realistically use CGM technology compared with only about 15 million users today, giving the company considerable runway. Abbott received CE Mark for Libre Duo in the second quarter and plans to begin its international rollout in fall 2026. The cardiovascular pipeline acts as an additional growth catalyst, with clinical programs for a balloon-expandable TAVR valve, a leadless conduction-system pacing device based on AVEIR, a Cephea mitral replacement valve and a peripheral IVL device supporting growth into 2029 and beyond.
Abbott and Alphabet Partner to Integrate Lingo Glucose Data with Google Health AI
Abbott Laboratories and Alphabet announced a multi-year partnership on August 11 to embed data from Abbott's non-prescription Lingo biowearable directly into the Google Health app, combining real-time metabolic insights with Google's AI Health Coach for personalized nutrition, sleep, and recovery recommendations. Abbott reported second-quarter 2026 sales of $12.59 billion, up 13.0% reported, with adjusted diluted EPS of $1.31 and raised full-year EPS guidance to $5.45–$5.60, while Alphabet's revenue spiked 24% year-over-year to $119.8 billion and Google Cloud revenue surged 82% on Gemini model adoption. Hedge fund interest diverged, with 73 funds holding Abbott shares in Q1 2026, up from 71, while Alphabet holdings dipped to 201 funds from 203. Investors will watch whether the Lingo-Google Health integration drives user retention for Abbott and whether Google can translate consumer health engagement into enterprise healthcare wins.
Artificial Intelligence › AI Applications & Copilots ▲Technology
Biotech & Genomic Medicine › Tools, Diagnostics & CDMO ▲Technology
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ABT · Demand · Positive Partnership with Alphabet to integrate Lingo data into Google Health app likely boosts user adoption and retention for Abbott's biowearable.
GOOG · Demand · Positive Integration of Abbott's Lingo data into Google Health app enhances Google's AI Health Coach, potentially increasing consumer engagement and enterprise healthcare opportunities.
Abbott's Established Pharmaceuticals Division Drives Growth in Emerging Markets
Abbott Laboratories' Established Pharmaceuticals Division reported second-quarter 2026 sales growth of 8.4% on a reported basis and 8.7% on a comparable basis, driven by strong performance in emerging markets. Key Emerging Markets delivered 10.7% comparable sales growth, with double-digit gains across several countries in Latin America and Asia Pacific. The company is expanding its biosimilar pipeline to broaden the division's product portfolio and sustain high-single-digit sales growth over the long term. Abbott shares have fallen 14.3% over the past year, and the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Abbott Laboratories and Google Health Partner on AI Glucose Tracking
Abbott Laboratories and Google Health announced a multi-year partnership to integrate Abbott's Lingo biowearable glucose data with Google's AI-driven consumer health tools. The collaboration aims to feed continuous glucose monitoring insights into the Google Health app to support personalized metabolic health tracking and coaching. The companies plan to run one of the largest real-world metabolic health studies using anonymized Lingo data combined with Google's AI capabilities. The agreement is positioned to support Abbott's role in personalized wellness and wearables by linking its sensor technology with widely used digital health platforms.
ABT · Technology · Positive Partnership with Google Health to integrate glucose data with AI tools enhances Abbott's digital health offerings.
GOOG · Technology · Positive Google Health's AI-driven consumer health tools gain access to Abbott's glucose data, expanding its health platform capabilities.
DexCom shares have gained 34.8% in 2026, rebounding from a 14.7% decline in 2025, as investors recognize the company's improving growth profile and expanding continuous glucose monitoring opportunity. Second-quarter revenues rose 13% year over year, with U.S. revenues up 11% and international revenues jumping 19%, driven by broader reimbursement, market-share gains, and stronger patient starts. Key growth catalysts include the CONNECT trial showing a 1.6% A1c improvement in non-insulin Type 2 diabetes patients, the G7 15 Day product rollout expected to reach nearly 50% of the U.S. customer base by year-end, and international expansion including Health Canada clearance for G7 15 Day. The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects 2026 EPS of $2.64, up 26.8% year over year, and 2027 EPS of $3.08, up 16.6%, with revenues expected to grow 12.1% to $5.23 billion in 2026 and 11.6% to $5.83 billion in 2027. Competition remains intense from Abbott, MiniMed, and Senseonics, and execution risks around reimbursement and product transitions persist, but the article concludes the rally is supported by improving fundamentals rather than short-term momentum.
Global Whey Protein Market to Reach USD 26.04 Billion by 2034
The global whey protein market is projected to grow from USD 12.58 billion in 2024 to USD 26.04 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate of 7.56 percent, according to a new report from Custom Market Insights. The market is expected to reach USD 13.52 billion in 2025. Key players include Abbott, Arla Foods, Glanbia plc, Nestle S.A., and Danone's Nutricia. Growth drivers include rising demand for clean-label products, ready-to-drink beverages, personalized nutrition, and expansion of e-commerce.
Abbott beats Q2 estimates and raises profit forecast, while Medtronic posts strongest annual revenue growth in a decade
Abbott Laboratories beat fiscal second-quarter estimates and raised its full-year adjusted diluted EPS guidance to a range of $5.45 to $5.60, up from $5.38 to $5.58, driven by a 42% surge in diagnostics sales to $3.09 billion. Medtronic reported its highest annual revenue growth in ten years, with fiscal 2026 revenue reaching $36.4 billion, up 8.4% as reported, as newer platforms like Symplicity Spyral, now annualizing at approximately $100 million, gained traction. Abbott reaffirmed its full-year comparable sales growth outlook of 6.5% to 7.5%, while Medtronic faces an estimated $250 million tariff headwind in fiscal 2027. Hedge fund ownership of Abbott rose to 73 funds in the first quarter of 2026, while Medtronic's declined to 60.
Johnson & Johnson raises annual sales guidance to $101.1 billion midpoint
Johnson & Johnson raised its full-year sales guidance to a midpoint of $101.1 billion, up from $100.8 billion previously, following fiscal second-quarter results that beat estimates. The healthcare giant reported quarterly sales of $25.31 billion, above the $25.05 billion average analyst estimate, with adjusted earnings per share of $2.90 versus the $2.85 expectation. Its pharmaceutical unit generated $16.38 billion in sales, exceeding the $16.1 billion estimate, driven by a 72.5% surge in Tremfya sales to $2 billion, which helped offset a more than 55% drop in Stelara revenue to $740 million due to patent loss. The company also raised its adjusted earnings per share forecast to $11.68 at the midpoint from $11.55. Abbott Laboratories, which also beat quarterly estimates and raised its annual profit forecast, saw its diagnostics segment rise 42% to $3.09 billion, while reaffirming its full-year comparable sales growth guidance of 6.5% to 7.5%.
Abbott Laboratories has completed a share repurchase tranche totaling approximately $1.35 billion, buying back 14,015,097 shares, including 11,599,094 shares between April and June 2026. The company's shares last closed at $107.81, with a 27.86% gain over the past 90 days, though year-to-date and one-year total shareholder returns are down 13.19% and 17.86%, respectively. Recent drivers include the completed buyback and the April acquisition of Exact Sciences, alongside lower 2026 guidance linked to earnings dilution from that deal. A popular narrative places Abbott's fair value at $119.13, suggesting the stock may be undervalued, while risks include pricing pressure in diagnostics and glucose monitoring, as well as potential earnings drag from tariffs and foreign exchange moves.
Boston Scientific Cuts 2026 Guidance on Slower WATCHMAN Demand and Electrophysiology Share Losses
Boston Scientific lowered its 2026 sales and earnings outlook, citing slower WATCHMAN demand, U.S. electrophysiology share losses, and limited operating leverage. The company now expects reported sales growth of 5.5 to 6.5 percent, down from a prior range of 7 to 8.5 percent, while organic sales growth guidance fell to 5 to 6 percent from 6.5 to 8 percent. Adjusted earnings per share are now seen at $3.28 to $3.32, below the previous $3.34 to $3.41. The third-quarter outlook also points to a sharper slowdown, with reported and organic sales growth of 3 to 5 percent and adjusted earnings of 80 to 82 cents per share, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 84 cents. Management expects lower WATCHMAN and electrophysiology sales to weaken product mix and push full-year adjusted gross margin below the 2025 level, while adjusted operating margin expansion is now forecast at 0 to 25 basis points, down from 50 to 75 basis points. Key recovery catalysts, including FARAWAVE Ultra and intracardiac echocardiography products, are not expected until the second half of 2027, leaving the company exposed to rivals such as Abbott Laboratories, which reaffirmed 6.5 to 7.5 percent comparable sales growth guidance for 2026. A restructuring program targeting about $500 million in run-rate savings exiting 2029 is expected to deliver more than half of the savings and related spending by the end of 2027, but near-term revenue growth is forecast below the weighted average market growth rate with limited adjusted earnings growth in 2027. Shares of Boston Scientific have gained 3.7 percent since the second-quarter earnings announcement, outperforming the industry's 1.5 percent decline, though the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of 5, or Strong Sell.
Novartis, Abbott Laboratories, and Visa Named as Top Dividend Stocks for Lifetime Passive Income
Novartis, Abbott Laboratories, and Visa are highlighted as three dividend stocks capable of sustaining consistent payout growth over the long term. Novartis is navigating the largest patent expiry in its history, yet second-quarter net sales rose 3% year over year to $14.4 billion, supported by newer products like Kesimpta and Fabhalta, and it has increased dividends for 29 consecutive years with a forward yield of 3%. Abbott Laboratories, a Dividend King with at least 50 straight annual payout increases, is seeing strength in its medical device segment led by the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring franchise and has bolstered its diagnostics unit through an acquisition in cancer diagnostics. Visa, which has raised its dividend every year since going public in 2008, continues to grow revenue and earnings while leveraging its vast network and integrating buy-now-pay-later capabilities to fend off competition and legal challenges.
Abbott, TSMC, and J&J Report Record Quarterly Sales and Raise Guidance
Abbott Laboratories, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and Johnson & Johnson each reported record quarterly sales and raised guidance in the latest earnings cycle. Abbott posted an all-time high of $12.6 billion in sales, up 13% year-over-year, and lifted its adjusted EPS forecast. Taiwan Semiconductor recorded $40.2 billion in revenue, a 33% increase, and raised its full-year revenue growth outlook to roughly 40%. Johnson & Johnson achieved a new quarterly record of $25.3 billion in sales, up 6.6%, and increased both its fiscal-year sales and adjusted EPS guidance, putting it on track to surpass $100 billion in annual revenue for the first time.
Abbott Rides Key Diabetes, Oncology and Heart Care Innovation Trends
Abbott Laboratories is leaning into three of healthcare's most durable innovation themes: continuous glucose monitoring, oncology diagnostics and advanced cardiovascular treatment. Continuous glucose monitoring sales exceeded $2 billion in the second quarter of 2026 and grew 9.5% on a comparable basis, supported by the scale and adoption of FreeStyle Libre. Cancer Diagnostics sales totaled $919 million in the second quarter and grew 13.3% on a comparable basis, while Electrophysiology grew 13.4% on a comparable basis. The company also secured CE Mark for Libre Duo, a dual glucose-ketone wearable sensor, and expects Volt PFA, TactiFlex Duo, Amulet 360 and coronary intravascular lithotripsy launches to broaden its cardiovascular opportunity over the next 12 months. Abbott currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), along with a VGM Score of C, a Growth Score of C, and a Momentum Score of A.
Abbott Raises Profit Forecast on Strong Cancer Diagnostics and Medical Devices Demand
Abbott Laboratories raised its full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to a range of $5.45 to $5.60, up from the prior $5.38 to $5.58, following fiscal second-quarter results that beat estimates. Sales in the diagnostics segment, which includes the recently acquired Exact Sciences colorectal cancer screening test Cologuard, rose 42% to $3.09 billion, surpassing the $3.02 billion estimate and emerging as the quarter's strongest performer. The company reaffirmed its full-year comparable sales growth guidance of 6.5% to 7.5%, while worldwide nutrition sales fell 3.1% on a reported basis, though they improved sequentially by $127 million from the first quarter. William Blair reiterated an Outperform rating, noting that the diagnostics results should improve sentiment around the Exact Sciences acquisition and that growth in medical devices helps offset concerns about hospital procedure volumes.
Abbott Laboratories Fell as Guidance Cut and Litigation Concerns Overshadowed Growth
Abbott Laboratories detracted from the Jensen Quality Growth Equity Strategy's performance in the second quarter of 2026 after its stock price declined following first-quarter earnings. Management lowered full-year guidance to reflect dilution from the Exact Sciences acquisition, while the Nutrition and portions of the Diagnostics businesses faced near-term headwinds. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding NEC litigation related to its preterm infant formula also weighed on investor sentiment. These factors overshadowed otherwise strong results, including high-single-digit organic growth in Medical Devices and Established Pharma, which together represented over 62% of first-quarter sales. The stock closed at $103.06 per share on July 24, 2026, with a one-month return of 7.04% and a 52-week loss of 18.43%.
FDA Approves Freenome's SimpleScreen CRC Blood Test, Abbott to Commercialize in the U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Freenome's SimpleScreen CRC, a blood-based screening test for colorectal cancer in adults 45 and older at average risk, with Abbott set to exclusively commercialize the test in the U.S. this fall. The approval triggers a $100 million milestone payment from Abbott to Freenome under their August 2025 commercial agreement. In the PREEMPT CRC study, the largest prospective validation study for a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test, SimpleScreen CRC demonstrated 81.1% sensitivity for colorectal cancer and 90.4% specificity for advanced colorectal neoplasia. The test meets Medicare coverage criteria and is expected to be incorporated into American Cancer Society guidelines by name, expanding access for up to 60 million Americans who are overdue for screening. Freenome plans to include SimpleScreen CRC in its broader SimpleScreen portfolio while advancing additional single- and multi-cancer tests on the same multiomics platform.
General Motors, Abbott Laboratories, and Johnson & Johnson raise guidance after strong Q2 earnings
General Motors, Abbott Laboratories, and Johnson & Johnson all raised their full-year guidance following strong second-quarter earnings reports. General Motors posted a 14% earnings per share beat on sales of $48.0 billion and lifted its adjusted EBIT, adjusted EPS, and automotive operating cash flow outlook for the second time this year. Abbott Laboratories reported adjusted EPS of $1.31 on $12.6 billion in sales and raised its adjusted EPS guidance to $5.45–$5.60 while reaffirming its comparable sales forecast. Johnson & Johnson beat on both top and bottom lines for the ninth consecutive quarter and increased its sales and adjusted EPS guidance, putting it on track to surpass $100 billion in annual revenue for the first time in its history.
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