Abbott Laboratories stock trades above Xetra close as Q3 outlook holds

Abbott Laboratories reported stronger third-quarter growth on October 21, 2026, with sales and adjusted earnings accelerating from the first half of the year. The company also reaffirmed its full-year adjusted earnings outlook while narrowing the range.

According to the SEC filing, third-quarter sales rose 14.5 percent to 13.013 billion US dollars. Comparable sales, which exclude foreign-exchange effects and adjust for the Exact Sciences acquisition and a competitor-agreement payment, increased 7.0 percent.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased 9.2 percent to 1.42 US dollars from 1.30 US dollars a year earlier. GAAP diluted EPS was 0.53 US dollars, down from 0.94 US dollars, as specified items totaled 1.557 billion US dollars after tax, including intangible amortization, legal settlements, acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs.

Growth broadens across segments

Comparable sales increased in all four operating segments. Medical Devices grew 7.8 percent, led by 15.5 percent growth in electrophysiology, while Diagnostics rose 6.4 percent on continued strength in cancer diagnostics and core laboratory products. Established Pharmaceuticals advanced 8.4 percent, and Nutrition returned to growth with a 4.9 percent increase.

Management said the portfolio is positioned for sustainable growth, supported by new product approvals and launches. The quarter included developments such as Libre Duo, the TactiFlex Duo ablation catheter and the SimpleScreen CRC blood-based colorectal cancer test.

Guidance sets the next test

Abbott expects comparable sales growth of approximately 6.0 percent for 2026 and adjusted diluted EPS of 5.50 to 5.55 US dollars. The narrowed range retains the previous midpoint. Fourth-quarter adjusted diluted EPS is projected at 1.62 to 1.67 US dollars, with foreign exchange expected to reduce fourth-quarter sales by approximately 1 percent at current rates.

For investors, the key issue is whether accelerating demand in diagnostics and medical devices can offset softer areas, including parts of diabetes care. The reported GAAP decline also shows why adjusted results and the specified items require separate consideration.

The real-time quote of Abbott Laboratories stock traded at 97.66 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 12:51 CET on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 0.54 percent above the Xetra close of Monday, November 2.

Abbott's next earnings update will show whether the fourth-quarter EPS outlook and the projected sales acceleration are translating into further operating momentum. The broader US market remains the relevant backdrop for Abbott Laboratories stock; see the latest S&P 500 market reports.

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