Abbott Laboratories

New York Stock Exchange
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Bullish +75

Abbott Earnings Preview: What to Expect

AI-generated analysis

🏭 Abbott Laboratories, headquartered in Lake County, Illinois, operates globally with a $181.2 billion market cap across four main segments.

💰 Analysts project Q1 2026 earnings per share (EPS) of $1.15, representing a 5.5% increase from the previous year's quarter.

📈 The company has consistently met or exceeded Wall Street EPS estimates for the last four consecutive quarters.

📅 For fiscal 2026, projected EPS is $5.68 (up 10.3%), with a further rise to $6.24 expected for fiscal 2027.

📉 ABT stock has declined 16.9% over the past 52 weeks, significantly underperforming the S&P 500's 13.7% gain.

📊 On January 22, shares dropped nearly 10% after Q4 2025 revenue of $11.5 billion missed estimates despite EPS beating expectations.

🏆 The stock holds an overall "Strong Buy" rating among 28 analysts covering the company.

💡 Of the 28 analysts, 20 recommend a "Strong Buy," two suggest a "Moderate Buy," and six advise a "Hold."

🎯 The average analyst price target is set at $134.21, suggesting approximately 29% upside from current levels.

Bullish Signals
  • Analysts expect Abbott's Q1 2026 EPS to reach $1.15, representing a 5.5% increase from the year-ago quarter of $1.09.
  • The company has successfully surpassed or met Wall Street's EPS estimates in each of its last four quarters, demonstrating consistent performance.
  • Full-year fiscal 2026 EPS is projected to hit $5.68, marking a 10.3% rise from the previous year's $5.15.
  • Analysts anticipate further growth with an expected 9.9% year-over-year increase in EPS to reach $6.24 in fiscal 2027.
  • Abbott currently holds a 'Strong Buy' rating overall, with 20 out of 28 analysts recommending the stock as 'Strong Buy'.
  • The average analyst price target is set at $134.21, indicating a significant 29% upside potential from current levels.
  • Despite recent revenue misses, the company managed to beat adjusted EPS expectations by delivering $1.50 per share in Q4 2025.
Risk Factors
  • ABT stock has declined 16.9% over the past 52 weeks, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 13.7% rise during the same period.
  • Q4 2025 revenue came in at $11.5 billion, falling short of Wall Street estimates despite adjusted EPS beating expectations.
  • On Jan. 22, ABT stock fell nearly 10% immediately following the release of mixed Q4 2025 earnings.
  • Six analysts advise a 'Hold' on the stock compared to a more bullish outlook, indicating some uncertainty about future performance.
  • The company's current market cap is $181.2 billion, which may limit agility if it faces significant revenue headwinds or regulatory scrutiny.
Full Analysis
Abbott Laboratories (ABT), headquartered in Lake County, Illinois, is preparing to release its Q1 2026 earnings report. The healthcare giant, which has a market capitalization of $181.2 billion, operates through four main segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. Analysts anticipate the company's earnings per share (EPS) to be $1.15 on a diluted basis for the upcoming quarter, representing a 5.5% increase from the year-ago quarter of $1.09. Historically, Abbott has either met or exceeded Wall Street's EPS estimates in each of its last four quarters. Looking further ahead, fiscal 2026 analysts project an EPS of $5.68, which would be a 10.3% rise from the $5.15 recorded in fiscal 2025. Forecasts extend into fiscal 2027 with an expected EPS increase of roughly 9.9% year over year to reach $6.24. The stock has shown recent volatility, having fallen nearly 10% on January 22 following its mixed Q4 2025 earnings report where revenue of $11.5 billion missed estimates, although adjusted EPS of $1.50 beat the Street's expectations. Over the past 52 weeks, ABT stock has declined by 16.9%, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 13.7% gain and trailing the State Street Healthcare Select Sector SPDR ETF's performance during the same period. Investor sentiment remains strongly positive toward Abbott, with the stock holding a "Strong Buy" rating overall among the 28 analysts covering the company. The consensus recommendation breaks down as 20 "Strong Buys," two "Moderate Buys," and six "Holds." Based on this analyst coverage, ABT's average price target stands at $134.21, indicating a potential upside of 29% from current levels. This bullish outlook contrasts with the recent price underperformance, suggesting that analysts anticipate significant future growth in earnings to align with long-term projections despite the stock's recent dip relative to the broader market and sector peers.