Abbott Reports First-Quarter 2026 Results; Updates Guidance to Reflect Acquisition of Exact Sciences

Rhea-AI Summary

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) reported 1Q26 sales of $11,164 million (reported) and comparable sales growth of 3.7%. GAAP diluted EPS was $0.61; adjusted diluted EPS was $1.15. Abbott completed the acquisition of Exact Sciences on March 23, 2026.

Full-year 2026 guidance: comparable sales growth of 6.5%–7.5% and adjusted diluted EPS of $5.38–$5.58, which includes $0.20 dilution from Exact Sciences. Quarterly dividend of $0.63 payable May 15, 2026.

Positive

• Completed Exact Sciences acquisition on Mar 23, 2026
• Reported $11,164M in 1Q26 sales
• Adjusted diluted EPS $1.15, +6% growth
• Guidance: comparable sales growth target 6.5%–7.5%
• Full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $5.38–$5.58

Negative

• Worldwide Nutrition sales declined 6.0% reported, 7.7% comparable
• Diagnostics Rapid/Molecular showed a 9.6% comparable decline
• Acquisition dilution of $0.20 included in 2026 EPS guidance

News Market Reaction – ABT

-6.00%

97 alerts

-6.00% News Effect

-3.3% Trough in 5 hr 19 min

-$11.29B Valuation Impact

$176.88B Market Cap

1.1x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, ABT declined 6.00%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -3.3% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 97 alerts that day, indicating high trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $11.29B from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $176.88B at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Q1 2026 GAAP EPS: $0.61 Q1 2026 adj. EPS: $1.15 Q1 2026 sales: $11,164M +5 more

8 metrics

Q1 2026 GAAP EPS $0.61 First-quarter 2026 GAAP diluted EPS

Q1 2026 adj. EPS $1.15 First-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted EPS; 6% growth

Q1 2026 sales $11,164M Total reported company sales; 7.8% year-over-year growth

Q1 comparable growth 3.7% Companywide comparable sales growth vs. 1Q25

2026 sales guidance 6.5%–7.5% Projected full-year 2026 comparable sales growth

2026 adj. EPS guide $5.38–$5.58 Full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS; includes $0.20 dilution

Q2 2026 EPS guide $1.25–$1.31 Projected second-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted EPS

HbA1c reduction 0.6% FreeDM2 trial: HbA1c drop using FreeStyle Libre vs fingerstick

Market Reality Check

Price: $89.46 Vol: Volume 9,551,256 is below...

normal vol

$89.46 Last Close

Volume Volume 9,551,256 is below the 20-day average of 13,148,278, suggesting a relatively subdued reaction to the earnings and acquisition update. normal

Technical Shares at 101.5 are trading below the 200-day MA of 122.99 and close to the 52-week low of 99.05, well off the 52-week high of 139.06.

Peers on Argus

ABT is modestly higher (+0.5%) while key peers are mixed: BSX is up (+0.89%) but...

ABT is modestly higher (+0.5%) while key peers are mixed: BSX is up (+0.89%) but SYK, MDT, EW and SNN are down. The pattern points to a stock-specific reaction to the earnings and Exact Sciences integration rather than a broad medical devices move.

Previous Acquisition Reports

4 past events · Latest: Mar 23 (Positive)

Same Type Pattern 4 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 23	Acquisition completion	Positive	-0.6%	Closing of Exact Sciences deal and portfolio expansion into cancer diagnostics.
Mar 20	Closing timing update	Positive	-1.6%	Announcement that Exact Sciences acquisition set to close on March 23.
Feb 20	Shareholder approval	Positive	+2.7%	Exact Sciences stockholders approve Abbott’s acquisition at $105 per share.
Nov 20	Deal announcement	Positive	-1.7%	Abbott agrees to acquire Exact Sciences for ~$21B equity value and $23B EV.

Pattern Detected

Past Exact Sciences acquisition headlines have often been followed by small, mixed price moves, averaging about -0.29%, with several instances of negative reaction to otherwise expansionary news.

Recent Company History

Over the past several months, Abbott has advanced a multi-step acquisition of Exact Sciences. Starting with the announced agreement on Nov 20, 2025, followed by shareholder approval on Feb 20, 2026, expectations for closing on Mar 20, 2026, and completion on Mar 23, 2026, each event modestly moved the stock, often slightly negative. Today’s first‑quarter results and updated 2026 guidance explicitly fold in Exact Sciences, extending this acquisition storyline from transaction terms into reported financials and outlook.

Historical Comparison

-0.3% avg move · In the past year, ABT issued 4 Exact Sciences acquisition updates, with an average move of about -0....

acquisition

-0.3%

Average Historical Move acquisition

In the past year, ABT issued 4 Exact Sciences acquisition updates, with an average move of about -0.29%. Today’s earnings and guidance, now fully reflecting the deal, extend this acquisition-driven narrative.

The acquisition storyline progressed from initial agreement, to shareholder approval, to scheduled closing, and finally deal completion, culminating in today’s integration into reported results and 2026 guidance.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2026-02-23

Abbott has an effective Form S-3ASR shelf prospectus dated Feb 23, 2026, allowing offerings of various securities classes, including debt, common and preferred shares, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts and units. The shelf has been used in at least 2 offerings, providing flexibility to raise capital or refinance as needed.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved -6.0% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite detailed earni...

Analysis

The stock moved -6.0% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite detailed earnings and guidance would fit the modestly cautious pattern seen around prior Exact Sciences acquisition headlines, which averaged about -0.29%. Historically, several positive transaction updates were met with slight declines. Persistent trading below the 200-day MA of 122.99 and proximity to the 52-week low could reinforce downside pressure, while integration and capital-raising flexibility under the existing shelf might remain focal risk considerations.

Key Terms

gaap, adjusted diluted eps, randomized controlled trial, hbA1c, +3 more

7 terms

gaap financial

"First-quarter GAAP diluted EPS of $0.61; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.15"

GAAP, or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, are a set of standardized rules and guidelines that companies follow when preparing their financial statements. They ensure consistency, transparency, and comparability across different companies, making it easier for investors to understand and compare financial information accurately. This helps investors make informed decisions based on trustworthy and uniform financial reports.

adjusted diluted eps financial

"First-quarter GAAP diluted EPS of $0.61; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.15"

Adjusted diluted EPS is a company’s profit per share after adding back or removing one-time items (like restructuring costs or gains) and dividing by the number of shares including potential shares from options and convertible securities. Investors use it as a cleaner view of ongoing earnings—like looking at a car’s regular fuel efficiency rather than a trip boosted by downhill coasting—to judge underlying performance and compare companies without temporary distortions.

randomized controlled trial medical

"results from the FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial, demonstrating that people with Type 2"

A randomized controlled trial is a research method that tests the effects of a new idea or treatment by randomly dividing participants into two groups: one that receives the treatment and one that does not. This approach helps ensure that the results are fair and unbiased, providing clear evidence about whether the treatment actually works. Investors value such trials because they offer reliable information that can influence decision-making and reduce uncertainty.

hbA1c medical

"who used FreeStyle Libre® achieved a 0.6% reduction in HbA1c and spent 2.5 more hours"

A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures how much sugar has stuck to red blood cells over the past two to three months, giving a single number that reflects average blood glucose control—think of it as a running average score for blood sugar. Investors watch A1c because it’s a common clinical measure used to judge whether diabetes drugs, devices or care programs work, influence regulatory approvals, treatment guidelines and market demand.

left atrial appendage medical

"Amulet 360™ Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder, a next-generation device designed"

The left atrial appendage is a small, pouch-like outcrop on the left upper chamber of the heart that can trap blood clots, especially when the heart beats irregularly. For investors, it matters because treatments that close, remove, or influence clot formation in this pouch — either with devices, procedures, or drugs — can drive demand, regulatory review, reimbursement decisions, and clinical trial outcomes tied to related medical products and services.

atrial fibrillation medical

"reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).In March, Abbott"

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm problem in which the heart’s upper chambers quiver instead of delivering steady, strong pumps, like a washing machine on an unbalanced cycle. It matters to investors because it increases use of medications, medical devices, hospital care and long‑term monitoring, drives demand for new treatments and diagnostics, and can affect healthcare costs, regulatory decisions and revenue prospects across drug, device and insurance markets.

implantable cardioverter medical

"extravascular implantable cardioverter (EV-ICD) system designed to deliver defibrillation"

An implantable cardioverter is a small medical device placed under the skin that monitors heart rhythm and delivers electrical pulses or shocks to correct dangerously fast or irregular heartbeats. For investors, these devices matter because they represent a regulated, recurring-revenue medical market influenced by clinical trial outcomes, device safety, approval decisions, and reimbursement policies—factors that directly affect sales, liability risk, and long-term growth.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

• First-quarter GAAP diluted EPS of $0.61; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.15 reflects growth of 6 percent
• Completed acquisition of Exact Sciences, establishing Abbott as a leader in the fast-growing oncology diagnostics market
• Abbott projects full-year 2026 comparable sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5%¹
• Abbott projects full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS of $5.38 to $5.58, which includes $0.20 of dilution related to the acquisition of Exact Sciences

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., April 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott today (NYSE: ABT) announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

• First-quarter sales increased 7.8 percent on a reported basis and 3.7 percent on a comparable basis.
• First-quarter GAAP diluted EPS of $0.61 and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.15, which excludes specified items and reflects growth of 6 percent.
• On March 23, 2026, Abbott completed its acquisition of Exact Sciences, establishing the company as a leader in the oncology diagnostics market and adding a new high-growth vertical to Abbott's portfolio.
• Abbott projects full-year 2026 comparable sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5%¹.
• Abbott projects full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS of $5.38 to $5.58, which includes $0.20 of dilution related to the acquisition of Exact Sciences.
• In January, Abbott announced a collaboration with AtaCor Medical to develop a next-generation extravascular implantable cardioverter (EV-ICD) system designed to deliver defibrillation therapy to people living with life-threatening heart rhythms.
• In February, Abbott announced positive early results from the VERITAS study that show clinically meaningful closure rates of the investigational Amulet 360™ Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder, a next-generation device designed to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).
• In March, Abbott announced results from the FreeDM2 randomized controlled trial, demonstrating that people with Type 2 diabetes on basal insulin who used FreeStyle Libre® achieved a 0.6% reduction in HbA1c and spent 2.5 more hours per day in the healthy glucose range compared to fingerstick monitoring.

"Our first-quarter results were aligned with our expectations to start the year," said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "The acquisition of Exact Sciences adds another high-growth business to the Abbott portfolio, further strengthening our confidence in delivering accelerating growth as we move through the year."

FIRST-QUARTER BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Comparable sales growth:
Management believes that measuring sales growth on a comparable basis is an appropriate way for investors to best understand the underlying performance of the business. Comparable sales growth includes the prior and current year sales of Exact Sciences, a cancer diagnostics company that Abbott acquired on March 23, 2026. Comparable sales growth excludes the impact of foreign exchange and revenue in both the prior and current year related to compensation payments that Abbott's Structural Heart business received as part of a multi-year agreement with a competitor. The final payment under this agreement was recognized in the first quarter of 2026.

Note: In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates.

First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)
Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)	Total Company		Nutrition		Diagnostics		Established Pharmaceuticals		Medical Devices
U.S.	4,274		844		905		—		2,523
International	6,890		1,173		1,275		1,426		3,016
Total reported	11,164		2,017		2,180		1,426		5,539
% Change vs. 1Q25
U.S.	2.5		(11.6)		3.8		n/a		7.9
International	11.3		(1.5)		7.8		13.2		18.0
Total reported	7.8		(6.0)		6.1		13.2		13.2
Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact	3.8		(7.7)		2.5		9.0		8.1
Comparable sales growth	3.7		(7.7)		1.8		9.0		8.5
U.S.	2.5		(11.6)		2.0		n/a		8.7
International	4.6		(4.7)		1.6		9.0		8.3

Refer to table titled "Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of comparable sales growth.

 

Nutrition
First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)
Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)	Total		Pediatric		Adult
U.S.	844		511		333
International	1,173		442		731
Total reported	2,017		953		1,064
% Change vs. 1Q25
U.S.	(11.6)		(13.0)		(9.2)
International	(1.5)		(2.6)		(0.9)
Total reported	(6.0)		(8.5)		(3.6)
Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact	(7.7)		(9.7)		(5.9)
Comparable sales growth	(7.7)		(9.7)		(5.9)
U.S.	(11.6)		(13.0)		(9.2)
International	(4.7)		(5.3)		(4.3)

Worldwide Nutrition sales decreased 6.0 percent on a reported basis and 7.7 percent on a comparable basis in the first quarter.

Results in the quarter reflect the impact of lower sales volumes compared to the prior year and the effect of strategic pricing actions implemented in the fourth quarter of 2025. These pricing actions, together with the launch of several new products, are expected to contribute to improved volume growth over the course of the year. 

Diagnostics*
First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)
Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)	Total		Core Laboratory		Cancer Diagnostics		Rapid/Molecular Diagnostics
U.S.	905		347		93		465
International	1,275		925		3		347
Total reported	2,180		1,272		96		812
% Change vs. 1Q25
U.S.	3.8		4.5		n/a		(13.8)
International	7.8		9.5		n/a		2.8
Total reported	6.1		8.1		n/a		(7.4)
Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact	2.5		3.3		n/a		(9.6)
Comparable sales growth	1.8		3.3		13.4		(9.6)
U.S.	2.0		4.5		13.2		(13.8)
International	1.6		2.8		19.2		(2.7)

*Beginning in 2026, Abbott aggregated its previously reported Rapid Diagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics, and Point of Care businesses into the Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics business. On March 23, 2026, Abbott completed the acquisition of Exact Sciences. Following the acquisition, the sales of Exact Sciences are presented as Abbott's Cancer Diagnostics business.

Refer to table titled "Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of comparable sales growth.

Worldwide Diagnostics sales increased 6.1 percent on a reported basis and increased 1.8 percent on a comparable basis.

Worldwide Core Laboratory Diagnostics results were driven by growth in the U.S., Europe and Latin America. Sales of Core Laboratory diagnostic tests increased on both a year-over-year and sequential basis.

Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics results reflect lower demand for respiratory virus tests due to a weaker respiratory virus season compared to the prior year.

Results in Cancer Diagnostics reflect Abbott's acquisition of Exact Sciences, which closed on March 23, 2026. Growth in Cancer Diagnostics was driven by double-digit growth of Cologuard® and sales of Cancerguard®, a multi-cancer screening test that launched last year. 

Established Pharmaceuticals
First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)
Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)	Total		Key Emerging Markets		Other
U.S.	—		—		—
International	1,426		1,089		337
Total reported	1,426		1,089		337
% Change vs. 1Q25
U.S.	n/a		n/a		n/a
International	13.2		12.9		14.1
Total reported	13.2		12.9		14.1
Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact	9.0		9.4		7.9
Comparable sales growth	9.0		9.4		7.9
U.S.	n/a		n/a		n/a
International	9.0		9.4		7.9

Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased 13.2 percent on a reported basis and 9.0 percent on a comparable basis in the first quarter.

Key Emerging Markets include several emerging countries that represent the most attractive long-term growth opportunities for Abbott's branded generics product portfolio. Sales in these geographies increased 12.9 percent on a reported basis and 9.4 percent on a comparable basis, led by double-digit growth in several countries across the Latin America and Asia Pacific regions. 

Medical Devices
First Quarter 2026 Results (1Q26)
Sales 1Q26 ($ in millions)	Total		Rhythm Management		Electro- physiology*		Heart Failure		Vascular		Structural Heart*		Neuro- modulation		Diabetes Care
U.S.	2,523		339		378		292		291		224		177		822
International	3,016		345		410		97		486		354		66		1,258
Total reported	5,539		684		788		389		777		578		243		2,080
% Change vs. 1Q25
U.S.	7.9		11.5		13.7		11.4		8.6		(9.5)		0.7		9.8
International	18.0		22.9		19.6		25.2		10.0		25.2		27.2		16.6
Total reported	13.2		17.0		16.7		14.6		9.5		9.0		6.8		13.8
Total reported excl. foreign exchange impact	8.1		12.5		12.5		12.2		4.9		3.6		4.1		7.4
Comparable sales growth	8.5		12.5		12.5		12.2		4.9		6.8		4.1		7.4
U.S.	8.7		11.5		13.7		11.4		8.6		(3.6)		0.7		9.8
International	8.3		13.5		11.2		14.9		2.7		15.0		15.5		5.7

*Abbott's Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder device and related accessories were transferred from Structural Heart to Electrophysiology on Jan. 1, 2026. As a result, $46 million of sales in the first quarter of 2025 were moved from Structural Heart to Electrophysiology.

Refer to table titled "Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation" for a reconciliation of comparable sales growth.

Worldwide Medical Devices sales increased 13.2 percent on a reported basis and 8.5 percent on a comparable basis in the first quarter.

Sales growth in the quarter was led by double-digit growth in Electrophysiology, Heart Failure and Rhythm Management.

In Diabetes Care, sales of continuous glucose monitors grew 14.2 percent on a reported basis and 7.6 percent on a comparable basis.

Abbott's Financial Guidance
Abbott projects full-year 2026 comparable sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5%.

Abbott projects full-year 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $5.38 to $5.58, which includes $0.20 of dilution related to the acquisition of Exact Sciences.

Abbott projects second-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.25 to $1.31.

Abbott has not provided the related GAAP financial measures on a forward-looking basis for these forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures because the company is unable to predict with reasonable certainty and without unreasonable effort the timing and impact of certain items such as restructuring and cost reduction initiatives, charges for intangible asset impairments, acquisition-related expenses, and foreign exchange, which could significantly impact Abbott's results in accordance with GAAP.

Abbott Declares 409^th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend
On Feb. 20, 2026, the board of directors of Abbott declared the company's quarterly dividend of $0.63 per share. Abbott's cash dividend is payable May 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 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 annually increased their dividend for at least 25 consecutive years.

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.

Abbott will live-webcast its first-quarter earnings conference call through its Investor Relations website at www.abbottinvestor.com at 8 a.m. Central time today. An archived edition of the webcast will be available later in the day.

— Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 —
A Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Abbott cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect Abbott's operations are discussed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2025, and are incorporated herein by reference. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

1. In 2025, total worldwide sales were $44.328 billion, which included U.S. sales of $17.126 billion and international sales of $27.202 billion, and Abbott's Structural Heart business received $89 million of compensation payments as part of a multi-year agreement with a competitor. Also in 2025, total worldwide sales for Exact Sciences were $3.247 billion, which included U.S. sales of $3.145 billion and international sales of $102 million.

 

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings First Quarter Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)
	1Q26		1Q25		% Change
Net Sales	$11,164		$10,358		7.8
Cost of products sold, excluding amortization expense	4,890		4,468		9.5
Amortization of intangible assets	422		420		0.3
Research and development	767		716		7.2
Selling, general, and administrative	3,740		3,061		22.2
Total Operating Cost and Expenses	9,819		8,665		13.3
Operating Earnings	1,345		1,693		(20.6)
Interest expense, net	68		49		37.4
Net foreign exchange (gain) loss	(13)		(7)		n/m
Other (income) expense, net	(159)		(127)		24.8
Earnings before taxes	1,449		1,778		(18.5)
Taxes on Earnings	372		453		(18.0)	1)
Net Earnings	$1,077		$1,325		(18.7)
Net Earnings excluding Specified Items, as described below	$2,022		$1,919		5.4	2)
Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$0.61		$0.76		n/m
Diluted Earnings per Common Share, excluding Specified Items, as described below	$1.15		$1.09		5.5	2)
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options	1,747		1,747

NOTES:
See table titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information" for an explanation of certain non-GAAP financial information.
n/m = Percent change is not meaningful.
See footnotes on the following section.
1)	2026 Taxes on Earnings includes the recognition of approximately $50 million of net tax benefit as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years. 2026 Taxes on Earnings also includes approximately $200 million in adjustments related to prior recognition of a significant non-cash deferred tax benefit.
	2025 Taxes on Earnings includes approximately $200 million in adjustments related to prior recognition of a significant non-cash deferred tax benefit.
2)	2026 Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Common Share, excluding Specified Items, excludes net after-tax charges of $945 million, or $0.54 per share, for intangible amortization, charges related to restructuring, acquisitions, and other net expenses.
	2025 Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Common Share, excluding Specified Items, excludes net after-tax benefits of $594 million, or $0.33 per share, for intangible amortization, charges related to investment impairments, restructuring and cost reduction initiatives, expenses associated with acquisitions, and other net expenses.

 

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information First Quarter Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)
	1Q26
	As Reported (GAAP)		Specified Items		As Adjusted
Intangible Amortization	$      422		$     (422)		$         —
Gross Margin	5,852		432		6,284
R&D	767		(24)		743
SG&A	3,740		(473)		3,267
Other (income) expense, net	(159)		(7)		(166)
Earnings before taxes	1,449		936		2,385
Taxes on Earnings	372		(9)		363
Net Earnings	1,077		945		2,022
Diluted Earnings per Share	$      0.61		$      0.54		$       1.15

Specified items reflect intangible amortization expense of $422 million and other net expenses of $514 million associated with restructuring actions, acquisitions, and other net expenses. See table titled "Details of Specified Items" for additional details regarding specified items.

	1Q25
	As Reported (GAAP)		Specified Items		As Adjusted
Intangible Amortization	$      420		$     (420)		$         —
Gross Margin	5,470		448		5,918
R&D	716		(27)		689
SG&A	3,061		(10)		3,051
Other (income) expense, net	(127)		(35)		(162)
Earnings before taxes	1,778		520		2,298
Taxes on Earnings	453		(74)		379
Net Earnings	1,325		594		1,919
Diluted Earnings per Share	$      0.76		$      0.33		$      1.09

Specified items reflect intangible amortization expense of $420 million and other net expenses of $100 million associated with restructuring actions, acquisitions, investment impairments and other net expenses. See table titled "Details of Specified Items" for additional details regarding specified items.

A reconciliation of the first-quarter tax rates for 2026 and 2025 is shown below: 

	1Q26
($ in millions)	Pre-Tax Income		Taxes on Earnings		Tax Rate
As reported (GAAP)	$    1,449		$       372		25.6 %	1)
Specified items	936		(9)
Excluding specified items	$    2,385		$      363		15.2 %
	1Q25
($ in millions)	Pre-Tax Income		Taxes on Earnings		Tax Rate
As reported (GAAP)	$     1,778		$      453		25.5 %	2)
Specified items	520		(74)
Excluding specified items	$    2,298		$       379		16.5 %

1)	2026 Taxes on Earnings includes the recognition of approximately $50 million of net tax benefit as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years. 2026 Taxes on Earnings also includes approximately $200 million in adjustments related to prior recognition of a significant non-cash deferred tax benefit.
2)	2025 Taxes on Earnings includes approximately $200 million in adjustments related to prior recognition of a significant non-cash deferred tax benefit.

 

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Revenue Reconciliation First Quarter Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 ($ in millions) (unaudited)
	1Q26							1Q25									% Change vs. 1Q25
																			Non-GAAP
	Abbott Reported	Impact of acquisition (a)	Impact of multi- year agreement (b)	Foreign exchange		Comparable Revenue		Abbott Reported				Impact of acquisition (a)	Impact of multi- year agreement (b)		Comparable Revenue		Reported				Comparable
Total Company	11,164	706	(8)		(414)	11,448		10,358				707	(24)		11,041		7.8		3.7
U.S.	4,274	681	(8)		—	4,947		4,168				684	(24)		4,828		2.5		2.5
Intl	6,890	25	—		(414)	6,501		6,190				23	—		6,213		11.3		4.6
Total Diagnostics	2,180	706	—		(76)	2,810		2,054				707	—		2,761		6.1		1.8
U.S.	905	681	—		—	1,586		871				684	—		1,555		3.8		2.0
Intl	1,275	25	—		(76)	1,224		1,183				23	—		1,206		7.8		1.6
Total Cancer Diagnostics	96	706	—		(1)	801		—				707	—		707		n/a		13.4
U.S.	93	681	—		—	774		—				684	—		684		n/a		13.2
Intl	3	25	—		(1)	27		—				23	—		23		n/a		19.2
Total Medical Devices	5,539	—	(8)		(249)	5,282				4,895	—		(24)	4,871				13.2	8.5
U.S.	2,523	—	(8)		—	2,515				2,339	—		(24)	2,315				7.9	8.7
Intl	3,016	—	—		(249)	2,767				2,556	—		—	2,556				18.0	8.3
Total Structural Heart*	578	—	(8)		(29)	541			531			—	(24)		507		9.0		6.8
U.S.	224	—	(8)		—	216			248			—	(24)		224		(9.5)		(3.6)
Intl	354	—	—		(29)	325			283			—	—		283		25.2		15.0

*	Abbott's Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder device and related accessories were transferred from Structural Heart to Electrophysiology on Jan. 1, 2026. As a result, $46 million of sales in the first quarter of 2025 were moved from Structural Heart to Electrophysiology.
(a)	The adjustment includes historical sales for Exact Sciences prior to the acquisition date. Exact Sciences was acquired by Abbott on March 23, 2026.
(b)	Reflects the impact of compensation payments that Abbott's Structural Heart business received as part of  a multi-year agreement with a competitor. The final payment under this agreement was recognized in the first quarter of 2026.

 

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Details of Specified Items First Quarter Ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)
	Acquisition or Divestiture- related (a)		Restructuring and Cost Reduction Initiatives (b)		Intangible Amortization		Other (c)		Total Specifieds
Gross Margin	$             2		$               7		$         422		$             1		$         432
R&D	(1)		(10)		—		(13)		(24)
SG&A	(444)		(33)		—		4		(473)
Other (income) expense, net	(2)		(2)		—		(3)		(7)
Earnings before taxes	$         449		$              52		$         422		$            13		936
Taxes on Earnings (d)									(9)
Net Earnings									$         945
Diluted Earnings per Share									$         0.54

The table above provides additional details regarding the specified items described on table titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information."
a)	Acquisition-related expenses include stock-based compensation recognized as expense from equity awards accelerated in connection with the Exact Sciences acquisition, integration costs that represent incremental costs directly related to integrating acquired businesses, as well as other costs related to business acquisitions.
b)	Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance, outplacement and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans.
c)	Other includes incremental costs to comply with the European Union's Medical Device Regulations (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostics Medical Device Regulations (IVDR) requirements for previously approved products.
d)	Reflects the net tax benefit associated with the specified items and recognition of a tax benefit as a result of the resolution of various tax positions related to prior years. Taxes on Earnings includes approximately $200 million in adjustments related to prior recognition of a significant non-cash deferred tax benefit.

 

Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Details of Specified Items First Quarter Ended March 31, 2025 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited)
	Acquisition or Divestiture- related (a)		Restructuring and Cost Reduction Initiatives (b)		Intangible Amortization		Other (c)		Total Specifieds
Gross Margin	$            —		$              26		$         420		$             2		$         448
R&D	(1)		(16)		—		(10)		(27)
SG&A	(3)		(7)		—		—		(10)
Other (income) expense, net	(24)		—		—		(11)		(35)
Earnings before taxes	$           28		$              49		$         420		$           23		520
Taxes on Earnings (d)									(74)
Net Earnings									$         594
Diluted Earnings per Share									$         0.33

The table above provides additional details regarding the specified items described on table titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information."
a)	Acquisition-related expenses include integration costs, which represent incremental costs directly related to integrating acquired businesses as well as a fair value adjustment to contingent consideration related to a business acquisition.
b)	Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance, outplacement and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans and cost reduction initiatives.
c)	Other includes incremental costs to comply with the European Union's Medical Device Regulations (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostics Medical Device Regulations (IVDR) requirements for previously approved products and investment impairment charges.
d)	Reflects the net tax benefit associated with the specified items. 2025 Taxes on Earnings includes approximately $200 million in adjustments related to prior recognition of a significant non-cash deferred tax benefit.

 

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SOURCE Abbott

FAQ

What does Abbott's acquisition of Exact Sciences (ABT) on March 23, 2026 mean for investors?

It adds a high-growth oncology diagnostics business to Abbott's portfolio and expands diagnostic offerings. According to the company, Exact Sciences closes Abbott's entry into cancer diagnostics and contributes Cologuard and multi-cancer screening products to the Diagnostics segment.

How did Abbott (ABT) perform in first-quarter 2026 on sales and earnings?

Abbott reported 1Q26 sales of $11,164 million and adjusted diluted EPS of $1.15. According to the company, comparable sales grew 3.7% and GAAP diluted EPS was $0.61 for the quarter.

What is Abbott's full-year 2026 guidance for comparable sales and adjusted EPS (ABT)?

Abbott projects full-year 2026 comparable sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5% and adjusted diluted EPS of $5.38 to $5.58. According to the company, guidance includes $0.20 of EPS dilution from the Exact Sciences acquisition.

How does the Exact Sciences deal affect Abbott's 2026 EPS guidance (ABT)?

The company includes a $0.20 per-share dilution in its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance. According to the company, the $5.38–$5.58 adjusted EPS range reflects that $0.20 acquisition-related dilution.

What were the notable segment trends for Abbott (ABT) in 1Q26?

Medical Devices and Established Pharmaceuticals led growth while Nutrition declined materially. According to the company, Medical Devices rose double digits reported and Nutrition sales fell 6.0% reported (7.7% comparable).

When is Abbott's next dividend payment and what is the amount (ABT)?

Abbott declared a quarterly dividend of $0.63 per share payable May 15, 2026 to shareholders of record April 15, 2026. According to the company, this continues 54 consecutive years of dividend increases.