Abbott Cuts 2026 Comparable Sales Outlook

The Tip Desk · October 27, 2026 · 4 min read

Third-quarter sales reached $13.013 billion as the company trimmed full-year comparable growth to about 6.0% and tightened adjusted EPS to $5.50–$5.55.

Abbott Laboratories (ABT) cut its full-year 2026 comparable sales growth outlook to approximately 6.0% from the 6.5% to 7.5% range it had reaffirmed after the second quarter, even as third-quarter sales growth picked up and the company tightened its adjusted earnings range.

The healthcare company said third-quarter sales rose 14.5% on a reported basis and 7.0% on a comparable basis, after 13.0% reported and 4.8% comparable growth in the second quarter and 7.8% reported and 3.7% comparable growth in the first quarter. Net sales were $13.013 billion.

Abbott reaffirmed the midpoint of its previously provided full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS range and tightened it to $5.50 to $5.55, after raising that range to $5.45 to $5.60 in July from an earlier $5.38 to $5.58. Third-quarter adjusted diluted EPS was $1.42, up from $1.31 in the second quarter and $1.15 in the first quarter. GAAP diluted EPS was $0.53.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert B. Ford said the company delivered “strong third-quarter results, reflecting balanced growth across our portfolio.”

Worldwide Medical Devices sales were $5.826 billion, up 6.9% reported and 7.8% comparable. The company said growth was led by double-digit growth in Electrophysiology and Rhythm Management. Electrophysiology sales were $873 million, up 15.0% reported and 15.5% comparable. Rhythm Management sales were $752 million, up 9.7% reported and 10.0% comparable. Diabetes Care sales were $2.185 billion, up 6.2% reported and 6.7% comparable; continuous glucose monitor sales grew 7.3% reported and 7.7% comparable. Structural Heart sales were $592 million, up 1.9% reported and 6.9% comparable after a January 1, 2026 transfer of Amulet left atrial appendage occluder sales to Electrophysiology.

Worldwide Diagnostics sales were $3.305 billion, up 46.7% reported and 6.4% comparable, after the March 23, 2026 acquisition of Exact Sciences. Cancer Diagnostics sales were $968 million, with comparable growth of 13.8%; the company said results were driven by Cologuard and also reflected contributions from precision oncology and international businesses. Core Laboratory Diagnostics sales were $1.438 billion, up 5.4% reported and 5.4% comparable. Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics sales were $899 million, up 1.1% reported and 0.9% comparable.

Established Pharmaceuticals sales were $1.614 billion, up 6.8% reported and 8.4% comparable. Key Emerging Markets pharmaceutical sales were $1.195 billion, up 9.0% reported and 10.9% comparable, led by double-digit growth in India and several markets across Latin America and Asia Pacific.

Worldwide Nutrition sales were $2.262 billion, up 5.1% reported and 4.9% comparable. The company said Nutrition sales increased $118 million sequentially versus the second quarter and that results were driven by broad-based growth, including sales growth of nearly 9.0% in Worldwide Pediatric. Pediatric Nutrition sales were $1.063 billion, up 8.8% reported and 8.7% comparable. Adult Nutrition sales were $1.199 billion, up 2.0% reported and 1.8% comparable.

GAAP operating earnings were $1.358 billion, down 34.0% from $2.057 billion a year earlier. Net earnings excluding specified items were $2.477 billion, up 8.7% from $2.278 billion. Specified items included $841 million of intangible amortization and about $670 million of legal settlements, plus $178 million of other net expenses associated with acquisitions, restructuring actions, and other net expenses.

In August, Abbott announced FDA approval for Libre Duo, the world’s first dual glucose-ketone biowearable sensor, and CE Mark for its Amulet 360 left atrial appendage occluder. In September, it announced FDA approval for its TactiFlex Duo ablation catheter and launched SimpleScreen CRC, an FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test. It also launched Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk.

Abbott projects fourth-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.62 to $1.67. On Sept. 17, the board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.63 a share, the company’s 411th consecutive quarterly dividend.