Abbott reported quarterly results that exceeded analyst expectations and updated its 2026 adjusted earnings guidance upward, citing robust demand in diagnostic testing and heart-device categories. The company said shares moved higher in premarket trading after the results were released.
Quarterly performance and drivers
For the quarter, Abbott recorded total revenue of $12.59 billion, ahead of consensus of $12.5 billion. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.31, topping the $1.28 analysts had forecast.
Within the medical devices division, sales rose 9% to $5.85 billion, slightly above the $5.82 billion estimate. Abbott said that its focus on electrophysiology and structural heart procedures has provided relative resilience amid industry concerns about elective procedure volumes.
The company lso reported strength in Diabetes Care, where sales climbed 11% to $2.19 billion on continued uptake of continuous glucose monitoring products, including the FreeStyle Libre and Lingo systems.
Diagnostics and acquisitions
Abbott highlighted contributions from its cancer diagnostics business, which now incorporates the acquired assets including the colorectal cancer screening test Cologuard and the breast cancer assay Oncotype DX. Management said those diagnostics are helping to offset persistent declines in revenue from COVID-19 testing products.
Updated outlook
The company raised its full-year adjusted profit per share target for 2026 to a range of $5.45 to $5.60, up from its prior forecast of $5.38 to $5.58 per share.
Implications for markets and sectors
- Medical device manufacturers with exposure to elective procedures face pressure from weaker surgical volumes and rising uninsured patient levels, according to market observers.
- Companies concentrated in electrophysiology and structural heart products, like Abbott, are expected to be comparatively more resilient within the broader medical devices sector.
- Diagnostics and diabetes care are notable growth pockets contributing to near-term revenue resilience for Abbott.
Data recap
- Total revenue: $12.59 billion (versus $12.5 billion expected)
- Adjusted EPS: $1.31 (versus $1.28 expected)
- Medical devices sales: $5.85 billion, up 9% (estimate $5.82 billion)
- Diabetes Care sales: $2.19 billion, up 11%
- 2026 adjusted EPS guidance: $5.45 to $5.60 (previously $5.38 to $5.58)
The company ontinues to navigate offsetting trends: declines in COVID-19 test revenue alongside strengthening demand for cancer diagnostics and heart-device procedures. Investors and sector analysts will be watching whether diagnostic and diabetes growth can continue to counterbalance pandemic-era testing declines and broader elective procedure headwinds.