Abbott Laboratories: Strong Performance and Strategic Positioning Drive Buy Rating

William Blair analyst Margaret Kaczor has maintained their bullish stance on ABT stock, giving a Buy rating today.

Margaret Kaczor has given her Buy rating due to a combination of factors that highlight Abbott Laboratories’ strong performance and strategic positioning. The company’s first-quarter sales reached $10.4 billion, with an 8% organic growth excluding COVID-related sales, aligning with market expectations. Additionally, Abbott’s earnings per share exceeded consensus by $0.02, showcasing its robust financial health. The management’s confidence in handling tariff impacts and maintaining its full-year EPS guidance further bolsters the stock’s attractiveness.
Abbott’s diversified product portfolio, particularly in medical devices, has been a significant growth driver, with notable double-digit increases in areas like diabetes and structural heart. The company’s strategic expansion, including new manufacturing facilities, has enhanced its supply capabilities, especially in the U.S. The diagnostics segment faced challenges due to external factors like China’s procurement policies, but other areas such as established pharmaceuticals and nutrition have performed well, supporting the overall positive outlook. These elements combined suggest that Abbott is well-positioned to outperform in the current macroeconomic environment.

In another report released today, Barclays also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $159.00 price target.