Abbott upgraded to Buy from Hold at Jefferies

Jefferies analyst Matthew Taylor upgraded Abbott (ABT) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $145, up from $143. The firm says that while Abbott’s Q2 report and outlook were “underwhelming,” the corresponding share selloff is “too punitive.” Jefferies recommends taking advantage of the pullback as it believes the company’s growth can accelerate in 2026. The stock’s current valuation is “compelling for a quality franchise with multiple growth drivers,” the analyst tells investors in a research note.