Abbott Raises Full-Year EPS Guidance After Strong Second Quarter

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) announced on July 16, 2026, its financial results for the second quarter of 2026, which showed a reported sales increase of 13.0 percent and comparable sales growth of 4.8 percent. The company also raised its full-year earnings per share (EPS) guidance.

For the second quarter, Abbott reported a GAAP diluted EPS of $0.53 and an adjusted diluted EPS of $1.31. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 comparable sales growth guidance at 6.5% to 7.5%. Critically, Abbott increased its full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to a range of $5.45 to $5.60, up from its previous forecast of $5.38 to $5.58.

The company highlighted progress in its medical device and diagnostics segments. In April, Abbott completed enrollment in its TECTONIC U.S. pivotal trial for its investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System, aimed at treating severe calcification in coronary arteries. Additionally, new clinical data on the company's pulsed field ablation (PFA) and conduction system pacing (CSP) portfolios were presented.

Product development milestones in May included securing CE Mark for Libre® Duo, a dual glucose-ketone biowearable sensor, and submitting its Amulet™ 360 left atrial appendage (LAA) device to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval. Abbott's Cologuard® and Cologuard Plus® tests for colorectal cancer screening were also reaffirmed as preferred options by the American Cancer Society.

Abbott returned $2.1 billion to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases during the quarter. The company expects continued momentum to drive accelerating sales and earnings growth in the second half of the year, supporting the upward revision of its financial outlook.