Abbott to Acquire Exact Sciences, Enhancing Cancer Screening Leadership
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 20 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ABT?
Source: PRnewswire
- Acquisition Timeline: Abbott expects to close the acquisition of Exact Sciences on March 23, 2026, following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, marking a strategic expansion into cancer screening and diagnostics.
- Market Growth Potential: This acquisition positions Abbott in the $60 billion U.S. cancer screening and precision oncology market, with an anticipated $3 billion increase in sales in 2026, thereby enhancing the company's growth outlook.
- Enhanced Product Portfolio: Exact Sciences offers leading products like Cologuard® and Oncotype DX®, which aid in early cancer detection and treatment guidance, further solidifying Abbott's leadership in diagnostics.
- Strategic Implications: CEO Robert B. Ford emphasized that this acquisition not only enhances Abbott's growth profile but also drives innovation, expands access to life-changing diagnostics, and helps more individuals detect and manage cancer early.
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Analyst Views on ABT
Wall Street analysts forecast ABT stock price to rise
19 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 103.990
Low
136.00
Averages
148.11
High
169.00
Current: 103.990
Low
136.00
Averages
148.11
High
169.00
About ABT
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company. The Company’s principal business is the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of a broad and diversified line of healthcare products. Its segments include Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. Established Pharmaceutical Products segment is engaged in the international sales of a broad line of branded generic pharmaceutical products. Diagnostic Products segment is involved in the worldwide sales of diagnostic systems and tests for blood banks, hospitals, commercial laboratories and alternate-care testing sites. Nutritional Products segment is engaged in the worldwide sales of a broad line of adult and pediatric nutritional products. Medical Devices segment is involved in the worldwide sales of rhythm management, electrophysiology, heart failure, vascular, structural heart, neuromodulation and diabetes care products. It serves people in more than 160 countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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See More
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- Dividend Growth Potential: While the overall dividend yield of the ETF remains at 3.4% post-reconstitution, the new holdings boast a higher average five-year dividend growth rate of 9.4%, which is expected to generate greater long-term income for investors, enhancing the fund's appeal.
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See More
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- High-Yield Stock Selection: During this reconstitution, UnitedHealth and Abbott Laboratories were added to the top ten holdings with allocations of 4% and 3.95%, respectively, reflecting the fund's preference for high-yield healthcare stocks, which is expected to enhance long-term investor returns.
- Dividend Growth Potential: The new holdings have an average dividend growth rate of 9.4%, surpassing the pre-reconstitution rate of 8.6%, and while the overall yield remains at 3.4%, the faster growth rate could lead to higher total returns for investors in the future.
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- Live Conference Call: Following the earnings release, Abbott will host a conference call at 8 a.m. Central Time (9 a.m. Eastern), providing an interactive platform for investors to engage with the company's performance.
- Investor Relations Platform: The conference call will be accessible via Abbott's Investor Relations website, ensuring that global investors can easily access the latest information, thereby enhancing the company's image in the capital markets.
- Company Background: Abbott is a global healthcare leader dedicated to helping people live fully at all stages of life, with a diverse portfolio in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines.
See More
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- Earnings Announcement Schedule: Abbott is set to release its Q1 2026 financial results on April 16 before market open, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and investor communication.
- Live Webcast Conference: Following the earnings announcement, Abbott will host a conference call at 8 a.m. Central Time (9 a.m. Eastern), allowing investors to engage directly through Abbott's Investor Relations website, enhancing investor interaction.
- Replay Availability: An archived version of the conference call will be made available later that day, ensuring that investors who cannot attend live can still access critical information, thereby improving information accessibility.
- Company Background: Abbott is a global healthcare leader focused on helping people live fully at all stages of life, with a diverse portfolio in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines, showcasing its significant impact in the global healthcare market.
See More
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- Market Potential: This transaction allows Abbott to enter the $60 billion U.S. cancer screening and precision oncology diagnostics market, adding a new growth vertical that is anticipated to elevate the company's already high-single-digit growth expectations and strengthen its competitive edge.
- Expanded Product Portfolio: Abbott now boasts a comprehensive suite of leading cancer early detection products, including the market-leading Cologuard® and Oncotype DX®, which will support personalized treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
- Future Development Outlook: Following the acquisition, Abbott plans to leverage Exact Sciences' expertise to drive the development of more preventative and personalized diagnostic tools, aiming to optimize treatment decisions and enable earlier cancer detection, thereby enhancing overall health management capabilities.
See More
