Abbott Acquires Exact Sciences to Enter Cancer Diagnostics Market
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 22 2026
0mins
In November, Abbott (ABT) announced an agreement to acquire Exact Sciences (EXAS), a move that will position the company to enter and lead in the fast-growing cancer diagnostics market. Abbott continues to expect the transaction to close in the second quarter of 2026.
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Analyst Views on ABT
Wall Street analysts forecast ABT stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ABT is 148.11 USD with a low forecast of 136.00 USD and a high forecast of 169.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
19 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 106.090
Low
136.00
Averages
148.11
High
169.00
Current: 106.090
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.
Abbott's Stock Drops Following Earnings Report as CEO Purchases $2 Million in Shares.
- Stock Performance: Abbott Laboratories experienced its largest stock drop in over 20 years following the release of its fourth-quarter earnings report.
- CEO's Confidence: Despite the significant decline in share value, the company's chief executive remains optimistic about the stock's future.
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Abbott Shares Snap Six-Day Losing Streak with 1.2% Gain
- Stock Rebound: Abbott shares closed 1.2% higher at $108.77 on Monday after six consecutive days of losses, indicating a short-term sentiment rebound despite an overall weak trend.
- Revenue Underperformance: The company reported lower-than-expected revenue for Q4 2025, particularly in its Nutrition segment, leading to a 10% drop in stock price last Thursday, reflecting market concerns about its growth potential.
- Analyst Ratings: According to Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating, Abbott holds a Hold rating with a score of 3.06, indicating strong profitability prospects (A+) but weak growth factors (D-), which may affect investor confidence.
- Executive Buy: Abbott's Chairman and CEO Robert Ford recently purchased 18,800 shares worth over $2 million, signaling executive confidence in the company's future, which may attract more investor interest.
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