Abbott Expects to Close Acquisition of Exact Sciences on March 23
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 20 2026
0mins
Should l Buy ABT?
Abbott (ABT) expects to close the acquisition of Exact Sciences (EXAS) on Monday, March 23. The announcement follows receipt of all regulatory clearances necessary for closing. The transaction enables Abbott to enter and lead in fast-growing cancer screening and diagnostics segments, serving millions of additional people. Together with Exact Sciences, Abbott will accelerate innovation, expand access to life-changing diagnostics, and help more people detect and manage cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. As previously communicated, this transaction is expected to add approximately $3B of incremental sales in 2026, accelerate Abbott's 2026 sales growth by approximately 0.5% and dilute 2026 adjusted earnings per share by approximately $0.20.
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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: 96.810
Low
136.00
Averages
148.11
High
169.00
Current: 96.810
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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- Abbott Laboratories Diversification: Abbott Laboratories achieves diversification through its four business units—medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition—ensuring that when one segment faces challenges, others can provide support, enhancing overall company safety.
- Attractive Dividend Growth: As a 'Dividend King' that has raised its dividend for 50 consecutive years, Abbott's current stock price at 17 times forward earnings, down from 22 times in early 2026, makes it a compelling healthcare stock to invest in following recent market turbulence.
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- Intuitive Surgical Earnings Growth: Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG) reported a 19% revenue increase and a 17% rise in Da Vinci procedures in the latest quarter, demonstrating its market leadership in robotic surgery and a strong recurring revenue stream.
- Abbott Laboratories Diversification Advantage: Abbott (NYSE: ABT) benefits from its diversified business model across medical devices, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition, which has provided revenue stability, particularly during the pandemic when diagnostics surged to offset declines in medical devices.
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