Abbott Laboratories is not a strong buy at the moment for a beginner investor with a long-term strategy. The stock has faced recent challenges, including a significant drop in net income and EPS, weak Q4 performance, and persistent headwinds in its Nutrition segment. While analysts remain cautiously optimistic about long-term growth, the lack of immediate positive catalysts, recent congressional selling activity, and weak technical indicators suggest holding off on buying this stock for now.
The stock is showing weak technical signals. The RSI is neutral at 29.128, and the MACD is positively contracting but still above 0. The stock is trading near its support level of 111.418, with no clear breakout or reversal signals. Moving averages are converging, indicating indecision in the market.

Abbott Laboratories is a dividend aristocrat, which may appeal to long-term investors. Analysts expect stabilization in the Nutrition and Diagnostics segments by 2026, and new product launches in the MedTech business could drive future growth.
Persistent headwinds in the Nutrition segment and a cautious revenue outlook for the first half of 2026 are concerning. Congressional members have sold shares recently, indicating a lack of confidence. Analysts have lowered price targets across the board, reflecting reduced expectations.
In Q4 2025, revenue increased by 4.42% YoY to $11.46 billion, but net income dropped significantly by 80.76% YoY to $1.776 billion. EPS also fell by 80.72% YoY to 1.02. Gross margin improved slightly to 53.44%, up 4.91% YoY, but overall profitability metrics are weak.
Analysts have lowered their price targets, with the average target now ranging between $120 and $140. Most analysts maintain a Buy or Overweight rating, citing long-term growth potential despite recent setbacks. However, the near-term outlook remains cautious due to ongoing challenges in key segments.