US listed Abbott Laboratories shares jumped 12% after the healthcare company reported stronger second-quarter sales and raised its full-year earnings outlook. The company said second-quarter sales rose 13% on a reported basis and 4.8% on a comparable basis.
Abbott reported GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.53, while adjusted diluted earnings per share came in at $1.31, excluding specified items. The company also raised its full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to a range of $5.45 to $5.60. The company had earlier guided for adjusted EPS of $5.38 to $5.58. It reaffirmed its full-year comparable sales growth guidance of 6.5% to 7.5%.
"Our second-quarter results reflect the momentum we are building,” said Robert B. Ford, chairman and chief executive officer of Abbott. "We expect this momentum to continue and drive accelerating sales and earnings growth in the second half of the year."
Sales momentum lifts sentiment
The rise in Abbott shares suggests investors were encouraged by the company’s sales growth and the higher profit forecast. The company’s comparable sales growth measure includes the prior and current year sales of Exact Sciences, the cancer diagnostics company Abbott acquired on March 23, 2026.
Comparable sales growth excludes foreign exchange impact and certain revenue linked to compensation payments received by Abbott’s Structural Heart business under a multi-year agreement with a competitor. The final payment under that agreement was recognised in the first quarter of 2026.
Product pipeline remains active
Abbott also highlighted progress across its medical device and diagnostics pipeline.
In April, the company completed enrolment in its TECTONIC US pivotal trial. The trial is evaluating Abbott’s investigational Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy system, which is designed to treat severe calcium build-up in coronary arteries before stent implantation.
At the Heart Rhythm Society conference in April, Abbott presented late-breaking data from four clinical trials. The data showed strong clinical outcomes across its pulsed field ablation and conduction system pacing portfolios.
In May, Abbott secured CE Mark approval for Libre Duo, which it described as the world’s first dual glucose-ketone biowearable sensor. The device gives real-time visibility into glucose and ketone levels. This can help people with diabetes detect rising ketone levels, which may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition.
Abbott also completed its submission to the US Food and Drug Administration seeking approval for its Amulet 360 left atrial appendage device.
