We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience.
This includes personalizing content and advertising.
By pressing "Accept All" or closing out of this banner, you consent to the use of all cookies and similar technologies and the sharing of information they collect with third parties.
You can reject marketing cookies by pressing "Deny Optional," but we still use essential, performance, and functional cookies.
In addition, whether you "Accept All," Deny Optional," click the X or otherwise continue to use the site, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, revised from time to time.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) suggests 9.2% year-over-year growth to $1.42. The estimate has remained constant in the past 60 days. The consensus mark for third-quarter revenues currently stands at $12.91 billion, implying a 13.5% increase over the prior-year period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In the trailing four quarters, the company topped earnings estimates twice and broke even on two occasions, the average surprise being 0.81%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Q3 Earnings Whispers for Abbott
Per our proven model, a stock with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), along with a positive Earnings ESP, has a higher chance of beating estimates. This is not the case here, as you can see below.
Earnings ESP: Abbott has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Thebusiness is likely to have continued to seestrong and stable testing demand in the third quarter of 2026. Within this, Core Laboratory may have delivered another robust performance in the United States while extending its solid track record in Latin America, reflecting continued growth in diagnostic test sales on the Alinity platform. Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics results may improve following the end of a weaker-than-normal respiratory virus season in the second quarter.
Abbott’s acquisition of Exact Sciences has strengthened its position in cancer diagnostics and broadened its portfolio with products including Cologuard, Oncotype DX and Cancerguard. Cancer Diagnostics may have contributed to third-quarter sales growth, with Cologuard benefiting from a growing base of new and repeat users as well as growth in precision oncology and international markets.
The business may have also benefited from higher volumes through care gap programs, recently launched tests and continued international adoption, in line with management’s expectation of stronger growth in the second half of 2026 than in the first half.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate anticipates Diagnostics revenues to increase 45.9% year over year.
Established Pharmaceutical Products (“EPD”)
Similar to the previous quarter, the segment is likely to have seen broad-based growth across the largest markets, including India, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Demand for health care in these emerging markets may have remained a key growth driver, supported by expanding access to care, aging populations and a rising need to treat both acute and chronic conditions. Abbott’s expanding biosimilars portfolio, which includes several leading oncology therapies, may have helped it meet growing demand across these markets and support revenues.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests EPD revenues will grow 6.8% from the prior-period levels.
Medical Devices
Abbott’s cardiovascular businesses are expected to have accounted for the largest share of Medical Devices’ sales in the third quarter of 2026. Electrophysiology may have benefited from the transition of the Volt 2.0 PFA catheter to a full U.S. market release. Internationally, the continued rollout of Volt Pulsed Field Ablation and TactiFlex Duo Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, may have continued to gain strong traction, aiding revenues. During the quarter, Abbott secured FDA approval for TactiFlex Duo and CE Mark approval of Amulet 360 Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder, which is intended for people with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke.
In Rhythm Management, the continued expansion of AVEIR across single- and dual-chamber pacemaker segments may have supported revenues, alongside broader international adoption. Heart Failure performance in the United States is expected to have been driven by Abbott’s heart assist devices portfolio. Vascular sales may have benefited from growth in endovascular products.
The Diabetes Care business is likely to have maintained its growth momentum, led by continued growth in Abbott’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems in the United States and internationally. The company’s CE Mark approval for Libre Duo earlier this year may have also favored the quarter’s top line. The two-in-one biowearable provides real-time visibility into both glucose and ketone levels.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate expects Medical Devices revenues to increase 7.8% year over year.
Nutrition
In the third quarter of 2026, the segment may have seen improving trends in both Pediatric and Adult Nutrition. International Pediatric Nutrition may have sustained its sales growth in the third quarter, having been the first of Abbott’s Nutrition businesses to return to positive growth. In the U.S. market, sales are likely to have continued to benefit from recent WIC contract wins.
Abbott may have also continued to see positive volume trends in Adult Nutrition following price actions implemented late last year. Product innovations, including new versions of Ensure featuring higher protein, lower sugar and refreshed labeling and packaging, may have supported the quarter’s sales. In August 2026, Abbott marked the U.S. launch of Similac360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk, the first and only commercially sterile, ready-to-feed liquid infant formula made with whole milk.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates Nutrition revenues will rise 2.7% year over year.
ABT Peers: Upcoming Releases
Labcorp Holdings (LH - Free Report) is set to report third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 28, before the opening bell. Strength in both Diagnostics and Biopharma Laboratory Services businesses is expected to have supported performance. Labcorp has been making progress against its strategic priorities, including strengthening its specialty testing capabilities across oncology, neurology, autoimmune disease and women's health. Partnerships with health systems and regional and local laboratories are likely to support results by expanding access to Labcorp’s laboratory services, scientific expertise and broad testing portfolio, including specialty diagnostics.
Another close peer, Thermo Fisher (TMO - Free Report) , is slated to report its 2026 third-quarter results before the market opens on Oct. 21. Strength across the pharma and biotech end markets is expected to have supported performance, driven by bioproduction and clinical research businesses, as well as the research and safety market channel. Thermo Fisher’s strong cadence of high-impact innovations may have been a major boost to its revenues. Recent acquisitions, including Clario and Solventum’s filtration and separation business, are likely to support results as well.
ABT’s Price Performance & Valuation
During third-quarter 2026, Abbott shares have risen 7.2% compared with a 0.7% gain for the industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In terms of valuation, Abbott currently trades at a forward five-year Price/Earnings (P/E) of 16.71X, representing a slight premium to the industry average of 15.93X. However, the stock trades at a steep discount to its five-year median of 23.03X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Endnote
Abbott’s upcoming third-quarter results may reflect contributions from its diversified businesses, including Core Laboratory diagnostics, EPD products and Diabetes Care. Cancer Diagnostics sales may have benefited from increased Cologuard use, growth in precision oncology and continued international adoption. Improving demand and ongoing product innovation are likely to have supported the Nutrition business. In terms of share performance, Abbott outpaced the industry in the July-September quarter. The consensus outlook also points to year-over-year growth in earnings and revenues. With its current valuation below its historical average, ABT stock may offer an attractive entry point for prospective investors.
View the Zacks #1 Rank List
Image: Bigstock
Should You Add Abbott Stock to Your Portfolio Ahead of Q3 Earnings?
Key Takeaways
Abbott Laboratories (ABT - Free Report) is slated to report its third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 21, before the opening bell.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s third-quarter earnings per share (EPS) suggests 9.2% year-over-year growth to $1.42. The estimate has remained constant in the past 60 days. The consensus mark for third-quarter revenues currently stands at $12.91 billion, implying a 13.5% increase over the prior-year period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In the trailing four quarters, the company topped earnings estimates twice and broke even on two occasions, the average surprise being 0.81%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Q3 Earnings Whispers for Abbott
Per our proven model, a stock with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), along with a positive Earnings ESP, has a higher chance of beating estimates. This is not the case here, as you can see below.
Earnings ESP: Abbott has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.
What May Have Influenced ABT’s Q3 Performance?
Diagnostics
Thebusiness is likely to have continued to seestrong and stable testing demand in the third quarter of 2026. Within this, Core Laboratory may have delivered another robust performance in the United States while extending its solid track record in Latin America, reflecting continued growth in diagnostic test sales on the Alinity platform. Rapid and Molecular Diagnostics results may improve following the end of a weaker-than-normal respiratory virus season in the second quarter.
Abbott’s acquisition of Exact Sciences has strengthened its position in cancer diagnostics and broadened its portfolio with products including Cologuard, Oncotype DX and Cancerguard. Cancer Diagnostics may have contributed to third-quarter sales growth, with Cologuard benefiting from a growing base of new and repeat users as well as growth in precision oncology and international markets.
The business may have also benefited from higher volumes through care gap programs, recently launched tests and continued international adoption, in line with management’s expectation of stronger growth in the second half of 2026 than in the first half.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate anticipates Diagnostics revenues to increase 45.9% year over year.
Established Pharmaceutical Products (“EPD”)
Similar to the previous quarter, the segment is likely to have seen broad-based growth across the largest markets, including India, Latin America and Southeast Asia. Demand for health care in these emerging markets may have remained a key growth driver, supported by expanding access to care, aging populations and a rising need to treat both acute and chronic conditions. Abbott’s expanding biosimilars portfolio, which includes several leading oncology therapies, may have helped it meet growing demand across these markets and support revenues.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests EPD revenues will grow 6.8% from the prior-period levels.
Medical Devices
Abbott’s cardiovascular businesses are expected to have accounted for the largest share of Medical Devices’ sales in the third quarter of 2026. Electrophysiology may have benefited from the transition of the Volt 2.0 PFA catheter to a full U.S. market release. Internationally, the continued rollout of Volt Pulsed Field Ablation and TactiFlex Duo Ablation Catheter, Sensor Enabled, may have continued to gain strong traction, aiding revenues. During the quarter, Abbott secured FDA approval for TactiFlex Duo and CE Mark approval of Amulet 360 Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occluder, which is intended for people with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke.
In Rhythm Management, the continued expansion of AVEIR across single- and dual-chamber pacemaker segments may have supported revenues, alongside broader international adoption. Heart Failure performance in the United States is expected to have been driven by Abbott’s heart assist devices portfolio. Vascular sales may have benefited from growth in endovascular products.
The Diabetes Care business is likely to have maintained its growth momentum, led by continued growth in Abbott’s continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems in the United States and internationally. The company’s CE Mark approval for Libre Duo earlier this year may have also favored the quarter’s top line. The two-in-one biowearable provides real-time visibility into both glucose and ketone levels.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate expects Medical Devices revenues to increase 7.8% year over year.
Nutrition
In the third quarter of 2026, the segment may have seen improving trends in both Pediatric and Adult Nutrition. International Pediatric Nutrition may have sustained its sales growth in the third quarter, having been the first of Abbott’s Nutrition businesses to return to positive growth. In the U.S. market, sales are likely to have continued to benefit from recent WIC contract wins.
Abbott may have also continued to see positive volume trends in Adult Nutrition following price actions implemented late last year. Product innovations, including new versions of Ensure featuring higher protein, lower sugar and refreshed labeling and packaging, may have supported the quarter’s sales. In August 2026, Abbott marked the U.S. launch of Similac360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk, the first and only commercially sterile, ready-to-feed liquid infant formula made with whole milk.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates Nutrition revenues will rise 2.7% year over year.
ABT Peers: Upcoming Releases
Labcorp Holdings (LH - Free Report) is set to report third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 28, before the opening bell. Strength in both Diagnostics and Biopharma Laboratory Services businesses is expected to have supported performance. Labcorp has been making progress against its strategic priorities, including strengthening its specialty testing capabilities across oncology, neurology, autoimmune disease and women's health. Partnerships with health systems and regional and local laboratories are likely to support results by expanding access to Labcorp’s laboratory services, scientific expertise and broad testing portfolio, including specialty diagnostics.
Another close peer, Thermo Fisher (TMO - Free Report) , is slated to report its 2026 third-quarter results before the market opens on Oct. 21. Strength across the pharma and biotech end markets is expected to have supported performance, driven by bioproduction and clinical research businesses, as well as the research and safety market channel. Thermo Fisher’s strong cadence of high-impact innovations may have been a major boost to its revenues. Recent acquisitions, including Clario and Solventum’s filtration and separation business, are likely to support results as well.
ABT’s Price Performance & Valuation
During third-quarter 2026, Abbott shares have risen 7.2% compared with a 0.7% gain for the industry.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In terms of valuation, Abbott currently trades at a forward five-year Price/Earnings (P/E) of 16.71X, representing a slight premium to the industry average of 15.93X. However, the stock trades at a steep discount to its five-year median of 23.03X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Endnote
Abbott’s upcoming third-quarter results may reflect contributions from its diversified businesses, including Core Laboratory diagnostics, EPD products and Diabetes Care. Cancer Diagnostics sales may have benefited from increased Cologuard use, growth in precision oncology and continued international adoption. Improving demand and ongoing product innovation are likely to have supported the Nutrition business. In terms of share performance, Abbott outpaced the industry in the July-September quarter. The consensus outlook also points to year-over-year growth in earnings and revenues. With its current valuation below its historical average, ABT stock may offer an attractive entry point for prospective investors.