Abbott Laboratories Lost 16% This Year: One Analyst Sees 35% Gains for the Healthcare Giant

Abbott Laboratories has seen its stock decline by 16% this year, despite five consecutive adjusted EPS beats, primarily due to the financial impact of its $21 billion Exact Sciences acquisition. While the market reacted negatively to GAAP earnings, analysts like Barclays' Matt Miksic see significant upside, targeting $143 for ABT, implying a 35% gain, based on strong adjusted earnings power and management's forecast for accelerated growth in the second half of 2026. The company's diversified portfolio, including its FreeStyle Libre and structural heart pipelines, and a 54-year dividend hike streak, position it favorably for long-term investors despite current market optics.