Exact Sciences (EXAS) shares soared roughly 20% on Thursday morning after Abbott (ABT) said it’s buying the molecular diagnostics firm in a deal that values it at $21 billion. Abbott is paying $105 for each EXAS shares, a significant premium on their previous close, as this transaction will grow its presence in the fast-growing cancer diagnostics market. More News from Barchart At the time of writing, Exact Sciences stock is up more than 160% versus its year-to-date low set in April. www.barchart.com ...

Core Viewpoint - Exact Sciences experienced a nearly 20% increase in stock price on November 20 following the announcement of a $21 billion all-cash acquisition deal by Abbott Laboratories [1] Company Summary - Exact Sciences is a molecular diagnostics company that has attracted significant attention due to its acquisition by Abbott Laboratories [1] - Abbott Laboratories is set to acquire Exact Sciences for $21 billion in cash, indicating a strong interest in the molecular diagnostics sector [1]

Group 1 - Exact Sciences is under investigation by the Ademi Firm for potential breaches of fiduciary duty related to its transaction with Abbott [1][3] - In the transaction, Exact Sciences shareholders will receive $105 per share, totaling an equity value of approximately $21 billion and an estimated enterprise value of $23 billion [2] - The transaction agreement includes a significant penalty for Exact Sciences if it accepts a competing bid, raising concerns about the board's fulfillment of fiduciary duties to shareholders [3]

Abbott Laboratories has teed up the largest high-grade bridge loan this year — a $20 billion facility from Morgan Stanley — to fund its acquisition of Exact Sciences https://t.co/KeEcIJUNAD ...

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Group 1 - Nvidia shares rose by 5.2% following an outstanding earnings report, leading multiple investment banks to raise their target prices [1] - Google shares increased by 4.2% as the Gemini 3 model received market recognition [1] - Walmart shares climbed by 2.7% after reporting better-than-expected Q3 performance [1] Group 2 - Warner Music shares rose by 2.4% as fourth-quarter revenue exceeded expectations [1] - Abbott shares fell by 2.5% while Exact Sciences shares surged by 17.9% [1] - Abbott announced plans to acquire Exact Sciences, with an estimated enterprise value of $23 billion [1]

Core Insights - Abbott Laboratories has agreed to acquire Exact Sciences for $105 per share, totaling approximately $21 billion in equity value and an estimated enterprise value of $23 billion, marking the largest deal in the global healthcare sector this year [1][3]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition represents Abbott's largest deal in nearly a decade and its second-largest overall [3]. - Exact Sciences is known for its Cologuard test, which has been used for colorectal cancer screening 20 million times since FDA approval in 2014 [2]. - Abbott's CEO has indicated a strategy focused on mergers and acquisitions to enhance its diagnostics business [2]. Financial Considerations - Analysts suggest that Abbott could allocate up to $30 billion for debt-financed acquisitions, supported by a low leverage ratio of 1.3x and approximately $7 billion in annual free cash flow [3]. - The acquisition will involve absorbing Exact Sciences' estimated $1.8 billion in net debt [3]. Market Impact - The acquisition is expected to add a new growth vertical to Abbott's portfolio, enhancing its position in the $60 billion U.S. cancer screening and precision oncology diagnostics markets [4]. - Following the announcement, Exact Sciences' stock rose by 17.43% to $101.20, while Abbott's stock increased by 0.27% to $126.49 in premarket trading [7]. Future Projections - Exact Sciences is projected to generate over $3 billion in revenue by 2025, with an organic sales growth rate in the high teens [6]. - The deal is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2026, potentially driving growth in Cologuard and margin expansion for Exact Sciences [6].

Core Viewpoint - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the fairness of the sale of Exact Sciences Corporation to Abbott for $105.00 per common share in cash, focusing on the interests of Exact Sciences shareholders [1] Company Summary - Exact Sciences Corporation is being sold to Abbott for $105.00 per common share in cash [1] - The investigation by Halper Sadeh LLC aims to determine if this sale is fair to Exact Sciences shareholders [1] Legal Rights and Options - Exact Sciences shareholders are encouraged to learn more about their legal rights and options regarding the sale [1] - Contact information for legal inquiries is provided, including Daniel Sadeh and Zachary Halper [1]

Core Insights - Abbott is entering the cancer-testing market through its acquisition of Exact Sciences, the maker of the Cologuard test, valued at $21 billion [1] Company Summary - The acquisition positions Abbott to expand its portfolio in the diagnostics sector, particularly in cancer detection [1] - Exact Sciences is known for its innovative Cologuard test, which is a non-invasive screening tool for colorectal cancer [1] Industry Summary - The cancer-testing market is experiencing growth, driven by increasing demand for early detection and non-invasive testing methods [1] - Abbott's move reflects a broader trend in the healthcare industry towards consolidation and diversification in diagnostics [1]

Group 1 - Abbott Laboratories (ABT) plans to acquire Exact Sciences (EXAS) in a deal valued at up to $23 billion, indicating a significant investment in the cancer detection sector [1] - Exact Sciences' shares surged 18% in premarket trading following the announcement, building on a previous 23.7% increase after reports of a potential deal [1] - Abbott's stock experienced a decline of 3%, closing at $126.15, reflecting market reactions to the acquisition news [1]