Benzingaยท2025-11-20 14:37Core 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].