Is The Fall In Abbott Stock Justified?

Core Insights - Abbott Laboratories reported Q4 2025 sales of $11.46 billion, a 4.4% increase year-over-year, but fell short of analyst projections by approximately 3% [2] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $1.50, meeting expectations, while total annual adjusted EPS reached $5.15, indicating a 10% growth [2] Financial Performance - Organic sales growth decreased to 3% during the quarter due to reduced demand in some areas [4] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 20 basis points to 57.1%, and operating margin expanded by 150 basis points to 25.8%, reflecting effective cost management [4] - Guidance for 2026 projects organic sales growth of 6.5%-7.5% and an adjusted EPS around $5.68 at the midpoint, aligning with consensus expectations [6] Valuation Dynamics - Abbott is currently priced at around $109 per share, trading at 21 times its trailing adjusted EPS of $5.15, down from a three-year average P/E of 24 times [6][7] - The forward P/E based on guidance is 19 times, indicating potential stability, but slowdowns in Nutrition and uncertainties regarding acquisitions limit optimism [7] Segment Performance - Medical Devices segment showed strong demand, particularly in structural heart and neuromodulation, with Freestyle Libre contributing significantly to organic growth [10] - Diagnostics revenue is normalizing post-COVID, with the Exact Sciences acquisition valued at up to $23 billion expected to enhance this sector [10] - Nutrition sales declined due to market dynamics, raising concerns about future growth in this segment [10] Future Catalysts and Risks - Potential upside for Abbott depends on realizing synergies from Exact Sciences, stabilization in Nutrition, and successful execution in high-growth devices [8] - Downside risks include persistent weakness in Nutrition, regulatory challenges with the Exact Sciences acquisition, and overall caution in medtech spending [9]