Abbott Laboratories Boosts Dividend and Announces Major Acquisition, Strengthening 2026 Outlook
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) has reaffirmed its commitment to shareholder value with a 6.8% increase in its quarterly dividend, now at $0.63 per share. This marks 54 consecutive years of dividend growth, solidifying its position in the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index. The annual dividend rises to $2.52, yielding 1.91% at the current stock price of $123.69.
The company's $21 billion acquisition of Exact Sciences is poised to accelerate diagnostics revenue growth by approximately 300 basis points. UBS has reiterated its Buy rating, raising the price target to $158 following the deal announcement. Abbott's MedTech and diagnostics segments show robust momentum as the company heads into 2026.