Abbott Lowers 2026 Comparable Sales-Growth Outlook to About 6%

Abbott lowered its 2026 comparable sales-growth outlook to about 6%, from the 6.5% to 7.5% range reaffirmed in July, while outlining a Nutrition separation targeted to close by the end of 2027.

The revised target is a comparable-sales measure that excludes foreign-exchange effects and certain revenue tied to a multiyear agreement. Abbott also narrowed its 2026 adjusted diluted earnings guidance to $5.50 to $5.55 per share, retaining the midpoint of its previous range.

Abbott plans to distribute shares of an independent, publicly traded Nutrition company to its shareholders. The transaction is targeted to close by the end of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals, an effective Form 10 registration statement and final board approval. Nutrition will remain part of Abbott during the separation process. The separation will not affect 2026 guidance or the 2027 guidance Abbott plans to provide in January.

The new company is expected to generate about $8.5 billion in annual sales, with approximately 16,000 employees and 14 manufacturing sites. The separation is intended to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income-tax purposes. Abbott expects one-time separation-related charges before closing, with the amount to be quantified later.

Nutrition comparable sales increased 4.9% in the third quarter but declined 2.1% over the first nine months of 2026. The results show different trends across those periods as Abbott prepares to separate the business.

The quarter ended Sept. 30, and Abbott recorded $13.013 billion in sales; reported revenue rose 14.5% from a year earlier, while comparable sales increased 7%. Its third-quarter results included adjusted diluted earnings of $1.42 per share and GAAP diluted earnings of $0.53 per share. Abbott plans to provide its 2027 guidance in January, while the Nutrition separation remains targeted for completion by the end of 2027.