Abbott Labs stock falls 8% as China headwinds prompt guidance cut

Published 18/07/2025, 13:30
Abbott Labs stock falls 8% as China headwinds prompt guidance cut

Investing.com - Abbott Labs (NYSE:ABT) stock dropped over 8% in Thursday’s trading, marking its largest single-day decline in several years after the healthcare company trimmed its full-year revenue growth guidance. According to InvestingPro data, the stock’s RSI indicates oversold conditions, while the company maintains a strong "Great" financial health score of 3.05/5.

The company lowered its 2025 revenue growth forecast to 7.5%-8.0%, down from the previous range of 7.5%-8.5%, citing headwinds from China’s volume-based procurement (VBP) in its diagnostics business. Abbott also narrowed its 2025 earnings per share guidance to $5.10-$5.20, compared to the prior range of $5.05-$5.25. Despite the guidance adjustment, Abbott maintains its position as a prominent player in the Healthcare Equipment sector, with a remarkable 55-year track record of consistent dividend payments and an attractive 1.96% yield.

Despite the guidance adjustment, Abbott Labs delivered second-quarter results that were generally in line with expectations. The company reported overall sales of $11.14 billion, representing 6.9% year-over-year growth and slightly exceeding both Stifel’s estimate of $11.03 billion and the consensus projection of $11.06 billion.

Second-quarter earnings per share reached $1.26, marginally ahead of Stifel and consensus projections of $1.25 per share. The company benefited from lower-than-expected foreign exchange impacts during the quarter.

Stifel analyst Rick Wise (LON:WISEa) maintained a Buy rating on Abbott Labs with a price target of $145.00, emphasizing that the China diagnostics VBP headwinds driving the lower guidance are "transitory," as stated by the company during its conference call. For deeper insights into Abbott’s valuation and growth prospects, including 8 additional exclusive ProTips, check out the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Abbott Laboratories has faced several developments impacting its financial outlook. The company revised its full-year revenue guidance downward, primarily due to challenges in its Diagnostics business, including reduced COVID-related sales and issues in China. These adjustments have led to a decrease in projected organic revenue growth from 7.5-8.5% to 6.0-7.0% for 2025. Despite this, Abbott exceeded second-quarter expectations on both top and bottom lines, with strong performance in segments like Core Lab Diagnostics and Medical (TASE:BLWV) Devices. Analysts have varied responses; Jefferies upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy, citing a positive growth outlook, while BTIG and Evercore ISI lowered their price targets, maintaining positive ratings. Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) also reduced its price target, noting the bearish sentiment in the healthcare sector. Goldman Sachs maintained its Buy rating, acknowledging the guidance cut but emphasizing Abbott’s cost management efforts. Overall, while Abbott faces near-term challenges, analysts remain optimistic about its long-term growth potential.

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