Abbott stock forecast
The weighted scenario puts Abbott’s shares at $111.08 in October 2027 and $129.10 in October 2029. It hinges on Abbott converting durable product adoption into cash while Exact Sciences earns its cost.
Where could Abbott’s shares be by 2029?
The weighted forecast puts Abbott’s shares at $111.08 in October 2027 and $129.10 in October 2029 if product growth converts into cash and Exact Sciences’ financing and integration burden stays manageable. Those levels represent +12% and +35%, including dividends.
The bear case carries 25% probability. The base case carries 55%, and the bull case 20%. October 21, 2026, is the next checkpoint for second-half improvement. Libre Duo was authorized on August 25, 2026; its U.S. launch and compatibility with two insulin-delivery systems will test adoption. TactiFlex Duo received FDA approval on September 8, 2026. Exact targets at least $100 million of annual pretax synergies by 2028.
| Case | Probability | October 2027 | October 2028 | October 2029 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear | 25 % | 82.14 (-17 %) | 78.06 (-18 %) | 73.38 (-21 %) |
| Base | 55 % | 113.72 (+14 %) | 120.94 (+24 %) | 128.19 (+34 %) |
| Bull | 20 % | 140.00 (+40 %) | 170.27 (+73 %) | 201.24 (+106 %) |
| Weighted | 100 % | 111.08 (+12 %) | 120.09 (+23 %) | 129.10 (+35 %) |
What has to go right for Abbott, and what could go wrong?
The bear row starts at $6,464 million and ends at $7,062 million as Libre, Nutrition and diagnostics weaken and recurring interest and amortization remain heavy. The bull row starts at $8,025 million and ends at $10,710 million as Libre adoption, new devices and Exact synergies improve mix and cash conversion. The base follows Abbott's 6.5%–7.5% comparable-sales outlook, 11.9% Medical Devices growth in 2025, and management's expectation that Exact remains dilutive through 2027 before becoming accretive in 2028.
The bear case assumes Libre growth slows, Nutrition remains pressured, and Exact fails to offset its financing and integration costs quickly. Cash shifts from buybacks and debt repayment toward legal and operating needs. The shares fall to $82.14 in October 2027 and $73.38 by October 2029. Its 25% probability reflects meaningful product and balance-sheet risks, moderated by Abbott's diversified portfolio and established device growth.
How much cash does Abbott really make?
Operating activities produced $9,566 million of cash in 2025. Capital spending used $2,171 million, leaving $7,395 million of free cash flow. Free cash flow is cash left after operating needs and property investment, before dividends, acquisitions and debt repayment. It improved from $5,059 million in 2023 but remained below $8,648 million in 2021.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash from operations | 9,566 | 8,558 | 7,261 | 9,581 | 10,533 |
| − Capital spending | 2,171 | 2,207 | 2,202 | 1,777 | 1,885 |
| = Free cash flow | 7,395 | 6,351 | 5,059 | 7,804 | 8,648 |
| − Stock pay | 664 | 673 | 644 | 685 | 640 |
| = Real free cash flow | 6,731 | 5,678 | 4,415 | 7,119 | 8,008 |
What does an investor pay for Abbott today?
| Today (Oct 13, 2026) | |
|---|---|
| Share price | 101.82 |
| P/E, last 12 months (calculated) | 33.0x |
| P/E, next 12 months (calculated) | 16.8x |
| Free cash flow yield (calculated) | 4.2% |
| Real free cash flow yield (calculated) | 3.8% |
| Dividend yield (calculated) | 2.5% |