Mission complete, Abbott completes Exact Sciences acquisition just in time for Q1 results

Abbott (ABT) reported first-quarter 2026 financial results and completed its acquisition of Exact Sciences on March 23, 2026, according to a press release statement.

The healthcare company posted first-quarter sales of $11.164 billion, representing a 7.8% increase on a reported basis and 3.7% growth on a comparable basis. GAAP diluted earnings per share reached $0.61, while adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.15 reflected 6% growth.

The Exact Sciences acquisition establishes Abbott’s presence in the oncology diagnostics market. Abbott projects the acquisition will contribute $0.20 of dilution to full-year 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share.

Abbott updated its full-year 2026 guidance to reflect the acquisition impact. The company projects comparable sales growth of 6.5% to 7.5% and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $5.38 to $5.58. For the second quarter of 2026, Abbott projects adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.25 to $1.31.

Business segment performance varied during the quarter. Medical Devices sales increased 13.2% on a reported basis and 8.5% on a comparable basis, driven by double-digit growth in Electrophysiology, Heart Failure and Rhythm Management. Diagnostics sales rose 6.1% on a reported basis and 1.8% on a comparable basis. Established Pharmaceuticals sales grew 13.2% on a reported basis and 9.0% on a comparable basis.