Abbott Laboratories Stock: The Battle for the $140 Threshold

Shares of Abbott Laboratories are presenting investors with a dynamic landscape, shaped by institutional portfolio realignments and a reaffirmed earnings outlook. The contrasting actions of major investors—with some expanding their stakes while others reduce them—highlight divergent perspectives on the company's future.

The latest quarterly results delivered a mixed message. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.30, meeting expectations precisely. Revenue climbed 6.9% to $11.37 billion, yet this figure narrowly missed analyst projections of $11.40 billion.

• Q3 2025 EPS: $1.30 (as projected)
• Q3 2025 Revenue: $11.37 billion (a 6.9% year-over-year increase)
• Fiscal Year 2025 EPS Guidance: Reaffirmed in the range of $5.12 to $5.18
• Quarterly Dividend: $0.59 per share

The medical devices division was a standout performer, posting a robust 14.8% sales increase. This surge was fueled by double-digit growth in key areas, including diabetes care, electrophysiology, and heart failure support systems.

Institutional Activity: A Divided Sentiment

Recent disclosures of institutional holdings reveal a split in strategy. Advisors Capital Management boosted its position in Abbott by 1.4% during the second quarter, amassing 201,099 shares valued at $27.35 million. Clearstead Trust demonstrated even greater confidence with a 25.3% increase, while Washington Trust Co. grew its holdings by 2.9%.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Abbott Laboratories?

However, the optimism is not universal. Impax Asset Management scaled back its Abbott investment by 3.7%, and the National Pension Service reduced its stake by 3.8%. These opposing moves suggest a period of reassessment among major financial institutions.

Share Price Momentum and Analyst Outlook

Currently, Abbott's stock is trading at $130.59, following a 1.03% advance on Friday. Over the past month, the equity has gained 0.88%, and its twelve-month performance shows a solid 13.53% return. The share price has fluctuated between a 52-week low of $110.86 and a high of $141.23.

Market experts maintain a generally favorable view, issuing a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating. The average price target from analysts sits at $147, presenting a key question for investors: can the shares successfully breach the significant $140 resistance level?