Should I buy Abbott Laboratories stock in 2025?

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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring Abbott Laboratories' performance for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in the United States rely on us to interpret market trends and identify the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In accordance with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Abbott Laboratories.

What is Abbott Laboratories?

How much is Abbott Laboratories stock?

The price of Abbott Laboratories stock is rising this week. As of now, ABT is trading at $130.88, reflecting a 24-hour increase of +0.10% and a weekly gain of +0.61%. The company holds a robust market capitalization of $226.99 billion, with an average daily volume over the past three months of 6.8 million shares. Abbott's P/E ratio stands at 16.95, its dividend yield is 1.77%, and the stock beta is 0.60, pointing to lower than average market volatility.

Given its steady growth and strong fundamentals, Abbott Laboratories remains an appealing choice for investors seeking stability within the healthcare sector.

Our full analysis on Abbott Laboratories stock

Having thoroughly reviewed Abbott Laboratories’ most recent quarterly results and assessed the stock’s robust performance trajectory over the past three years, we integrated exhaustive analyses—drawing from financial indicators, technical signals, macro trends, and competitive positioning—through our proprietary quantitative models. The convergence of strong operational delivery with favorable market signals in the first half of 2025 positions Abbott Laboratories as a top name to watch. So, why might Abbott Laboratories stock once again become a strategic entry point into the healthcare and medical technology sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) continues to impress the market with its resilience and steady performance. Currently trading at $130.88 (as of May 2, 2025), the stock has posted a 25.60% gain over the past year and a robust 10.9% appreciation in the last six months—outperforming the S&P 500 Health Care sector index. Weekly and daily advances (+0.61% and +0.10%, respectively) signal continued positive investor sentiment, underpinned by a 3-month average daily trading volume of 6.8 million shares and a market capitalization nearing $227 billion.

• Q1 2025 earnings outperformed consensus expectations, driven by double-digit organic growth in Medical Devices (+12.6%) and significant gains in Nutrition.
• Abbott achieved CE Mark for its Volt™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System for atrial fibrillation, further cementing its commitment to next-generation cardiovascular therapies.
• Key clinical trial milestones—such as new efficacy data from the TRILUMINATE™ pivotal trial indicating sustained reduction in heart failure-related hospitalizations—strengthen the company’s reputation for clinical excellence and innovation.
• Additional strategic investments in U.S. manufacturing and R&D facilities are expected to go live by year-end, supporting operational scalability.

The macro environment appears increasingly supportive for industry leaders like Abbott. Defensiveness of healthcare, secular growth in diagnostics and medtech adoption, and persistent pent-up demand for chronic disease management and digital health tools contribute to an expanding addressable market. Moreover, regulatory tailwinds—such as the emphasis on faster approvals for critical medical devices—and favorable demographic trends are providing long-term runway for sustained expansion.

Technical Analysis

Abbott Laboratories’ technical configuration points to a notably constructive setup for potential bullish continuation in the near and medium term.

• Relative Strength Index (RSI, 14): At 54.83, ABT sits comfortably in neutral territory, allowing room for further advance before entering overbought levels.
• MACD: A positive value of 0.45 complements the bullish narrative, indicating maintaining upward momentum.
• Key Moving Averages:
• 20-day MA: 128.26
• 50-day MA: 130.26
• 100-day MA: 124.40
• 200-day MA: 118.07

With the current price of $130.88 above all major moving averages, the trend remains decisively upward. The confluence of support (notably at $127.72 and $129.11) and nearby resistance ($131.58, $132.66, $134.05) provides a well-defined technical landscape for strategic entry. Notably, a series of 16 bullish technical signals—including a “Strong Buy” moving average consensus—reinforce the technical case for upside, while Williams %R at -28.09 indicates actionable buy momentum.

Taken together, the current technical structure favors an opportunistic outlook, with recent price action validating underlying demand amid broad-based market strength.

Fundamental Analysis

Abbott’s fundamental profile remains enviable within the medtech universe:

• Revenue and Profitability: Q1 2025 revenue rose to $10.358 billion (+4.0% reported, +6.9% organic), with quarterly EBITDA up 4.82% to $2.718 billion, and net income at $1.32 billion. EPS came in at $0.76 GAAP ($1.09 adjusted), handily outpacing market forecasts.
• Growth Guidance: Management forecasts full-year organic sales growth of 7.5% to 8.5%, anchored by strength in Medical Devices (especially diabetes care and cardiology), emerging market pharmaceuticals, and premium nutrition segments. Projected operating margin for 2025 stands at a healthy 23.5% to 24.0%.
• Valuation: With a P/E ratio of 16.95, Abbott is trading at a meaningful discount to many large-cap healthcare peers, while offering a 1.77% dividend yield. The PEG ratio remains attractive, suggesting further scope for multiple expansion given earnings trajectory. Analysts’ consensus target price of $170.14 (+30% upside from current levels) points to material valuation headroom.
• Structural Strengths: Abbott’s resilience is rooted in a diversified, global business model—spanning over 160 countries—across Medical Devices, Diagnostics, Nutrition, and Established Pharmaceuticals. Its best-in-class FreeStyle Libre franchise (up 21.6% organically in Q1) and strong market share in diagnostic solutions and device-based therapies further increase its competitive moat. Moreover, its 53-year dividend increase streak underscores adherence to long-term shareholder value creation.

Collectively, these fundamentals justify renewed investor interest and suggest that Abbott Laboratories may be entering a new phase of profitable expansion.

Volume and Liquidity

The consistency of trading volume (6.8 million shares daily average) highlights robust market participation and ample liquidity—signs of sustained investor confidence and institutional accumulation. With 1.74 billion shares outstanding and a broad, institutionally-held float, ABT offers dynamic valuation opportunities while allowing for significant investor flexibility, whether for tactical trades or core positions. Tight bid-ask spreads and well-established coverage by market makers further enhance its standing as a best-in-class, investable blue-chip stock.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Abbott’s near-term and medium-term outlook is buoyed by a robust pipeline of catalysts:

• Product Innovation: The ramp-up of FreeStyle Libre (continuing to outpace the broader CGM market), the commercial rollout of Volt™ PFA for AFib, and future FDA submissions for next-gen cardiovascular and neuromodulation devices all underpin multi-year expansion.
• Geographic Growth: Fast growth in emerging markets, particularly in Established Pharmaceuticals, offers diversification and defensiveness against macro swings in developed economies.
• Operational Leverage: The $0.5 billion capital expenditure in new R&D and manufacturing (Illinois and Texas) enhances long-term margin expansion and capacity.
• ESG Leadership: Abbott’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, diversity, and social impact contributes to its durability and growing inclusion in ESG-focused portfolios.
• Market Environment: The sector benefits from persistent demand drivers—aging populations, chronic disease prevalence, and the digital transformation of healthcare diagnostics and monitoring.
• Regulatory Tailwinds: Accelerating device review cycles and a policy focus on rapid innovation further favor scaled incumbents like Abbott.

Overall, these catalysts reinforce optimism for further operational and financial outperformance through 2025 and beyond.

Investment Strategies

Opportunistic investors may find several compelling arguments for initiating or adding to positions in Abbott Laboratories at current levels:

Short-Term

• Technical Structure: The stock trades above all relevant moving averages and has recently triggered a “Strong Buy” consensus. Immediate support zones create limited downside risk for agile entrants.
• Catalyst Positioning: Potential for momentum-driven gains around upcoming product launch news, regulatory approvals, or quarterly earnings releases.

Medium-Term

• Earnings Growth: Abbott’s organic topline growth, margin expansion, and continued product innovation point to sustained EPS upgrades through 2025.
• Dividend Stability: Quarterly dividend payments and a 53-year Aristocrat track record provide yield support, further underpinning share price.

Long-Term

• Defensive Growth Profile: The company’s fortified international footprint, best-in-class diabetes portfolio, and innovation pipeline position it as a secular compounder in the medtech and healthcare space.
• Fundamentals: Attractive current valuation, sector leadership, and a management team with a proven record of strategic capital allocation.
• Structural Catalysts: Ongoing investments in manufacturing and R&D are set to generate lasting advantages, supporting durable shareholder returns.

For all timeframes, entering at the current technical consolidation zone or on slight retracements, as well as layering in ahead of anticipated catalyst events, seems to represent an excellent opportunity to harness both capital appreciation and dividend income.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Abbott Laboratories?

In synthesizing Abbott Laboratories’ latest performance, enduring leadership, and robust pipeline, multiple factors suggest renewed optimism for its trajectory. The company’s combination of consistent earnings growth, undervalued multiples, strong technicals, and powerful catalysts presents an attractive opportunity for those seeking a blend of defensiveness and upside in the healthcare technology sector. With analysts targeting a 30% price appreciation and the company entering another innovation cycle—while maintaining a Dividend Aristocrat status—the fundamentals justify renewed interest in the stock at present levels.

Against a backdrop of sector tailwinds, operational excellence, and a rich innovation portfolio, Abbott Laboratories may be entering a new bullish phase—one that investors of all profiles should seriously consider leveraging for medium- and long-term outperformance.

With compelling growth prospects, technical confirmation, and strategic catalysts on the horizon, Abbott Laboratories offers a rare opportunity to participate in the evolution of global healthcare innovation while benefiting from the stability and yield of an established market leader.

How to buy Abbott Laboratories stock in United States?

Purchasing shares of Abbott Laboratories (ABT) online is both straightforward and secure when using a regulated broker in the United States. As a retail investor, you can choose between two main methods: buying the stock directly ("spot buying") or trading its price movements via Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Spot buying means you actually own the shares, while CFD trading lets you speculate on price changes without ownership—often with leverage. Each approach has specific costs and advantages, which we detail below. To help you select the best platform for your needs, you'll find a comprehensive broker comparison further down this page.

Spot Buying

Spot buying refers to purchasing Abbott Laboratories shares directly on the New York Stock Exchange. When you buy spot, you become a shareholder, eligible for dividends and voting rights. U.S. brokers typically charge a fixed commission per order—often around $5 or less—and sometimes small regulatory fees.

Example

Suppose the Abbott Laboratories share price is $130.88. With a $1,000 investment, after a typical $5 brokerage fee, you can buy approximately 7 shares ($1,000 - $5 = $995, and $995 / $130.88 ≈ 7.6, so you purchase 7 full shares).

Gain scenario

If Abbott's stock rises by 10%, your holding is then worth approximately $1,100.
Result: +$100 gross gain, representing a 10% return on your investment (excluding taxes).

Trading via CFD

CFD trading allows you to speculate on the price movement of Abbott Laboratories shares without owning the underlying stock. CFDs (Contracts for Difference) can be traded with leverage, letting you amplify exposure with a smaller upfront commitment. Key fees include the bid-ask spread and overnight financing charges if positions remain open daily.

Example

With $1,000 and 5x leverage, your market exposure jumps to $5,000. If you open a CFD on Abbott shares and the price climbs 8%, your position gains 40% (8% movement × 5 leverage).

Gain scenario

If Abbott's stock rises by 8%, your CFD position would generate a $400 profit ($1,000 × 40%), not including trading fees or financing costs.

Final Advice

Before investing, it's essential to compare brokers' fees, available markets, trading tools, and regulatory safeguards. Your ultimate choice—spot buying or CFD trading—should align with your goals (long-term ownership vs. active trading or leverage). To help you make an informed decision, a detailed broker comparison is available below. Take the time to review your options, and choose the solution that best fits your investment strategy.

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Our 7 tips for buying Abbott Laboratories stock

The latest news about Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories reported a robust Q1 2025, beating expectations with strong U.S. medical devices and nutrition growth. In its latest financial release from April 16, Abbott Laboratories posted quarterly revenue of $10.36 billion, representing a 4.0% reported and 6.9% organic increase, alongside EBITDA of $2.72 billion, up nearly 5% year-on-year. Importantly, these results outpaced analyst estimates, especially on the strength of demand for medical devices and nutrition products in its U.S. markets. Adjusted EPS reached $1.09, highlighting effective cost controls and operational leverage.

Abbott’s diabetes care segment, led by FreeStyle Libre, delivered 21.6% organic sales growth and remains a U.S. market leader. The company reaffirmed its leadership in the continuous glucose monitoring segment, as its flagship FreeStyle Libre system posted exceptional 21.6% organic growth in Q1, a result that has outpaced most domestic competitors. The U.S. market continues to drive this momentum, supported by strong demand from both patients and healthcare providers, further cementing Abbott’s innovative edge in chronic disease management.

Strategic investments in U.S. manufacturing and R&D centers in Illinois and Texas highlight Abbott's continued domestic commitment. Abbott recently announced over $500 million in new manufacturing and R&D investments across two states, with projects in Illinois and Texas expected to become operational by year-end. These expansions are designed to both support product innovation and ensure resilience in the domestic supply chain, addressing the growing demand for medical devices and diagnostics within the U.S. market.

Technical and analyst signals for Abbott Laboratories remain strongly bullish, with the stock outperforming key benchmarks. Technical indicators show ABT trading above its 20, 50, 100, and 200-day moving averages, supported by a neutral RSI of 54.8 and a positive MACD. The “Strong Buy” technical consensus is matched by a 30% upside reflected in the average analyst price target ($170.14 vs. current $130.88). This positive sentiment is underpinned by sustained share price momentum, low volatility (beta 0.60), and broad-based institutional interest, as signaled by consistently high trading volumes.

Abbott’s 53-year dividend growth streak and upcoming May 15 distribution reinforce its appeal to U.S. income investors. The company remains a Dividend Aristocrat, increasing its dividend for 53 consecutive years. U.S. shareholders are positioned to receive a $0.59 per share quarterly dividend on May 15, 2025, with tax-advantaged qualified dividend treatment. This ongoing commitment to returning capital emphasizes Abbott’s reliable cash flow and is particularly attractive in the context of a rising U.S. interest rate environment.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.