Abbott’s dividend yield rose above 3% on a $2.52 annual payout, its highest in a decade as stock trades near $83.
The company faces a $70 million jury award and over 1,700 infant formula lawsuits, with potential settlements estimated between $2 bn and $7 bn.
Jefferies notes Abbott’s $7.3 bn cash balance and bases liability at $1‑2 bn, less than 2% of market cap.
The $21 bn Exact Sciences acquisition is expected to be $0.20 earnings‑dilutive in 2026, adding integration risk.