Abbott Laboratories

Abbott Laboratories, a Dividend King with 54 consecutive years of raises, reported Q2 sales of $12.6 billion and raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance, supporting a forward dividend yield of about 2.3% and a payout ratio near 46%. Management expects faster sales and earnings in H2 2026, driven by medical devices launches and the recent $21 billion Exact Sciences acquisition that is expanding growth in cancer diagnostics. Strong cash flow, ongoing share returns and analyst optimism underpin the view that Abbott can sustain and potentially raise dividends through a market downturn. » More on finance.yahoo.com

Abbott received FDA authorization for the Libre Duo, the first prescription 2‑in‑1 continuous glucose monitor that also measures beta‑hydroxybutyrate ketone levels and worn for 10 days. The device sends glucose and ketone alerts via the existing app and smartwatch integrations, aiming to help detect diabetic ketoacidosis early—especially in children, insulin pump users, and patients on SGLT2 inhibitors. Clinicians praise the potential but caution about accuracy, interpretation, and false positives; Abbott says it set ketone performance standards with the FDA and currently plans prescription‑only distribution. The sensor could expand metabolic monitoring and later reach wider consumer markets, but initial adoption may face data‑fatigue and wearable‑hype challenges. » More on theverge.com

Abbott has received CE approval for the Amulet 360 occluder to close the left atrial appendage; the implant is intended for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who cannot receive long-term anticoagulation. First procedures were performed at clinics in Frankfurt, Lübeck and Aarhus, and availability will be expanded to other European countries in the coming weeks. The approval is based on the VERITAS study with 400 patients, which showed a successful implantation rate of 99.8% at 45 days and complete closure without leaks >3 mm in 93.9%. In the US the Amulet 360 is currently approved only for investigational use; this is Abbott’s fourth major electrophysiology approval in just over a year. » More on de.investing.com