Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) shares fell 3.5% in pre-market trading after the company issued a disappointing second-quarter earnings forecast.
The medical device giant said it expects adjusted earnings per share between $1.25 and $1.31 for the second quarter. The midpoint of that range, $1.28, is significantly below the market consensus of $1.37 per share.
The weak guidance overshadowed a first quarter that was in line with expectations. Abbott reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $1.15 per share, matching the consensus forecast.
The lower-than-expected guidance from a bellwether like Abbott could signal potential headwinds for the broader medical device sector. The stock's decline puts it at risk of analyst price target reductions.
The negative pre-market reaction highlights investor focus on future growth, even when current results meet targets. Investors will now look to the company's upcoming earnings call for more details on the factors behind the subdued outlook and any changes to its full-year forecast.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.