Morgan Stanley Speculates on Potential Abbott Laboratories Transaction

In a report published Monday, Morgan Stanley analyst David R. Lewis reiterated an Overweight rating and $45.00 price target on

. In the report, Morgan Stanley noted, “Abbott is a unique healthcare asset, with high exposure to emerging markets and consumer- directed businesses, driving the potential for sustainable double digit earnings growth. Leverage opportunities are highly visible in both Nutritionals and Diagnostics, where peer margins demonstrate the potential for improvement. Expectations are low for the established pharma business, which has come under pressure in the developed markets and presents the potential for reacceleration as emerging market mix grows over time and austerity measures are lapped.” Abbott Laboratories closed on Friday at $38.56.