Abbott Laboratories Stock (NYSE:ABT), Trade Ideas

Abbott Laboratories

Abbott manufactures and markets cardiovascular and diabetes devices, adult and pediatric nutritional products, diagnostic equipment and testing kits, and branded generic drugs. Products include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, neuromodulation devices, coronary stents, catheters, infant formula, nutritional liquids for adults, continuous glucose monitors, and immunoassays and point-of-care diagnostic equipment. Abbott derives approximately 60% of sales outside the United States.

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A sentiment of risk aversion looms over the markets during Wednesday’s trading session, triggering midday losses across the board in stocks and cryptocurrencies and prompting a flight towards bonds, as investor confidence remains dampened by geopolitical and economic risks.

Stocks Fall As Geopolitics, Economic Worries Spook Investors, Chipmakers Sell Off, Bitcoin Tumbles To $60,000: What&#39;s Driving Markets Wednesday?

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U.S. stocks traded higher this morning, with the Dow Jones index gaining around 200 points on Wednesday.

Following the market opening Wednesday, the Dow traded up 0.55% to 38,006.47 while the NASDAQ rose 0.24% to 15,903.38. The S&amp;P 500 also rose, gaining, 0.40% to 5,071.74.

Dow Surges 200 Points; Abbott Laboratories Posts Upbeat Earnings

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Abbott Laboratories surpasses expectations with Q1 sales hitting $9.96B, a 10.8% rise driven by robust performance in Medical Devices, Established Pharmaceuticals, Nutrition, and Diagnostics. CEO Robert Ford boosts full-year sales outlook amidst strong Q1 growth.

Abbott Labs Q1 Revenue Jumps On Strong Medical Devices Sales, Company Boosts Annual Guidance

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ALTEROLA BIOTECH INC by Alterola Biotech, Inc.

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ABOITIZ EQTY VNT UNSP/ADR by Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.

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<p><strong>Abbott Laboratories's</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>) short percent of float has fallen 7.69% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has <strong>14.48 million shares sold short</strong>, which is 0.84% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, <strong>it would take traders 1.81 days to cover their short positions on average.</strong></p>
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
<p>Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.</p>
<p>Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.</p>
<p><strong>See Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest"><strong>List of the most shorted stocks</strong></a></p>
<h3>Abbott Laboratories Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1714742110_0.png" alt="short_fig" /></p>
<p>As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Abbott Laboratories has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.</p>
<h3>Comparing Abbott Laboratories's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
<p>Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Abbott Laboratories's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.22%, which means the company has <strong>less</strong> short interest than most of its peers.</p>
<p>Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be <strong>bullish</strong> for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/"><strong>This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.</em></p>


Short Sellers

Short Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About Abbott Laboratories?

<p>Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in ABT usually suggests something big is about to happen.</p>
<p>We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 8 extraordinary options activities for Abbott Laboratories. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.</p>
<p>The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 50% leaning bullish and 25% bearish. Among these notable options, 5 are puts, totaling $240,592, and 3 are calls, amounting to $244,878.</p>
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
<p>Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $105.0 to $130.0 for Abbott Laboratories over the recent three months. </p>
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
<p>Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.</p>
<p>This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Abbott Laboratories's options for a given strike price.</p>
<p>Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Abbott Laboratories's whale activity within a strike price range from $105.0 to $130.0 in the last 30 days. </p>
<h3>Abbott Laboratories 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1714596361_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.65</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$160.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">382</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">182</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$19.1</td>
<td>$18.6</td>
<td>$18.87</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$94.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$8.85</td>
<td>$8.65</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$58.9K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">382</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">249</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$23.65</td>
<td>$23.1</td>
<td>$23.48</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$44.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$1.02</td>
<td>$1.02</td>
<td>$106.00</td>
<td>$38.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">218</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">679</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Abbott Laboratories</h3>
<p>Abbott manufactures and markets cardiovascular and diabetes devices, adult and pediatric nutritional products, diagnostic equipment and testing kits, and branded generic drugs. Products include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, neuromodulation devices, coronary stents, catheters, infant formula, nutritional liquids for adults, continuous glucose monitors, and immunoassays and point-of-care diagnostic equipment. Abbott derives approximately 60% of sales outside the United States.</p>
<h3>Where Is Abbott Laboratories Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 4,096,535, the ABT's price is up by 0.3%, now at $106.29. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 78 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Abbott Laboratories</h3>
<p>A total of 4 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $129.5.</p>
<ul>
<li>An analyst from RBC Capital persists with their Outperform rating on Abbott Laboratories, maintaining a target price of $125. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Overweight rating for Abbott Laboratories, targeting a price of $140. </li>
<li>An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Buy rating on Abbott Laboratories, maintaining a target price of $128. </li>
<li>An analyst from Evercore ISI Group has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Abbott Laboratories, which currently sits at a price target of $125. </li>
</ul>
<p>Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.</p>
<p>If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Abbott Laboratories, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.</p>


Options

What the Options Market Tells Us About Abbott Laboratories

<ul>
<li>More than 20 million people in the U.S. are living with peripheral artery disease (PAD) yet there have been limited treatment options</li>
<li>The first-of-its-kind Esprit&#x2122; BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold dissolves over time after it has opened blocked arteries below the knee (BTK)</li>
<li>The Esprit BTK System is a dissolving stent that offers the possibility of better outcomes for people with the most severe form of PAD</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Biotech

Abbott's Receives FDA Approval For Esprit BTK Everolimus Eluting Resorbable Scaffold System

<p>Barclays  analyst Matt Miksic   maintains Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $141 to $140.</p>


Price Target

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Abbott Laboratories, Lowers Price Target to $140

<p>Investors with significant funds have taken a bearish position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>), a development that retail traders should be aware of.</p>
<p>This was brought to our attention today through our monitoring of publicly accessible options data at Benzinga. The exact nature of these investors remains a mystery, but such a major move in ABT usually indicates foreknowledge of upcoming events.</p>
<p>Today, Benzinga's options scanner identified 9 options transactions for Abbott Laboratories. This is an unusual occurrence. The sentiment among these large-scale traders is mixed, with 44% being bullish and 55% bearish. Of all the options we discovered, 8 are puts, valued at $437,896, and there was a single call, worth $27,300.</p>
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
<p>After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $75.0 and $125.0 for Abbott Laboratories, spanning the last three months.</p>
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
<p>Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Abbott Laboratories's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Abbott Laboratories's whale trades within a strike price range from $75.0 to $125.0 in the last 30 days. </p>
<h3>Abbott Laboratories 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713461514_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$19.6</td>
<td>$18.55</td>
<td>$19.22</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$94.1K</td>
<td>84</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$12.1</td>
<td>$12.05</td>
<td>$12.05</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$79.5K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">73</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$4.75</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$4.75</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$60.3K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$1.75</td>
<td>$1.68</td>
<td>$1.75</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$52.5K</td>
<td>7.8K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">191</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$8.35</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$8.35</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$51.7K</td>
<td>104</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Abbott Laboratories</h3>
<p>Abbott manufactures and markets cardiovascular and diabetes devices, adult and pediatric nutritional products, diagnostic equipment and testing kits, and branded generic drugs. Products include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, neuromodulation devices, coronary stents, catheters, infant formula, nutritional liquids for adults, continuous glucose monitors, and immunoassays and point-of-care diagnostic equipment. Abbott derives approximately 60% of sales outside the United States.</p>
<h3>Abbott Laboratories's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 2,716,156, with ABT's price down by -0.84%, positioned at $105.01.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 91 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Abbott Laboratories</h3>
<p>A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $126.0.</p>
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Citigroup has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Abbott Laboratories, which currently sits at a price target of $128. </li>
<li>An analyst from RBC Capital persists with their Outperform rating on Abbott Laboratories, maintaining a target price of $125. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group continues to hold a Outperform rating for Abbott Laboratories, targeting a price of $125. </li>
</ul>
<p>Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Abbott Laboratories with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.</p>


Behind the Scenes of Abbott Laboratories's Latest Options Trends

<p>RBC Capital  analyst Shagun Singh   maintains Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $128 to $125.</p>


RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Abbott Laboratories, Lowers Price Target to $125

<p>A sentiment of risk aversion looms over the markets during Wednesday&#8217;s trading session, triggering midday losses across the board in stocks and cryptocurrencies and prompting a flight towards bonds, as investor confidence remains dampened by<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/macro-economic-events"> geopolitical and economic risks.</a></p>
<p>The situation in the Middle East remains highly uncertain, with Israeli Prime Minister <strong>Benjamin Netanyahu </strong>stating that despite advice from allies to avoid a retaliation against Iran, Israel will make its own decisions on security.</p>
<p>Investors also parsed through the latest remarks from Fed Chair <strong>Jerome Powell</strong>, which officially dashed hopes for imminent rate cuts amid a lack of confidence about disinflation.</p>
<p>The S&amp;P 500 declined by 0.5% by 1.15 p.m. EDT, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 underperforming, down by 1.2%. Semiconductors were among the weakest-performing industries, with the <strong>VanEck Semiconductors ETF</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NYSE">SMH</a>) falling by 2.5%, on track to close at its lowest level in nearly two months.</p>
<p>Investors sought refuge in Treasuries for liquidity, causing yields to drop by 8 basis points in the 10-year tenor, while the <strong>iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) rallied by 1%. Gold softened by 0.5%, while silver managed to inch up by 0.8%.</p>
<p><strong>Bitcoin</strong> (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) faced significant downward pressure, with the largest cryptocurrency plummeting by 5.2% and hitting an intraday low of $59,650, now down 18% since its peak in March.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<p><figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Major Indices</strong></td>
<td><strong>Price</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-day Chg %</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>37,743.82</td>
<td>-0.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>1,963.08</td>
<td>-0.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,025.59</td>
<td>-0.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>17,524.58</td>
<td>-1.1%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Updated at 1:15 p.m. EDT</em></figcaption></p></figure></p>
<p>The&nbsp;<strong>SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) fell 0.5% to $501.05, the&nbsp;<strong>SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) inched 0.1% lower to $377.69 and the tech-heavy&nbsp;<strong>Invesco QQQ Trust</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) fell 1.1% to $426.78, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sector-wise, the<strong> Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) outperformed, up 1.4%. The <strong>Technology</strong> <strong>Select Sector SPDR Fund</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) was the major laggard, down 1%. </p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wednesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>United Airlines Holdings, Inc.</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>) rose over 14%, amid stronger-than-expected financial results last quarter. Peers such as <strong>American Airlines Group Inc.</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>), <strong>Delta Airlines Inc.</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) rose 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively. </li>
<li>Other companies reacting to earnings reports were <strong>J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.&nbsp;</strong>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBHT#NASDAQ">JBHT</a>), down 8%, <strong>Abbott Laboratories</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>), down 2.5%, <strong>ASML Holding N.V.</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>), down 7.5%, <strong>First Horizon Corporation</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FHN#NYSE">FHN</a>), up 2.2%, <strong>Travelers Companies, Inc.&nbsp;</strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRV#NYSE">TRV</a>), down nearly 8%, <strong>Prologis Inc.</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLD#NYSE">PLD</a>), down 6.5%, and <strong>U.S. Bancorp</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>), down 4%. </li>
<li><strong>GE Vernova Inc</strong>. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>) rallied 6% after BNP Paribas initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and $177 price target. </li>
<li>Notable names reporting after the close are <strong>CSX Corp. </strong>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSX#NASDAQ">CSX</a>), <strong>Alcoa Corporation</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AA#NYSE">AA</a>), <strong>Discover Financial Services</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFS#NYSE">DFS</a>) and <strong>Las Vegas Sands Corp.</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVS#NYSE">LVS</a>).</li>
</ul>
<p>Read now: <em><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38297897/fund-managers-are-the-most-optimistic-since-2022-bull-sentiment-not-quite-at-close-">Fund Managers Are The Most Optimistic Since 2022: &#8216;Bull Sentiment Not Quite At Close-Your-Eyes-And-Sell Levels&#8217;</a></em></p>
<p><em>Image generated using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.</em></p>


Stocks Fall As Geopolitics, Economic Worries Spook Investors, Chipmakers Sell Off, Bitcoin Tumbles To $60,000: What's Driving Markets Wednesday?

WIIM

Abbott shares are trading lower following Q1 earnings.

<p>U.S. stocks traded higher this morning, with the Dow Jones index gaining around 200 points on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Following the market opening Wednesday, the Dow traded up 0.55% to 38,006.47 while the NASDAQ rose 0.24% to 15,903.38. The S&amp;P 500 also rose, gaining, 0.40% to 5,071.74.</p>
<p>Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38267894/alphabet-toll-brothers-and-2-other-stocks-insiders-are-selling"><em> Alphabet, Toll Brothers And 2 Other Stocks Insiders Are Selling </em></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Leading and Lagging Sectors</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Materials shares rose by 1% on Wednesday.</p>
<p>In trading on Wednesday, real estate shares fell by 0.3%.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Top Headline</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Abbott Laboratories</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/abt#NYSE">ABT</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its first quarter.</p>
<p>The company posted first-quarter sales of $9.96 billion, up 10.8% on an organic basis for the underlying base business, beating the consensus of $9.88 billion. Abbott&rsquo;s adjusted diluted earnings per share was 98 cents, beating the analyst estimates of 95 cents.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Equities Trading UP</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>INVO Bioscience, Inc. </strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/invo#NASDAQ">INVO</a>) shares shot up 203% to $2.35 after the company reported a year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter revenue results and said it remains on track to reach its goal of reaching break-even or profitability within its current operations in 2024.</p>
<p>Shares of <strong> Edible Garden AG Incorporated </strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/edbl#NASDAQ">EDBL</a>) got a boost, surging 118% to $9.94 after the company reported preliminary first quarter fy24 results.</p>
<p><strong>VIA optronics AG </strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/viao#NASDAQ">VIAO</a>) shares were also up, gaining 55% to $0.4028 after dipping over 15% on Tuesday.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Equities Trading DOWN</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>ICZOOM Group Inc. </strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/izm#NASDAQ">IZM</a>) shares dropped 91% to $4.61.</p>
<p>Shares of <strong> Sunshine Biopharma, Inc. </strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sbfm#NASDAQ">SBFM</a>) were down 46% to $3.6932.</p>
<p><strong>Trio Petroleum Corp. </strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tpet#NASDAQ">TPET</a>) was down, falling 36% to $0.3091 after dipping over 22% on Tuesday.</p>
<p>Also Check This Out:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38285336/how-to-earn-500-a-month-from-intel-stock-ahead-of-q1-earnings"><em> How To Earn $500 A Month From Intel Stock Ahead Of Q1 Earnings </em></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Commodities</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In commodity news, oil traded down 0.8% to $84.69 while gold traded down 0.2% at $2,402.10.</p>
<p>Silver traded up 0.6% to $28.55 on Wednesday, while copper rose 0.3% to $4.3150.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Euro zone</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>European shares were higher today. The eurozone&rsquo;s STOXX 600 gained 0.7%, London&rsquo;s FTSE 100 rose 0.6% while Spain&rsquo;s IBEX 35 Index gained 1.4% The German DAX gained 0.7% French CAC 40 climbed 1.4% while Italy&rsquo;s FTSE MIB Index gained 1.1%.</p>
<p>The consumer price inflation rate in the Eurozone came in at 2.4% year-over-year in March. The UK&rsquo;s inflation rate eased to 3.2% year-over-year in March versus 3.4% in the prior month, while producer prices increased 0.6% year-over-year in March.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Asia Pacific Markets</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Asian markets closed mixed on Wednesday, with Japan&rsquo;s Nikkei 225 falling 1.32%, Hong Kong&rsquo;s Hang Seng Index gaining 0.02% and China&rsquo;s Shanghai Composite gaining 2.14%.</p>
<p>Japan recorded a trade surplus of JPY 366,467 billion in March versus a deficit of JPY 750,854 billion in the year-ago period, while the Reuters Tankan sentiment index for manufacturers declined to +9 in April versus March&rsquo;s reading of +10.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Economics</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>U.S. mortgage applications climbed by 3.3% in the latest week.</p>
<p>
Now Read This: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/04/38289870/top-5-tech-and-telecom-stocks-that-may-rocket-higher-this-month"><em> Top 5 Tech And Telecom Stocks That May Rocket Higher This Month </em></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>Wednesday,&nbsp;<strong>Abbott Laboratories</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>) reported first-quarter sales of $9.96 billion, up 10.8% on an organic basis for the underlying base business, beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $9.88 billion</a>.</p>
<p>Reported sales increased by 2.2%, which includes the anticipated decline in COVID-19 testing-related revenue&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/04/n38288749/abbott-reports-first-quarter-2024-results-and-raises-midpoint-of-full-year-guidance-ranges" rel="noreferrer noopener">compared to the previous year</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>First-quarter growth was led by Medical Devices (up 14.3% organic; 14.2% reported), with FreeStyle Libre sales growing 23.3% on an organic basis (22.4% reported) to $1.5 billion.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><em>Related:</em></strong><em>&nbsp;</em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/04/38053214/fda-approves-abbotts-heart-valve-repair-device-for-patients-at-risk-of-complicationsdeath-during" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>FDA Approves Abbott&#8217;s Heart Valve Repair Device For Patients At Risk Of Complications/Death During Open-Heart Surgeries</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p>Additional growth came from Established Pharmaceuticals (up 13.7% organic; 3.1% reported), Nutrition (up 7.7% organic; 5.1% reported), and Diagnostics (up 5.4% organic; 2.7% reported).</p>
<p>&#8220;Our first-quarter results reflect a strong start to the year, and we are raising our full-year sales and EPS guidance,&#8221; said Robert Ford, chairman and CEO. &#8220;This was the fifth consecutive quarter that we delivered double-digit organic sales growth in our underlying base business, which included particularly strong results in Medical Devices and Established Pharmaceuticals.&#8221;</p>
<p>Abbott&#8217;s adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.98, beating the analyst estimates of $0.95.</p>
<p><strong>Guidance:</strong>&nbsp;For 2024, Abbott revised its fiscal year 2024 adjusted EPS guidance to $4.55-$4.70 versus the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/01/36763629/abbott-laboratories-surpasses-q4-sales-expectations-despite-dip-in-covid-19-testing-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">prior guidance of $4.50-$4.70</a>&nbsp;and consensus of $4.62.</p>
<p>Abbott projects second-quarter adjusted EPS Of $1.08-$1.12 versus the consensus of $1.12.</p>
<p><strong><em>Read Next:</em></strong><em>&nbsp;</em><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/02/37133493/cardiologys-quantum-leap-fdas-advisory-panel-gives-thumbs-up-to-abbotts-minimally-invasive-heart-v" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Cardiology&#8217;s Quantum Leap: FDA&#8217;s Advisory Panel Gives Thumbs Up To Abbott&#8217;s Minimally Invasive Heart Valve Repair Device</em></a><em>.</em></p>
<p><strong>Price Action:</strong> ABT shares are down 0.87% at $108.26 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.</p>
<p><em>Photo via Shutterstock</em></p>


Abbott Forecasts Q2 2024 Adjusted EPS Of $1.08-$1.12 Versus Consensus Of $1.12

Abbott Revises 2024 Adjusted EPS Guidance To $4.55-$4.70 Versus Prior Guidance Of $4.50-$4.70 And Consensus Of $4.62

<p>Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.98 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.95 by 3.16 percent. This is a 4.85 percent decrease over earnings of $1.03 per share from the same period last year.  The company reported quarterly sales of $9.964 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $9.880 billion by 0.85 percent.  This is a 2.23 percent increase over sales of $9.747 billion the same period last year.</p>


Earnings Beats

Abbott Laboratories Q1 2024 Adj EPS $0.98 Beats $0.95 Estimate, Sales $9.964B Beat $9.880B Estimate

<p>U.S. stocks are priming for a firmer start on Wednesday, potentially striving to inflect higher from the weakness seen so far in April. As some bullish market watchers pointed out there could be an inflection from the second half of April, with earnings potentially serving as an upside catalyst. </p>
<p>Following Federal Reserve Chair <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/04/38278182/powell-delays-fed-rate-cuts-we-need-greater-confidence-in-inflation-2-year-yields-spik"><strong>Jerome Powell&#8217;s</strong> speech on Tuesday,</a> most economists have dialed back expectations of rate cuts this year, as they began to bake in the possibility of the central bank staying higher for longer than expected. Against the backdrop, bond yields could also be on investors&#8217; radar.</p>
<p>                                        <strong>Futures Performance On Wednesday</strong> ( as of 6:50 a.m. EDT)</p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Futures</strong></td>
<td><strong>Performance (+/-)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Nasdaq 100</strong></td>
<td>+0.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>S&amp;P 500</strong></td>
<td>+0.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Dow</strong></td>
<td>+0.46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>R2K</strong></td>
<td>+0.67%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><br />In <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">premarket</a>&nbsp;trading on Wednesday, the&nbsp;<strong>SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) added 0.45% to $505.82,&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<strong>Invesco QQQ ETF</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) gained 0.31% to $432.44, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data</a>.</figcaption></p></figure></p>
<p><strong>Cues From Previous Session:</strong></p>
<p>Traders, wary about the possibility of no rate cuts, showed indecision on Tuesday. The major indices moved back and forth across the unchanged line in a directionless manner before closing narrowly mixed. As Powell reentered the hawkish policy lane, the ten-year bond yield rose to the highest level since Nov. 13, 2023, on an intraday basis, reflecting the rate worries of traders. The negativity was to some extent mitigated by <strong>UnitedHealth Group, Inc.&#8217;s</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) positive earnings.</p>
<p>The Dow snapped a six-session losing streak and yet closed only modestly higher.</p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Index</strong></td>
<td><strong>Performance In   (+/-)</strong></td>
<td><strong>Value</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Nasdaq Composite</strong></td>
<td>-0.12%</td>
<td>15,865.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>S&amp;P 500 Index</strong></td>
<td>-0.21%</td>
<td>5,051.41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Dow Industrials</strong></td>
<td>+0.17%</td>
<td>37,798.97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Russell 2000</strong></td>
<td>-0.42%</td>
<td>1,967.48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p></p></figure></p>
<p><strong>Insights From Analysts</strong>:</p>
<p>With Powell signaling on Tuesday that a rate cut may not materialize this year, an analyst said the market would be better off discounting the possibility. <strong>Jamie Cox, </strong>Managing Partner at Harris Financial Group, said, &#8220;Markets need to focus on the fact that rates are sufficiently restrictive, instead of how many cuts are in the pipeline.&#8221;</p>
<p>Fund manager <strong>Louis Navellier</strong> expects a strong earnings season this time due to a resilient consumer and strong economy. &#8220;Once stock indexes and interest rates stabilize, and geopolitical risks subside, solid earnings should bring money in from the sidelines,&#8221; he said. The fund manager sees a 200-point or 4% drop in the S&amp;P 500 as an attractive buying opportunity.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Upcoming Economic Data:</strong></p>
<p>The Energy Information Administration will release its customary weekly petroleum status report at 10:30 a.m. EDT.</p>
<p>The Treasury is set to auction 20-year bonds at 1 p.m. EDT.</p>
<p>The Fed will release the Beige Book report at 2 p.m. EDT, which contains anecdotal evidence of economic conditions in the 12 Fed districts.</p>
<p>Cleveland Fed President <strong>Loretta Mester</strong> is scheduled to speak at 5:30 p.m. EDT and &nbsp;Fed Governor <strong>Michelle Bowman </strong>at 7:15 p.m. EDT.</p>
<p><em>See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-futures-brokers"> Best Futures Brokers</a></em></p>
<p><strong>Stocks In Focus:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc.&nbsp;</strong>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBHT#NASDAQ">JBHT</a>) fell nearly 6%<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket"> in premarket trading</a> following its quarterly results announcement, while <strong>United Airlines Holdings, Inc.</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>) rose over 5%.</li>
<li><strong>Abbott Laboratories</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>),<strong> First Horizon Corporation </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FHN#NYSE">FHN</a>), <strong>Travelers Companies, Inc. </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRV#NYSE">TRV</a>) and <strong>U.S. Bancorp</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>)are among those <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings">reporting earnings ahead of the market open.</a> </li>
<li>Notable names reporting after the close are <strong>CSX Corp. </strong>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSX#NASDAQ">CSX</a>), <strong>Alcoa Corporation</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AA#NYSE">AA</a>), <strong>Discover Financial Services</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFS#NYSE">DFS</a>) and <strong>Las Vegas Sands Corp.</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVS#NYSE">LVS</a>).</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Commodities, Bonds, and Global Equity Markets:</strong></p>
<p>Crude oil futures were down for a third straight session, as they fell about a percentage point to $84.58, and gold futures traded marginally lower but held above the $2,400 mark. The U.S. 10-year yielded  4.637% at the last check, slightly off from the previous session, when it rose to a five-month high.</p>
<p> <strong>Bitcoin</strong> (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) rose over 1% and is taking a shy at the $63,000 level — a far cry from the $72,700 level it traded at earlier this month.</p>
<p>Sentiment in Asia was mostly muted, with most major markets, barring China and Taiwan, seeing lackluster trading, while European stocks rebounded strongly from Tuesday&#8217;s losses.</p>
<p><em>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38285563/jerome-powell-back-in-hawkish-policy-lane-why-economists-feel-feds-higher-for-longe">Jerome Powell Back In Hawkish Policy Lane? Why Economists Feel Fed&#8217;s &#8216;Higher For Longer&#8217; Narrative Hasn&#8217;t Changed: &#8216;Markets Need To Focus On The Fact That&#8230;&#8217;</a></em></p>


Futures

Previews

Pre-Market Outlook

Movers

Wall Street Poised To Rebound From Slump As Earnings Optimism Grows: Analyst Eyes This S&P 500 Level As Attractive Entry Point

<h3>Companies Reporting Before The Bell</h3>
<p>&bull; ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $3.43 per share on revenue of $6.13 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; VinFast Auto (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VFS#NASDAQ">VFS</a>) is expected to report earnings for its first quarter.</p>
<p>&bull; Prologis (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLD#NYSE">PLD</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $1.28 per share on revenue of $1.86 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.96 per share on revenue of $9.89 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; First Horizon (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FHN#NYSE">FHN</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.34 per share on revenue of $809.71 million.</p>
<p>&bull; U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USB#NYSE">USB</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.88 per share on revenue of $6.72 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Travelers Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRV#NYSE">TRV</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $4.81 per share on revenue of $10.49 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; BankUnited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKU#NYSE">BKU</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $0.60 per share on revenue of $240.01 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Citizens Financial Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CFG#NYSE">CFG</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.74 per share on revenue of $1.96 billion.</p>
<h3>Companies Reporting After The Bell</h3>
<p>&bull; Exela Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XELA#NASDAQ">XELA</a>) is likely to report earnings for its first quarter.</p>
<p>&bull; Home Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HBCP#NASDAQ">HBCP</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.97 per share on revenue of $28.45 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Monarch Casino &amp; Resort (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCRI#NASDAQ">MCRI</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $0.96 per share on revenue of $122.32 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVS#NYSE">LVS</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.62 per share on revenue of $2.94 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Cohen &amp; Steers (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNS#NYSE">CNS</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.71 per share on revenue of $127.43 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Kinder Morgan (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMI#NYSE">KMI</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.34 per share on revenue of $4.47 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Brandywine Realty Tr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDN#NYSE">BDN</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $0.24 per share on revenue of $129.70 million.</p>
<p>&bull; First Industrial Realty (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FR#NYSE">FR</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.62 per share on revenue of $161.53 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Equifax (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EFX#NYSE">EFX</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.43 per share on revenue of $1.40 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Alcoa (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AA#NYSE">AA</a>) is projected to report quarterly loss at $0.43 per share on revenue of $2.58 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Rexford Industrial Realty (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REXR#NYSE">REXR</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.57 per share on revenue of $207.33 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Triumph Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TFIN#NASDAQ">TFIN</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $0.34 per share on revenue of $106.01 million.</p>
<p>&bull; SL Green Realty (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLG#NYSE">SLG</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $2.15 per share on revenue of $158.04 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Old Second Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OSBC#NASDAQ">OSBC</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.46 per share on revenue of $69.80 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Great Southern Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GSBC#NASDAQ">GSBC</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $1.04 per share on revenue of $47.52 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Synovus Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNV#NYSE">SNV</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.99 per share on revenue of $548.06 million.</p>
<p>&bull; F N B (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FNB#NYSE">FNB</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $0.34 per share on revenue of $407.30 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Liberty Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LBRT#NYSE">LBRT</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.56 per share on revenue of $1.09 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Discover Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFS#NYSE">DFS</a>) is expected to report quarterly earnings at $2.99 per share on revenue of $4.05 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Bank OZK (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OZK#NASDAQ">OZK</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $1.46 per share on revenue of $397.07 million.</p>
<p>&bull; CSX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSX#NASDAQ">CSX</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.45 per share on revenue of $3.67 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Wintrust Finl (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WTFC#NASDAQ">WTFC</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $2.44 per share on revenue of $579.20 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Banner (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BANR#NASDAQ">BANR</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $1.13 per share on revenue of $135.76 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Martin Midstream Partners (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMLP#NASDAQ">MMLP</a>) is projected to report quarterly earnings at $0.07 per share on revenue of $197.40 million.</p>
<p>&bull; Crown Castle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCI#NYSE">CCI</a>) is estimated to report quarterly earnings at $1.71 per share on revenue of $1.63 billion.</p>
<p>&bull; Marten Transport (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRTN#NASDAQ">MRTN</a>) is likely to report quarterly earnings at $0.16 per share on revenue of $272.17 million.</p>
<p>This article was generated by Benzinga&#39;s automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</p>


BANR

GSBC

HBCP

LBRT

MCRI

MMLP

MRTN

OSBC

REXR

TFIN

WTFC

XELA

Earnings Scheduled For April 17, 2024

<p>The CNN Money Fear and Greed index showed a decline in the overall market sentiment, with the index remaining in the &quot;Fear&quot; zone on Tuesday.</p>
<p>U.S. stocks closed mixed on Tuesday amid increased geopolitical concerns. The Dow Jones index, meanwhile, snapped its six-session losing streak.</p>
<p>On the economic data front, industrial production in the U.S. increased by 0.4% from the prior month in March versus a revised 0.4% rise in the prior month. U.S. building permits declined by 4.3% to an annual rate of 1.458 million in March, while housing starts in the U.S. dipped 14.7% month-over-month to an annual rate of 1.321 million.</p>
<p><strong>Bank of America Corp</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bac#NYSE">BAC</a>) reported better-than-expected earnings for its first quarter. <strong> Morgan Stanley</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ms#NYSE">MS</a>) reported stronger-than-expected quarterly financial results.</p>
<p>Most sectors on the S&amp;P 500 closed on a negative note, with utilities, real estate and energy stocks recording the biggest losses on Tuesday. However, information technology and consumer staples stocks bucked the overall market trend, closing the session higher.</p>
<p>The Dow Jones closed higher by around 64 points to 37,798.97 on Tuesday. The S&amp;P 500 fell 0.21% at 5,051.41, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.12% at 15,865.25 during Tuesday&rsquo;s session.</p>
<p>Investors are awaiting earnings results from <strong> The Travelers Companies, Inc.</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/trv#NYSE">TRV</a>), <strong> U.S. Bancorp</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/usb#NYSE">USB</a>) and <strong> Abbott Laboratories</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/abt#NYSE">ABT</a>) today.</p>
<p>At a current reading of 37.6, the index moved to the &quot;Fear&quot; zone on Tuesday, versus a prior reading of 39.7.</p>
<p><strong>What is CNN Business Fear &amp; Greed Index?</strong></p>
<p>The Fear &amp; Greed Index is a measure of the current market sentiment. It is based on the premise that higher fear exerts pressure on stock prices, while higher greed has the opposite effect. The index is calculated based on seven equal-weighted indicators. The index ranges from 0 to 100, where 0 represents maximum fear and 100 signals maximum greediness.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38268727/top-4-tech-stocks-you-may-want-to-dump-in-april"><em> Top 4 Tech Stocks You May Want To Dump In April</em></a></p>


Investor Optimism Decreases; Dow Ends 6-Session Losing Streak

<p>With U.S. stock futures trading higher this morning on Wednesday, some of the stocks that may grab investor focus today are as follows:</p>
<p>Wall Street expects <strong> Abbott Laboratories</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/abt#NYSE">ABT</a>) to report quarterly earnings at 95 cents per share on revenue of $9.88 billion before the opening bell, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>. Abbott shares gained 1% to $110.30 in after-hours trading.</p>
<p><strong>Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. </strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/itci#NASDAQ">ITCI</a>) disclosed a $500 million proposed public offering of common stock. Intra-Cellular Therapies shares fell 1.3% to $78.80 in the after-hours trading session.</p>
<p>Analysts are expecting <strong> U.S. Bancorp </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/usb#NYSE">USB</a>) to post quarterly earnings at 88 cents per share on revenue of $6.72 billion. The company will release earnings before the markets open. U.S. Bancorp shares fell 0.6% to $40.75 in after-hours trading.</p>
<p><em>Check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/"> premarket coverage here </a> </em></p>
<p><strong>Ontrak, Inc. </strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/otrk#NASDAQ">OTRK</a>) reported worse-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results. The company posted adjusted loss of 27 cents per share, compared to market expectations for a loss of 21 cents per share.&nbsp;The company&#39;s quarterly sales came in at $3.539 million, missing estimates of $4.037 million.&nbsp;Ontrak shares fell 14.2% to $0.3949 in the after-hours trading session.</p>
<p>Analysts expect <strong> The Travelers Companies, Inc. </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/trv#NYSE">TRV</a>) to post quarterly earnings at $4.90 per share on revenue of $10.51 billion before the opening bell. Travelers shares gained 0.8% to $224.98 in after-hours trading.</p>
<p>Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38268727/top-4-tech-stocks-you-may-want-to-dump-in-april"><em> Top 4 Tech Stocks You May Want To Dump In April </em></a></p>


ITCI

OTRK

Abbott Laboratories, U.S. Bancorp And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Wednesday

<p>Please be aware, this recall is a correction, not a product removal.</p>
<p><i>The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death.&nbsp;</i></p>
<h2><strong>Recalled Product</strong></h2>
<h2><strong>Device Use</strong></h2>
<p>The HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Systems (LVAS) are used to help the heart pump blood when it's not able to do so effectively on its own.</p>
<p>The HeartMate II and 3 are used for both short- and long-term support in adult patients with severe left ventricular heart failure. It can be used while waiting for a heart transplant, to help the heart recover, or as a permanent solution when a transplant isn't an option. HeartMate 3 can also be used in pediatric patients.</p>
<p>Both devices work by taking over the pumping function of the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart. They divert blood from the weakened left ventricle and propel it into the body's main artery, the aorta, helping to circulate blood throughout the body. The devices are used both inside and outside of the hospital.</p>
<h2><strong>Reason for Recall</strong></h2>
<p>Abbott/Thoratec Corp. is recalling HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) due to an issue called Extrinsic Outflow Graft Obstruction, (EOGO). This happens when biological material builds up between the HeartMate Outflow Graft and the Outflow Graft Bend relief or additional components added during surgery. This buildup can obstruct the device, making it less effective in helping the heart pump blood. It can trigger alarms indicating low blood flow and affect the device's ability to help the heart properly. The accumulation of biological material typically occurs over two years or more.</p>
<p>The use of affected LVAS may cause serious adverse health consequences and in worst cases, could result in death. &nbsp;</p>
<p>There have been 273 reported injuries and 14 reports of death associated with this issue.</p>
<h2><strong>Who May be Affected &nbsp;</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Healthcare Professionals using the HeartMate II and HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Systems (LVAS) to provide care.</li>
<li>People receiving care through either the HeartMate II or HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Systems (LVAS) &nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h2><strong>What to Do</strong></h2>
<p>On February 19, 2024, Thoratec Corporation sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Correction Letter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The letter requested customers to:&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
<li>Complete and return acknowledgment form included with this letter.
<ul>
<li>Abbott will continue to send letters to new consignees until the corrective measures are in place.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Pay attention to low flow alarms as this is the first symptom of significant outflow obstruction. Additional guidance was provided on how to diagnose unresolved low flow associated with outflow graft obstruction.</li>
</ul>


Abbott/Thoratec Corp. Recalls HeartMate II And HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System Due To Long-term Buildup Causing An Obstruction

<p>On CNBC&rsquo;s &quot;Mad Money Lightning Round,&quot; Jim Cramer said he likes <strong> New Fortress Energy Inc. </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nfe#NYSE">NFE</a>), but &quot;right now Wes Edens [co-founder of Fortress Investment Group and founder of New Fortress Energy] is kind of just <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/12/36407259/new-fortress-energy-powers-up-brazil-business-with-game-changing-1-6-gw-capacity-reserve-contrac">hurt by the president.&rdquo;</a></p>
<p>On March 5, New Fortress Energy reported upsizing and pricing of $750 million of senior secured notes.</p>
<p>Cramer said he likes <strong> Cummins Inc. </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cmi#NYSE">CMI</a>) and recommended buying the stock. &quot;I think it&rsquo;s terrific,&quot; he added.</p>
<p>On March 14, Truist Securities analyst Jamie Cook initiated coverage on the shares of Cummins with a Hold rating and a price target of $303.</p>
<p>When asked about <strong> Palantir Technologies Inc. </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pltr#NYSE">PLTR</a>), Cramer said, &quot;Make a move and buy some.&quot;</p>
<p>The company, last week, inked a pact with Oracle to provide secure cloud and AI solutions to power businesses and governments worldwide.</p>
<p>The &quot;Mad Money&quot; host recommended buying <strong> The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pnc#NYSE">PNC</a>). &quot;You got horse sense,&quot; he added.</p>
<p>On April 8, Jefferies analyst Ken Usdin maintained PNC Finl with a Hold and raised the price target from $164 to $171.</p>
<p>&quot;I really want&quot; you in <strong> Abbott Laboratories </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/abt#NYSE">ABT</a>), Cramer said.</p>
<p>The FDA, last week, approved Abbott Laboratories&rsquo; first-of-its-kind TriClip transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) system that&rsquo;s specifically designed to treat tricuspid regurgitation (TR), or a leaky tricuspid valve.</p>
<p>Cramer recommended selling <strong> NIO Inc. </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nio#NYSE">NIO</a>).</p>
<p>On April 9,&nbsp;NIO filed its 2023 annual report on Form 20-F.</p>
<h3><strong>Price Action:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>New Fortress Energy shares fell 1.3% to settle at $28.96 on Thursday.</li>
<li>Palantir shares gained 1.9% to close at $22.84.</li>
<li>PNC shares fell 0.6% to settle at $154.08.</li>
<li>Cummins shares gained 0.2% to close at $302.86.</li>
<li>Abbott Labs shares gained 0.3% to close at $111.45 during Thursday&rsquo;s session.</li>
<li>Shares of NIO fell 2.8% to close at $4.46 on Thursday.</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Read Next: </em><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/04/38200890/top-3-health-care-stocks-which-could-rescue-your-portfolio-this-quarter"><em> Top 3 Health Care Stocks Which Could Rescue Your Portfolio This Quarter </em></a></p>


Long Ideas

Media

PLTR

Jim Cramer Calls Cummins 'Terrific,' Recommends Selling This Chinese Auto Manufacturer

<p>Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on <strong>Abbott Laboratories</strong>.</p>
<p>Looking at options history for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>) we detected 8 trades.</p>
<p>If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 50% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 50% with bearish.</p>
<p>From the overall spotted trades, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $190,983 and 3, calls, for a total amount of $136,877.</p>
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
<p>Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $92.5 to $115.0 for Abbott Laboratories over the recent three months. </p>
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
<p>Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.</p>
<p>This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Abbott Laboratories's options for a given strike price.</p>
<p>Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Abbott Laboratories's whale activity within a strike price range from $92.5 to $115.0 in the last 30 days. </p>
<h3>Abbott Laboratories Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1712860270_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$8.6</td>
<td>$8.8</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$75.6K</td>
<td>179</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$19.65</td>
<td>$19.25</td>
<td>$19.54</td>
<td>$92.50</td>
<td>$54.7K</td>
<td>42</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$20.85</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$19.54</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$54.7K</td>
<td>12</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$4.75</td>
<td>$4.74</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$31.7K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">410</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$2.71</td>
<td>$2.67</td>
<td>$2.67</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$29.1K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">192</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Abbott Laboratories</h3>
<p>Abbott manufactures and markets cardiovascular and diabetes devices, adult and pediatric nutritional products, diagnostic equipment and testing kits, and branded generic drugs. Products include pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, neuromodulation devices, coronary stents, catheters, infant formula, nutritional liquids for adults, continuous glucose monitors, and immunoassays and point-of-care diagnostic equipment. Abbott derives approximately 60% of sales outside the United States.</p>
<h3>Current Position of Abbott Laboratories</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,707,071, the ABT's price is up by 0.43%, now at $111.65. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 6 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Abbott Laboratories</h3>
<p>A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $126.5.</p>
<ul>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Citigroup continues to hold a Buy rating for Abbott Laboratories, targeting a price of $128. </li>
<li>An analyst from Evercore ISI Group has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Abbott Laboratories, which currently sits at a price target of $125. </li>
</ul>
<p>Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Abbott Laboratories options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.</p>


Abbott Laboratories Unusual Options Activity

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>Because dividend investing has such an impressive track record of beating non-dividend-paying stocks, many investors buy Dividend Aristocrats for their portfolios. It&rsquo;s not a bad strategy to begin with.</p>



<p>Dividend Aristocrats are stocks on the <strong>S&amp;P 500</strong> that have <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/7-stocks-to-buy-on-the-brink-of-becoming-dividend-royalty/">consistently raised their payouts</a> for 25 years or more. Studies show stocks that initiate a dividend and then raise them over time have outperformed all other stocks over time. Yet, there are limits to the strategy.</p>



<p>As <strong>Walgreens Boots Alliance</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wba-stock-quote/"><strong>WBA</strong></a></span>) showed earlier this year, even dividend royalties can run into problems. The pharmacy chain had increased its payout for almost 50 years but slashed its dividend nearly in half because it ran into money troubles. <strong>AT&amp;T</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/t-stock-quote/"><strong>T</strong></a></span>) cut its dividend in half when it spun off its entertainment division into <strong>Warner Bros Discovery</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wbd-stock-quote/"><strong>WBD</strong></a></span>).</p>



<p>So, just focusing on how long a stock has raised its dividend is not enough. What investors need to do is focus on dividend <a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/growth-stocks/">growth stocks</a> that can afford to keep making their payouts. Growing a dividend at double-digit rates and generating enough free cash flow (<span>FCF</span>) to maintain the payout ensures a business will keep sharing its wealth with investors.</p>



<p>The following seven dividend growth stocks also have the free cash flow (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/fcf-stock-quote/"><strong>FCF</strong></a>) to back up the payments.</p>



<h2>LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMUY)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lvmh_lvmuy_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="The logo for the luxury goods holding company LVMH is seen through a magnifying glass on the company's website."><div>Source: Postmodern Studio / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Luxury goods retailer LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lvmuy-stock-quote/"><strong>LVMUY</strong></a></span>) is one of the first dividend growth stocks to consider for your portfolio. The owner of Fendi, Dior and Dom Perignon has a 10-year compounded annual growth rate (<span>CAGR</span>) for its dividend of 12.59% while growing FCF at a 13.9% CAGR. FCF is important for dividend investors because that&rsquo;s how companies support their payout. There are only five things a business can do with the cash it has left over after paying its bills and paying a dividend is one of them.</p>



<p>LVMH is one of the top stars in luxury retail, offering goods from apparel and watches to alcohol and textiles. While it <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/02/money-trees-3-top-stocks-to-buy-for-5000-in-annual-dividend-income/">tends to be recession-resistant,</a> the company is not bulletproof. The rich can hold out much longer than the rest of us, but even inflation and high interest rates catch up with the uber-well-to-do, too.&nbsp;</p>



<p>That&rsquo;s the situation with LVMH, which reported slowing first-quarter sales. But that&rsquo;s not surprising considering the huge growth it enjoyed last year in its first post-pandemic-free quarter. Because comparisons get easier later on, expect LVMH stock to rebound sharply. In the meantime, collect the quarterly dividend that yields 1.7% annually.</p>



<h2>UnitedHealth Group (UNH)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unh1600-300x169.jpg" alt="The UnitedHealth (UNH) headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota."><div>Source: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Health insurer <strong>UnitedHealth Group</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/unh-stock-quote/"><strong>UNH</strong></a></span>) is the next dividend growth stock investors should have on their list. It&rsquo;s another recession-resistant issue because healthcare is something you can&rsquo;t ignore, at least not for very long. Doctor visits, prescriptions and emergency services are all vital for survival, meaning the <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/3-stocks-to-turn-1000-into-10000-in-10-years/">insurer will always be in demand.</a></p>



<p>That&rsquo;s played out with UnitedHealth stock, which has grown its revenue, profits and dividend in excess of 10% annually over the past decade. The dividend had a 21% CAGR over that period, while its current FCF ratio at the end of 2023 was 10%.</p>



<p>UNH views home healthcare, in particular, as a driver of the company&rsquo;s future growth. Its Optum health services unit will be a key component for its expansion. UnitedHealth, though, has been scooping up several services businesses related to the niche, including&nbsp;LHC Group and <strong>Amedisys</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/amed-stock-quote/"><strong>AMED</strong></a></span>). However, the latter deal is getting scrutinized more closely by regulators. It is not essential to UnitedHealth Group&rsquo;s outlook, even if the deal is quashed.</p>



<h2>Dick&rsquo;s Sporting Goods (DKS)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dks-stock-1600-300x169.png" alt="Exterior of Dick's Sporting Goods retail store including sign and logo."><div>Source: George Sheldon via Shutterstock</div></div><p>Outdoor action retailer <strong>Dick&rsquo;s Sporting Goods</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/dks-stock-quote/"><strong>DKS</strong></a></span>) continues building on its impressive record of dividend growth. Its average payout was 27% for the last 10 years, while it generated FCF at the white-hot rate of 33% annually.</p>



<p>Even when sales faltered, such as when it chose to get caught up in the gun control debate and eliminate firearms from its stores, Dick&rsquo;s kept growing the dividend. A boycott by hunters and other shooting sports enthusiasts sent sales reeling for a year. However, Dick&rsquo;s chose to focus on higher margin sales, such as baseball apparel and equipment, which eventually padded its bottom line. Firearms were a popular item but were a low-margin business.</p>



<p>Today, Dick&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1089063/000108906324000011/dks-20240313.htm">business is robust.</a> Net sales jumped 5% last year, generating gross profit growth of 14.4%. The retailer also raised its dividend by 10% to $1.10 per share each quarter.</p>



<h2>Domino&rsquo;s (DPZ)&nbsp;</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dominos-pizza-stock-large-300x169.jpg" alt="Domino's (DPZ) sign on a building at night"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>Pizza delivery specialist <strong>Domino&rsquo;s</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/dpz-stock-quote/"><strong>DPZ</strong></a></span>) has a history of raising its payout at high double-digit rates for the past decade, but recently announced it was increasing the payout by nearly 25% this year. Business has been strong for the pizza shop as it floods the market with stores in a strategy it calls &ldquo;fortressing.&rdquo;</p>



<p>By creating a <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/dividend-delights-3-stocks-offering-investors-a-double-digit-raise-in-2024/">ubiquitous feeling about its presence,</a> Domino&rsquo;s keeps its stores uppermost in consumers&rsquo; minds when they want to order food away from home. It also saves on marketing costs, as one ad covers many stores. That&rsquo;s how sales rose 4% in 2023, but profits increased 15%.</p>



<p>Domino&rsquo;s has a near-20% CAGR for its dividend but also a better-than 12% increase in FCF. Like its big dividend hike last year, FCF surged over 25%, easily supporting the payout. With an FCF payout ratio under 35%, the pizzeria has plenty of room for future double-digit dividend increases. Look for Domino&rsquo;s to grow its dividend for many years to come.</p>



<h2>AbbVie (ABBV)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/abbv1600-300x169.png" alt="Closeup of AbbVie (ABBV) building corporate office, an American biopharmaceutical company with its headquarters in Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA"><div>Source: Valeriya Zankovych / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Pharmaceutical stock <strong>AbbVie</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/abbv-stock-quote/"><strong>ABBV</strong></a></span>) was granted Dividend Aristocrat status because it was spun off from <strong>Abbott Labs</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/abt-stock-quote/"><strong>ABT</strong></a></span>) a decade ago. However, the offspring has gone on to outshine the former parent since then. Where Abbott Labs has a solid 9.6% dividend CAGR for the last decade, AbbVie has a 13.9% CAGR over the same period. Moreover, AbbVie is generating significantly more free cash flow as well. It produced $22 billion in FCF last year versus just $5 billion from Abbott Labs.</p>



<p>While Abbott&rsquo;s record is still a testament to its own business and is a worthwhile stock to own, AbbVie is <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/3-dividend-aristocrats-with-the-largest-10-year-dividend-growth-rates/">growing at a blistering pace</a> and is even more attractive. It still produces mountains of cash, growing FCF at a 14% CAGR, it remains a stock to own now and for the long run. Even as sales of its blockbuster arthritis therapy Humira slowly ease up after losing patent protection, the pharma stock still has a portfolio of billion-dollar drugs that are taking its place.</p>



<h2>Automatic Data Processing (ADP)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/adp-1600-300x169.png" alt="In this photo illustration the stock market information of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. displays on a smartphone with the logo of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. ADP stock."><div>Source: IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock</div></div><p>Payroll leader <strong>Automatic Data Processing</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/adp-stock-quote/"><strong>ADP</strong></a></span>) may be a surprise stock for some. It seems such a sleepy business to have a decade-long run growing its dividend and FCF at double-digit rates. Some stocks become so well-known and are so commonplace that they simply blend into the background. Yet, ADP stock continues churning out profits and cash that pay for its dividend year in and year out.</p>



<p>While revenue has grown at just a 5% CAGR for the past decade, profit growth has doubled that and free cash flow grew nearly 10% annually. That&rsquo;s allowed the payroll company to raise its dividend by over 11% a year almost in the shadows. In that vein, ADP raised the payout another 12% for this year.</p>



<p>Many investors will look at ADP&rsquo;s 2.3% yield and scoff at buying it. What they need to realize is that 10 years ago, its payout was $1.79 per share. Over the years, the dividend has grown 287%, meaning an investor&rsquo;s yield on cost would have nearly quadrupled as well.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Home Depot (HD)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hd-stock-300x169.jpg" alt="Home Depot (HD) storefront on a sunny day"><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Last, but investors shouldn&rsquo;t think of as least, is home improvement center <strong>Home Depot </strong>(NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/hd-stock-quote/"><strong>HD</strong></a></span>). Although the retailer gets overshadowed by rival <strong>Lowe&rsquo;s</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/low-stock-quote/"><strong>LOW</strong></a></span>) 50-plus year history of increasing its own payout, Home Depot&rsquo;s recent record of raising its dividend is worth noting.</p>



<p>Home Depot has a 17% 10-year dividend growth CAGR compared to 20% at Lowe&rsquo;s. But Big Orange generated nearly twice as much FCF growth at 11.1% over that period as Big Blue did at 6.9%. Home Depot also generated $18 billion in FCF last year compared to $6.2 billion at Lowe&rsquo;s. So, it is growing bigger cash flows faster, which is an impressive feat.</p>



<p>That&rsquo;s likely because it has been the go-to location for professional contractors. Even in the face of rampant inflation that we&rsquo;ve seen over the past few years, which dampened the enthusiasm for home improvement projects, the retailer was able to continuously raise its payout. There aren&rsquo;t many businesses that could withstand the toll of high prices and high-interest rates, but Home Depot has stood tall through it all.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Rich Duprey held a LONG position in WBA, T, WBD, LVMUY, ABBV and LOW stock. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
<div><p>Rich Duprey has written about stocks and investing for the past 20 years. His articles have appeared on Nasdaq.com, The Motley Fool, and Yahoo! Finance, and he has been referenced by U.S. and international publications, including MarketWatch, Financial Times, Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Cheddar News, The Boston Globe, L&rsquo;Express, and numerous other news outlets.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/dividend-growth-stars-7-stocks-with-10-year-double-digit-rate-hikes/">Dividend Growth Stars: 7 Stocks With 10-Year Double-Digit Rate Hikes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

Dividend Growth Stars: 7 Stocks With 10-Year Double-Digit Rate Hikes

Intelligent Bio Solutions (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INBS#NASDAQ">INBS</a>) is a medical technology company developing and commercializing innovative, intelligent, rapid, noninvasive testing solutions.

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These are the 3 Best Healthcare stocks to buy in April 2024, as per Wall Street analysts. The healthcare sector is considered a defensive play and ...

3 Best Healthcare Stocks to Buy in April 2024, According to Analysts

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<p>While the equities sector experienced a bump higher for the week ending April 26, potential headwinds incentivize the case for defensive stocks to buy.</p>



<p>First and foremost, the geopolitical headlines don&rsquo;t support continued bullishness. With tensions having already flared in the Middle East and a military conflict likely to worsen in Europe, these matters are not conducive to investor confidence.</p>



<p>Second, monetary policy is a huge talking point amid stickier-than-expected inflation. Plus, American <a href="https://money.com/auto-loan-credit-card-bill-delinquencies/#:~:text=Missing%20credit%20card%20payments&amp;text=Credit%20card%20delinquency%20rates%20for,highest%20level%20since%20mid%2D2011.">consumers are stretching themselves</a> to make ends meet, presenting a rough backdrop for overall economic stability. With that in mind, below are defensive stocks for concerned investors to consider.</p>



<h2>Procter &amp; Gamble (PG)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/shutterstock_1073950868-300x169.png" alt="Procter &amp; Gamble Union Distribution Center. P&amp;G is an American Multinational Consumer Goods Company"><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Procter &amp; Gamble</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/pg-stock-quote/"><strong>PG</strong></a>) makes a very strong case for defensive stocks. As a consumer goods manufacturer, it&rsquo;s essentially relevant on a permanent basis. Technology isn&rsquo;t going to improve to the point where brushing our teeth is no longer required.</p>



<p>Another point working in P&amp;G&rsquo;s favor is not only brand power but its generational effect. Many kids grew up watching their parents or guardians use P&amp;G brands. It&rsquo;s very possible that, as a function of habit, as these kids become adults, they&rsquo;ll purchase the same brands.</p>



<p>On a financial note, the company is consistently profitable. It&rsquo;s not exciting. However, P&amp;G&rsquo;s positive earnings beat over the last four quarters averages 6.55%. Looking to the end of fiscal 2024, experts anticipate earnings per share to hit $6.55. That&rsquo;s up solidly from last year&rsquo;s print of $5.90.</p>



<p>On the top line, they&rsquo;re projecting revenue of $84.36 billion, up 2.9% from 2023&rsquo;s haul of $82.01 billion. Combined with a forward dividend yield of 2.5%, PG is one of the top defensive stocks to buy.</p>



<h2>Waste Management (WM)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/waste-management-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="person depositing a plastic water bottle in a yellow plastic recycling bin. The bin is in a line-up of several other blue and green bins."><div>Source: shutterstock.com/PhotoByToR</div></div><p>You don&rsquo;t have to think too hard to understand why <strong>Waste Management</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wm-stock-quote/"><strong>WM</strong></a>) is a top-tier candidate for defensive stocks. A specialist in the namesake business, the company benefits from permanent relevance. No matter how advanced we become as a society, we will produce waste. That&rsquo;s reality. That&rsquo;s physics.</p>



<p>What&rsquo;s more, land resources to provide waste solutions are of course limited. And as the U.S. becomes bigger population wise &ndash; through natural births and immigration &ndash; Waste Management (both the company and the industry) will become more critical. Further, because of the criticality, the business is entrenched.</p>



<p>Financially, the company is, as you might expect consistent. Yes, it missed its EPS target in the second quarter of 2023. However, over the last four quarters (inclusive of the Q2 miss), the average earnings beat came out to 7.43%. For fiscal 2024, experts are anticipating EPS to hit $6.96, above last year&rsquo;s result of $6.19.</p>



<p>Lastly, the top line should expand 6.3% from last year to reach $21.72 billion. With a dividend yield of 1.43%, it&rsquo;s another great idea for defensive stocks to consider.</p>



<h2>Southern Company (SO)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/southern_company_so1600a-300x169.jpg" alt="the southern company logo displayed several times on a screen"><div>Source: 360b / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Natural monopoly &ndash; that&rsquo;s the phrase to know when it comes to <strong>Southern Company</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/so-stock-quote/"><strong>SO</strong></a>). Falling under the utilities industry, Southern engages in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. It also develops, constructs and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects. Given the steep barriers to entry &ndash; including regulatory considerations &ndash; Southern dominates its core markets.</p>



<p>Fundamentally, this dominance should last for the long haul, providing comfort to conserved investors. Not only that, SO makes for a candidate for defensive stocks because of the indispensable nature of the underlying service. Both individuals and enterprises need electricity to survive and thrive. Therefore, Southern favorably occupies the lowest run of the trade-down effect. That just means customers will axe other expenditures before they axe critical utilities.</p>



<p>Not surprisingly, Southern is a consistent financial performer. In fiscal 2023, its average positive earnings surprise came out to 7.73%. For the current fiscal year, experts are projecting EPS to hit $4, a decent improvement over last year&rsquo;s $3.65.</p>



<p>With a forward yield of 3.93%, SO is one of the defensive stocks to put on your radar.</p>



<h2>Costco (COST)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cost1600-300x169.jpg" alt="A Costco Wholesale (COST) warehouse in Auburn Hills, Michigan."><div>Source: ilzesgimene / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>The case for <strong>Costco</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cost-stock-quote/"><strong>COST</strong></a>) as one of the defensive stocks comes down to relative economic insulation. Generally speaking, Costco members tend to generate higher incomes than shoppers of competing big-box retailers. Because of this higher income profile, COST should be able to better weather disruptions.</p>



<p>On a fundamental note, Costco provides all the essentials. Further, because of its business model of incentivizing bulk purchases, it could be a <a href="https://www.tipranks.com/news/article/costco-wholesale-cost-stock-tactical-operator-against-inflation">cynical inflation winner</a>. If consumers anticipate the dollar&rsquo;s value to be eroded in the future, there is an incentive to buy more products today. And since Costco shoppers make more money on average, I&rsquo;d assume they are sophisticated enough to understand monetary policy dynamics.</p>



<p>Financially, Costco suffered a big miss in its quarter ended May 31, 2023. However, in the past three quarters, its average positive earnings surprise came out to 4.83%. For the current year, analysts are projecting EPS of $16.18 on revenue of $253.95 billion. Last year, the company posted EPS of $14.16 on sales of $242.29 billion.</p>



<h2>Coca-Cola (KO)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/shutterstock_1646970103-300x169.jpg" alt="KO stock PEP stock: a can of Coca-cola and a can of Pepsi on either side of a glass of brown soda and sitting on top of a pile of ice"><div>Source: monticello / Shutterstock</div></div><p>Under the context of defensive stocks, <strong>Coca-Cola</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/ko-stock-quote/"><strong>KO</strong></a>) is a cynical gamble on consumer discretionary trends. Recent data on inflation noted that consumer prices have been elevated more than anticipated. That&rsquo;s largely due to increases in energy prices &ndash; and those prices may not recede. Indeed, I anticipate that they will rise based on the current geopolitical framework.</p>



<p>Therefore, Coca-Cola could become a beneficiary of the trade-down effect. Right now, consumers may be comfortable forking over big bucks for their fancy lattes at their favorite coffee shops. However, should circumstances become more pressured, people may choose cheaper alternatives for their caffeine. That&rsquo;s where the famous beverage maker could rise above the muck.</p>



<p>To be sure, the company isn&rsquo;t exactly providing the thrills. Still, in the past four quarters, the average earnings surprise came out to 5.23%. By the end of this fiscal year, experts are looking for EPS to hit $2.81, above the prior year&rsquo;s $2.69.</p>



<p>Average consensus revenue calls for $45.85 billion, which is only at parity with 2023&rsquo;s haul. However, the trade-down effect could push sales to the higher end of the estimated spectrum at $46.85 billion.</p>



<h2>Abbott Laboratories (ABT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/abt-stock-300x169.jpg" alt="Close up of Abbott Laboratories sign at their headquarters in Silicon Valley"><div>Source: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Abbott Laboratories</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/abt-stock-quote/"><strong>ABT</strong></a>) makes an ideal case for defensive stocks because of its alignment with the always-relevant healthcare industry. Abbott of course is a powerhouse in the field. <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/ABT/profile/">Per its public profile</a>, the company operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products and Medical Devices. The company provides a range of solutions that are too numerous to list here.</p>



<p>With Abbott, the bottom line is, well, the bottom line. In the past four quarters, the company&rsquo;s average earnings surprise came out to 2.43%. No, it&rsquo;s not lighting up the board by any means. However, defensive stocks have always been about delivering the goods irrespective of outside circumstances. That&rsquo;s what Abbott does.</p>



<p>For fiscal 2024, analysts are looking for EPS of $4.63. That&rsquo;s a solid step up from last year&rsquo;s print of $4.44. On the revenue front, they&rsquo;re targeting $41.74 billion, a 4.1% lift from 2023&rsquo;s tally of $40.11 billion. Combined with a forward yield of 2.05%, ABT should be on your radar.</p>



<h2>Realty Income (O)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/realty1600-300x169.jpg" alt="realty income logo highlighted by a magnifying glass on a web browser"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>Structured as a real estate investment trust, <strong>Realty Income</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/o-stock-quote/"><strong>O</strong></a>) is one of the riskier ideas among defensive stocks. Since the start of the year, shares slipped more than 8%. In the past 52 weeks, they&rsquo;re down almost 15%. Still, the REIT commands a massive retail footprint, with tenants from myriad industries.</p>



<p>Put another way, unless you envision a future where people no longer go to hardware stores or the local pharmacy to pick up their prescription drugs, Realty Income should benefit from permanent relevance. In fairness, the REIT&rsquo;s financial performance has been all over the map last fiscal year. Its quarterly surprise came out to 3.63% below breakeven.</p>



<p>However, analysts believe that fiscal 2024 could see Realty deliver EPS of $1.53. If so, that&rsquo;s a significant boost from last year&rsquo;s $1.26. Also, revenue could soar to $4.94 billion, up 21% from 2023&rsquo;s haul of $4.08 billion.</p>



<p>What may do it for investors, though, is the dividend. With a yield of 5.74%, it&rsquo;s very attractive. Plus, it pays out monthly.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Josh Enomoto</em><em> did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.&nbsp;</em><em>The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;</em><a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank"><em>Publishing Guidelines</em></a><em>.</em><em></em></p>
<div><p>A former senior business analyst for Sony Electronics, Josh Enomoto has helped broker major contracts with Fortune Global 500 companies. Over the past several years, he has delivered unique, critical insights for the investment markets, as well as various other industries including legal, construction management, and healthcare. Tweet him at @EnomotoMedia.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/7-defensive-stocks-built-to-withstand-the-markets-worst-storms/">7 Defensive Stocks Built to Withstand the Market&#8217;s Worst Storms</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

7 Defensive Stocks Built to Withstand the Market's Worst Storms

There's a lot to be optimistic about in the Healthcare sector as 3 analysts just weighed in on Abbott Labs (ABT – Research Report), Iterum Therapeu...

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<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p><a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/healthcare/">Healthcare stocks</a> certainly haven&rsquo;t set the world on fire lately. The <strong>S&amp;P Health Care Index</strong> is <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/indices/equity/sp-500-health-care-sector/#overview">up 3% so far in 2024</a> compared to an 8% gain in the benchmark<strong> S&amp;P 500</strong>. Yet, many leading healthcare companies just issued better-than-expected financial results for this year&rsquo;s first quarter.</p>



<p>Additionally, these stocks tend to perform well during presidential election years. Why? Healthcare is often an issue for candidates on the campaign trail.</p>



<p>Many analysts expect healthcare stocks to outperform going forward, especially since health securities can act as a defensive play during times of market volatility. That unpredictability could worsen in coming months should the timing of interest rates get pushed out further. Or, we could run into <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/is-the-us-economy-headed-for-a-bout-of-stagflation-8639192">problems caused by stagflation</a>, i.e. when inflation continues to rise as the economy slows. </p>



<p>So, let&rsquo;s examine three worthy healthcare stocks to buy and hold should prices plunge.</p>



<h2>Abbott Laboratories (ABT)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/abt-stock-300x169.jpg" alt="Close up of Abbott Laboratories sign at their headquarters in Silicon Valley"><div>Source: Sundry Photography/Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Abbott Laboratories </strong>(NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/abt-stock-quote/"><strong>ABT</strong></a></span>) just reported strong first-quarter financial <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/abbott-s-diabetes-device-sales-drive-earnings-beat-forecast-1.2060202">results due to robust sales</a> of its medical devices, notably its glucose-monitoring product. The healthcare company announced Q1 earnings per share (<strong>EPS</strong>) of 98 cents compared to 95 cents that was expected among analysts. Revenue in the January through March quarter totaled $9.96 billion versus $9.88 billion that was forecast on Wall Street.</p>



<p>Much of the company&rsquo;s success came from <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/abbott-labs-earnings-stock-price-8645ed58">medical device sales</a> that came in at $4.45 billion. Further, sales of its glucose monitor &ldquo;FreeStyle Libre&rdquo; generated $1.5 billion of revenue. Analysts had anticipated medical device sales of $4.30 billion in the quarter. Abbott Laboratories&rsquo; medical device sales have grown in recent quarters due to a resurgence in demand for joint replacements and other surgeries that were delayed because of the Covid19 pandemic.</p>



<p>Like most healthcare companies, ABT has been soft lately, declining 4% over the past 12 months. And so, the stock looks richly valued trading at 33 times future earnings estimates. Investors should wait for a further pullback before taking a position.</p>



<h2>UnitedHealth Group (UNH)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unh1600-300x169.jpg" alt="The UnitedHealth (UNH) headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota."><div>Source: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>UnitedHealth Group </strong>(NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/unh-stock-quote/"><strong>UNH</strong></a></span>) has traded sideways over the past year (down 1.5% through 12 months). But it too is trading at a high multiple of 30 times future earnings estimates. </p>



<p>Also like Abbott Laboratories, UnitedHealth Group reported <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/16/unitedhealth-group-unh-q1-2024-earnings.html#:~:text=UnitedHealth%20reported%20revenue%20of%20%2499.8,the%20same%20period%20last%20year.">better-than-expected financial results</a> for Q1 of this year. The largest medical insurance company in America announced EPS of $6.91 compared to $6.61 that was expected among analysts. Revenue in the January through March quarter came in at $99.80 billion versus $99.30 billion by the Wall Street forecast. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/unitedhealth-earnings-stock-price-0980fe3a">Sales were up 9%</a> from a year earlier. UnitedHealth Group said its Q1 growth was driven by an increase in the number of people that it serves in the U.S. The total number of domestic consumers grew by two million during the most recent period.</p>



<p>Also, the print was especially impressive as it showed the company managed to overcome a recent cyberattack on its subsidiary Change Healthcare. UNH disclosed in February that <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/unitedhealth-ceo-testify-before-us-house-panel-cyberattack-tech-unit-2024-04-19/">a cyberattack</a> breached part of Change Healthcare&rsquo;s information technology network. While the fallout from the cyberattack has been far-reaching, UnitedHealth Group has moved quickly to contain the damage. The stock has doubled over the last five years, rising 111%.</p>



<h2>Johnson &amp; Johnson (JNJ)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/jnj1600b-300x169.jpg" alt="jnj healthcare stocks"><div>Source: Raihana Asral / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Also, <strong>Johnson &amp; Johnson&rsquo;s </strong>(NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/jnj-stock-quote/"><strong>JNJ</strong></a></span>) first-quarter profit got a <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/16/johnson-johnson-jnj-earnings-q1-2024.html#:~:text=J%26J's%20financial%20results%20are%20considered,per%20share%20during%20the%20quarter.">big boost from strong sales</a> of medical devices. The consumer healthcare company reported EPS of $2.71 versus $2.64 that was expected among analysts. Revenue came in at $21.38 billion compared to $21.40 billion that was forecast on Wall Street. </p>



<p>Sales rose 2% from a year earlier. The company&rsquo;s Medtech division that makes devices for surgeries, orthopedics and vision saw a rebound in sales during Q1. That happened as demand grows for non-urgent surgeries among the elderly.</p>



<p>Johnson &amp; Johnson&rsquo;s medical device business generated sales of $7.82 billion in Q1, up 4% from a year ago. The company makes growth of its medical device business a priority. For example, it recently announced <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/29a3cda2-a233-479c-b73a-953c1762f847">a $13.10 billion acquisition</a> of heart device firm Shockwave<strong> </strong>Medical. Also, JNJ bought two other heart device companies over the last two years, spending $16.60 billion to buy Abiomed and $400 million to buy Laminar.</p>



<p>Additionally, Johnson &amp; Johnson <a href="https://ycharts.com/companies/JNJ/dividend">increased its dividend to $1.24</a> a share, up 4.2% and the 62nd year of consecutive dividend increases. JNJ stock looks affordable, trading at nine times future earnings estimates and with a dividend yield of 3.39%. The stock is down 9% year-to-date (<strong>YTD</strong>).</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Joel Baglole did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines</a>.</em></p>
<div><p>Joel Baglole has been a business journalist for 20 years. He spent five years as a staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal, and has also written for The Washington Post and Toronto Star newspapers, as well as financial websites such as The Motley Fool and Investopedia.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/05/stock-market-crash-alert-3-must-buy-healthcare-stocks-when-prices-plunge/">Stock Market Crash Alert: 3 Must-Buy Healthcare Stocks When Prices Plunge</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

Stock Market Crash Alert: 3 Must-Buy Healthcare Stocks When Prices Plunge

Abbott Labs (ABT) has shared an update. After a notable 36-year tenure with Abbott Laboratories, Robert E. Funck, Jr., the Executive Vice President...