Abbott to Split Off Nutrition Biz, Q3 Sales Rise 14.5%

Abbott revealed its intent to spin off its Nutrition franchise into an independent, publicly traded company.

The nutrition business claims approximately $8.5 billion in annual sales, 16,000 employees and 14 manufacturing sites. Its portfolio includes leading brands across infant, pediatric, medical and adult nutrition, supported by scientific research and healthcare professional recommendations. Key brands include Ensure, the top-selling adult nutrition supplement drink worldwide; PediaSure, the leading pediatric nutrition supplement; Glucerna, a leading diabetes nutrition brand; and Similac, the top infant formula brand in the United States.

The spinoff will be captained by Daniel Salvadori, who is currently executive VP and group president of Established Pharmaceuticals and Nutritional Products at Abbott.

Following the separation, Abbott said it will generate approximately $42 billion in annual sales, with leading positions in cardiovascular and neuromodulation devices, biowearables, diagnostics, and established medicines.

The company plans to distribute shares of the independent Nutrition business to existing shareholders, completing the separation by the end of 2027, pending regulatory approvals, an effective Form 10 registration statement, and final board approval.

Abbott said this transaction won’t affect 2026 financial guidance or its 2027 outlook, which the company plans to issue in January.

Abbott’s Q3 2026 results

Today, Abbott reported $13 billion in third-quarter 2026 sales, up 14.5% year over year, with comparable sales increasing 7%.

Medical Devices sales grew 7.8% on a comparable basis to $5.8 billion, driven by double-digit growth in electrophysiology and rhythm management. Continuous glucose monitoring sales rose 7.7%, while Diagnostics sales increased 6.4% to $3.3 billion and Nutrition sales grew 4.9% to $2.3 billion.

Adjusted earnings reached $1.42 per share. The company also narrowed its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings forecast to $5.50–$5.55 per share.

Recent regulatory milestones included FDA approval of the Libre Duo glucose-ketone sensor, TactiFlex Duo ablation catheter, and SimpleScreen blood-based colorectal cancer screening test.