I also agree with the analysis. The reason given
by cli2 is sound. I used to work at Abbott, although
the pipeline in pharmaceutical area is weak, its
diagnostic division is fairly strong and is picking up
stength and it will carry Abbott for the next few
quarters. I actually think Abbott will be doing slightly
better than most analysts predicted. The management
changes are definitely good for Abbott, and will carry it
to the 21st century. Look for a number of potential
acquisitions Abbott will engage in the next several months,
including top biotech companies, generic drug companies
(!!!!) and genomic firms. At least we will see one such
merger or buyout this year--it is an easy prediction
because that is what Abbott has to do and must do.
Potential targets are Eli Lilly, Pathogenesis, Andrex,
Curagen and Aurora Bioscience, etc. Got to go, good luck
and be patient.