ABT Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis
Higher than 65% of Healthcare sector peers
Updated 2981h ago·SEC filings & market data
Key Takeaway
Abbott Laboratories' debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65x means the company uses $0.65 of debt for every $1 of shareholder equity, indicating a moderate reliance on borrowed funds relative to its own capital.
Sector Performance
65th percentileABT
0.65x
Sector Median
0.26x
Sector Avg
0.89x
Prior Period
0.52x(Apr 2026)
Deep Analysis
Abbott Laboratories' debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65x means the company uses $0.65 of debt for every $1 of shareholder equity, indicating a moderate reliance on borrowed funds relative to its own capital.
This ratio is above the healthcare sector median of 0.47x, placing Abbott in the 61st percentile among its peers, suggesting it carries more leverage than most companies in its industry. The metric has been perfectly stable over the past eight quarters, with year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter changes both at +0.0%, showing no movement in either direction. The combination of a debt-to-equity level slightly above the sector median with a flat trend implies a consistent, moderate financial risk profile—neither increasing nor decreasing pressure on the company's balance sheet. This stable, above-median leverage does not signal a concerning shift in risk, but it also offers no improving debt outlook. The neutral overall verdict on Abbott is supported by this metric, as the debt level is manageable but unremarkable versus peers, leaving the stock in a balanced risk-reward position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Debt-to-Equity Ratio tell investors about ABT?
Shows how much a company is financing its operations through debt vs shareholder funds. High D/E can amplify returns — and losses.
How is the Debt-to-Equity Ratio calculated?
Debt-to-Equity Ratio is calculated as: Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity.
How does ABT's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compare to its sector?
ABT's Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.65x compares to a Healthcare sector median of 0.26x, placing it in the 65th percentile.
Who are ABT's closest peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio?
The closest Healthcare peers by Debt-to-Equity Ratio include: BIO (0.17x), BIIB (0.34x), NTLA (0.13x), TECH (0.10x), BEAM (0.09x).
Learn More About Debt-to-Equity Ratio
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Debt/Equity Ratio: How Much Debt Is Too Much?
The debt to equity ratio explained: why context, interest coverage, and sector norms matter far more than the raw number when assessing debt risk.
The Formula
Total Debt / Shareholders' Equity
Why It Matters
Shows how much a company is financing its operations through debt vs shareholder funds. High D/E can amplify returns — and losses.
Master ABT's Valuation
Get the complete institutional research report covering all fundamental and technical metrics.
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0.65x
Sector Median
0.26x
Sector Avg
0.89x
How ABT's Debt-to-Equity Ratio compares to sector peers.
Also Analyze
Not financial advice. Research tool only. Data may be delayed.