Polen Capital Divests Abbott Laboratories Holding Amid Q1 Volatility

Polen Capital has announced the complete exit of Abbott Laboratories (ABT) from its Polen Focus Growth Strategy portfolio during the first quarter of 2026. The divestment was detailed in the firm's latest quarterly investor letter, which outlined the strategic shifts made to the fund's holdings. The decision follows a period of significant instability for U.S. equities. According to the firm, the first quarter of 2026 was characterized by high volatility, which complicated the growth outlook for several core holdings. Polen Capital identified two primary catalysts for this market turbulence: concerns regarding AI-led disruption across various industries and the escalation of the US-Israel conflict involving Iran and the broader Middle East region. These macro headwinds contributed to the firm's decision to realign its portfolio. While the specific financial details of the exit were not disclosed, the move signals a shift in conviction regarding the healthcare giant's role within the Focus Growth Strategy. The exit reflects a broader effort by the manager to navigate systemic risks and evolving technological disruptions.