Buy, Sell or Hold ABBV Stock? Key Tips Ahead of Q1 Earnings

Core Viewpoint - AbbVie is expected to report first-quarter 2025 earnings on April 25, with sales estimated at $12.91 billion and earnings at $2.40 per share, although earnings estimates have declined recently [1][6]. Financial Performance - AbbVie has a history of exceeding earnings expectations, with a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 2.37% and a recent surprise of 1.41% [1]. - The company anticipates adjusted earnings between $2.34 and $2.38 per share and net revenues of approximately $12.8 billion for the upcoming quarter [6]. Revenue Drivers - Sales growth is expected to be driven by newer immunology drugs, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, with consensus estimates for their sales at $3.19 billion and $1.61 billion, respectively [7]. - The immunology franchise is projected to generate $6.1 billion in revenues, including $3.2 billion from Skyrizi, $1.6 billion from Rinvoq, and $900 million from U.S. Humira [9]. Challenges - AbbVie has faced sales erosion following the loss of patent protection for Humira, with consensus estimates for its sales at $1.32 billion [8]. - The oncology segment is expected to generate $1.5 billion, with Imbruvica sales declining due to competition, estimated at $676 million [10]. Neuroscience and Aesthetics Segments - Neuroscience sales are projected at $2.1 billion, driven by products like Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar, with consensus estimates at $2.16 billion [13]. - Aesthetics sales are expected to be impacted by sluggish growth in Botox and Juvederm, with estimates at $1.14 billion [14]. Stock Performance and Valuation - AbbVie shares have declined 2% year-to-date, outperforming the industry and S&P 500 [16]. - The stock trades at a price/earnings ratio of 13.58, slightly below the industry average of 14.89, but above its five-year mean of 12.06 [19]. Long-term Outlook - AbbVie is well-positioned for growth despite challenges, with strong sales from Skyrizi and Rinvoq, and a proactive approach to pipeline development [21][22]. - The company has entered the obesity treatment market, indicating strategic expansion [23]. - Despite some declining estimates, the solid pipeline and growth prospects for 2025 sales and profits suggest a reason to remain invested in AbbVie stock [24].