Key Takeaways ABBV guides 2026 revenues at $67B, about 9.5% above 2025, led by newer immunology drugs Rinvoq and Skyrizi.ABBV projects Skyrizi and Rinvoq sales above $31B in 2026, more than 20% YoY, even as Humira slips to $2.9B.ABBV sees neuroscience at $12.5B in 2026 with Vyalev topping $1B, while Imbruvica sales fall to $2.2B.AbbVie (ABBV) had an encouraging year in 2025, registering a sales growth of about 8.5% year over year at constant exchange rates. This number is impressive for a company that has b ...

Core Insights - AbbVie Inc. reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $2.71, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.66 and the company's prior guidance of $2.61-$2.65, with earnings increasing over 25% year over year [1][10] - The company's revenues reached $16.62 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.36 billion, with a year-over-year growth of 10.0% on a reported basis and 9.5% operationally [2][10] Revenue Performance - Key drugs driving revenue included Rinvoq, Skyrizi, Venclexta, and Vraylar, alongside contributions from newer drugs like Ubrelvy, Qulipta, Elahere, and Vyalev, while sales of Humira and Imbruvica declined [3] - Immunology drug Rinvoq generated $2.37 billion in net revenues, up nearly 29%, although it missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.39 billion [4] - Skyrizi's sales reached $5.01 billion, reflecting a 32% increase and surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.91 billion [5] - Humira's sales fell 26% to $1.25 billion, with U.S. sales down 28% to $897 million, attributed to loss of exclusivity since January 2023, yet it exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $949 million [6] - Neuroscience portfolio sales rose over 17% to $2.96 billion, driven by Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar, but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.00 billion [7] - Oncology franchise sales decreased 2.5% to $1.66 billion, primarily due to declining Imbruvica sales, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.72 billion [9] Cost and Financial Outlook - Adjusted SG&A expenses increased 4% year over year to $3.71 billion, while adjusted R&D expenses rose approximately 13% to $2.56 billion [15] - For the full year 2025, AbbVie reported sales growth of 8.6% to $61.16 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $60.93 billion, with adjusted EPS of $10.00, down 1% year over year but beating estimates [16] - AbbVie provided guidance for 2026 adjusted EPS in the range of $14.37-$14.57, excluding impacts from proposed acquisitions, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $14.32 [17] Market Reaction and Strategic Focus - Despite strong results, AbbVie's shares traded lower in pre-market trading, likely due to underperformance in Rinvoq and oncology drugs [19] - The company is focusing on inorganic growth to strengthen its early-stage pipeline across multiple therapeutic areas, with recent acquisitions impacting near-term earnings [21][22]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported full-year adjusted earnings per share of $10, exceeding initial guidance by $0.54, with total net revenues of $61.2 billion, surpassing guidance by over $2 billion [5][6] - Sales growth of 8.6% led to record net sales, exceeding previous peak revenue by more than $3 billion despite nearly $16 billion erosion from U.S. Humira [6][9] - Adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $2.71, $0.08 above guidance midpoint, with total net revenues of $16.6 billion, reflecting robust growth of 10% [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Immunology revenues reached approximately $8.6 billion in the fourth quarter, with Skyrizi sales of $5 billion (31.9% operational growth) and Rinvoq sales of nearly $2.4 billion (28.6% operational growth) [10][11] - Neuroscience full-year revenues exceeded $10.7 billion, with a quarterly revenue of over $2.9 billion, up 17.3% operationally, driven by Vraylar and Botox Therapeutic [16][17] - Oncology revenues were nearly $1.7 billion in the quarter, down 2.5% operationally, with Venclexta sales of $710 million, up 6.4% [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global sales for Skyrizi in IBD reached approximately $6.4 billion in 2025, more than double the prior year performance [13][14] - The aesthetics market faced economic headwinds, with global sales of nearly $1.3 billion in the quarter, down 1.2% operationally [21][22] - The company anticipates total sales growth of 9.5% in 2026, driven by Skyrizi and Rinvoq, with combined sales expected to exceed $31 billion [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing its pipeline across all stages of development and has invested over $5 billion in new business development [6][7] - A voluntary agreement with the U.S. government aims to enhance patient access and affordability while committing $100 billion in U.S. R&D and capital investments over the next decade [9] - The company plans to leverage its diverse portfolio to deliver high single-digit revenue growth through 2029 [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strong position to deliver robust growth despite headwinds from Humira erosion and pricing pressures [5][7] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations for substantial sales growth driven by key products, with a focus on maintaining momentum in immunology and neuroscience [8][9] - Management highlighted the potential for long-term growth in neuroscience and oncology, with several promising assets in the pipeline [59][60] Other Important Information - The company anticipates a significant ramp for Vyalev, achieving blockbuster status as a treatment for Parkinson's [8][18] - The adjusted operating margin is expected to expand to approximately 48.5% in 2026, reflecting operational efficiencies [36] - The company expects to generate free cash flow of approximately $18.5 billion in 2026, supporting dividends and investments in business development [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the psychedelic therapy in development - Management highlighted the potential of the psychedelic therapy, noting its unique mechanism and observed high efficacy, with further readouts expected before phase III [42][43][44] Question: Insights on Skyrizi's performance in IBD - Management confirmed stable new patient starts for Skyrizi in both Crohn's and UC, with high capture rates despite competition, indicating strong market positioning [51][53][54] Question: Update on external innovation and business development - The company has invested over $8 billion in external innovation, focusing on early-stage opportunities to enhance its pipeline across core therapeutic areas [64][66] Question: Expectations for Rinvoq and lutikizumab phase III data - Management expressed optimism for Rinvoq's performance in treatment failure populations and highlighted lutikizumab's strong efficacy in phase II, anticipating meaningful results in phase III [68][69][70]

Core Viewpoint - AbbVie is expected to report fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings on February 4, with sales projected at $16.36 billion and earnings per share (EPS) at $2.66, although EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have declined recently [2][6]. Earnings Performance - AbbVie has consistently exceeded earnings expectations in the past four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 3.05%, including a 5.08% surprise in the last quarter [4][6]. Revenue Drivers - The anticipated revenue growth for AbbVie in Q4 2025 is primarily driven by increased sales of newer immunology drugs, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, as sales of the flagship drug Humira continue to decline due to biosimilar competition [9][10]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Skyrizi sales is $4.91 billion, while Rinvoq is estimated at $2.39 billion [9]. Sales Estimates - Humira's sales are projected at $949 million, reflecting ongoing erosion from biosimilars, while Imbruvica sales are expected to decline to $715 million due to competition [10]. - Sales for Roche-partnered Venclexta are estimated to rise to $725 million, driven by strong demand [11]. - Neuroscience product sales are expected to reach approximately $3.00 billion, supported by strong performances from Botox Therapeutic, Vraylar, and new migraine drugs [12]. - Aesthetics product sales are projected at $1.28 billion, showing signs of recovery from previous sluggishness [13]. Valuation and Market Position - AbbVie shares are currently trading at a P/E ratio of 15.38, below the industry average of 18.42, indicating a discount relative to peers [17]. - Despite underperforming the industry over the past year, AbbVie is expected to achieve robust revenue growth driven by its newer drug launches [19]. Future Outlook - AbbVie anticipates a high single-digit revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2029, supported by the successful launches of Skyrizi and Rinvoq [19]. - The company continues to invest in its pipeline through strategic collaborations, including a recent licensing deal with RemeGen for a bispecific antibody candidate [21]. - A favorable valuation and strong earnings growth expectations provide a compelling case for long-term investment in AbbVie stock [22].

Core Insights - Merck (MRK) and AbbVie (ABBV) are prominent pharmaceutical companies with strong positions in oncology and immunology, with AbbVie also expanding into aesthetics, neuroscience, and eye care, while Merck has a more diversified portfolio including vaccines and animal health [1] Group 1: Revenue and Growth Drivers - Oncology represents over 60% of Merck's total revenues, with Keytruda accounting for approximately half of its pharmaceutical sales [2] - AbbVie's immunology segment is the largest revenue contributor, with drugs like Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq generating about half of total sales [2] - AbbVie has successfully managed the loss of exclusivity for Humira by launching new immunology drugs, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which are projected to exceed combined sales of $25 billion in 2025 and $31 billion by 2027 [4][5] Group 2: Financial Performance - AbbVie's oncology segment generated $5.0 billion in revenue in the first nine months of 2025, a 2.7% increase year-over-year, while neuroscience drug sales rose 20.3% to nearly $7.8 billion [6] - Merck's Keytruda achieved sales of $23.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting an 8% year-over-year growth [10] - AbbVie's stock has increased by 26.6% over the past year, while Merck's stock has risen by 15% [22] Group 3: Pipeline and M&A Activity - AbbVie has engaged in over 30 M&A transactions since early 2024 to enhance its early-stage pipeline, particularly in immunology [7] - Merck's phase III pipeline has nearly tripled since 2021, with plans to launch around 20 new vaccines and drugs, including a new pneumococcal vaccine and a pulmonary arterial hypertension drug [12] - Merck has been active in acquisitions, including the $9.2 billion purchase of Cidara Therapeutics and around $10 billion for Verona Pharma, to bolster its pipeline [13][14] Group 4: Challenges and Competitive Landscape - AbbVie faces near-term challenges such as biosimilar erosion of Humira and competitive pressures on Imbruvica, with aesthetics sales declining by 7.4% in the first nine months of 2025 [8] - Merck is heavily reliant on Keytruda, with concerns about its ability to grow non-oncology business ahead of Keytruda's patent expiration in 2028 [16] - Both companies are facing competitive pressures, with Merck's Gardasil sales declining due to weak performance in China and other vaccines also experiencing sales drops [15] Group 5: Valuation and Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AbbVie's 2026 sales and EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of 10.2% and 38.4%, respectively, while Merck's estimates imply a 3.7% sales increase but a 15.9% decrease in EPS [17] - AbbVie trades at a higher price/earnings ratio of 14.84 compared to Merck's 13.81, although both are below the industry average of 17.75 [22] - AbbVie's dividend yield is 3.06%, slightly lower than Merck's 3.2% [26]

AbbVie Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: AbbVie - **Key Executives Present**: Scott Reents (CFO), Jeff Stewart (Chief Commercial Officer), Roopal Thakkar (Chief Medical Officer) Key Industry Insights 1. Financial Performance and Strategy - AbbVie aims to deliver strong financial results and advance its pipeline as it approaches 2026, continuing the strategy established in previous years [3][4] - The company anticipates a peak sales guidance for 2025, projecting an overall sales growth of approximately $7 billion from 2023 to 2025, despite a $10 billion erosion from Humira and $2 billion from the IRA [4] - The growth platform, excluding Humira, is expected to grow by roughly $15 billion, with the neuroscience portfolio contributing an additional $3 billion [4] - Overall business growth is projected at around 8% for the top line, with the growth platform achieving approximately 19% growth [4] 2. Long-term Growth Projections - AbbVie has set a long-term guidance for high single-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through the decade, with expectations to maintain this growth into the 2030s [7] - The company plans to invest approximately $9 billion in R&D for 2025, representing nearly 15% of sales, with expectations for EPS to expand faster than sales due to improved operating margins [7][8] 3. Pipeline Development - AbbVie is focused on advancing its pipeline, with anticipated approvals for Vyalev and Tavapadon, and indication expansions for Rinvoq, Ubrelvy, and Qulipta [5] - Pivotal data for Lutikizumab and Itentamig is expected in the near future, with a strong emphasis on developing growth drivers for the next decade [5] 4. Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape - The company acknowledges that while the strength of its franchises, particularly in Immunology and Neuroscience, is recognized, there is still a need to emphasize the durability and potential of these segments [9] - Neuroscience is highlighted as the fastest-growing franchise, with expectations to become the largest player in the industry soon [9] - The oncology pipeline is also noted as underappreciated, with several promising assets in development [9] 5. Pricing and Market Access - AbbVie anticipates low single-digit pricing headwinds for its immunology brands, with a competitive landscape that remains stable despite market pressures [34][35] - The company is adapting to changes in the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) landscape, emphasizing its ability to operate effectively in various pricing models [64][65] 6. Aesthetics and Consumer Engagement - The aesthetics business, particularly in the HA filler market, has faced challenges but remains a key part of AbbVie's strategy, with plans for significant consumer investments to revitalize the market [52][53] - The introduction of Trinibot E, a short-acting toxin, is expected to address consumer concerns about appearance and cost, enhancing market penetration [55] 7. Future Opportunities - AbbVie is exploring opportunities in the obesity market, focusing on the tolerability and durability of weight loss therapies, with a strategic interest in expanding its portfolio in this area [61][62] - The company is also committed to enhancing its pipeline through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, having completed nearly 40 transactions since early 2024, deploying approximately $8 billion [58][60] Conclusion - AbbVie is positioned for continued growth through strategic execution, robust pipeline development, and a focus on market dynamics. The company is committed to maintaining its leadership in key therapeutic areas while adapting to evolving market conditions and consumer needs.

Core Viewpoint - AbbVie (ABBV) stock has recently declined by 3.2% following the denial of takeover talks with Revolution Medicines, which was rumored to be valued at around $20 billion [1][9]. Group 1: Financial Performance - AbbVie reported combined sales of Skyrizi and Rinvoq at $18.5 billion in the first nine months of 2025, with expectations to exceed $25 billion in 2025 and $31 billion by 2027 [5][6]. - The oncology segment generated revenues of $5.0 billion in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.7% [8]. - Neuroscience drug sales increased by 20.3% to nearly $7.8 billion in the first nine months of 2025, driven by products like Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar [10]. Group 2: Product Developments - AbbVie has successfully launched new immunology drugs, Skyrizi and Rinvoq, to offset the loss of exclusivity for Humira, which has seen a significant decline in sales [4][14]. - The company has settled patent litigation for Rinvoq, extending its exclusivity until 2037 [7]. - New product approvals and pipeline candidates, including tavapadon and pivekimab sunirine, are expected to drive long-term growth [12]. Group 3: Market Challenges - Humira sales have declined over 50% in the first nine months of 2025 due to biosimilar competition [14]. - The Aesthetics segment has faced a 7.4% decline in global sales, with Juvederm and Botox Cosmetics also experiencing significant drops [15][16]. - AbbVie has lowered its Aesthetics business expectations from $5.1 billion to $4.9 billion due to market softness [17]. Group 4: Strategic Initiatives - AbbVie has engaged in over 30 M&A transactions since early 2024 to enhance its early-stage pipeline, including the acquisition of Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals [13]. - The company aims for mid-single-digit revenue growth in 2025, supported by strong performances from its new product launches [28]. - AbbVie is well-positioned for continued growth despite challenges, with a robust pipeline and a focus on R&D investments [26][29].

Core Insights - AbbVie has established a significant neuroscience franchise, initially supported by Botox Therapeutic and Vraylar, now expanded to include Ubrelvy, Qulipta, and Vyalev [1][4] Sales Performance - Neuroscience segment sales represented over 17% of AbbVie's total revenues in the first nine months of 2025, driven by strong sales growth in Botox Therapeutic, Vraylar, Qulipta, and Ubrelvy, all showing double-digit increases year-over-year [2][9] - Vyalev generated $299 million in sales during the same period, contributing to the overall growth despite declines in older therapies like Duodopa [2] Future Projections - AbbVie anticipates neuroscience sales to reach $10.7 billion by the end of 2025, indicating a 19% growth compared to 2024 [3][9] - The company is preparing to enhance its neuroscience portfolio with new therapies, including tavapadon, a potential oral treatment for Parkinson's disease, which could launch later this year [4] Pipeline Expansion - AbbVie is heavily investing in expanding its neuroscience pipeline, including the acquisition of Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals' bretisilocin, aimed at treating major depressive disorder [5] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors in the neuroscience space include Biogen and Johnson & Johnson, both diversifying their portfolios with novel therapies [6][7] Valuation and Market Performance - AbbVie shares have outperformed the industry over the past year, trading at a P/E ratio of 21.41, above the industry average of 19.26 and its five-year mean of 13.53 [8][11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AbbVie's 2025 EPS remains steady at $10.64, with a slight increase for 2026 from $14.40 to $14.42 [13]

Core Insights - AbbVie (ABBV) and AstraZeneca (AZN) are both leading global healthcare companies with diverse drug portfolios, excelling in immunology and oncology, with AbbVie also focusing on neuroscience and aesthetics, while AstraZeneca emphasizes rare diseases and vaccines [1][2] AbbVie Overview - AbbVie has achieved significant success in immunology with three blockbuster drugs: Skyrizi, Rinvoq, and Humira, which together contribute nearly 50% of its revenue [3] - Despite losing U.S. exclusivity for Humira in 2023, AbbVie has returned to strong growth, with Skyrizi and Rinvoq sales increasing by 53% year-over-year to $18.5 billion, and projected to exceed $25 billion by 2025 [4] - The oncology segment generated approximately $5 billion in revenue in the first nine months of 2025, up nearly 3% year-over-year, while neuroscience drug sales rose over 20% to nearly $7.8 billion [5] - AbbVie has pursued an aggressive acquisition strategy, completing over 30 M&A transactions since early 2024, including acquiring Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals for a drug in mid-stage development for major depressive disorder [6] - AbbVie faces near-term challenges, including biosimilar competition for Humira, pressure on Imbruvica sales, and a decline in its aesthetics franchise, which saw a 7% drop in sales in the first nine months of 2025 [7] AstraZeneca Overview - AstraZeneca has a diversified geographical presence and a portfolio of blockbuster drugs, including Imfinzi, Lynparza, Farxiga, Ultomiris, and Tagrisso, which are driving revenue growth [8][9] - The company aims for $80 billion in total revenues by 2030, supported by the launch of 20 new medicines, with nine already launched or approved [10] - AstraZeneca has also expanded its pipeline through acquisitions, including EsoBiotec, a biotech specializing in cell therapies [11] - Challenges for AstraZeneca include the impact of U.S. policy changes on oncology sales, ongoing investigations in China, and competition from generics and biosimilars affecting key drugs [12][13] Financial Estimates and Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AbbVie indicates an 8.2% increase in 2025 sales and a 5.1% increase in EPS, with recent EPS estimates declining from $11.04 to $10.64 [14] - For AstraZeneca, the 2025 sales and EPS estimates suggest a 9% and 11.9% increase, respectively, with EPS estimates rising from $4.56 to $4.60 [16] - Year-to-date, AbbVie shares have increased by 28%, while AstraZeneca shares have risen by 40%, outperforming the industry average of 17% [17] - AbbVie has a lower P/E ratio of 15.90 compared to AstraZeneca's 17.81, making AbbVie appear more attractive from a valuation perspective [18] - AbbVie offers a higher dividend yield of 2.88% compared to AstraZeneca's 1.10% [22] Comparative Analysis - Both companies hold a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a challenging decision for investors [24] - AbbVie's recovery post-Humira is notable, driven by Skyrizi and Rinvoq, but its reliance on acquisitions may weigh on near-term earnings [25] - AstraZeneca's growth profile is more balanced, with a diverse range of blockbuster products reducing reliance on any single drug [27]

Company Overview - AbbVie Inc. is ranked sixth among prominent biomedical companies by revenue and has shifted focus from blockbuster drug revenues to growing oncology and neuroscience segments [1] - The company is recognized as a top healthcare stock pick across Wall Street and offers a reliable 2.93% dividend [1] Product Portfolio - AbbVie develops and manufactures a range of pharmaceuticals, including Imbruvica for blood cancers, Rinvoq for various autoimmune diseases, Skyrizi for psoriasis, and Humira for autoimmune and intestinal diseases [1] - The company also provides a variety of eye care products, including Ozurdex and Restasis, as well as treatments for advanced Parkinson's disease and migraine [7][9] Financial Performance - Quality dividend stocks, such as those offered by AbbVie, are favored by investors for their steady income and potential for total return, which includes interest, capital gains, and dividends [2][4] - Companies with strong dividend growth histories, like AbbVie, can provide consistent income even during economic fluctuations [4] Market Position - AbbVie is noted for its sustainable payout ratios and consistent free cash flow generation, making it a solid choice for long-term investors [4] - The company is part of a broader trend where quality dividend stocks are expected to perform well in the coming years, particularly as inflation rates decline [5][6]