AbbVie(ABBV) - 2025 FY - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total net revenues for 2024 were $56.3 billion, exceeding initial expectations by over$2 billion [4] - Adjusted earnings per share were $10.12, which was$0.49 above the initial guidance midpoint, excluding the impact of IPR&D expense [4] - The company demonstrated a rapid return to sales growth following the loss of exclusivity for HUMIRA, with expectations to exceed previous peak revenue in 2025 [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - AbbVie's growth platform delivered full-year sales growth of over 18%, allowing the company to absorb the largest loss of exclusivity in the industry and continue investing for long-term growth [5] - Adjusted R&D investment increased by 3 billion, with approximately 20 early-stage deals signed and acquisitions of ImmunoGen and Cerevil completed [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is well-positioned to deliver high single-digit compound revenue growth through the end of the decade [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AbbVie is focused on assets that can add depth to its pipeline and drive growth over the next decade, with significant investments in R&D and business development [23] - The company has expanded its immunology portfolio and entered new therapeutic areas such as obesity, which represents a potential new source of long-term growth [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in AbbVie's ability to rapidly return to growth despite challenges related to HUMIRA's loss of exclusivity [21] - The company plans to invest over 10 billion in U.S. manufacturing capacity to support volume growth and expansion into new areas [29] Other Important Information - The board of directors opposed a shareholder proposal for a simple majority vote, stating that even if it passed, it would not eliminate the supermajority voting requirement [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will AbbVie continue to raise the dividend in coming years? - AbbVie generates substantial free cash flow, allowing it to support a strong and growing dividend, which was increased by 5.8% in Q1 2025 [21][22] Question: Is AbbVie considering additional M&A deals to support long-term growth? - AbbVie is focused on acquiring assets that can enhance its pipeline, including recent acquisitions in immunology and oncology [23][24] Question: Why did AbbVie decide to combine the CEO and Chair roles again? - The board believes that a combined leadership structure has proven effective and ensures appropriate oversight and independence [25] Question: How will sectoral tariffs on pharmaceuticals impact AbbVie? - It is premature to speculate on the impact of sectoral tariffs, but AbbVie plans to mitigate any potential effects through inventory management and cost efficiency initiatives [27][28] Question: How has the pipeline progressed in the past year? - AbbVie achieved several regulatory approvals and is advancing multiple pipeline programs that could be significant sources of long-term growth [32][33]