In its fourth-quarter financial disclosure for 2025, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV) announced revenues totaling $16.62 billion, surpassing analyst expectations, which had projected approximately $16.42 billion. This performance represents a 10% increase on a reported basis and a 9.5% gain when assessed on an operational basis, indicating sustained growth momentum across multiple business segments. Notably, the company's adjusted earnings per share climbed 25.5% year-over-year to reach $2.71, outperforming consensus estimates of $2.65.
The company's immunology portfolio was a key contributor to these results, generating net global revenues of $8.63 billion. This figure signifies an 18.3% increase reported and 17.7% operational growth compared to prior comparable periods. Skyrizi, a newer entrant in the inflammation treatment category, propelled the portfolio’s growth, with sales soaring by 32.5% to $5.01 billion. Similarly, Rinvoq positively impacted revenues, delivering a 29.5% boost to $2.37 billion in sales. Contrastingly, Humira, AbbVie’s longstanding immunology flagship, experienced a steep decrease in revenue of 25.9%, dipping to $1.25 billion, highlighting the ongoing challenges associated with its lifecycle management in a competitive market.
The neuroscience segment also showcased impressive progression, posting revenues of $2.96 billion, marking a 17.9% rise facilitated by key drugs. Vraylar led sales within this category, capturing $1.02 billion in revenue, a 10.5% increase from prior periods. Another notable performer was Botox Therapeutics, which recorded net sales of $991 million, reflecting a 13.4% uplift, underscoring the segment’s growth trajectory.
Conversely, the oncology portfolio encountered slight headwinds, with total sales of $1.66 billion representing a decline of 1.5%. Within this segment, Imbruvica's sales contracted by 20.8% to $671 million, signaling potential market pressure. Other oncology treatments, including Venclexta and Elahere, displayed mixed results—Venclexta sales rose by 8.6% to $711 million, while Elahere generated $182 million in revenue, though the text does not specify its growth rate.
Within its aesthetics division, AbbVie reported moderate performance variations. Global Botox Cosmetic net revenues reached $717 million, an increase of 4.2%. However, Juvederm revenues fell by 10.7%, totaling $249 million during the reported quarter, indicating some softness in this product line's demand dynamics.
The company's operational efficiency continued to reflect strongly in its profitability metrics, with an adjusted gross margin ratio recorded at 83.6%, suggesting effective cost management and pricing strategies amid growth and decline in different product categories.
Looking ahead, AbbVie provided guidance for the fiscal year 2026, projecting adjusted earnings per share between $14.37 and $14.57, edging above analyst consensus estimates, which stand at $14.24. This forecast implies confidence in sustained earnings strength despite the mixed portfolio performance and evolving market conditions.
Market analyst commentary captured by Bloomberg relayed a cautious perspective on AbbVie’s quarterly results. A BMO Markets strategist characterized the earnings quality as "somewhat lower quality," emphasizing that much of the financial beat was driven by Humira, despite its revenue erosion continuing. The analyst also highlighted that while the aesthetics division showed signs of recovery, persistent "filler softness" presents ongoing challenges that may temper near-term growth prospects in that area.
Following the earnings announcement, AbbVie’s shares experienced a notable decline, falling 6.70% to $210.53 as of the time referenced, reflecting investor recalibrations based on the detailed financial disclosures and analyst interpretations.
This latest reporting period encapsulates AbbVie's transitional phase as it balances legacy products' decline with robust performance from newer immunology therapies. The company continues to demonstrate resilience through strategic growth drivers while managing the varied dynamics across its diversified pharmaceutical and aesthetics portfolios.