AbbVie (ABBV) Tops Q4 EPS by 1c

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) reported Q4 EPS of $1.13, $0.01 better than the analyst estimate of $1.12. Revenue for the quarter came in at $6.36 billion versus the consensus estimate of $6.37 billion.

"AbbVie delivered strong performance in 2015, exceeding original sales, margin expansion, and earnings projections for the year," said Richard A. Gonzalez, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. "We achieved significant growth in 2015, and expect to continue building on that momentum in 2016 with another year of strong performance."

Fourth quarter highlights:

• Worldwide adjusted net revenues were $6.360 billion in the fourth-quarter, up 18.4 percent. On an operational basis, adjusted net revenues increased 24.4 percent, excluding a 6.0 percent unfavorable impact from foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
• Global HUMIRA sales increased 16.0 percent on an operational basis, excluding the impact of foreign exchange. Exceptional U.S. HUMIRA growth of 20.7 percent was driven by continued momentum across all three major market categories - rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology. International HUMIRA sales growth was also strong in the fourth quarter, up 9.7 percent on an operational basis. Reported international HUMIRA sales growth in the quarter was reduced by 13.1 percent due to unfavorable foreign exchange.
• Fourth-quarter global IMBRUVICA net revenue was $343 million, with U.S. sales of $295 million and international profit sharing of $48 million for the quarter.
• Total company revenue growth was also driven by $554 million in global VIEKIRA sales in the quarter, as well as strong operational growth from Duodopa, Creon and Lupron.
• Adjusted gross margin ratio in the fourth quarter was 80.5 percent, excluding intangible asset amortization and other specified items. On a GAAP basis, the gross margin ratio was 77.0 percent.
• Adjusted selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was 23.9 percent of net revenues in the fourth quarter. On a GAAP basis, SG&A was 27.1 percent of net revenues.
• Adjusted research and development (R&D) expense was 15.9 percent of net revenues in the quarter, reflecting funding actions in support of our mid- and late-stage pipeline. On a GAAP basis, R&D was 16.8 percent of net revenues.
• Adjusted operating margin in the fourth quarter was 40.1 percent, compared to 35.8 percent in fourth-quarter 2014. On a GAAP basis, the operating margin was 33.0 percent.
• Net interest expense was $199 million. The adjusted tax rate in the quarter was 21.6 percent and 21.1 percent on a GAAP basis.
• Adjusted diluted earnings per share, excluding intangible asset amortization expense and other specified items, were $1.13 in the fourth quarter, up 27 percent. Diluted earnings per share were $0.92 on a GAAP basis.

For earnings history and earnings-related data on AbbVie (ABBV) click here.

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