AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) reported Q3 EPS of $0.89, $0.12 better than the analyst estimate of $0.77. Revenue for the quarter came in at $5.02 million versus the consensus estimate of $4.82 million.

Q3 Performance:

• Third-quarter sales growth was driven primarily by the continued strength of HUMIRA. Global HUMIRA sales increased 17.5 percent, or 17.8 percent on an operational basis, excluding the impact of foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Total company sales growth was also driven by strong growth from key products including Kaletra, Synthroid, Creon, Synagis and Duodopa.
• The adjusted gross margin ratio in the third quarter was 81.1 percent, excluding intangible asset amortization and other specified items, up 140 basis points versus third-quarter 2013. The gross margin ratio under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) was 78.2 percent.
• Adjusted selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense was 26.4 percent of sales in the third quarter, up 9.1 percent from the prior year, reflecting continued investment in our growth brands and the expected HCV launch. On a GAAP basis, SG&A was 31.8 percent of sales.
• Adjusted research and development (R&D) was 16.2 percent of sales in the quarter, up 14.4 percent from the prior year, reflecting funding actions in support of our mid- and late-stage pipeline and the continued pursuit of additional HUMIRA indications. On a GAAP basis, R&D was also 16.2 percent of sales.
• Net interest expense was $53 million on an adjusted basis and $128 million on a GAAP basis. The adjusted tax rate was 22.4 percent in the quarter and 26.3 percent on a GAAP basis.

Outlook:

AbbVie is raising its adjusted diluted earnings-per-share guidance for the full-year 2014 to $3.25 to $3.27 from $3.06 to $3.16. AbbVie's 2014 outlook continues to exclude any potential revenue from the expected 2014 U.S. launch of its HCV therapy. The company's 2014 adjusted diluted earnings-per-share guidance excludes $2.10 per share of intangible asset amortization expense and other specified items primarily associated with separation costs, acquired IPR&D, Shire transaction costs and the Branded Prescription Drug Fee. Including these items, AbbVie's diluted earnings-per-share guidance is $1.15 to $1.17 on a GAAP basis.

(The Street sees FY14 EPS of $3.16.)

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