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AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) trims 2026 EPS guidance after $744M IPR&D expense

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Filing Sentiment
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Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

AbbVie Inc. updated its 2026 earnings guidance to reflect a sizeable first-quarter charge for acquired in-process R&D and milestones. The company expects to record $744 million of pre-tax acquired IPR&D and milestones expense in the first quarter of 2026, which is estimated to reduce both GAAP and adjusted diluted earnings per share by $0.41.

Including this impact, AbbVie now guides full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS to a range of $13.96 to $14.16, compared with prior guidance that excluded this expense. First-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance, including the charge, is $2.56 to $2.60, down from the previously announced range of $2.97 to $3.01 that did not include the IPR&D and milestones expense.

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Insights

AbbVie trims 2026 EPS guidance by $0.41 for a one-time R&D charge.

AbbVie is updating 2026 guidance to capture a first-quarter $744 million pre-tax acquired IPR&D and milestones expense. Management estimates this lowers both GAAP and adjusted diluted EPS by $0.41 for the period, affecting near-term profitability metrics.

The revised full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS range moves to $13.96–$14.16, while first-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance becomes $2.56–$2.60. Previously disclosed ranges of $14.37–$14.57 for the year and $2.97–$3.01 for the quarter excluded this expense, which is tied to collaborations, licensing agreements, and asset acquisitions.

Because AbbVie does not forecast future acquired IPR&D and milestones expense beyond Q1 2026, the updated outlook only incorporates the known first-quarter charge. Future disclosures in company filings may clarify whether additional similar expenses occur later in 2026.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Acquired IPR&D and milestones expense $744 million pre-tax Expected impact in Q1 2026
EPS impact of IPR&D expense $0.41 per share Unfavorable effect on GAAP and adjusted diluted EPS in Q1 2026
Revised Q1 2026 adjusted EPS guidance $2.56–$2.60 Includes Q1 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
Prior Q1 2026 adjusted EPS guidance $2.97–$3.01 Previously announced range excluding Q1 2026 IPR&D expense
Revised full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance $13.96–$14.16 Includes impact of Q1 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
Prior full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance $14.37–$14.57 Previously announced range excluding Q1 2026 IPR&D expense
acquired IPR&D and milestones expense financial
"Reported GAAP earnings and adjusted non-GAAP earnings for the first quarter of 2026 are expected to include acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $744 million"
adjusted diluted earnings per share financial
"representing an unfavorable impact of $0.41 to both GAAP diluted earnings per share and adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share"
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is the company’s net profit per share after accounting for potential extra shares (from options or convertible securities) and removing one‑time or unusual items so the number reflects ongoing business results. Think of it like timing a runner’s steady pace after excluding a few unexpected stops; it gives investors a clearer view of sustainable profit available to each share. Investors use it to compare companies and judge underlying profitability and valuation without short‑term distortions.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Some statements in this on are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regulatory
"may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995"
Risk Factors regulatory
"Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K"
Risk factors are elements or conditions that could cause an investment's value to decrease or lead to potential losses. They are like warning signs or obstacles that can affect the success of an investment, making it uncertain or more unpredictable. Recognizing risk factors helps investors understand the possible challenges and make more informed decisions.
Q1 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense $744 million
Q1 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance (revised) $2.56–$2.60 -$0.41 vs prior guidance
Full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance (revised) $13.96–$14.16 -$0.41 vs prior guidance
Guidance

AbbVie updates 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to include the known first-quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense, while excluding any similar expenses that may occur after the first quarter.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 _____________________________________________________
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 3, 2026
 
ABBVIE INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 001-35565 32-0375147
(State or other Jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
of Incorporation)   Identification No.)
 _____________________________________________________
1 North Waukegan Road
North Chicago, Illinois 60064-6400
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (847) 932-7900
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
 
☐                      Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐                      Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐                      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐                      Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value ABBV New York Stock Exchange
NYSE Texas
0.750% Senior Notes due 2027ABBV27New York Stock Exchange
2.125% Senior Notes due 2028ABBV28New York Stock Exchange
2.625% Senior Notes due 2028ABBV28BNew York Stock Exchange
2.125% Senior Notes due 2029ABBV29New York Stock Exchange
1.250% Senior Notes due 2031ABBV31New York Stock Exchange
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐   
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐   


Item 2.02  Results of Operations and Financial Condition
 
Reported GAAP earnings and adjusted non-GAAP earnings for the first quarter of 2026 are expected to include acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $744 million on a pre-tax basis, representing an unfavorable impact of $0.41 to both GAAP diluted earnings per share and adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. Results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 have not been finalized and are subject to our financial statement closing procedures. There can be no assurance that our final results will not differ from these preliminary estimates.

While acquired IPR&D and milestones expense may be incurred upon execution of collaborations, licensing agreements, and other asset acquisitions, AbbVie does not forecast acquired IPR&D and milestones expense due to uncertainty of the future occurrence and timing of these transactions. Adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance for 2026 previously announced on February 4, 2026 excluded the impact of acquired IPR&D and milestones expense that may be incurred in 2026. AbbVie’s full-year 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance range, including the impact of first quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense, is $13.96 - $14.16. AbbVie’s first quarter 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance range, including the impact of first quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense, is $2.56 - $2.60.

Furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference is guidance for 2026 including the estimated acquired IPR&D and milestones expense incurred during the first quarter of 2026.

The information set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed "Filed" for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or otherwise subject to the liabilities thereof, nor shall it be incorporated by reference into future filings by AbbVie Inc. under the Exchange Act or under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent specifically provided in any such filing.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this Current Report on Form 8-K are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions and uses of future or conditional verbs, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to challenges to intellectual property, competition from other products, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry, the impact of global macroeconomic factors, such as economic downturns or uncertainty, international conflict, trade disputes and tariffs, and other uncertainties and risks associated with global business operations. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2025 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in other documents that AbbVie subsequently files with the Securities and Exchange Commission that update, supplement or supersede such information. AbbVie undertakes no obligation, and specifically declines, to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. Exhibit
99.1
 
Guidance including the impact of acquired IPR&D and milestones expense.
104The cover page from this Current Report on Form 8-K formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101).


SIGNATURE
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
  ABBVIE INC.
   
Date:April 3, 2026By:/s/ Scott T. Reents
  Scott T. Reents
  Executive Vice President,
  Chief Financial Officer

 



AbbVie Inc.
Guidance Including the Impact of Acquired IPR&D and Milestones Expense
(Unaudited)
 
(in millions, except per share data)Quarter Ended March 31, 2026Full-Year Ended December 31, 2026
Acquired IPR&D and Milestones ExpenseAdjusted Diluted EPS RangeAcquired IPR&D and Milestones ExpenseAdjusted Diluted EPS Range
LowHighLowHigh
Previously announced guidance excluding Q1 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
$— $2.97 $3.01 $— $14.37 $14.57 
Q1 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense744 (0.41)(0.41)744 (0.41)(0.41)
Guidance including Q1 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expensea
$744 $2.56 $2.60 $744 $13.96 $14.16 

a    The Company's 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance excludes any impact from acquired IPR&D and milestones expense that may be incurred beyond the first quarter of 2026, as both cannot be reliably forecasted.





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Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

How is AbbVie (ABBV) changing its 2026 EPS guidance in this 8-K?

AbbVie is reducing its 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to a range of $13.96 to $14.16. The previous range of $14.37 to $14.57 did not include the first-quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense now estimated at $744 million pre-tax.

What is the impact of acquired IPR&D on AbbVie (ABBV) first-quarter 2026 earnings?

AbbVie expects first-quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $744 million on a pre-tax basis. This is estimated to reduce both GAAP and adjusted diluted earnings per share by $0.41, directly affecting reported profitability for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

What is AbbVie (ABBV) first-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS guidance after the IPR&D charge?

Including first-quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense, AbbVie now guides adjusted diluted EPS to $2.56 to $2.60. This replaces the previously announced range of $2.97 to $3.01, which had excluded the impact of the IPR&D and milestones expense.

Does AbbVie (ABBV) forecast future acquired IPR&D and milestones expenses?

AbbVie states it does not forecast acquired IPR&D and milestones expense beyond first-quarter 2026. The company cites uncertainty around the future occurrence and timing of collaborations, licensing agreements, and asset acquisitions that typically generate these expenses.

Are the preliminary first-quarter 2026 results for AbbVie (ABBV) final in this filing?

No. AbbVie notes that results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 have not been finalized. They remain subject to financial statement closing procedures, and the company cautions that final results may differ from the preliminary estimates disclosed.

Is AbbVie (ABBV) 2026 guidance in this 8-K considered filed financial information?

No. AbbVie specifies that the 2026 guidance information, including Exhibit 99.1, is furnished rather than filed. It is not subject to Section 18 liabilities of the Exchange Act and is not incorporated into future SEC filings unless specifically stated.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

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