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AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) updates 2026 EPS outlook to include $291M IPR&D expense

Filing Impact
(High)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

AbbVie Inc. updated its 2026 earnings guidance to reflect second-quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $291 million, which is expected to reduce reported GAAP and adjusted non-GAAP diluted EPS by $0.17 per share. The company now expects full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS of $13.91–$14.11, compared with previously announced guidance that excluded this second-quarter expense. For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, AbbVie’s adjusted diluted EPS guidance range is $3.57–$3.61, also including the impact of the same $291 million expense. These figures are preliminary and subject to completion of regular financial closing procedures.

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Insights

AbbVie folds a $291M R&D-related charge into slightly lower 2026 EPS guidance.

AbbVie expects acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $291 million in Q2 2026, cutting both GAAP and adjusted diluted EPS by $0.17 per share. This reflects costs tied to collaborations, licensing deals, and other asset acquisitions.

Including this charge, full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance is now $13.91–$14.11, down from a prior range of $14.08–$14.28. Second-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance is $3.57–$3.61 versus a prior range of $3.74–$3.78.

The company notes it does not forecast future acquired IPR&D and milestones expense beyond Q2 2026 because timing and occurrence are uncertain. Actual results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 may differ from these preliminary estimates once closing procedures are complete.

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.
Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense $291 million pre-tax Expected in quarter ended June 30, 2026
EPS impact of Q2 2026 expense $0.17 per share Unfavorable effect on GAAP and adjusted diluted EPS
Prior Q2 2026 adjusted EPS guidance range $3.74–$3.78 Excluded Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
Updated Q2 2026 adjusted EPS guidance range $3.57–$3.61 Includes $291 million acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
Prior full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance range $14.08–$14.28 Excluded Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
Updated full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance range $13.91–$14.11 Includes Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
Full-year 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense $1,035 million Guidance including Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
acquired IPR&D and milestones expense financial
"acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $291 million on a pre-tax basis"
Costs a company records when it buys another party’s unfinished research and development projects and agrees to pay extra amounts if those projects hit future milestones. Think of it as paying for a partly built prototype plus promised success bonuses; the upfront payment is an acquisition expense and the milestone commitments are future liabilities. Investors watch these figures because they can reduce reported profits today, affect cash flow and balance-sheet risk, and signal potential future product value if the R&D succeeds.
adjusted diluted earnings per share financial
"Adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance for 2026 previously announced"
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"
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
"forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995"
Risk Factors regulatory
"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.
Q2 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance $3.57–$3.61 -$0.17 per share from previous $3.74–$3.78 range
Full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS guidance $13.91–$14.11 -$0.17 per share from previous $14.08–$14.28 range
Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense $291 million Newly incorporated into 2026 EPS guidance
Guidance

AbbVie incorporates $291 million of Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense into updated Q2 and full-year 2026 adjusted diluted EPS ranges.

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FAQ

How is AbbVie (ABBV) changing its full-year 2026 EPS guidance?
AbbVie now expects 2026 adjusted diluted EPS of $13.91–$14.11, including the impact of second-quarter acquired IPR&D and milestones expense. This compares with previously announced guidance of $14.08–$14.28 that excluded this specific Q2 2026 expense.

What is the size of AbbVie’s Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense?
AbbVie expects second-quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $291 million on a pre-tax basis. This cost is tied to collaborations, licensing agreements, and other asset acquisitions, and it directly reduces both GAAP and adjusted diluted EPS guidance for the period.

How does the $291 million expense affect AbbVie’s Q2 2026 EPS guidance?
The $291 million acquired IPR&D and milestones expense is expected to reduce AbbVie’s Q2 2026 GAAP and adjusted diluted EPS by $0.17 per share. As a result, adjusted diluted EPS guidance for the quarter is now $3.57–$3.61, down from $3.74–$3.78.

Does AbbVie (ABBV) forecast future acquired IPR&D and milestones expense?
AbbVie states it does not forecast acquired IPR&D and milestones expense beyond Q2 2026 because the timing and occurrence of such transactions cannot be reliably predicted. Its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance excludes any additional expense after the second quarter.

Are AbbVie’s Q2 2026 financial results finalized in this 8-K?
No. AbbVie explains that results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 have not been finalized. The figures given are preliminary estimates and remain subject to completion of normal financial statement closing procedures and potential revisions.

What risks does AbbVie highlight with these forward-looking EPS estimates?
AbbVie notes that forward-looking EPS estimates are subject to risks and uncertainties, including intellectual property challenges, competition, R&D difficulties, litigation or government action, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic or geopolitical factors that could cause actual results to differ materially.
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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): July 6, 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 second quarter of 2026 are expected to include acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $291 million on a pre-tax basis, representing an unfavorable impact of $0.17 to both GAAP diluted earnings per share and adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. Results for the quarter ended June 30, 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 April 29, 2026 excluded the impact of acquired IPR&D and milestones expense that may be incurred beyond the first quarter of 2026. AbbVie’s full-year 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance range, including the impact of second-quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense, is $13.91 - $14.11. AbbVie’s second-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance range, including the impact of second-quarter 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense, is $3.57 - $3.61.

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 second 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:July 6, 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 June 30, 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 Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense
$— $3.74 $3.78 $744 $14.08 $14.28 
Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expense291 (0.17)(0.17)291 (0.17)(0.17)
Guidance including Q2 2026 acquired IPR&D and milestones expensea
$291 $3.57 $3.61 $1,035 $13.91 $14.11 

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 second quarter of 2026, as both cannot be reliably forecasted.





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