10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2019

AbbVie Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2019

Filed May 3, 2019For Securities:ABBV

Summary

AbbVie Inc. reported first-quarter 2019 results with net revenues of $7.8 billion, a slight decrease of 1.3% year-over-year, but showing growth of 0.4% on a constant currency basis. This performance was primarily driven by strong sales of key growth products like IMBRUVICA and VENCLEXTA, alongside stable U.S. HUMIRA revenues. However, this growth was partially offset by the impact of international biosimilar competition for HUMIRA, which led to an 18.6% decline in international net revenues. Diluted earnings per share stood at $1.65, reflecting various operating expenses and strategic investments in the company's pipeline. The company highlighted ongoing pipeline advancements in immunology, oncology, and neuroscience, including positive regulatory feedback for upadacitinib and the approval of SKYRIZI in April 2019. Financially, AbbVie generated robust operating cash flows of $3.0 billion, demonstrating strong operational efficiency. The company also returned significant capital to shareholders through dividends totaling $1.6 billion and share repurchases of $300 million. AbbVie's balance sheet remains solid, though it was impacted by the adoption of new lease accounting standards and a reduction in cash and equivalents, likely due to significant financing activities such as debt repayment. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with an undrawn $3.0 billion revolving credit facility.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$7.83B
Cost of Revenue$1.69B
Gross Profit$6.13B
SG&A Expenses$1.68B
Operating Expenses$4.82B
Operating Income$3.01B
Interest Expense$387.00M
Net Income$2.46B
EPS (Basic)$1.65
EPS (Diluted)$1.65
Shares Outstanding (Basic)1.48B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)1.48B

Key Highlights

  • 1Net revenues for Q1 2019 were $7.8 billion, a 1.3% decrease year-over-year, or a 0.4% increase on a constant currency basis.
  • 2Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) was $1.65, down from $1.74 in Q1 2018, impacted by various operating costs and strategic investments.
  • 3HUMIRA, while still a major revenue driver, saw a 5.6% global decline in sales due to international biosimilar competition, though U.S. sales grew.
  • 4Growth drivers like IMBRUVICA (up 34.0%) and VENCLEXTA (up >100%) demonstrated strong performance, indicating successful product diversification.
  • 5Operating cash flow remained strong at $3.0 billion, supporting substantial capital returns to shareholders.
  • 6Significant financing activities included a $3.0 billion repayment of a term loan, contributing to a decrease in cash and equivalents from $7.3 billion to $4.9 billion.
  • 7AbbVie adopted new lease accounting standards (ASC 842) effective January 1, 2019, resulting in the recognition of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the slight decrease in net revenues was the impact of international biosimilar competition for HUMIRA, which led to a significant decline in international sales. This was partially offset by growth in U.S. HUMIRA sales and strong performance from other key products like IMBRUVICA and VENCLEXTA.

AbbVie is implementing strategies to differentiate HUMIRA and sustain its market presence. While biosimilar competition has emerged in international markets, the company anticipates U.S. biosimilar competition not before 2023, providing a longer window for market management in its largest market. The company is also focusing on its pipeline of new drugs to diversify its revenue base.

AbbVie repaid a $3.0 billion term loan credit agreement in March 2019. This repayment, along with other financing activities, contributed to a reduction in the company's cash and equivalents from $7.3 billion at the end of 2018 to $4.9 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2019.

AbbVie adopted the new lease accounting standard (ASC 842) effective January 1, 2019. This required the recognition of lease liabilities and corresponding right-of-use assets on the balance sheet. While it had a significant impact on the balance sheet (increasing assets and liabilities), the adoption did not have a significant impact on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings for the first quarter of 2019.