AbbVie updates 2026 earnings guidance for third-quarter milestones expense

AbbVie Inc. (ABBV) issued updated financial guidance for the third quarter and full-year 2026, according to an 8-K filing on Monday, reflecting the impact of acquired in-process research and development and milestones expense.

For the third quarter ended Sept. 30, 2026, the company expects acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $216 million on a pre-tax basis. This creates an unfavorable impact of 11 cents per share to both GAAP and adjusted non-GAAP diluted earnings per share.

AbbVie adjusted its third-quarter 2026 adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance range to $3.73 to $3.77, incorporating the $216 million expense. Previously announced third-quarter guidance excluding the expense was $3.84 to $3.88.

For the full-year ended Dec. 31, 2026, the company updated its adjusted diluted earnings per share guidance range to $13.76 to $13.96. Previously announced full-year guidance excluding the third-quarter impact was $13.87 to $14.07, based on a previously announced acquired IPR&D and milestones expense of $1,035 million, bringing the total expected full-year expense to $1,251 million.

AbbVie stated that while these expenses may be incurred upon executing collaborations, licensing agreements, and other asset acquisitions, it does not forecast future acquired IPR&D and milestones expense beyond the current period due to the uncertainty of their occurrence and timing. The company's full-year guidance excludes any impact from similar transactions that may occur beyond the third quarter of 2026. Results for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2026, remain subject to financial statement closing procedures.