AbbVie has ‘near-term headwinds but stable longer-term growth’ – William Blair

William Blair analysts initiated coverage of AbbVie (NYSE:) with a Market Perform rating in a note to clients Tuesday.

The analysts told investors that the company’s Humira LOE, Imbruvica competition, and aesthetics risks overshadow its new products.

“We believe we are roughly six months into the mother of all generic launches after Humira biosimilars launched earlier this year, and while this period has long been planned for by the company and discussed by the investment community, the Humira loss of exclusivity (LOE) is complicated by growing competition in the hematology and aesthetic franchises,” the analysts wrote.

On the positive side, William Blair notes the ongoing launches of new products like Rinvoq and Skyrizi “have been impressive,” and though they currently see more headwinds than tailwinds for the company in the near term, they “see high-single-digit top-line growth guidance beyond 2024 as likely given the strength of new products.”

“Our Market Perform rating is really based on timing as we see near-term headwinds but stable longer-term growth with combined sales for Rinvoq and Skyrizi eventually surpassing Humira peak sales by 2027,” concluded the analysts.