Please select


For My Business

< R10m annual turnover

For My Business

> R10m annual turnover

Please select


For My Business

< R10m annual turnover

For My Business

> R10m annual turnover

Switch to FNB Business

Product shop

By Turnover

First Business Zero (R0 - R5 million p.a) Gold Business (R0 - R5 million p.a) Platinum Business (R5 million - R60 million p.a) Enterprise Business (R60 million - R150 million+ p.a)

Transact

Business Accounts Credit Cards Cash Solutions Merchant Services eWallet Pro Staffing Solutions ATM Solutions Ways to bank Fleet Services Guarantees

Savings and Investments

Save and Invest 3PIM (3rd Party Investment Manager)

Borrow

FNB Cash Advance Overdraft Loans Debtor Finance Leveraged Finance Private Equity Securities Based Lending Selective Invoice Discounting Asset Based Finance Alternative Energy Solutions Commercial Property Finance Fleet Services

Insure

Insurance

For my employees

Staffing Solutions Employee benefits

Forex + Trade

Foreign Exchange Imports and exports Structured Trade + Commodity Finance Business Global Account (CFC account)

Value Adds + Rewards

Connect my business the dti initiatives Enterprise and supplier development Business Hub eBucks Rewards for Business DocTrail™ CIPC Integration Channel Instant Accounting Solutions Instant Payroll Instant Cashflow Instant Invoicing SLOW 24/7 Business Desk FNB Business Fundaba nav» Marketplace Prepaid products Accounting integrations

Industry Expertise

Philanthropy Chinese Business Islamic Banking Agriculture Public Sector Education Healthcare Franchise Motor Dealership Tourism

Going Global

Global Commercial Banking

Financial Planning

Overview

Bank Better

KYC / FICA Debit order + recipient switching Electronic Alerts

Corporates + Public Sector

Corporate Public Sector

All savings + investment accounts


Cash deposits

Notice deposits Immediate access Access to a portion Fixed deposits

Share investing

Shares

Tax-free investing

Tax-free accounts

Funds/unit trusts

Ashburton specialised products

Invest abroad

Offshore products

I want to save for

Personal goals Child's education Emergencies Tax-free

Compare similar

Compare

Additional options

Show me all Help me chosse Find an advisor

Financial planning

Overview

Back

Trade Ideas

Global Trade Idea: AbbVie Inc. (ABBV US) - BUY

 

By Peet Serfontein & Khumbulani Kunene

We initiate a long position with a target price of $216.00 and a stop-loss of $174.00 (Risk/reward ratio 1:2.6).

AbbVie Inc. is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops medicines and therapies that solve health issues across immunology, oncology, aesthetics, neuroscience, and eye care. AbbVie uses its expertise and unique approach to innovation to develop and market advanced therapies that address some of the world's most complex and severe diseases, including some of the most complicated and difficult to treat cancers.

ABBV originally spun off from Abbott Laboratories in 2013 and has since grown into a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry, largely driven by the success of its blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira. AbbVie's products are sold globally directly to wholesalers, distributors, government agencies, healthcare facilities, specialty pharmacies, and independent retailers from AbbVie-owned distribution centres and public warehouses.

Technically, the price is in an upward sloping inclining channel pattern that presents a promising investment opportunity for the stock (see the black parallel trendlines on the main chart). This pattern can provide bullish support for the stock by highlighting a well-established and sustained trend of higher highs and higher lows.

Consistent positive monthly returns from May to September also supports the bullish case for the stock (see the insert on the main chart). This pattern highlights periods of consistent strong risk-adjustment returns. Sustained intervals above the neutral line (Sharpe ratio greater than 1) highlight that investors have previously been rewarded for taking on risk in the stock. The recent upward movement in the Sharpe ratio reinforces the bullish case.

Muted downside price momentum per the MACD histogram, as well as the sideways trajectory of the on-balance volume (OBV) indicator supports our bullish view.

Share Information
Share Code ABBV
Industry Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology
Market Capital (USD) 328 billion
One Year Total Return 23.94%
Return Year-to-Date 6.49%
Current Price (USD) 185.72
52 Week High (USD) 218.66
52 Week Low (USD) 153.58
Financial Year End December
The price is approaching its 200-day simple moving average (SMA) from below.

Consensus Expectations (Bloomberg)
FY24 FY25E FY26E FY27E
Headline Earnings per Share (USD) 10.12 12.21 13.92 15.43
Growth (%) 20.64 13.97 10.87
Dividend Per Share (USD) 6.20 6.56 6.88 7.21
Growth (%) 5.76 4.87 4.80
Forward PE (times) 14.39 12.78 12.04
Forward Dividend Yield (%) 3.53 3.70 3.88
Strong double-digit growth in earnings is expected in the medium term.

Buy/Sell Rationale:

Technical Analysis:

    • The lower panel shows the rolling linear regression line of closing prices over the last eight weeks. The pattern reflects a strong bullish outlook highlighted in the clear upward slope of the regression line, which indicates a sustained positive trend with steady price appreciation over time. This suggests that the stock has been gaining momentum in a consistent manner, with the regression smoothing out short-term volatility.
    • As long as the regression line continues to trend upward, it strengthens the case for further price advancement and signals that investor demand is likely outweighing supply.
    • Our recommended entry range is $180.00 to $192.00, or as close as possible to $185.72 - a drop below this range would indicate a substantial change in price dynamics, giving reason to negate the trade idea.
    • Our target price is $216.00, representing ~16.3% upside from current levels.
    • According to forward calculations of the Relative Strength Index indicator, the stock will be overbought at $270.00, making our profit target realistic.
    • Our proposed time to exit is mid-August 2025, but investors can adjust for a longer or shorter time horizon, depending on price behaviour.
    • A drop below $174.00, or 6.3% below current levels, would suggest weakening technicals and a stop-loss is recommended at this level.
    • We expect moderate fluctuations in the price and therefore suggest medium at-risk allocation for this trade. Increase exposure for a break above $192.00.

Fundamental view

    • AbbVie operates as a single business segment which is dedicated to the research and development, manufacturing, commercialisation, and sale of innovative medicines and therapies. However, the company has five portfolios, namely:
      • Immunology (~50% of revenue) which includes Humira that are used to treat autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and Skyrizi & Rinvoq, which are used to treat plaque psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and crohn's diseases.
      • Neuroscience (~20% of revenue) includes Vraylar, which is a neuroscience drug that treats bipolar disorder and major depressive disorders, and Botox, used to prevent chronic migraines and treats cervical dystonia by blocking nerve signals to muscles and glands.
      • Oncology (~12% of revenue) includes Imbruvica, which is a leading cancer treatment particularly for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and blocks cancer cell growth.
      • Aesthetics (~8% of revenue) includes Botox Cosmetics, which is used for wrinkle reduction and jawline slimming.
      • Other (~10% of total revenue) includes eye care and other products.
    • ABBV's footprint spans across the US, Europe and Asia. The US accounts for ~75% of revenue.
    • As part of management's growth plan, the company acquired Allergen in 2020 to expand into the neuroscience and medical aesthetics market, which has since enabled the company to gain further market share.
    • The company's pipeline includes ~90 compounds, devices and collaborations including license agreements, with ~50 of these programmes in mid-to-late-stage development.
    • In recent 1Q25 results, the company saw revenue grow 8.4% to $13.3 billion with strong growth across its portfolio, sans aesthetics, due to increased demand for treatments.
    • Management upwardly adjusted its full-year earnings expectations with the results release as sales in Skyrizi and Rinvoq outpaced revenue erosion in off-patent Humira.
    • From a risk perspective, the company remains exposed to pricing and regulatory pressures, which may impact both the top- and bottom-line. Macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical instability may pose a threat to supply-chain efficiencies

Share Name and Position SW US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
CTAS - Buy
(Continue to hold)
PANW US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
Entry 39.56 205.84 173.55
Current 44.39 225.88 187.46
Movement +12.2% +9.7% +8.0%
A trough in the Elliott wave theory remains of interest. Remains below its 200-day SMA. Fading downside price momentum is supportive.

Our profit target remains at $49.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $41.00. Exit the trade around 20 August 2025.
A bullish pennant pattern continues to attract attention. Remains above its 200-day SMA. Strong upside price momentum is supportive.

Our profit target remains at $241.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $212.00. Exit the trade by 25 June 2025.
The recent trough in the stock's price continues to attract attention. It remains positioned above its 200-day SMA. Upside price momentum is supportive.

Our profit target remains at $228.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $164.00. Exit the trade around 25 June 2025.

Share Name and Position LULU US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
DECK US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
MSI US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
Entry 310.61 109.15 422.93
Current 321.20 108.96 420.44
Movement +3.4% -0.2% -0.6%
A price in a developing Megaphone pattern remains of interest. Continue to test its 200-day SMA. Fading downside price momentum is supportive.

Our profit target remains at $388.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $291.00. Exit the trade by 13 August 2025.
A trough that is developing according to the Elliott wave theory remains of interest. Remains below its 200-day SMA. Fading downside price momentum is supportive.

Our profit target remains at $144.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $115.00. Exit the trade by 24 June 2025.
A price at the start of wave 5 out of the Elliott wave price action remains of interest. Remains below its 200-day simple moving average. Fading downside price momentum is supportive.

Our profit target remains at $476.00 with a trailing stop-loss at $402.00. Exit the trade around 13 August 2025.

FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of FirstRand Bank Limited, an authorised Financial Services Provider and authorised user of the JSE limited (Reg no: 1996/011732/07). This Publication note is issued by FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd for the information of clients only and should not be produced in whole or part without prior permission. Although FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd is an Authorised Financial Services Provider, any opinions and/or analysis contained in this Publication are for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice, including but not limited to financial, legal or tax advice, or a recommendation to invest in any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources/persons which we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed for correctness, completeness or otherwise and we do not assume liability for loss arising from errors in the information or that may be suffered from using or relying on the information contained herein irrespective of whether there has been any negligence by us, our affiliates or any other employees of us, and whether such losses be direct or consequential. As market and economic conditions are subject to rapid change, any comments, opinions, and analysis is rendered as of the date of publishing and may change without notice. Such changes may have a material impact on the outcome of any investment. Securities involve a degree of risk and are volatile instruments. Past performance is not indicative of future performances. Securities or financial instruments mentioned in the Publication note may not be suitable for all investors and FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd has bares no responsibility whatsoever arising from or as a consequence hereof. The material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any share, instrument, sector, region, market, country, investment, or strategy. The recipient of this Publication must make their own investment decision and is advised to contact his relationship manager for a personal financial analysis prior to making any investment decisions. Copyright 2018 by FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd.

How would you like to log in?