AbbVie Stock (NYSE:ABBV), Trade Ideas

AbbVie

AbbVie is a pharmaceutical firm with a strong exposure to immunology (with Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq) and oncology (with Imbruvica and Venclexta). The company was spun off from Abbott in early 2013. The 2020 acquisition of Allergan added several new products and drugs in aesthetics (including Botox).

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Corporate profit growth rose in Q3 2023 and is expected to continue in Q1.

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AbbVie Inc

<ul>
<li>Upadacitinib demonstrated superiority versus dupilumab in primary endpoint of simultaneous achievement of near complete skin clearance (EASI 90) and no to little itch (WP-NRS 0/1) at Week 161</li>
<li>LEVEL UP, a Phase 3b/4 head-to-head study, compared upadacitinib to dupilumab for the treatment of adult and adolescent patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who had inadequate response to systemic therapy or when use of those therapies was inadvisable1</li>
<li>The safety profile of upadacitinib was consistent with the profile in previous atopic dermatitis studies with no new safety signals identified during the 16-week period1,2</li>
</ul>
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --&nbsp;AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) today announced positive topline results from LEVEL UP, an open-label, efficacy assessor-blinded head-to-head Phase 3b/4&nbsp;study that evaluated the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib (RINVOQ&#xAE;, 15 mg once daily starting dose and dose-adjusted based on clinical response) versus dupilumab (DUPIXENT&#xAE;, per its labeled dose) in adults and adolescents (≥12 years of age) with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who had an inadequate response to systemic therapy or when use of those therapies was inadvisable.
"Even while receiving conventional treatments, many patients with atopic dermatitis still continue to live with&nbsp;significant itch&nbsp;and inflammatory skin symptoms that can profoundly impact their everyday lives," said&nbsp;Roopal Thakkar, M.D., senior vice president, chief medical officer, global therapeutics, AbbVie. "Results from this study show that patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis can strive for both little to no itch and clearer skin."
In the LEVEL UP study,&nbsp;upadacitinib showed superior efficacy versus dupilumab in the primary endpoint, demonstrating that a significantly higher proportion of patients simultaneously achieved both a 90% or greater reduction in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI 90) and a Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale of 0 or 1 (WP-NRS 0/1) at Week 16 [(19.9% vs 8.9% for upadacitinib and dupilumab respectively, p&lt;0.0001)].1
The EASI is a clinically validated measure used to assess the severity and extent of atopic dermatitis, while the WP-NRS is an assessment tool that patients use to report the intensity of their pruritus daily (with 0 being 'no itch' and 10 being the 'worst imaginable itch').
Upadacitinib also showed superiority versus dupilumab for all ranked secondary endpoints, including the rapid onset of achieving near complete skin clearance and no to little itch.&nbsp;For the first two ranked secondary endpoints, the study showed that&nbsp;a significantly higher proportion of patients treated with upadacitinib:
<ul>
<li>Achieved EASI 90 at Week 16 [(40.8% vs 22.5%, p&lt;0.0001)].1</li>
<li>Achieved a WP-NRS of 0/1 at Week 16 [(30.2% vs 15.5%, p&lt;0.0001)].1,a</li>
</ul>
AbbVie plans to present results from the LEVEL UP study at a future medical congress.
The LEVEL UP study is the first head-to-head trial in atopic dermatitis assessing upadacitinib at a starting&nbsp;dose of 15 mg daily versus dupilumab at its labeled dose. Upadacitinib was initiated in adults and adolescents (≥12 years of age, weighing at least 40 kg) at 15 mg once daily (QD) and dose-escalated to 30 mg QD based on clinical response. Dupilumab was initiated at 600 mg, followed by 300 mg every other week (Q2W) in adults and adolescents weighing ≥60 kg; adolescents weighing less than 60 kg received an initial dose of 400 mg, followed by 200 mg Q2W.1
"Too many patients are still not achieving optimal disease control in atopic dermatitis despite taking steps to manage their condition," said&nbsp;Jonathan Silverberg, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, professor of dermatology and director of clinical research at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. "Results from the LEVEL UP study highlight how treatment options such as upadacitinib can achieve high treatment goals in atopic dermatitis with combined measures of EASI 90 and NRS 0/1, not just itch resolution or just skin clearance."
The observed safety profile for upadacitinib in LEVEL UP was consistent with that observed in previous upadacitinib atopic dermatitis clinical studies.1,2 No new safety signals were identified during the study period.1 In Period 1, the most common adverse events&nbsp;(AE) reported were nasopharyngitis&nbsp;for both the upadacitinib and dupilumab group.1 The rate of serious AEs (0.9%) was the same for both upadacitinib and dupilumab. There was one serious infection reported in the dupilumab group and none in the upadacitinib group.1&nbsp;No malignancies, adjudicated major adverse cardiac events, adjudicated venous thromboembolic events (VTEs)&nbsp;or treatment-emergent deaths were reported in either treatment group.1
[a]&nbsp;This endpoint was evaluated among patients with a baseline WP-NRS &gt;1.
About Atopic Dermatitis&nbsp;

AbbVie New Data Show RINVOQ Demonstrated Superiority Versus DUPIXENT Across Primary And All Secondary Endpoints In An Open-Label Head-To-Head Atopic Dermatitis Study; Achieved Both A 90% Or Greater Reduction In Eczema Area And Severity Index And A Worst Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale Of 0 Or 1 At Week 16

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on AbbVie.
Looking at options history for AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) we detected 15 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 33% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 46% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $162,900 and 12, calls, for a total amount of $749,820.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $75.0 to $185.0 for AbbVie over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for AbbVie's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across AbbVie's significant trades, within a strike price range of $75.0 to $185.0, over the past month.
<h3>AbbVie 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713897947_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$8.9</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$347.1K</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>546</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$6.2</td>
<td>$5.5</td>
<td>$6.1</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$97.6K</td>
<td>213</td>
<td>160</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$6.5</td>
<td>$6.35</td>
<td>$6.41</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$48.0K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$96.0</td>
<td>$93.9</td>
<td>$96.0</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$48.0K</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$6.3</td>
<td>$6.2</td>
<td>$6.26</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$46.9K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AbbVie</h3>
AbbVie is a pharmaceutical firm with a strong exposure to immunology (with Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq) and oncology (with Imbruvica and Venclexta). The company was spun off from Abbott in early 2013. The 2020 acquisition of Allergan added several new products and drugs in aesthetics (including Botox).
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with AbbVie, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of AbbVie</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 2,217,156, the price of ABBV is up 1.13% at $169.78. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 3 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About AbbVie</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $195.0.
<ul>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Overweight rating for AbbVie, targeting a price of $195. </li>
</ul>
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest AbbVie options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Markets

AbbVie's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

As the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/04/38342737/nasdaq-100-notches-worst-day-since-late-2023-worst-week-since-late-2022-as-ai-driven-chipmakers-tu">market runs into rough weather,</a> the importance of the upcoming week&#8217;s earnings cannot be emphasized enough. A lot is riding on the earnings reports of companies like Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and Alphabet, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (GOOG).
The Season So Far: The percentage of S&amp;P 500 companies that have reported positive earning surprises and the magnitude of earnings surprises are at or above their 10-year averages, <a href="https://insight.factset.com/sp-500-earnings-season-update-april-19-2024?utm_source=Direct&amp;utm_medium=Email&amp;utm_campaign=FO-04-19-2024&amp;utm_content=httpsinsightfactsetcomsp500earningsseasonupdateapril192024">said</a> FactSet in its report released Friday. That said, substantial downward revisions to earnings per share (EPS) estimates of two healthcare companies have led to a decline in earnings growth over the past two weeks.
The combined earnings per share growth rate of S&amp;P 500 companies, considering both the already reported actual results and the estimates for those yet to report, is at 0.5%, according to FactSet. The metric, however, fell from the 0.9% estimated previous week and the 3.4% estimated at the end of the first quarter. Earnings growth for the quarter may extend the positive growth streak to three quarters.
So far, 14% of the S&amp;P 500 companies have reported March quarter results. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-tech-stocks">Best Tech Stocks To Buy Right Now</a>
Look Ahead: The upcoming week will likely feature earnings releases from 158 S&amp;P 500 companies, including 11 Dow 30 components. With the bank earnings tapering off, the spotlight shifts to tech companies, as they begin to roll out their quarterly scorecard this week.
Apart from some big techs, which are part of the group called the &#8220;Magnificent Seven,&#8221; homebuilders, defense contractors, airlines and transportation companies are also due to release their quarterly reports. 
All eyes are focused on Tesla as analysts expect a downbeat report from the company. Analysts see the scope of a further contraction in margin and potentially a double miss yet again in the first quarter.
AI stalwarts Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta are widely expected to report strong results. Following the recent tech-led sell-off, Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives said, &#8220;We believe 1Q earnings will be a major positive catalyst for the tech sector and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38252477/why-microsoft-alphabet-amazon-palantir-and-meta-could-rise-15-in-2024-according-to-">expect tech stocks to be up another 15% for the year</a> adding to the strong start to 2024.&#8221;
The earnings schedule of key names are as follows:
Monday 
<ul>
<li>Before the bell: Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACI#NYSE">ACI</a>), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>), Zions Bancorporation, National Association (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZION#NASDAQ">ZION</a>)</li>
<li>After the close: Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMP#NYSE">AMP</a>), Nucor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NUE#NYSE">NUE</a>) Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLF#NYSE">CLF</a>), Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PKG#NYSE">PKG</a>) and SAP SE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAP#NYSE">SAP</a>), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DGX#NYSE">DGX</a>)</li>
</ul>
Tuesday 
<ul>
<li>Before the bell: D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHI#NYSE">DHI</a>), Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>), General Electric Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>), General Motors Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), JetBlue Airways Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBLU#NASDAQ">JBLU</a>), Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMB#NYSE">KMB</a>), Novartis AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>), PepsiCo. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NYSE">PEP</a>), PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PHM#NYSE">PHM</a>), Spotify Technology S.A. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>), United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) and Xerox Holdings Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XRX#NYSE">XRX</a>), Halliburton Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAL#NYSE">HAL</a>) and Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>)</li>
<li>After the close: Visa, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>), Texas Instruments, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>), Tesla, Steel Dynamics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLD#NASDAQ">STLD</a>), Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STX#NASDAQ">STX</a>), Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAT#NASDAQ">MAT</a>), Chubb Limited (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CB#NYSE">CB</a>), Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNI#NYSE">CNI</a>) and Baker Hughes Company (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKR#NASDAQ">BKR</a>)</li>
</ul>
Wednesday 
<ul>
<li>Before the bell: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMO#NYSE">TMO</a>), Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ODFL#NASDAQ">ODFL</a>), Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NSC#NYSE">NSC</a>), Humana Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>), Hasbro, Inc. (NASDA: HAS), General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>), Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BSX#NYSE">BSX</a>), Biogen, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIIB#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>) and AT&amp;T Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>)</li>
<li>After the close: Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WHR#NYSE">WHR</a>), Western Union Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WU#NYSE">WU</a>), ServiceNow, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>), QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QS#NYSE">QS</a>), O&#8217;Reilly Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORLY#NASDAQ">ORLY</a>), Meta Platforms, Meritage Homes Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTH#NYSE">MTH</a>), Lam Research Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRCX#NASDAQ">LRCX</a>), Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KNX#NYSE">KNX</a>), International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>)</li>
</ul>
Thursday 
<ul>
<li>Before the bell: Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>), American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>), AstraZeneca Plc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZN#NASDAQ">AZN</a>), Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>), Caterpillar, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>), CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMS#NYSE">CMS</a>), Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>), Dow Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOW#NYSE">DOW</a>), Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOG#NYSE">HOG</a>), Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HTZ#NASDAQ">HTZ</a>), Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NASDAQ">HON</a>), Merck &amp; Co., Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), Mobileye Global Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>), Nasdaq, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NDAQ#NASDAQ">NDAQ</a>), Newmont Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>), Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCL#NYSE">RCL</a>), Sanofi (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNY#NASDAQ">SNY</a>), Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUV#NYSE">LUV</a>) and STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STM#NYSE">STM</a>)</li>
<li>After the close: Alphabet, Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYD#NYSE">BYD</a>), Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>), Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>), Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), Juniper Networks, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNPR#NYSE">JNPR</a>), KLA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KLAC#NASDAQ">KLAC</a>), Microsoft, Roku, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROKU#NASDAQ">ROKU</a>), Teladoc Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDOC#NYSE">TDOC</a>), T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMUS#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) and Western Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDC#NASDAQ">WDC</a>)</li>
</ul>
Friday 
<ul>
<li>Before the bell: AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), Aon plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AON#NYSE">AON</a>), Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALV#NYSE">ALV</a>), AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AN#NYSE">AN</a>), Barnes Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/B#NYSE">B</a>), Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHTR#NASDAQ">CHTR</a>), Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CL#NYSE">CL</a>), Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Newell Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NWL#NASDAQ">NWL</a>)</li>
</ul>
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), an exchange-traded fund that tracks the performance of the broader S&amp;P 500 Index, ended Friday&#8217;s session down 0.87% at $495.16, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">Benzinga Pro data. </a>The ETF has pulled back from its all-time high (intraday) of $524.61 hit on March 28. The Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), an ETF levered more to high-profile, non-financial tech companies, has lost 7.72% from its all-time intraday high of $449.34 (March 21).
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/04/38342737/nasdaq-100-notches-worst-day-since-late-2023-worst-week-since-late-2022-as-ai-driven-chipmakers-tu">Nvidia In Correction Territory — Did AI-Led Tech Stock Bubble Just Burst? This Data Point Offers A Clue.</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

On Thursday,&nbsp;Cerevel Therapeutics Holdings Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CERE#NASDAQ">CERE</a>) released topline results from its pivotal Phase 3 TEMPO-3 trial for tavapadon in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/04/g38309408/cerevel-therapeutics-announces-positive-topline-results-for-tavapadon-in-phase-3-adjunctive-trial-" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson&#8217;s disease</a>.&nbsp;
The TEMPO-3 trial evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of tavapadon as an adjunctive therapy to levodopa (LD) in adults.&nbsp;
The trial met its primary endpoint – patients treated with tavapadon adjunctive to LD experienced a clinically meaningful and statistically significant increase of 1.1 hours in total &#8220;on&#8221; time without troublesome dyskinesia compared to those treated with LD and placebo (1.7 hours vs. 0.6 hours, p &lt;0.0001).&nbsp;
Also Read:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/12/36138732/abbvies-new-9b-neuroscience-space-deal-might-attract-ftc-scrutiny-analyst-signals" rel="noreferrer noopener">AbbVie&#8217;s New $9B Neuroscience Space Deal Might Attract FTC Scrutiny, Analyst Signals</a>.
A statistically significant reduction in &#8220;off&#8221; time, the key secondary endpoint, was also observed for the tavapadon treatment arm.
&#8220;Tavapadon&#8217;s novel mechanism of action, which selectively activates the D1/D5 dopamine receptors, has demonstrated the potential to provide people living with Parkinson&#8217;s disease the right balance of motor control, safety, and tolerability,&#8221; said Raymond Sanchez, M.D., chief medical officer, Cerevel Therapeutics.
Tavapadon was generally well tolerated. The safety profile observed in the TEMPO-3 trial was consistent with prior clinical trials of tavapadon.&nbsp;
The majority of adverse events reported were mild to moderate in severity.
Full results from the TEMPO-3 study will be submitted for presentation at future medical meetings and used to support regulatory submissions of tavapadon as a treatment for Parkinson&#8217;s disease.&nbsp;
Topline results from the Phase 3 monotherapy trials for tavapadon, TEMPO-1, and TEMPO-2 are expected in the second half of 2024.
In December,&nbsp;AbbVie Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) agreed to acquire&nbsp;Cerevel Therapeutics&nbsp;for a total equity value of approximately $8.7 billion, or $45 per share in cash. The transaction is anticipated to close<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/12/36123803/why-cerevel-therapeutics-holdings-is-moving-after-hours" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;in mid-2024</a>.
Price Action: CERE shares are up 1.08% at $42.05 at the last check Thursday.
Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash

Soon To Be Acquired Cerevel Therapeutics Reveals High Level Data From Late-Stage Parkinson's Disease Study

−&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Results from the Phase 3 SELECT-GCA study showed 46 percent of patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) who were treated with upadacitinib (RINVOQ&#xAE;; 15 mg) with a 26-week steroid taper regimen achieved sustained remission from week 12 through week 52 compared to 29 percent of patients receiving placebo with a 52-week steroid taper regimen1 −&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The safety profile in GCA was generally consistent with that in approved indications, and no new safety signals were identified1&nbsp; −&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The clinical program reflects AbbVie's history of developing new treatment options for patients with immune-mediated diseases, where there remains significant unmet medical need
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --&nbsp;AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) today announced positive top-line results from SELECT-GCA, a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, showing upadacitinib (RINVOQ&#xAE;; 15 mg, once daily) in combination with a 26-week steroid taper regimen achieved its primary endpoint of&nbsp;sustained remissiona from week 12 through week 52 in adults&nbsp;with giant cell arteritis (GCA). In this study, 46 percent of patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg in combination with a 26-week steroid taper regimen achieved sustained remission compared to 29 percent of patients receiving&nbsp;placebo in combination with a 52-week steroid taper regimen (p=0.0019).1
"Many people living with GCA continue to suffer from the potentially debilitating symptoms of this disease, with limited treatment options available to them," said Kori Wallace, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, global head of immunology clinical development, AbbVie. "These results demonstrate our relentless commitment to improving the lives of people living with immune-mediated diseases by developing new treatments where significant medical needs still exist."
GCA&nbsp;is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the temporal and other cranial arteries, the aorta, and other large and medium arteries. GCA generally impacts elderly patients older than 50 years, most commonly between the ages of 70 and 80 years. Women have the highest risk of developing this disease, which can cause headache, jaw pain and changes in or loss of vision, including sudden and permanent loss of vision.2
Key secondary endpoints were also met, including a higher percentage of patients receiving upadacitinib 15 mg in combination with a 26-week steroid taper regimen achieved sustained complete remissionb from week 12 through week 52 compared to patients receiving placebo in combination with a 52-week steroid taper regimen (37 percent versus 16 percent; p&lt;0.0001).1&nbsp;A lower percentage of patients experienced at least one disease flare through week 52 in the upadacitinib 15 mg group versus the placebo group (34 percent versus 56 percent; p=0.0014).1 The study results also showed that upadacitinib 7.5 mg did not meet the primary or any of the secondary endpoints.1
"I am encouraged by these results, which add to the body of evidence supporting the efficacy and safety profile of upadacitinib for the treatment of rheumatic diseases," said Daniel Blockmans, M.D., Ph.D., Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, Belgium, professor of medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium, and lead investigator of the SELECT-GCA trial. "Based on these results, upadacitinib has the potential to be the first oral treatment option for patients with GCA, a disease with inflammation of the large arteries that primarily impacts older people and has only one approved treatment to date3 commonly used with steroids."&nbsp;
During the 52-week, placebo-controlled period, the safety profile of upadacitinib 15 mg was generally consistent with that observed in approved indications.1 Upadacitinib 15 mg was generally well tolerated, with no new safety signals identified in this GCA population.1&nbsp;Discontinuations due to adverse events occurred in 15 percent of patients in the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 21 percent of patients in the placebo group.1&nbsp;In this study, the proportion of patients who experienced a serious adverse event was similar (23 percent in the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 21 percent in the placebo group).1&nbsp;Serious infections occurred in 6 percent of the upadacitinib 15 mg group and 11 percent of the placebo group.1&nbsp;Overall, the proportions of patients with incidence of malignancy excluding non-melanoma skin cancer and adjudicated venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) were balanced across both the upadacitinib 15 mg (2 percent and 3 percent, respectively) and placebo (2 percent and 4 percent, respectively) treatment groups.1 There were no adjudicated major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the upadacitinib 15 mg group compared to two events in the placebo group.1 Four treatment-emergent deaths were reported, two in the placebo group and two in the upadacitinib 15 mg group.1 Of the two treatment-emergent deaths in the upadacitinib 15 mg group, one was attributed to COVID-19, and the other was adjudicated as an unexplained cause.1 &nbsp;&nbsp;
Full results across all treatment groups from the SELECT-GCA study will be presented at a future medical meeting. Use of upadacitinib in GCA is not approved and its safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by regulatory authorities.
a&nbsp;Sustained remission is defined as having an absence of GCA signs and symptoms from week 12 through week 52 and adherence to the protocol-defined steroid taper over the course of the study term.
b&nbsp;Sustained complete remission is defined as having an absence of GCA signs and symptoms from week 12 through week 52, adherence to the protocol-defined steroid taper, and normalization of both erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) from week 12 through week 52.
About SELECT-GCA&nbsp;
SELECT-GCA (M16-852) was a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of upadacitinib in 428 patients with GCA. The study consists of two periods. The first period, which is reported in this release, evaluated the efficacy of upadacitinib in combination with a 26-week corticosteroid taper regimen compared to placebo in combination with a 52-week corticosteroid taper regimen. In addition, the study assessed the safety and tolerability of upadacitinib in these patients. The second period will evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuing versus withdrawing upadacitinib in maintaining remission in participants who achieved sustained remission in the first period.1 For more information regarding this study, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT03725202).

AbbVie Announces Phase 3 SELECT-GCA Study Of Upadacitinib Results In Patients With Giant Cell Arteritis; In Combination With A 26-week Steroid Taper Regimen Achieved Its Primary Endpoint Of Sustained Remission; Key Secondary Endpoints Were Also Met

On Tuesday, the FDA issued a&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/counterfeit-version-botox-found-multiple-states" rel="noreferrer noopener">warning</a>&nbsp;regarding the dangers associated with counterfeit versions of&nbsp;AbbVie Inc&#8217;s&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) Botox used for cosmetic purposes.&nbsp;
The alert follows reports of adverse reactions among individuals who received injections of fake Botox across several states, prompting investigations by the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Related:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/12/36202496/botox-and-similar-injections-have-associated-risks-consumer-group-pushes-for-stronger-warnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">Botox And Similar Injections Have Associated Risks: Consumer Group Pushes for Stronger Warnings</a>.
Nineteen cases involving harmful reactions have been documented in nine states, including Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, and Washington.&nbsp;
These reactions occurred after individuals received injections of counterfeit Botox from unlicensed practitioners or in non-healthcare settings such as spas and homes.
Symptoms&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/outbreaks/harmful-reactions-botox-injections.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>&nbsp;by patients who received the counterfeit injections include blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing &amp; breathing, dry mouth, slurred speech, fatigue, and generalized weakness.
Botulinum toxin, the active ingredient in Botox, is a neurotoxic protein that temporarily relaxes muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. However, when administered improperly or with counterfeit products, it can lead to serious complications and adverse reactions.
Nine (60%) people were hospitalized, and 4 (21%) were treated with botulism antitoxin because of concerns that the botulinum toxin could have spread beyond the injection site. Five people were tested for botulism, and their results were all negative.
The FDA is collaborating with the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0416-Counterfeit-Botox.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">CDC</a>, state health departments, and AbbVie to investigate and address the issue of counterfeit products.&nbsp;
The FDA warns health-care professionals that purchasing and administering counterfeit products puts patients&#8217; health at risk, and all providers should check products for any signs of counterfeiting before using them.
The FDA said the counterfeit Botox products may be identified by the lot number&nbsp;C3709C3&nbsp;on the outer carton and vial.
The outer carton also may display the active ingredient as&nbsp;&#8220;Botulinum Toxin Type A&#8221;&nbsp;instead of&nbsp;&#8220;OnabotulinumtoxinA.&#8221;&nbsp;
The FDA also said the carton and vial may indicate 150-unit doses, which is not a unit made by AbbVie or Allergan, and the outer carton may contain language other than English.
AbbVie manufactures authentic Botox products in 50, 100, and 200-unit dose forms.
Price Action: ABBV shares are up 1.07% at $164.28 on the last check Wednesday.
Photo by anva marketing via Pexels

AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 4.45% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 15.8%. Currently, AbbVie has a market capitalization of $290.03 billion. 
Buying $1000 In ABBV: If an investor had bought $1000 of ABBV stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,095.97 today based on a price of $163.80 for ABBV at the time of writing.
<h3>AbbVie's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713376832_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In This Stock 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth $2,100 Today

Tuesday,&nbsp;Oppenheimer&nbsp;upgraded&nbsp;Avalo Therapeutics Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVTX#NASDAQ">AVTX</a>), noting that its AVTX-009 is a promising drug candidate and looks forward to a Phase 2 topline data in 2026 in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and additional updates.
In March, Avalo Therapeutics announced the acquisition of a Phase 2-ready anti-IL-1β mAb, which it refers to as AVTX-009, originally developed by&nbsp;Eli Lilly And Co&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>).
Avalo announced a private placement of $185 million in gross proceeds, including an initial gross upfront&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/03/37984130/micro-cap-avalo-therapeutics-stock-rallies-as-it-snaps-almatabio-for-ex-eli-lilly-drug-for-s" rel="noreferrer noopener">investment of $115.6 million</a>.
Oppenheimer says that the company is preparing to advance &#8216;009 for Phase 2 development in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), showing confidence in its potential. While topline data won&#8217;t be available until 2026, there&#8217;s consideration to also evaluate &#8216;009 for ulcerative colitis (UC), which could provide interim updates.&nbsp;
The analyst has upgraded to Outperform from Perform,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVTX/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">setting a $35 price target</a>&nbsp;based on the belief that AVTX-009 could stand out in the competitive HS market.
AVTX-009 attaches to IL-1β, a significant target for HS. Despite IL-1α and IL-18 not being recognized as key factors in the disease, lutikizumab from&nbsp;AbbVie Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), which targets both IL-1α and IL-1β, showed substantial benefits in Phase 2 trials for a severe HS group.&nbsp;
Additionally, MAS825 from&nbsp;Novartis AG&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVS#NYSE">NVS</a>), which targets both IL-1β and IL-18, succeeded in a placebo-controlled trial for HS.&nbsp;
These findings, along with physiological research on HS inflammatory lesions, strongly suggest the involvement of IL-1β in HS.
The analyst writes that Phase 2 will likely lead to advancing the development process for registration and integrating a pen autoinjector for commercial use.&nbsp;
Anticipating a peak market penetration of 15% and a launch price of $75,000 in 2029, aligning with other approved biologics. Oppenheimer anticipates an increase in patient identification rates for HS, a condition often overlooked.
Price Action: AVTX shares are up 13.9% at $17.36 on the last check Tuesday.
Illustration of Phrama lab worker created with MidJourney

Upgrades

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Movers

AVTX

Avalo Therapeutics' Newly Acquired Ex-Eli Lilly Drug Could Stand Out In Competitive Hidradenitis Suppurativa Market, Analyst Upgrades

FDA Says Counterfeit Version Of Botox Found In Multiple States; Alerting Health Care Professionals & Consumers That Unsafe Counterfeit Versions Of Botox Found In Multiple States & Administered To Consumers; Currently, There Is No Indication That The Reported Events Were Linked To Abbvie's FDA-Approved Botox; Aware Of Adverse Events, Including Hospitalizations, Linked To Counterfeit Botox

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on AbbVie.
Looking at options history for AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) we detected 13 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 38% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 61% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $352,755 and 6, calls, for a total amount of $290,155.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $85.0 and $177.5 for AbbVie, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for AbbVie's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across AbbVie's significant trades, within a strike price range of $85.0 to $177.5, over the past month.
<h3>AbbVie Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713202277_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$104.3K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">665</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$3.55</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.55</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$88.7K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">253</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$79.2</td>
<td>$77.85</td>
<td>$79.2</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$79.2K</td>
<td>5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$26.3</td>
<td>$26.3</td>
<td>$26.3</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$52.6K</td>
<td>108</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$44.5K</td>
<td>6.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">123</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AbbVie</h3>
AbbVie is a pharmaceutical firm with a strong exposure to immunology (with Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq) and oncology (with Imbruvica and Venclexta). The company was spun off from Abbott in early 2013. The 2020 acquisition of Allergan added several new products and drugs in aesthetics (including Botox).
<h3>Current Position of AbbVie</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,680,147, the price of ABBV is up by 0.22%, reaching $162.63.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 11 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About AbbVie</h3>
2 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $192.5.
<ul>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Guggenheim continues to hold a Buy rating for AbbVie, targeting a price of $190. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Overweight rating for AbbVie, targeting a price of $195. </li>
</ul>
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for AbbVie with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Friday,&nbsp;AbbVie Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) released an interim analysis of an ongoing Phase 3, open-label 156-week extension study evaluating the long-term safety and tolerability of oral atogepant for the prevention of migraine in participants with&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/04/n38218210/abbvie-announces-late-breaking-data-at-aan-supporting-long-term-safety-and-efficacy-of-atogepant-q" rel="noreferrer noopener">chronic or episodic migraine</a>.&nbsp;
The shares are trading lower with a session volume of 3.9 million versus the average volume of 5.6 million, as per the data from&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/feature/newsfeed" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/02/36912453/abbvie-lifts-long-term-outlook-for-new-immunology-drugs-even-as-q4-revenue-and-profit-fall" rel="noreferrer noopener">AbbVie Lifts Long-Term Outlook For New Immunology Drugs, Even As Q4 Revenue and Profit Fall</a>.
The extension study included participants who had enrolled in the Phase 3 PROGRESS and ELEVATE clinical trials with a baseline monthly migraine day burden of 14.5 days and completed these studies.&nbsp;
Key findings from the interim analysis include:
<ul>
<li>Monthly migraine days improved on average by 8.5 days at Weeks 13-16 and this was consistent over 48 weeks.&nbsp;</li>
<li>&nbsp;Similar improvements were observed for monthly headache days and monthly acute medication use days.</li>
<li>&nbsp;70% of subjects achieved ≥50% reduction in monthly migraine days at Weeks 13-16, and this was consistent during the 48 weeks of open-label treatment.</li>
</ul>
Overall safety results were consistent with the known safety profile of atogepant 60 mg, and no new safety signals were identified.
The most common treatment-emergent adverse events (≥5%) were COVID-19 (28.7%), nasopharyngitis (10.9%), and constipation (8.2%).
Atogepant, also known as Qulipta in the U.S. and Aquipta in the European Union (EU), is approved in 45 countries.&nbsp;
In 2023, Qulipta generated sales of $408 million, with fourth-quarter&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/02/n36907533/abbvie-reports-full-year-and-fourth-quarter-2023-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 sales of $114 million</a>.
AbbVie raised its long-term outlook for Ubrelvy and Qulipta revenues and expects peak combined Ubrelvy and Qulipta revenues of more than $3 billion, an increase of approximately $1 billion compared to previous guidance for peak revenues of more than&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/02/36912453/abbvie-lifts-long-term-outlook-for-new-immunology-drugs-even-as-q4-revenue-and-profit-fall" rel="noreferrer noopener">$1 billion for each asset</a>.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/02/36915357/biden-administration-to-send-pharma-companies-opening-offers-for-medicare-programs-first-ever-dru" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biden Administration To Send Pharma Companies Opening Offers For Medicare Program&#8217;s First Ever Drug Price Negotiations</a>.
Price Action: ABBV shares are down 2.75% at $162.92 on the last check Friday.
Photo via Shutterstock

What's Going On AbbVie Stock On Friday?

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in ABBV usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for AbbVie. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 30% leaning bullish and 70% bearish. Among these notable options, 4 are puts, totaling $164,887, and 6 are calls, amounting to $485,213.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $70.0 to $180.0 for AbbVie over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for AbbVie's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of AbbVie's whale trades within a strike price range from $70.0 to $180.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>AbbVie Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1712930639_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$27.9</td>
<td>$24.95</td>
<td>$24.95</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$249.1K</td>
<td>10.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/26/24</td>
<td>$1.51</td>
<td>$1.04</td>
<td>$1.51</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$75.5K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$18.05</td>
<td>$15.7</td>
<td>$17.22</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$68.8K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$13.75</td>
<td>$12.35</td>
<td>$13.75</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$55.0K</td>
<td>4.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$8.95</td>
<td>$8.6</td>
<td>$8.6</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$50.7K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">38</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AbbVie</h3>
AbbVie is a pharmaceutical firm with a strong exposure to immunology (with Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq) and oncology (with Imbruvica and Venclexta). The company was spun off from Abbott in early 2013. The 2020 acquisition of Allergan added several new products and drugs in aesthetics (including Botox).
<h3>Where Is AbbVie Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,030,962, the ABBV's price is down by -1.54%, now at $163.42. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 14 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for AbbVie</h3>
Over the past month, 2 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $192.5.
<ul>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Guggenheim keeps a Buy rating on AbbVie with a target price of $190. </li>
<li>An analyst from Barclays has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on AbbVie, which currently sits at a price target of $195. </li>
</ul>
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for AbbVie with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In ABBV Options

AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) today announced an interim analysis of an ongoing Phase 3, open-label 156-week extension study evaluating the long-term safety and tolerability of oral atogepant for the prevention of migraine in participants with chronic or episodic migraine. The overall long-term safety results were consistent with the known safety profile of atogepant in chronic and episodic migraine, and no new safety signals were identified. These results also support improvements in key efficacy outcomes, including reduction in monthly acute medication use days.

AbbVie Announces Late-Breaking Data at AAN Supporting Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Atogepant (QULIPTA) for Preventive Treatment of Migraine

Last week,&nbsp;LENZ Therapeutics Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LENZ#NASDAQ">LENZ</a>) released topline results from its Phase 3 CLARITY study of two investigational formulations of aceclidine,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/04/38073944/newly-listed-lenz-therapeutics-vision-loss-experimental-drug-meets-primary-goal-in-late-stag" rel="noreferrer noopener">LNZ100 and LNZ101</a>.
Lead product candidate LNZ100 (1.75% aceclidine) achieved the primary endpoints and key secondary endpoints, with statistically significant three-lines or greater improvement in Best Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BCDVA) at near, without losing one line or more in distance visual acuity.&nbsp;
Citi&nbsp;analyst writes that with promising Phase 3 results and the completion of the reverse merger with&nbsp;Graphite Bio, LNZ100 appears ready to revolutionize the landscape of presbyopia (age-related near-vision loss) treatment.
Citigroup has initiated coverage on LENZ Therapeutics with a Buy rating and a price target of $34.
As nearly everyone eventually requires reading glasses or other corrections for near-vision decline by age 45, LNZ100 offers a convenient once-daily eye drop solution that temporarily improves visual acuity by constricting the pupil, potentially replacing the need for reading glasses.&nbsp;
AbbVie Inc&#8217;s&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) Vuity validated this market, but its effectiveness was hindered by its short duration (~6 hours) and serious side effects, like retinal detachment post-approval.&nbsp;
In contrast, LNZ100 has demonstrated clinically significant all-day near-vision improvement (~10 hours) with no notable safety issues.&nbsp;
This positions LENZ favorably to fill the gap left by Vuity and introduce a presbyopia eye drop treatment into mainstream use.
Price Action: LENZ shares are up 3.36% at $21.20 on the last check Wednesday.
Photo by Amanda Dalbjörn on Unsplash

Initiation

LENZ

Blindness-Focused LENZ Therapeutics' Investigational Eye Drop Ready To Revolutionize Presbyopia Landscape, Analyst Says

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on AbbVie.
Looking at options history for AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) we detected 25 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 32% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 68% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 11 are puts, for a total amount of $593,316 and 14, calls, for a total amount of $795,585.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $125.0 to $195.0 for AbbVie over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in AbbVie's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to AbbVie's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $125.0 to $195.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>AbbVie Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1712348156_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$163.2K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>341</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$21.35</td>
<td>$21.0</td>
<td>$21.0</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$128.1K</td>
<td>32</td>
<td>67</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/26/24</td>
<td>$2.28</td>
<td>$2.12</td>
<td>$2.28</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$91.2K</td>
<td>279</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$90.1K</td>
<td>5.6K</td>
<td>292</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$2.5</td>
<td>$2.28</td>
<td>$2.5</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$85.0K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td>340</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AbbVie</h3>
AbbVie is a pharmaceutical firm with a strong exposure to immunology (with Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq) and oncology (with Imbruvica and Venclexta). The company was spun off from Abbott in early 2013. The 2020 acquisition of Allergan added several new products and drugs in aesthetics (including Botox).
In light of the recent options history for AbbVie, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Where Is AbbVie Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 6,634,397, the ABBV's price is up by 1.25%, now at $170.0. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 21 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About AbbVie</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $192.5.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Barclays persists with their Overweight rating on AbbVie, maintaining a target price of $195. </li>
<li>An analyst from Guggenheim has decided to maintain their Buy rating on AbbVie, which currently sits at a price target of $190. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for AbbVie, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

AbbVie Unusual Options Activity For April 05

WIIM

AbbVie shares are trading lower after the company late Wednesday announced guidance.

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on AbbVie.
Looking at options history for AbbVie (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>) we detected 10 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 20% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 80% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $176,561 and 5, calls, for a total amount of $617,570.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $145.0 to $185.0 for AbbVie over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in AbbVie's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to AbbVie's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $145.0 to $185.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>AbbVie 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1712244676_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$34.3</td>
<td>$34.0</td>
<td>$34.0</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$340.0K</td>
<td>10.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$4.5</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$150.5K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">359</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td>956</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$6.9</td>
<td>$6.45</td>
<td>$6.45</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$39.7K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">263</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$8.7</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$8.57</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$38.5K</td>
<td>548</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">72</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AbbVie</h3>
AbbVie is a pharmaceutical firm with a strong exposure to immunology (with Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq) and oncology (with Imbruvica and Venclexta). The company was spun off from Abbott in early 2013. The 2020 acquisition of Allergan added several new products and drugs in aesthetics (including Botox).
Having examined the options trading patterns of AbbVie, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is AbbVie Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,574,807, the price of ABBV is up 0.38% at $178.0. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 22 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for AbbVie</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $192.5.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Guggenheim persists with their Buy rating on AbbVie, maintaining a target price of $190. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Overweight rating for AbbVie, targeting a price of $195. </li>
</ul>
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest AbbVie options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Guidance

AbbVie Says Q1 2024 Adj Diluted Earnings Per Share Guidance Range, Including Impact Of Q1 2024 Acquired IPR&D And Milestones Expense, Is $2.18-$2.22; Reported GAAP Earnings For Q1 Of 2024 Are Expected To Include Acquired IPR&D And Milestones Expense Of $164M On A Pre-tax Basis

AbbVie Inc Says Adjusted Non-GAAP Earnings For Q1 Of 2024 Are Expected To Include Acquired IPR&D And Milestones Expense Of $164M On A Pre-Tax Basis; 2024 Adj Diluted EPS Guidance Range, Including Impact Of First Quarter 2024 Acquired IPR&D And Milestones Expense, Is $10.97-$11.17.

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Health Care sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$460.00</td>
<td>$28.1K</td>
<td>580</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">917</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRNA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$215.7K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">633</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TMDX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$352.0K</td>
<td>40</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">489</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ESTA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$52.50</td>
<td>$56.0K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">401</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVCR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$12.50</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">374</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GILD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$82.50</td>
<td>$32.4K</td>
<td>325</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">351</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABBV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$85.0K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">251</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VKTX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/26/24</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$33.3K</td>
<td>56</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">142</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INSP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$34.8K</td>
<td>282</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">60</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$68.2K</td>
<td>316</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">51</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 16 day(s) on April 19, 2024. Parties traded 25 contract(s) at a $460.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.1K, with a price of $1125.0 per contract. There were 580 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 917 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MRNA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRNA#NASDAQ">MRNA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 79 day(s) on June 21, 2024. Parties traded 500 contract(s) at a $115.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $215.7K, with a price of $431.0 per contract. There were 1484 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 633 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding TMDX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMDX#NASDAQ">TMDX</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 261 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 275 contract(s) at a $90.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $352.0K, with a price of $1280.0 per contract. There were 40 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 489 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding ESTA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESTA#NASDAQ">ESTA</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 16 day(s) on April 19, 2024. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $52.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $56.0K, with a price of $280.0 per contract. There were 1305 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 401 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVCR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVCR#NASDAQ">NVCR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 16 day(s) on April 19, 2024. Parties traded 176 contract(s) at a $12.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.0K, with a price of $196.0 per contract. There were 1307 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 374 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For GILD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GILD#NASDAQ">GILD</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 653 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 59 contract(s) at a $82.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.4K, with a price of $550.0 per contract. There were 325 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 351 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ABBV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 289 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 125 contract(s) at a $195.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $85.0K, with a price of $680.0 per contract. There were 1037 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 251 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding VKTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 23 day(s) on April 26, 2024. Parties traded 142 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.3K, with a price of $235.0 per contract. There were 56 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 142 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For INSP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INSP#NYSE">INSP</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 44 day(s) on May 17, 2024. This event was a transfer of 30 contract(s) at a $190.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.8K, with a price of $1160.0 per contract. There were 282 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 60 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 44 day(s) on May 17, 2024. This event was a transfer of 44 contract(s) at a $360.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $68.2K, with a price of $1550.0 per contract. There were 316 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 51 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ESTA

INSP

MRNA

NVCR

TMDX

VKTX

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Dividend yield and growth stock list by Goldman

Not A Millionaire? No Problem! Here's A 10-Stock Portfolio To Retire Comfortably

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
Because dividend investing has such an impressive track record of beating non-dividend-paying stocks, many investors buy Dividend Aristocrats for their portfolios. It&rsquo;s not a bad strategy to begin with.



Dividend Aristocrats are stocks on the S&amp;P 500 that have <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/7-stocks-to-buy-on-the-brink-of-becoming-dividend-royalty/">consistently raised their payouts</a> for 25 years or more. Studies show stocks that initiate a dividend and then raise them over time have outperformed all other stocks over time. Yet, there are limits to the strategy.



As Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wba-stock-quote/">WBA</a>) showed earlier this year, even dividend royalties can run into problems. The pharmacy chain had increased its payout for almost 50 years but slashed its dividend nearly in half because it ran into money troubles. AT&amp;T (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/t-stock-quote/">T</a>) cut its dividend in half when it spun off its entertainment division into Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wbd-stock-quote/">WBD</a>).



So, just focusing on how long a stock has raised its dividend is not enough. What investors need to do is focus on dividend <a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/growth-stocks/">growth stocks</a> that can afford to keep making their payouts. Growing a dividend at double-digit rates and generating enough free cash flow (FCF) to maintain the payout ensures a business will keep sharing its wealth with investors.



The following seven dividend growth stocks also have the free cash flow (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/fcf-stock-quote/">FCF</a>) to back up the payments.



<h2>LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMUY)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/lvmh_lvmuy_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="The logo for the luxury goods holding company LVMH is seen through a magnifying glass on the company's website."><div>Source: Postmodern Studio / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Luxury goods retailer LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lvmuy-stock-quote/">LVMUY</a>) is one of the first dividend growth stocks to consider for your portfolio. The owner of Fendi, Dior and Dom Perignon has a 10-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for its dividend of 12.59% while growing FCF at a 13.9% CAGR. FCF is important for dividend investors because that&rsquo;s how companies support their payout. There are only five things a business can do with the cash it has left over after paying its bills and paying a dividend is one of them.



LVMH is one of the top stars in luxury retail, offering goods from apparel and watches to alcohol and textiles. While it <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/02/money-trees-3-top-stocks-to-buy-for-5000-in-annual-dividend-income/">tends to be recession-resistant,</a> the company is not bulletproof. The rich can hold out much longer than the rest of us, but even inflation and high interest rates catch up with the uber-well-to-do, too.&nbsp;



That&rsquo;s the situation with LVMH, which reported slowing first-quarter sales. But that&rsquo;s not surprising considering the huge growth it enjoyed last year in its first post-pandemic-free quarter. Because comparisons get easier later on, expect LVMH stock to rebound sharply. In the meantime, collect the quarterly dividend that yields 1.7% annually.



<h2>UnitedHealth Group (UNH)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unh1600-300x169.jpg" alt="The UnitedHealth (UNH) headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota."><div>Source: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Health insurer UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/unh-stock-quote/">UNH</a>) is the next dividend growth stock investors should have on their list. It&rsquo;s another recession-resistant issue because healthcare is something you can&rsquo;t ignore, at least not for very long. Doctor visits, prescriptions and emergency services are all vital for survival, meaning the <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/3-stocks-to-turn-1000-into-10000-in-10-years/">insurer will always be in demand.</a>



That&rsquo;s played out with UnitedHealth stock, which has grown its revenue, profits and dividend in excess of 10% annually over the past decade. The dividend had a 21% CAGR over that period, while its current FCF ratio at the end of 2023 was 10%.



UNH views home healthcare, in particular, as a driver of the company&rsquo;s future growth. Its Optum health services unit will be a key component for its expansion. UnitedHealth, though, has been scooping up several services businesses related to the niche, including&nbsp;LHC Group and Amedisys (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/amed-stock-quote/">AMED</a>). However, the latter deal is getting scrutinized more closely by regulators. It is not essential to UnitedHealth Group&rsquo;s outlook, even if the deal is quashed.



<h2>Dick&rsquo;s Sporting Goods (DKS)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dks-stock-1600-300x169.png" alt="Exterior of Dick's Sporting Goods retail store including sign and logo."><div>Source: George Sheldon via Shutterstock</div></div>Outdoor action retailer Dick&rsquo;s Sporting Goods (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/dks-stock-quote/">DKS</a>) continues building on its impressive record of dividend growth. Its average payout was 27% for the last 10 years, while it generated FCF at the white-hot rate of 33% annually.



Even when sales faltered, such as when it chose to get caught up in the gun control debate and eliminate firearms from its stores, Dick&rsquo;s kept growing the dividend. A boycott by hunters and other shooting sports enthusiasts sent sales reeling for a year. However, Dick&rsquo;s chose to focus on higher margin sales, such as baseball apparel and equipment, which eventually padded its bottom line. Firearms were a popular item but were a low-margin business.



Today, Dick&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1089063/000108906324000011/dks-20240313.htm">business is robust.</a> Net sales jumped 5% last year, generating gross profit growth of 14.4%. The retailer also raised its dividend by 10% to $1.10 per share each quarter.



<h2>Domino&rsquo;s (DPZ)&nbsp;</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/dominos-pizza-stock-large-300x169.jpg" alt="Domino's (DPZ) sign on a building at night"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>Pizza delivery specialist Domino&rsquo;s (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/dpz-stock-quote/">DPZ</a>) has a history of raising its payout at high double-digit rates for the past decade, but recently announced it was increasing the payout by nearly 25% this year. Business has been strong for the pizza shop as it floods the market with stores in a strategy it calls &ldquo;fortressing.&rdquo;



By creating a <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/dividend-delights-3-stocks-offering-investors-a-double-digit-raise-in-2024/">ubiquitous feeling about its presence,</a> Domino&rsquo;s keeps its stores uppermost in consumers&rsquo; minds when they want to order food away from home. It also saves on marketing costs, as one ad covers many stores. That&rsquo;s how sales rose 4% in 2023, but profits increased 15%.



Domino&rsquo;s has a near-20% CAGR for its dividend but also a better-than 12% increase in FCF. Like its big dividend hike last year, FCF surged over 25%, easily supporting the payout. With an FCF payout ratio under 35%, the pizzeria has plenty of room for future double-digit dividend increases. Look for Domino&rsquo;s to grow its dividend for many years to come.



<h2>AbbVie (ABBV)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/abbv1600-300x169.png" alt="Closeup of AbbVie (ABBV) building corporate office, an American biopharmaceutical company with its headquarters in Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA"><div>Source: Valeriya Zankovych / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Pharmaceutical stock AbbVie (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/abbv-stock-quote/">ABBV</a>) was granted Dividend Aristocrat status because it was spun off from Abbott Labs (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/abt-stock-quote/">ABT</a>) a decade ago. However, the offspring has gone on to outshine the former parent since then. Where Abbott Labs has a solid 9.6% dividend CAGR for the last decade, AbbVie has a 13.9% CAGR over the same period. Moreover, AbbVie is generating significantly more free cash flow as well. It produced $22 billion in FCF last year versus just $5 billion from Abbott Labs.



While Abbott&rsquo;s record is still a testament to its own business and is a worthwhile stock to own, AbbVie is <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/3-dividend-aristocrats-with-the-largest-10-year-dividend-growth-rates/">growing at a blistering pace</a> and is even more attractive. It still produces mountains of cash, growing FCF at a 14% CAGR, it remains a stock to own now and for the long run. Even as sales of its blockbuster arthritis therapy Humira slowly ease up after losing patent protection, the pharma stock still has a portfolio of billion-dollar drugs that are taking its place.



<h2>Automatic Data Processing (ADP)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/adp-1600-300x169.png" alt="In this photo illustration the stock market information of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. displays on a smartphone with the logo of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. ADP stock."><div>Source: IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock</div></div>Payroll leader Automatic Data Processing (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/adp-stock-quote/">ADP</a>) may be a surprise stock for some. It seems such a sleepy business to have a decade-long run growing its dividend and FCF at double-digit rates. Some stocks become so well-known and are so commonplace that they simply blend into the background. Yet, ADP stock continues churning out profits and cash that pay for its dividend year in and year out.



While revenue has grown at just a 5% CAGR for the past decade, profit growth has doubled that and free cash flow grew nearly 10% annually. That&rsquo;s allowed the payroll company to raise its dividend by over 11% a year almost in the shadows. In that vein, ADP raised the payout another 12% for this year.



Many investors will look at ADP&rsquo;s 2.3% yield and scoff at buying it. What they need to realize is that 10 years ago, its payout was $1.79 per share. Over the years, the dividend has grown 287%, meaning an investor&rsquo;s yield on cost would have nearly quadrupled as well.&nbsp;



<h2>Home Depot (HD)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/hd-stock-300x169.jpg" alt="Home Depot (HD) storefront on a sunny day"><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Last, but investors shouldn&rsquo;t think of as least, is home improvement center Home Depot (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/hd-stock-quote/">HD</a>). Although the retailer gets overshadowed by rival Lowe&rsquo;s (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/low-stock-quote/">LOW</a>) 50-plus year history of increasing its own payout, Home Depot&rsquo;s recent record of raising its dividend is worth noting.



Home Depot has a 17% 10-year dividend growth CAGR compared to 20% at Lowe&rsquo;s. But Big Orange generated nearly twice as much FCF growth at 11.1% over that period as Big Blue did at 6.9%. Home Depot also generated $18 billion in FCF last year compared to $6.2 billion at Lowe&rsquo;s. So, it is growing bigger cash flows faster, which is an impressive feat.



That&rsquo;s likely because it has been the go-to location for professional contractors. Even in the face of rampant inflation that we&rsquo;ve seen over the past few years, which dampened the enthusiasm for home improvement projects, the retailer was able to continuously raise its payout. There aren&rsquo;t many businesses that could withstand the toll of high prices and high-interest rates, but Home Depot has stood tall through it all.



On the date of publication, Rich Duprey held a LONG position in WBA, T, WBD, LVMUY, ABBV and LOW stock. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines.</a>
<div>Rich Duprey has written about stocks and investing for the past 20 years. His articles have appeared on Nasdaq.com, The Motley Fool, and Yahoo! Finance, and he has been referenced by U.S. and international publications, including MarketWatch, Financial Times, Forbes, Fast Company, USA Today, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Cheddar News, The Boston Globe, L&rsquo;Express, and numerous other news outlets.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/dividend-growth-stars-7-stocks-with-10-year-double-digit-rate-hikes/">Dividend Growth Stars: 7 Stocks With 10-Year Double-Digit Rate Hikes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

Dividend Growth Stars: 7 Stocks With 10-Year Double-Digit Rate Hikes

Analysts fell to the sidelines weighing in on AbbVie (ABBV – Research Report) and Roche Holding AG (RHHVF – Research Report) with neutral ratings, ...

Wall Street Analysts Are Neutral on Top Healthcare Picks

The pharmaceutical industry is expected to expand significantly due to the ever-rising global medical needs and technological advances. In this scenario, let's analyze the better investment option between popular pharma stocks, Merck &Co (MRK) and AbbVie (ABBV)... The pharmaceutical industry thrives due to increased demand for medications and treatments, technological advancements, and R&amp;D investments that lead to developing new drugs and therapies. The sector looks well-positioned to grow due to a rapidly aging population and the rise in chronic diseases.
The American pharmaceutical industry, which accounts for <a href="https://gitnux.org/pharma-industry/">40 – 45%</a> of global pharmaceutical revenues, has significant market domination and economic impact, demonstrating the industry's strength and competitiveness. By 2025, North America's pharmaceutical industry is expected to hit over $594 billion in revenue.
Additionally, technological advancements like robotics and AI boost efficiency in pharma manufacturing processes, leading to faster production and improved quality control. These advancements are also enabling pharmaceutical companies to develop innovative treatments and medications at a quicker pace, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.
The global pharma manufacturing market is expected to grow at a <a href="https://www.astuteanalytica.com/industry-report/pharmaceutical-manufacturing-market">CAGR of 11.6%</a> to reach $2.30 trillion by 2032. According to Statista, worldwide pharmaceutical revenues are expected to grow at a <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/pharmaceuticals/worldwide">CAGR of 6.2%</a> to reach $1.47 trillion by 2028. Investors' interest in pharmaceutical stocks can be gauged from iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF's (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IHE/">IHE</a>) 11.3% returns over the past six months.
Given this backdrop, let's compare two <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/pharmaceuticals/">Medical – Pharmaceuticals</a> stocks, Merck &amp; Co. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MRK/">MRK</a>) and AbbVie Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ABBV/">ABBV</a>), to understand why MRK will drive earnings growth.
The Case for Merck &amp; Co. Stock
Merck &amp; Co. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MRK/">MRK</a>) operates as a healthcare company. It operates through the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health segments. The Pharmaceutical segment provides human health pharmaceuticals. The Animal Health segment specializes in discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and health management solutions.
MRK's stock has gained 22.8% over the past six months and 16.4% year-to-date to close the last trading session at $126.88.
MRK's revenue grew at a CAGR of 13.1% over the past three years. Similarly, its Total Assets grew at a CAGR of 5.2% over the past three years.
In terms of forward non-GAAP P/E, MRK is trading at 14.82x, 23.8% lower than the industry average of 19.46x. Likewise, its EV/EBIT is trading at 13.58x, 16.1% lower than the 16.17x industry average.
On the other hand, its forward EV/Sales is trading at 5.50x, 67.2% higher than the industry average of 3.29x. Similarly, its forward Price/Sales is trading at 5.04x, 45.1% higher than the industry average of 3.47x.
In terms of the trailing-12-month EBITDA margin, MRK's 13.80% is 164.5% higher than the 5.22% industry average. Likewise, its 7.59% trailing-12-month EBIT margin is significantly higher than the 0.34% industry average. Also, its 3.54% trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/levered-free-cash-flow.asp">levered FCF</a> margin is 314.1% higher than the 0.86% industry average.
MRK's sales during the fiscal year that ended December 31, 2023, came in at $60.12 billion, rising 1.4% year-over-year. Its income before taxes stood at $1.89 billion. Furthermore, net income attributable to MRK and earnings per common share amounted to $365 million and $0.14, respectively.
Analysts expect MRK's EPS and revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, to increase 37.2% and 5% year-over-year to $1.92 and $15.20 billion, respectively. It surpassed the consensus EPS and revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
MRK <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect this promising outlook. It has an overall rating of A, translating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.
It has a B grade for Growth, Stability, Sentiment, and Quality. Within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/pharmaceuticals/">Medical – Pharmaceuticals</a> industry, MRK is ranked #3 out of 160 stocks. To see the additional grades of MRK for Value and Momentum, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MRK/">click here</a>.
The Case for AbbVie Inc. Stock
AbbVie Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ABBV/">ABBV</a>) is a global pharmaceutical company known for its diverse portfolio, including medications like Humira, Skyrizi, and Imbruvica, addressing conditions ranging from autoimmune diseases to cancer and neurological disorders.
ABBV's stock has gained 18% over the past nine months and 4.4% over the past year to close the last trading session at $169.54.
ABBV's revenue grew at a CAGR of 5.9% over the past three years. Furthermore, its levered FCF grew at a CAGR of 11.7% over the past three years. Similarly, its EBITDA grew at a CAGR of 7.6% during the same time frame.
In terms of forward EV/Sales, ABBV is trading at 6.32x, 92.4% higher than the industry average of 3.29x. Additionally, the stock's forward Price/Sales of 5.50x is 58.6% higher than the industry average of 3.47x.
In terms of the trailing-12-month EBIT margin, ABBV's 32.51% is considerably higher than the 0.34% industry average. Likewise, its 41.66% trailing-12-month levered FCF margin is significantly higher than the industry average of 0.86%. Additionally, its 0.40x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 1.2% higher than the industry average of 0.39x.
For the fiscal fourth quarter, which ended on December 31, 2023, ABBV's net revenues amounted to $14.30 billion, while its attributable net earnings and adjusted EPS came in at $822 million and $2.79, respectively. Moreover, the company's operating earnings stood at $3.20 billion.
Street expects ABBV's revenue and EPS for the quarter ending March 31, 2024, to decrease 2.4% and 8.1% year-over-year to $11.93 billion and $2.26, respectively. Its EPS and revenue for fiscal 2024 are expected to increase 0.4% and 0.5% year-over-year to $11.16 and $54.57 billion, respectively.
ABBV's POWR Ratings reflect its bright prospects. It has an overall rating of A, which translates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has a B grade for Growth, Value, Stability, and Quality. Within the same industry, it is ranked #5. Beyond what we stated above, we also have given ABBV grades for Momentum and Sentiment. Get all the ABBV ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ABBV/">here</a>.
Merck (MRK) vs. AbbVie (ABBV): Which Pharma Stock Will Drive Earnings Growth?
Research and development in the pharmaceutical industry have led to the discovery of new drugs and treatments for various diseases. This has significantly improved healthcare quality and extended individuals' life expectancy worldwide.
Companies like MRK and ABBV, which are at the forefront of developing innovative treatments, will likely benefit from the continual advancements in pharmaceutical research.
Both MRK and ABBV look well-positioned to capitalize on the industry's promising prospects. Although both have solid fundamentals, solid historical growth metrics, and high profitability, MRK appears to be a better choice than ABBV due to its favorable analyst estimates.
Our research shows that the odds of success increase when one invests in stocks with an Overall Rating of Strong Buy or Buy. View all the top-rated stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/pharmaceuticals/">Medical – Pharmaceuticals</a> industry here.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
MRK shares were trading at $125.79 per share on Wednesday morning, down $1.09 (-0.86%). Year-to-date, MRK has gained 16.11%, versus a 7.00% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Rashmi Kumari</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rashmi-Kumari_headshot_2-1.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Rashmi is passionate about capital markets, wealth management, and financial regulatory issues, which led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. With a master's degree in commerce, she aspires to make complex financial matters understandable for individual investors and help them make appropriate investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=rashmi-kumari">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/mrk-abbv-merck-mrk-vs-abbvie-abbv-which-pharma-stock-will-drive/>Merck (MRK) vs. AbbVie (ABBV): Which Pharma Stock Will Drive Earnings Growth?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Merck (MRK) vs. AbbVie (ABBV): Which Pharma Stock Will Drive Earnings Growth?

Abbvie breaks six day winning cycle, trades in the red

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
If you have a high tolerance for volatility then the biotech sector might be for you. <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/healthcare/biotech/">Biotech stocks</a> can range from pre-revenue startups to global pharmaceutical giants. All it takes is one treatment to put the company on the map and provide outsized returns for its shareholders.



Biotech is one of those growth sectors that have the potential to provide multibagger returns to your portfolio. Many fortunes have been made with a fortuitous investment in a Biotech stock at the right time. That time might be now, with the Biotech sector heating back up. Over the past six months, the SPDR S&amp;P Biotech ETF (NYSEARCA:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/xbi-stock-quote/">XBI</a>) is up more than 26%. Here are three biotech stocks that have the potential to be long-term multibaggers.&nbsp;



<h2>Novavax (NVAX)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/nvax_novavax1600-300x169.png" alt="Novavax (NVAX) research laboratory logotype enlarged with a magnifying glass.This laboratory has developed a vaccine against the covid-19 virus. NVAX price predictions."><div>Source: pixinoo / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Novavax (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nvax-stock-quote/">NVAX)</a> is an American vaccine manufacturer that was founded in 1987. This stock has had seven analyst recommendations in April with two Strong Buys and five Holds. The average price <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/NVAX/analysis">target</a> from analysts is $15.40 with a street-high price target of $38.00. That would represent more than a 1,000% upside from its current price of $3.97.&nbsp;



Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Investors likely remember Novavax as being one of the main companies involved in Operation Warp Speed to find the COVID-19 vaccine in 2020. Since then, the stock has fallen about 98% after Novavax lost the race. Now, Novavax is rebuilding its business and has a September target date for its new coronavirus-influenza seasonal vaccine.&nbsp;



There isn&rsquo;t much to say about NVAX&rsquo;s current valuation. Shares trade at just <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/NVAX/key-statistics">0.7x sales</a> and with a 5-year <a href="https://www.alphaspread.com/security/nasdaq/nvax/financials/income-statement/revenue">revenue</a> CAGR of 96%, Novavax is showing signs of building a strong bottom. From its current price, it isn&rsquo;t too difficult to see NVAX as a multibagger five or ten years from now.&nbsp;



<h2>Halozyme Therapeutics (HALO)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/srne_doctor_oncology_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="A doctor points at an abstract representation of various aspects of oncology. SHPH stock"><div>Source: Oleg Ivanov IL / Shutterstock.com</div></div>Halozyme Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/halo-stock-quote/">HALO)</a> is an American biotechnology company that focuses on oncology treatments. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in San Diego, California. The current price of HALO stock is below the lowest analyst <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/HALO/analysis">price target</a> and well off the average analyst price target of $51.11. At its current price, analysts see an average of 25% upside for 2024.&nbsp;



Not only does Halo deliver oncology treatments for various types of cancer, but it also partners with major pharma companies with its drug-delivery technology. Halozyme is partnered with AbbVie (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/abbv-stock-quote/">ABBV</a>) for its Enhanze subcutaneous drug delivery method.&nbsp;



The valuation isn&rsquo;t outrageous for Halozyme and growth is certainly on the uptrend. The stock trades for 12.6x forward earnings and <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/HALO/key-statistics">6.2x sales</a>. Over the past ten years, Halozyme has grown its <a href="https://www.alphaspread.com/security/nasdaq/halo/financials/income-statement/revenue">revenue</a> at a CAGR of 31%. By next year, if this trend continues, Halozyme should hit $1 billion in revenue.&nbsp;



<h2>BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bmrn1600-300x169.png" alt="Person holding smartphone with logo of U.S. company BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN) on screen in front of website. Focus on phone display. Unmodified photo."><div>Source: T. Schneider / Shutterstock.com</div></div>BioMarin Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/bmrn-stock-quote/">BMRN</a>) is an American biotech company that specializes in enzyme replacement therapies. This stock is one of the more widely covered biotech stocks 19 of 24 analysts having a Buy or Strong Buy rating. The average analyst <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/BMRN/analysis">price target</a> is $109.70 with a street-high price target of $140.00 per share.



This biotech company already has eight different treatments on the market and has nearly 20 new treatments developing in its pipeline. BioMarin not only grows its profits but also expands via an aggressive merger strategy. The company has acquired six other biotech firms since 2002.&nbsp;



BioMarin has a market cap of $16 billion and a 10x from there isn&rsquo;t too farfetched. With a 10-year <a href="https://www.alphaspread.com/security/nasdaq/bmrn/financials/income-statement/revenue">revenue</a> CAGR of 16%, BMRN&rsquo;s price should surge. Trading at <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/BMRN/key-statistics">7x sales</a> and 33x forward earnings, BioMarin is trading at its lowest multiple in more than a year.&nbsp;



On the date of publication, Ian Hartana and Vayun Chugh did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines.</a>
<div>Chandler Capital is the work of Ian Hartana and Vayun Chugh. 

Ian Hartana and Vayun Chugh are both self-taught investors whose work has been featured in Seeking Alpha. Their research primarily revolves around GARP stocks with a long-term investment perspective encompassing diverse sectors such as technology, energy, and healthcare.</div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/3-biotech-stocks-that-could-be-multibaggers-in-the-making-april-edition/">3 Biotech Stocks That Could Be Multibaggers in the Making: April Edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.

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AAPL

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