Stock Analysis on Net

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)

$24.99

Return on Equity (ROE)
since 2012

Microsoft Excel

Calculation

AbbVie Inc., ROE, long-term trends, calculation

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).

1 US$ in millions


The return on equity (ROE) exhibited significant fluctuations over the observed period. Initial values were exceptionally high, followed by a period of volatility and then a more recent decline, culminating in a negative equity position in the latest year presented.

Initial High ROE (2012-2015)
From 2012 through 2015, ROE demonstrated remarkably elevated levels, beginning at 156.85% in 2012 and remaining above 90% throughout the period. This suggests a highly efficient utilization of shareholder equity in generating profits during these years. The peak value of 130.39% was recorded in 2015.
Volatility and Decline (2016-2019)
Following 2015, ROE experienced a period of volatility. While remaining above 100% in 2016 and 2017 (128.41% and 104.16% respectively), values for 2018 and 2019 are missing. This lack of information obscures the trend during these years.
Recent Fluctuations and Negative Equity (2020-2025)
In 2020, ROE decreased substantially to 35.30%, indicating a reduced profitability relative to equity. A recovery was observed in 2021 (74.91%) and 2022 (68.60%), but a further decline occurred in 2023, with ROE falling to 46.94%. Notably, 2024 saw a significant increase to 128.66%. However, the final year presented, 2025, shows a negative stockholders’ equity position, and consequently, ROE is not calculated. The negative equity suggests a substantial erosion of shareholder investment, potentially due to accumulated losses or significant share repurchases/dividends exceeding retained earnings.
Net Earnings and Equity Relationship
The substantial fluctuations in ROE appear closely linked to changes in stockholders’ equity. While net earnings attributable to the company varied, the most dramatic shifts in ROE coincided with significant changes in equity. The move to negative equity in 2025 is a critical development, and the absence of a corresponding ROE value highlights the limitations of the metric when equity is negative.

The observed trends suggest a complex financial performance. While the company demonstrated strong profitability relative to equity in the early part of the period, more recent years have been characterized by increased volatility and a concerning trend towards negative equity.


Comparison to Competitors

AbbVie Inc., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to competitors

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).


Comparison to Sector (Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences)

AbbVie Inc., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to sector (pharmaceuticals, biotechnology & life sciences)

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).


Comparison to Industry (Health Care)

AbbVie Inc., ROE, long-term trends, comparison to industry (health care)

Microsoft Excel

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2025-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2019-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2018-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2017-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2016-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2015-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2014-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2013-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2012-12-31).