How did ABBV's Q4 earnings surprise investors?

AbbVie's Q4 earnings exceeded investor expectations in several key areas, leading to a positive market reaction:

1. **Earnings Per Share (EPS)**: AbbVie reported an EPS of $2.16 for Q4 2024, which beat the forecast of $2.06. This surprise can be attributed to strong performance across its key therapeutic areas, particularly in immunology and oncology.

2. **Revenue**: The company's revenue for the quarter was $15.1 billion, surpassing the expected $14.82 billion. This growth was driven by robust sales of key drugs such as Rinvoq and Skyrizi, which saw significant year-over-year increases.
3. **Stock Reaction**: Following the earnings release, AbbVie's stock surged by 6.82%, reflecting investor confidence in the company's performance and future growth prospects. This positive momentum was further bolstered by AbbVie's strategic focus on innovation and expansion in key therapeutic areas.
4. **Analyst Ratings**: Analysts are considering updates to ratings and price targets following AbbVie's impressive performance. The company's strong financial results and growth potential have likely contributed to this positive sentiment.

In conclusion, AbbVie's Q4 earnings exceeded investor expectations, leading to a surge in stock price and positive analyst ratings. The company's strong performance in key therapeutic areas and strategic focus on innovation have likely contributed to this positive market reaction.