Defensive Dividend Stock Investment Opportunities Amid Market Concerns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 29 2026
0mins
Source: Fool
- AbbVie's Growth Potential: After losing the patent for Humira in 2023, AbbVie expects to generate over $31 billion in sales by 2027 from newer drugs like Skyrizi and Rinvoq, demonstrating strong growth potential in the biopharmaceutical sector, while its dividend payout ratio remains at a low 59%, providing stable returns for investors.
- Johnson & Johnson's Strength: Johnson & Johnson has raised its dividend for 64 consecutive years, currently offering a 2.1% yield, with its Innovative Medicine segment driving future growth; analysts project adjusted EPS to rise by 7% and 10% in 2026 and 2027, respectively, showcasing resilience amid market fluctuations.
- Pfizer's Risks and Opportunities: Pfizer's stock soared during the pandemic due to COVID-19 vaccine sales but has since declined; despite facing patent cliffs and competitive pressures, it has secured patent extensions for Vyndamax, which may support future growth and recovery.
- Market Environment and Investment Strategy: With the S&P 500 trading at historically high P/E ratios, investors are advised to consider defensive dividend stocks, which may decline during market downturns but offer steady income and potential capital appreciation for patient investors.
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Analyst Views on ABBV
Wall Street analysts forecast ABBV stock price to fall
18 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 254.760
Low
223.00
Averages
252.00
High
289.00
Current: 254.760
Low
223.00
Averages
252.00
High
289.00
About ABBV
AbbVie Inc. is a global, diversified, research-based biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in research and development, manufacturing, commercialization and sale of medicines and therapies. Its product portfolio includes Immunology, Oncology, Aesthetics, Neuroscience, Eye Care and Other Key Products. Immunology products include rheumatology, dermatology and gastroenterology. Oncology products include Imbruvica, Venclexta/Venclyxto, Elahere and Epkinly. The aesthetics portfolio consists of facial injectables, plastics and regenerative medicine, body contouring, and skincare products. Its Neuroscience products include Botox Therapeutic, Vraylar, Duopa and Duodopa, Ubrelvy, and Qulipta. Duodopa is a levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Eye care products include Ozurdex, Lumigan/Ganfort, Alphagan/Combigan, Restasis, and other eye care. Other key products include Mavyret/Maviret, Creon, and Linzess/Constella.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
TEPKINLY Receives EU Approval for Relapsed Lymphoma Treatment
- Clinical Trial Results: The EPCORE FL-1 trial demonstrated that TEPKINLY in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 79% (HR 0.21), indicating a significant improvement in treatment outcomes for patients with relapsed lymphoma and suggesting a paradigm shift in therapy.
- Impressive Efficacy Data: The overall response rate (ORR) for patients treated with TEPKINLY + R2 was 96%, significantly higher than the 81% observed with R2 alone, indicating that TEPKINLY offers a more effective treatment option that could enhance patient survival.
- Safety Profile Analysis: While 44% of patients experienced serious adverse reactions, the safety profile of TEPKINLY was consistent with known profiles of the individual agents, establishing its acceptability for clinical use and paving the way for broader application.
- Broad Market Potential: The approval of TEPKINLY not only provides a new treatment option for patients across Europe but also reflects AbbVie's ongoing innovation in oncology, which is expected to drive further expansion in the global market.
See More
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- New Drug Approval: AbbVie announced that TEPKINLY (epcoritamab) in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab has received marketing authorization in the EU for treating relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, marking a significant advancement in treatment options.
- Clinical Trial Results: The EPCORE FL-1 trial demonstrated that TEPKINLY + R2 reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 79% (HR 0.21, p<0.0001), highlighting its substantial potential in improving patient outcomes.
- Efficacy Highlights: The overall response rate for TEPKINLY + R2 was 96%, compared to 81% for R2 alone, indicating that the combination therapy may offer patients a higher chance of achieving remission.
- Safety Profile: While the safety of TEPKINLY + R2 aligns with known profiles of the individual agents, 44% of patients experienced serious adverse reactions, underscoring the need for careful monitoring of patient health during clinical use.
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U.S. Healthcare Spending Reaches $5.7 Trillion Amid Growth Trends
- Healthcare Spending Surge: The U.S. healthcare sector reached $5.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 7.3% increase from the previous year, driven by higher consumption of medical products and services, indicating robust demand and long-term growth potential in the industry.
- Eli Lilly's Market Leadership: Eli Lilly leads the GLP-1 drug market, with strong sales from diabetes and weight-loss medications like Mounjaro, resulting in revenue and earnings growth that outpaces peers, and it is expected to solidify its market position further.
- Intuitive Surgical's Growth Prospects: Intuitive Surgical excels in robotic-assisted surgery with its da Vinci system, which enhances minimally invasive procedures; despite facing competition and tariff pressures, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth due to high switching costs and pricing power.
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See More
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- Healthcare Spending Surge: The U.S. healthcare sector reached $5.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 7.3% year-over-year increase, indicating a sustained rise in consumer demand for medical products and services, which provides long-term growth opportunities for related companies.
- Eli Lilly's Market Leadership: Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs, including Mounjaro and Foundayo, are achieving strong sales, driving the company's revenue and earnings growth rates above those of peers, showcasing its formidable competitive position in the diabetes and weight-loss drug markets.
- Intuitive Surgical's Technological Edge: Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system leads the robotic-assisted surgery market, improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive procedures; despite facing competition and tariff pressures, the company possesses significant market expansion potential.
- AI Integration: Eli Lilly is leveraging artificial intelligence in drug development, a strategy that may lower R&D costs and enhance long-term profitability, further solidifying its leadership in the healthcare sector.
See More
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- Clinical Trial Support: This approval is backed by data from AbbVie and Genmab's Phase 3 EPCORE FL-1 trial, demonstrating significant advantages in treatment efficacy for the bispecific antibody therapy, further solidifying its market position.
- Growing Market Demand: Follicular lymphoma has a higher prevalence in Europe, with rates ranging from 11%-29%, compared to 2%-18% in other regions, indicating substantial market potential for Tepkinly to meet the increasing patient demand.
- Previous Approval Context: Tepkinly was previously approved in the U.S. under the brand name Epkinly as a monotherapy for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and relapsed follicular lymphoma who had undergone at least two prior lines of systemic therapy, showcasing its broad applicability across different indications.
See More
TEPKINLY Receives EU Approval for Relapsed Lymphoma Treatment
- Clinical Trial Results: The EPCORE FL-1 trial demonstrated that TEPKINLY in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 79% (HR 0.21), indicating a significant improvement in treatment outcomes for patients with relapsed lymphoma and suggesting a paradigm shift in therapy.
- Impressive Efficacy Data: The overall response rate (ORR) for patients treated with TEPKINLY + R2 was 96%, significantly higher than the 81% observed with R2 alone, indicating that TEPKINLY offers a more effective treatment option that could enhance patient survival.
- Safety Profile Analysis: While 44% of patients experienced serious adverse reactions, the safety profile of TEPKINLY was consistent with known profiles of the individual agents, establishing its acceptability for clinical use and paving the way for broader application.
- Broad Market Potential: The approval of TEPKINLY not only provides a new treatment option for patients across Europe but also reflects AbbVie's ongoing innovation in oncology, which is expected to drive further expansion in the global market.
See More
AbbVie Receives EU Approval for TEPKINLY in Follicular Lymphoma Treatment
- New Drug Approval: AbbVie announced that TEPKINLY (epcoritamab) in combination with lenalidomide and rituximab has received marketing authorization in the EU for treating relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, marking a significant advancement in treatment options.
- Clinical Trial Results: The EPCORE FL-1 trial demonstrated that TEPKINLY + R2 reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 79% (HR 0.21, p<0.0001), highlighting its substantial potential in improving patient outcomes.
- Efficacy Highlights: The overall response rate for TEPKINLY + R2 was 96%, compared to 81% for R2 alone, indicating that the combination therapy may offer patients a higher chance of achieving remission.
- Safety Profile: While the safety of TEPKINLY + R2 aligns with known profiles of the individual agents, 44% of patients experienced serious adverse reactions, underscoring the need for careful monitoring of patient health during clinical use.
See More
Novo Nordisk Faces Challenges but Optimistic Outlook Ahead
- Pipeline Attractiveness: Novo Nordisk's anti-obesity drug CagriSema showed promising results in phase 3 trials but fell short of the 25% average weight loss target; however, other candidates like Amycretin may help regain market share and boost stock prices.
- Strong Margins: The company's strong position in the diabetes and weight-loss markets grants it pricing power, and its medications are typically used long-term by patients, creating a stable revenue stream, allowing it to maintain industry-leading margins despite competition.
- Shareholder Returns: With a forward dividend yield of 3.6%, significantly above the S&P 500's 1.1%, and a nearly 145% increase in annual dividends over the past decade, Novo Nordisk demonstrates a strong commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
- Market Outlook: Despite facing pressure from new competitors, Novo Nordisk's deep roots in the GLP-1 market and its extensive pipeline suggest strong future growth potential, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
See More
U.S. Healthcare Spending Reaches $5.7 Trillion Amid Growth Trends
- Healthcare Spending Surge: The U.S. healthcare sector reached $5.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 7.3% increase from the previous year, driven by higher consumption of medical products and services, indicating robust demand and long-term growth potential in the industry.
- Eli Lilly's Market Leadership: Eli Lilly leads the GLP-1 drug market, with strong sales from diabetes and weight-loss medications like Mounjaro, resulting in revenue and earnings growth that outpaces peers, and it is expected to solidify its market position further.
- Intuitive Surgical's Growth Prospects: Intuitive Surgical excels in robotic-assisted surgery with its da Vinci system, which enhances minimally invasive procedures; despite facing competition and tariff pressures, the company is well-positioned for sustained growth due to high switching costs and pricing power.
- AI Integration in Drug Development: Eli Lilly is increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence in drug development, which may lower R&D costs and boost profits, thereby enhancing its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving healthcare market.
See More
Eli Lilly and Intuitive Surgical's Growth Potential
- Healthcare Spending Surge: The U.S. healthcare sector reached $5.7 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 7.3% year-over-year increase, indicating a sustained rise in consumer demand for medical products and services, which provides long-term growth opportunities for related companies.
- Eli Lilly's Market Leadership: Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs, including Mounjaro and Foundayo, are achieving strong sales, driving the company's revenue and earnings growth rates above those of peers, showcasing its formidable competitive position in the diabetes and weight-loss drug markets.
- Intuitive Surgical's Technological Edge: Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system leads the robotic-assisted surgery market, improving patient outcomes through minimally invasive procedures; despite facing competition and tariff pressures, the company possesses significant market expansion potential.
- AI Integration: Eli Lilly is leveraging artificial intelligence in drug development, a strategy that may lower R&D costs and enhance long-term profitability, further solidifying its leadership in the healthcare sector.
See More
European Commission Approves Tepkinly Label Expansion for Blood Cancer Therapy
- Label Expansion Approved: The European Commission has authorized Tepkinly as a first-line treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, marking its legalization across 27 EU member states, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
- Clinical Trial Support: This approval is backed by data from AbbVie and Genmab's Phase 3 EPCORE FL-1 trial, demonstrating significant advantages in treatment efficacy for the bispecific antibody therapy, further solidifying its market position.
- Growing Market Demand: Follicular lymphoma has a higher prevalence in Europe, with rates ranging from 11%-29%, compared to 2%-18% in other regions, indicating substantial market potential for Tepkinly to meet the increasing patient demand.
- Previous Approval Context: Tepkinly was previously approved in the U.S. under the brand name Epkinly as a monotherapy for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and relapsed follicular lymphoma who had undergone at least two prior lines of systemic therapy, showcasing its broad applicability across different indications.
See More
