5 Best Large Cap Dividend Growth Stocks to Invest In

3. AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 84

On April 30, Bank of America analyst Tim Anderson upgraded AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) to Buy from Neutral. It also lifted the price target on the stock to $234 from $226. The firm believes concerns around competitive erosion in the key immunology segment are “overdone.” It points to strong forward indicators for Skyrizi and says new competitors appear to be “category expanding.” With durable growth expected into the mid-2030s, the firm views AbbVie as offering “one of the best ex-pipeline growth profiles in large cap pharma with room for upside,” the analyst tells investors.

During its Q1 2026 earnings call, AbbVie management tied the quarter’s performance to specific portfolio drivers, along with pipeline progress and business development activity. The company said this included US regulatory submissions for Rinvoq in alopecia areata. It also pointed to Skyrizi’s subcutaneous induction in Crohn’s disease, with an approval decision expected later in the year.

Management also noted the closing of the RemeGen Co., Ltd. agreement, which provides access to a novel PD-1 VEGF bispecific antibody. It further disclosed new US manufacturing investments. The company plans to invest $1.4 billion to build a pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in North Carolina, along with $380 million to construct two new plants in North Chicago.

AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV) is a global, research-based biopharmaceutical company. It focuses on the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of medicines across immunology, oncology, aesthetics, neuroscience, eye care, and other key areas.