Eli Lilly profit soars as blockbuster obesity drugs drive record sales

Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) delivered a blowout fourth-quarter report and a massive 2026 forecast that solidified its position as the world’s most valuable healthcare company, fueled by the explosive growth of its tirzepatide franchise.

The Indianapolis-based drugmaker said Wednesday that fourth-quarter revenue surged 43% to $19.29 billion, easily clearing the $17.87 billion expected by Wall Street.

Net income for the period rose to $6.64 billion, or $7.39 per share.

On an adjusted basis, earnings were $7.54 per share, outstripping the $6.99 analyst consensus.

The results provide the clearest evidence yet that Lilly’s multibillion-dollar investment in manufacturing is successfully easing the supply shortages that previously capped its growth.

Global volume jumped 46%, led by the blockbusters Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for obesity.

Combined, Lilly's "key products" now account for $13.8 billion of quarterly sales.

While the topline results were dominant, Lilly’s 2026 guidance was the primary catalyst for the stock’s 8% pre-market jump.

The company expects full-year 2026 revenue in the range of $80 billion to $83 billion—well above the Bloomberg consensus of $77.7 billion.

Adjusted earnings are projected to reach between $33.50 and $35.00 per share, reflecting a significant acceleration from the $22.95 earned in 2025.

The outlook highlights a widening gap between Lilly and its primary rival, Novo Nordisk, which recently warned of potential revenue declines in 2026 due to pricing pressure.