health
February 4, 2026
Eli Lilly blows past quarterly estimates, posts strong outlook as Zepbound and Mounjaro sales soar
Eli Lilly's full-year guidance comes in stark contrast to the outlook of Novo Nordisk, which warned it sees sales and profit declining as much as 13% this year.
TL;DR
- Eli Lilly's fourth-quarter earnings and revenue significantly exceeded estimates.
- Demand for weight loss drug Zepbound and diabetes treatment Mounjaro is soaring.
- Lilly projects 2026 revenue between $80 billion and $83 billion, surpassing analyst expectations.
- Rival Novo Nordisk forecasts sales and profit declines due to falling U.S. prices and expiring exclusivity in some markets.
- Lilly's CEO anticipates expanded U.S. market for obesity drugs due to upcoming government Medicare coverage.
- Factors contributing to Lilly's growth include Medicare coverage, continued demand for Mounjaro and Zepbound, and the expected launch of a GLP-1 pill.
- Lilly will be impacted by a global pricing decline due to a deal with former President Trump, new direct-to-consumer rates, and lower Medicaid pricing.
- Lilly's U.S. obesity and diabetes drug market share increased to 60.5% in the fourth quarter.
- Mounjaro generated $7.41 billion in revenue, up 110% year-over-year.
- Zepbound posted $4.2 billion in U.S. revenue for the fourth quarter.
- Eli Lilly shares rose more than 7% in premarket trading following the announcement.
- The company's Q4 revenue was $19.29 billion, a 43% increase from the previous year.
- U.S. revenue climbed to $12.9 billion, driven by a 50% increase in volume for Mounjaro and Zepbound.
- Eli Lilly's Q4 net income was $6.64 billion, or $7.39 per share.
- Deals with former President Trump aim to reduce drug costs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries but are expected to impact total sales.
- Under the drug pricing deal, Lilly anticipates a 'step down in pricing' early this year, but expects volume growth to increase later in the year.
Continue reading the original article