Eli Lilly 4Q Profit Rises as Weight-Loss Drug Demand Surges

By Nicholas G. Miller

Eli Lilly reported higher fourth-quarter profit on the back of surging demand for its GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

The pharmaceutical company reported net income of $6.64 billion, or $7.39 a share, up from $4.41 billion, or $4.88 a share, the year prior.

Adjusted earnings were $7.54 a share. Analysts polled by FactSet expected $6.91 a share.

Revenue rose 43% to $19.29 billion, driven by a 46% increase in volume, partially offset by a 5% decline in realized prices. Wall Street expected $17.94 billion in revenue.

The company has seen soaring demand for its weight-loss treatments Zepbound and Mounjaro, both of which saw sales more than double in the fourth quarter from the previous year. The company recorded $7.41 billion in Mounjaro revenue and $4.26 billion in Zepbound revenue.

Eli Lilly guided for 2026 revenue of $80 billion to $83 billion and earnings of $33.50 to $35 a share. Analysts see 2026 revenue of $77.64 billion and earnings of $32.47 a share.

Eli Lilly is also preparing to launch a new weight-loss pill called orforglipron. Analysts have said the convenience of the pill could spark even more demand than Zepbound and Mounjaro, which are injected weekly, as some patients are averse to injections.

Write to Nicholas G. Miller at [e-mail].

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-04-26 0727ET