Key Points Nektar Therapeutics' leading candidate is performing well so far in phase 2 studies. This medicine could disrupt the large and competitive eczema treatment market. Nektar could match Wall Street's estimates in the next year, but the stock remains risky. 10 stocks we like better than Nektar Therapeutics › Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR) is a small-cap biotech that has garnered plenty of attention this year. The company's shares have soared, increasing by 285% since January. Yet, some ...

Core Insights - Eli Lilly has shown strong performance in the GLP-1 market, with significant commercial success from its products, particularly tirzepatide [1][10] - The company is on the verge of launching an oral GLP-1 medication, orforglipron, which has demonstrated superior efficacy in clinical trials compared to existing treatments [7][8] - Financial results indicate robust growth, with a 38% year-over-year revenue increase in Q2, reaching $15.6 billion, and a 61% rise in adjusted net earnings per share to $6.31 [10] Group 1: Product Development - Eli Lilly's tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro and Zepbound, is generating billions in sales but is administered via injection, which has drawbacks compared to oral medications [3][4] - The company is developing orforglipron, which has shown a 1.9% average blood-sugar reduction and 8.2% weight loss in trials, outperforming Novo Nordisk's Rybelsus [7][8] - If orforglipron receives regulatory approval by year-end, it could significantly boost Eli Lilly's stock value [8][9] Group 2: Financial Performance - Eli Lilly's revenue and earnings growth outpace industry averages, with a forward P/E ratio of 24.7 compared to the healthcare industry's 16.5 [10][11] - Analysts project orforglipron could generate $12.7 billion in revenue by 2030, while tirzepatide is expected to reach nearly $62 billion in revenue by the same year [12][13] - The company has additional products in the pipeline, such as Kisunla for Alzheimer's and Ebglyss for eczema, which could also contribute to future growth [14] Group 3: Market Outlook - Eli Lilly's strong clinical data and market position suggest continued growth in the GLP-1 sector, with expectations for market-beating returns over the next five years [15]

Core Insights - Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) has significantly increased its market value over the past 2-3 years, primarily due to the success of its GLP-1 drugs, Mounjaro for type II diabetes and Zepbound for obesity [1] Drug Approvals and Revenue Contributions - Lilly has received approvals for several new drugs, including Omvoh for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, Jaypirca for mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Ebglyss for atopic dermatitis, and Kisunla for early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease, all contributing to revenue growth [2] - In the first half of 2025, Omvoh generated $111.9 million, while Ebglyss, Kisunla, and Jaypirca contributed $147.1 million, $70.1 million, and $215.3 million, respectively [3] Future Growth Potential - These drugs are being evaluated for additional indications and label expansions, with Ebglyss in phase III trials for perennial allergens and chronic rhinosinusitis, and Jaypirca being studied for earlier lines of therapy [4] - Lilly anticipates that Omvoh, Ebglyss, Kisunla, and Jaypirca will continue to drive revenue growth in the second half of 2025 [5] Upcoming Drug Approvals - A new drug, imlunestrant, is under review for treating ER+HER2-metastatic breast cancer in the US and EU [6] Competitive Landscape - Omvoh faces competition from AbbVie's Humira, Skyrizi, and Rinvoq, as well as J&J's Stelara, while Kisunla competes with Eisai/Biogen's Leqembi [7][8] - Jaypirca competes with older BTK inhibitors like Imbruvica and Calquence, and Ebglyss faces competition from Dupixent [9] Stock Performance and Valuation - Lilly's stock has declined by 4.6% this year, contrasting with a 1.3% increase in the industry [10] - The combined revenue from Omvoh, Ebglyss, Kisunla, and Jaypirca exceeded $540 million in H1 2025, with EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 rising to $22.97 and $30.95, respectively [11] - Lilly's stock is currently trading at a price/earnings ratio of 25.87, higher than the industry average of 14.78, but below its 5-year mean of 34.54 [13] Consensus Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS has increased from $22.04 to $22.97 over the past 30 days, while the estimate for 2026 has risen from $30.88 to $30.95 [14]

Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly has shown significant clinical progress and financial results, positioning itself as the largest healthcare player globally, with a market cap of approximately $684 billion as of August 1, and has the potential to reach a $2 trillion valuation within seven years [1]. Group 1: Weight Management Market - The weight management medicines market is rapidly growing, projected to reach $150 billion in sales by 2035, up from $15 billion last year [2]. - Eli Lilly's weight loss therapy, Zepbound, has proven to be highly effective, outperforming its main competitor, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, in clinical trials, contributing to substantial revenue growth for the company [3][10]. - Eli Lilly is addressing the limitations of Zepbound, such as its weekly injection requirement, by developing orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 medicine, which has shown promising weight loss results in diabetes patients [6][5]. Group 2: Pipeline and Product Diversification - Eli Lilly's pipeline includes innovative products like bimagrumab, which can mitigate muscle loss associated with weight loss therapies, showing significant weight reduction in combination with Wegovy [8]. - The company is also developing retatrutide, which mimics the action of three gut hormones, potentially making it more effective than Zepbound if approved [9]. - Beyond weight management, Eli Lilly has a strong portfolio in diabetes, oncology, and immunology, with products like Mounjaro, Verzenio, and Ebglyss, indicating a diversified and robust pipeline [11][12]. Group 3: Valuation and Market Outlook - Eli Lilly's forward price-to-earnings ratio is around 37, which is high compared to the healthcare industry's average of 16.5, but justified by its rapid sales and profit growth, along with a strong pipeline and dividend program [13]. - The company is expected to outperform the market and achieve the necessary growth to reach a $2 trillion valuation by the end of 2032 [13].

Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly and Company's stock has declined 15.7% over the past year due to a first-quarter earnings miss, guidance cut, and positive developments at rival Novo Nordisk, alongside broader economic challenges [1][10]. Group 1: Company Performance - Lilly's cardiometabolic division is its strongest segment, driven by the success of GLP-1 therapies Mounjaro and Zepbound, which together account for approximately 48% of total revenues [3][4]. - Despite slower-than-expected sales in the second half of 2024, Mounjaro and Zepbound saw a resurgence in the first quarter of 2025 due to new international market launches and improved supply [5][6]. - Lilly anticipates continued growth for Mounjaro and Zepbound through expanded international uptake and deeper market penetration in the U.S. [6][7]. Group 2: Product Pipeline and Future Growth - Lilly has secured approvals for several new therapies, including Omvoh, Jaypirca, Ebglyss, and Kisunla, which are expected to contribute to revenue growth in 2025 [10][11]. - The company is also advancing its pipeline in obesity, diabetes, and cancer, with several key mid and late-stage data readouts expected this year [12]. - Lilly is diversifying beyond GLP-1 drugs by expanding into cardiovascular, oncology, and neuroscience areas, including recent M&A deals to enhance its pipeline [13]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The obesity market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, with Lilly and Novo Nordisk currently dominating the space [14]. - Mounjaro and Zepbound face competition from Novo Nordisk's semaglutide products and emerging candidates from companies like Amgen and Viking Therapeutics [15][17]. - Other pharmaceutical companies are also entering the obesity market, which could challenge Lilly's and Novo Nordisk's market positions [18]. Group 4: Financial Outlook - Lilly expects 2025 revenues to be between $58 billion and $61 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of approximately 32% [30]. - The company's stock has increased by over 400% in the past five years, primarily due to successful drug launches and a strong pipeline [29]. - Despite a high valuation with a price/earnings ratio of 29.54 compared to the industry average of 15.04, Lilly's stock is trading below its five-year mean [23].

Core Insights - Eli Lilly and Co. is expected to report adjusted earnings of $5.56 per share and sales of $14.4 billion for the second quarter [1] - The strong performance of the obesity drug Zepbound is driving higher expectations for the quarter [2] - Bank of America Securities has made minor adjustments to its earnings model, reflecting a slight increase in revenue and EPS forecasts due to anticipated stronger sales of Zepbound [3][4] Financial Projections - BofA expects total revenue to rise by 1% in 2025, with EPS growing by 1.9% in the same year, but a slight dip of 0.7% in 2026 [4] - Long-term forecasts for key products such as Mounjaro, Zepbound, orforglipron, and retatrutide remain largely unchanged [5] Analyst Ratings - BofA maintains a Buy rating on Eli Lilly with a price forecast of $1,000, citing the company's sustainable growth potential compared to peers [6] Earnings Call Focus Areas - The earnings call will address U.S. drug pricing changes and upcoming clinical trial results, including tirzepatide's SURPASS-CVOT and orforglipron's ATTAIN-1 [7] - Performance updates on major products like Mounjaro and Zepbound will be closely monitored, along with the launch progress of new drugs such as Kisunla and Ebglyss [8]

Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly has shown exceptional financial performance and market growth, leading to a high forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of over 35, which is significantly above the healthcare industry average of 15.8, raising questions about the timing of investment [1][2]. Group 1: Market Leadership in Weight Loss - Eli Lilly has established itself as a leader in the diabetes drug market and has made significant strides in the anti-obesity sector, with products like Mounjaro and Zepbound generating over $1 billion in quarterly revenue [4]. - The company is advancing its pipeline with investigational drugs such as orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 medicine, and retatrutide, a triple agonist, both showing promising clinical results [5]. - Eli Lilly has outperformed its competitor Novo Nordisk in the weight management market, capitalizing on clinical successes while the latter faced setbacks [6]. Group 2: Diversification of Product Line and Pipeline - Eli Lilly's portfolio includes successful drugs like Verzenio for cancer and Taltz for immunosuppression, along with potential future blockbusters such as Kisunla for Alzheimer's and Ebglyss for eczema [8]. - The company is actively expanding its pipeline through acquisitions, including SiteOne Therapeutics for $1 billion, which focuses on a non-opioid pain treatment, and Verve Therapeutics for $1.3 billion, which develops gene-editing therapies for cardiovascular diseases [9][10]. Group 3: Financial Outlook and Valuation Justification - Despite a high valuation that may deter some investors, Eli Lilly's revenue grew by 45% year over year to $12.7 billion, with net income increasing by 29% to $3 billion, showcasing strong financial health [12]. - The company's ongoing developments in weight management and diabetes are expected to yield significant clinical and regulatory successes, supporting above-average growth in the coming years, thus justifying its premium valuation [13].

Core Viewpoint - Eli Lilly is a leader in the weight-management medicine market and is enhancing its position through strategic developments, particularly with the acquisition of Camurus' FluidCrystal technology for long-acting drug delivery [1][5][6]. Group 1: Product Development - Eli Lilly's Zepbound has shown excellent efficacy in clinical trials and real-world applications, solidifying its status as a leading weight-management therapy [2]. - The current administration method of Zepbound requires weekly subcutaneous injections, which may lead to weight regain after discontinuation [3]. - The partnership with Camurus aims to utilize FluidCrystal technology, potentially allowing for longer-lasting drug delivery, which could eliminate the need for weekly dosing [6][8]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Eli Lilly is actively addressing competition in the weight-management sector, including the development of orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 medicine taken once daily, which may appeal to patients more than injectable options [9]. - Other companies are also exploring oral formulations and long-acting therapies, indicating a competitive market landscape [10]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Eli Lilly reported a 45% year-over-year revenue increase in the first quarter, reaching $12.7 billion, outpacing its peers [12]. - The company has a robust pipeline with various promising products, including those for pain management, Alzheimer's disease, eczema, and cancer, which are expected to contribute significantly to future revenue [11]. Group 4: Strategic Positioning - Eli Lilly is expanding its local manufacturing capacity to mitigate potential risks from tariffs, demonstrating proactive management of operational challenges [13]. - The company's strong business fundamentals, innovative capabilities, and growing dividend make it an attractive investment opportunity [14].

Core Insights - Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) has reached a significant support level, making it an attractive option for investors from a technical standpoint, with the stock breaking through its 50-day simple moving average (SMA), indicating a potential short-term bullish trend [1][9] - The company's cardiometabolic business, particularly the success of its diabetes drug Mounjaro and weight loss medicine Zepbound, has become a key driver of revenue [3][4] - Despite some challenges, Lilly expects substantial revenue growth in 2025, driven by Mounjaro, Zepbound, and other new drug approvals [31][32] Company Performance - LLY's stock has traded below its 50-day average since early May due to an earnings miss and guidance cut, but it has recently shown signs of recovery [2][9] - Mounjaro and Zepbound generated combined sales of $6.15 billion in Q1 2025, accounting for approximately 48% of the company's total revenues [4][9] - The company expects 2025 revenues to be between $58 billion and $61 billion, reflecting a 32% year-over-year growth [31][32] Product Pipeline and Growth Drivers - Lilly has launched Mounjaro in new international markets, including China, India, and Mexico, which is expected to drive future sales growth [6][11] - The FDA approved Zepbound for a second indication, which could further enhance sales [7] - Lilly's pipeline includes several promising candidates in obesity, diabetes, and cancer, with key mid and late-stage data readouts expected this year [11][12] Competitive Landscape - The obesity market is projected to expand to $100 billion by 2030, leading to increased competition, particularly from Novo Nordisk and other companies developing GLP-1-based therapies [14][15] - Mounjaro and Zepbound face competition from Novo Nordisk's semaglutide medicines and other emerging candidates from companies like Amgen and Viking Therapeutics [15][16] Financial Metrics and Valuation - Lilly's stock has risen 5.6% this year, outperforming the industry and S&P 500 [22][24] - The stock currently trades at a price/earnings ratio of 31.34, higher than the industry average of 15.51, but below its 5-year mean of 34.54 [26][29] - Estimates for Lilly's 2025 earnings have declined recently, but the company still shows solid growth prospects [29][32]

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson remains the top revenue-generating pharmaceutical company with projected 2024 revenue of $88.8 billion, a 4% year-over-year increase [1][3] - The CEO compensation landscape has shifted, with Eli Lilly's CEO David Ricks now the highest-paid in the industry, earning $29.2 million in 2024, a 10% increase from 2023 [4][6] - The pharmaceutical industry is facing challenges from biosimilars, particularly affecting sales of established drugs like Humira and Stelara [2][1] Revenue Rankings - Johnson & Johnson leads with $88.8 billion in revenue, followed by AbbVie at $65.3 billion and Merck at $64.2 billion [3] - Other notable companies include Pfizer with $63.6 billion, and AstraZeneca with $54.1 billion, showing varying growth rates [3] CEO Compensation - Eli Lilly's David Ricks has surpassed Johnson & Johnson's Joaquin Duato, whose compensation decreased by approximately 14% to $24.6 million in 2024 [4][6] - Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla earned $24.6 million, reflecting a 14% increase, while Merck's Robert Davis earned $23.2 million, also up by 14% [5][6] - Notably, Bristol Myers Squibb's CEO saw the highest percentage increase in compensation, rising by 122% [4][6] Market Dynamics - AbbVie's Humira faced a 37.6% decline in sales to $8.9 billion due to biosimilar competition, but its successors Skyrizi and Rinvoq are projected to generate over $17 billion in 2024 [2] - Merck's Keytruda and Gardasil are expected to account for approximately 59% of the company's total sales in 2024, highlighting the importance of these products [2]