Lilly(LLY) The Motley Fool·2025-06-05 08:15Core Insights - Eli Lilly has experienced significant revenue growth driven by its weight loss drug portfolio, particularly Mounjaro and Zepbound, which have become blockbusters generating over 4.9 billion in sales respectively [10] - The company is well-positioned in the weight loss market, competing with Novo Nordisk, and has plans to advance its oral weight loss candidate, orforglipron, which could provide a competitive edge [11] Company Overview - Eli Lilly offers a diverse range of medicines, including cancer and immunology drugs, but its weight loss drugs have recently become a standout category [1][2] - The company's weight loss drugs are classified as dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help control blood sugar levels and appetite [5] Market Dynamics - The demand for weight loss drugs has been robust, leading to a significant market presence for both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, with Lilly quickly gaining market share after launching Mounjaro in 2022 and Zepbound in 2023 [6] - Despite a recent reduction in Goldman Sachs' forecast for global sales of anti-obesity medicines to 28 billion market [8][9] Financial Performance - Eli Lilly's total sales growth has been impressive, with a 32% increase in the full year and a 45% increase in the most recent quarter [10] - The company's shares are currently trading at 34 times forward earnings estimates, comparable to leading tech companies, indicating strong growth potential [12][14] Competitive Advantage - Lilly's potential oral weight loss drug, orforglipron, could provide a significant advantage over Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide, as it does not involve strict food and water guidelines [11] - The company combines the growth potential of a tech stock with the stability and dividend growth typical of pharmaceutical companies, making it an attractive investment option [15][16]