Key Takeaways:
Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) reported first-quarter revenue of $19.8 billion, a 56 percent increase from the previous year, fueled by soaring demand for its diabetes and weight-loss medicines.
"2026 is off to a strong start, we delivered 56% revenue growth in the first quarter and raised our full-year revenue guidance by $2 billion," said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO, in a statement.
The company's non-GAAP earnings per share rose 156 percent to $8.55. Sales were driven by Mounjaro, which brought in $8.7 billion, and Zepbound, which added $4.1 billion. The table below shows the key metrics.
Shares rose 7 percent in pre-market trading on the news. The company boosted its full-year non-GAAP EPS forecast to a range of $35.50 to $37.00, signaling confidence in sustained momentum.
The strong performance was almost entirely volume-driven, which increased 65 percent globally. This growth was led by the blockbuster success of Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, which together accounted for over 64 percent of the company's total revenue in the quarter.
Lilly also highlighted progress in its pipeline, including the recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Foundayo (orforglipron), an oral GLP-1 pill for weight loss that can be taken without food and water restrictions, potentially expanding the market further.
The guidance raise suggests management is confident that demand for its weight-loss treatments will continue to accelerate, solidifying its lead in the lucrative obesity drug market against competitors like Novo Nordisk. Investors will watch the upcoming launch of Foundayo and the company's Investment Community Meeting on December 7, 2026, for further catalysts.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
