Five pharmaceutical companies featured in analyst stock selections tied to different growth drivers, from obesity-drug development to quarterly product sales, while Eli Lilly’s higher 2026 revenue outlook offers a fresh benchmark for global pharma investors.
Stephen Ayers, Edmund Ingham and ALLKA Research named Eli Lilly, Gilead Sciences, Sanofi, Roche and Merck. Lilly’s case featured tirzepatide and clinical-stage retatrutide, while Roche drew notice for its diversified business and obesity program. Quarterly sales gains placed Gilead and Sanofi on the list, while analysts saw a possible route back to growth for Merck despite Keytruda’s expected patent expiry.
Sanofi said third-quarter Dupixent sales reached €5.7 billion, up 34.8% from a year earlier at constant exchange rates. The company is planning for the medicine’s eventual loss of exclusivity and says it is prioritizing earnings protection. Gilead reported third-quarter revenue of $8.3 billion, up 7% from a year earlier, while total product sales rose 13%. The company said revenue from an intellectual-property sale in the prior-year quarter did not recur.
On Oct. 29, Lilly raised its 2026 revenue outlook to $91 billion to $92 billion from $85 billion to $87 billion after reporting third-quarter results.
Novo Nordisk said in its Nov. 4 announcement that total obesity sales rose 22% in the third quarter at constant exchange rates. The Danish drugmaker raised its 2026 outlook for adjusted sales and adjusted operating profit to between a 2% decline and 2% growth at constant exchange rates, citing higher expected GLP-1 product sales. Novo said lower realized prices continued to offset some volume growth; EconoTimes previously covered the company’s revised outlook.
Looking ahead, Lilly planned to begin Phase 3 trials for EloraTZP in the fourth quarter of 2026. Novo expected an FDA decision on the 25 mg Ozempic pill during the same quarter.
