Eli Lilly Ranks Among Top Large-Cap Performers as GLP-1 Drug Sales Exceed Billions

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By Christian Drerup Published
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Eli Lilly Ranks Among Top Large-Cap Performers as GLP-1 Drug Sales Exceed Billions

© Eli Lilly and Company / Wikimedia Commons

Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) has quickly emerged as one of Wall Street’s biggest winners, fueled by explosive demand for its new generation of weight-loss and diabetes treatments. The company’s GLP-1 drugs, including Mounjaro and the newly approved Zepbound, have turned into blockbuster products, generating billions in sales and reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape. As a result, Eli Lilly’s stock surged more than 50% year-to-date in 2024. Despite declining approximately -8.6% in 2025, it has still cemented itself as one of the top-performing large-cap companies.

Beyond its breakout weight-loss franchise, Eli Lilly continues to deliver across its portfolio. Established products like Verzenio, Trulicity, Jardiance, and Taltz have posted double-digit growth, while its potential for future therapies, ranging from Crohn’s disease treatment mirikizumab to Alzheimer’s drug donanemab, signals even more promise. These successes have prompted the company to reinforce confidence in its long-term growth trajectory.

Despite lofty valuations (trading at more than 30 times forward earnings) investors remain bullish on Lilly’s prospects. In 2024, analysts saw potential for the company’s market capitalization to approach $1 trillion. However, in 2025, Eli Lilly lost around $86 billion in valuation, partially due to sagging investor enthusiasm and political pricing pressure. Despite this set back, the company’s combination of financial strength, groundbreaking products, and robust demand puts it in a category of its own. For many, this healthcare stock is the defining growth story of the decade.

Eli Lilly: A Market Leader

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  • Eli Lilly stock was up more than 50% in 2024, before declining in 2025.
  • Strong demand for weight-loss and diabetes drugs drives growth.
  • Investors see Eli Lilly as one of the top healthcare growth stocks.

Mounjaro

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  • Mounjaro is Eli Lilly’s top-selling diabetes drug with weight loss benefits.
  • It generates billions in sales and dominates the market.
  • Analysts expect Mounjaro to fuel growth for years to come.

Zepbound

Weight Loss Pills Scattered from Bottle, Diet Supplements Capsules, Obesity Lose Tablets, Color Drugs Pile, Weight Loss Pills on Yellow Background with Copy Space for Text
Artem Stepanov / Shutterstock.com

  • Zepbound is Lilly’s first drug designed just for weight loss.
  • It earned over $500 million in its first full quarter.
  • Demand for obesity treatments makes Zepbound a long-term blockbuster.

Trulicity

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  • Trulicity is an established diabetes drug with strong sales.
  • It continues to provide steady revenue for Eli Lilly.
  • Its success helps balance out the fast-growing newer drugs.

Verzenio

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  • Verzenio is a cancer treatment with fast-growing sales.
  • It shows Lilly’s strength outside of weight-loss drugs.
  • Verzenio helps diversify the company’s product line.

Future Drugs

Alzheimer disease | Scientific analysis of Alzheimer's disease in hospital, conceptual image
digicomphoto / iStock via Getty Images

  • Eli Lilly awaits approval for Alzheimer’s drug donanemab.
  • Crohn’s drug mirikizumab also shows blockbuster potential.
  • These drugs highlight future growth opportunities.

Investor Outlook

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  • Eli Lilly trades at a high valuation but demand is strong.
  • Investors view Eli Lilly as a must-own growth stock.
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