Key Wall Street Calls on Friday
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 20 2026
0mins
Should l Buy LLY?
Source: CNBC
- Pharmaceutical Leadership: Barclays upgraded Eli Lilly to overweight, asserting that its GLP-1 drugs signify a durable structural shift in obesity treatment, positioning the company for sustained long-term growth as a market leader.
- E-commerce Valuation Boost: Barclays raised Etsy's rating from equal weight to overweight, anticipating that as topline growth improves, EBITDA valuations will expand, setting a price target of $72, reflecting optimism about future performance.
- Tech Stock Buying Opportunity: Citigroup reiterated Microsoft as a buy, highlighting that the stock is at a decade low valuation and trading at a discount to the S&P 500 on forward P/E, suggesting investors should seize the buying opportunity.
- Aerospace Service Growth: Morgan Stanley upgraded GE Aerospace to overweight with a price target of $425, citing the company's advantages in durable service growth, pricing power, and a strong balance sheet, with future free cash flow likely underestimated.
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Analyst Views on LLY
Wall Street analysts forecast LLY stock price to rise
20 Analyst Rating
18 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 1008.390
Low
950.00
Averages
1192
High
1500
Current: 1008.390
Low
950.00
Averages
1192
High
1500
About LLY
Eli Lilly and Company is a medicine company, which discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells pharmaceutical products worldwide. Its cardiometabolic health products include Basaglar; Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, and others; Humulin, Humulin 70/30, and others; Jardiance; Mounjaro; Trulicity; Zepbound; VERVE-102; VERVE-201, and VERVE-301. Its oncology products include Cyramza, Erbitux, Tyvyt, and Verzenio. Its immunology products include Ebglyss, Olumiant, Omvoh, and Taltz. Its neuroscience products include Emgality and Kisunla. The Company is also engaged in radiopharmaceutical discovery, development, and manufacturing efforts, and clinical and pre-clinical radioligand therapies in development for the treatment of cancer. It is also developing an oral small molecule inhibitor of a4b7 integrin for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is evaluating its novel gene therapy candidate, ixoberogene soroparvovec.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Lilly's Remarks on the CMMI Balance Model for GLP-1 Medications
Statement Overview: Lilly's statement addresses the balance model for GLP-1 medicines, emphasizing its importance in the context of healthcare and patient outcomes.
Focus on GLP-1 Medicines: The statement highlights the role of GLP-1 medicines in managing conditions such as diabetes and obesity, underlining their therapeutic benefits.
Commitment to Innovation: Lilly reaffirms its commitment to innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, aiming to enhance treatment options and improve patient care.
Call for Collaboration: The statement encourages collaboration among stakeholders to optimize the use of GLP-1 medicines and ensure equitable access for patients.
See More
Eli Lilly's Medicare Drug Costs May Exceed $50 Cap
- Cost Cap Concerns: Eli Lilly has indicated that some Medicare enrollees may face out-of-pocket costs exceeding the $50 cap for its weight loss and obesity drugs, potentially impacting patient access and the company's competitive position in the market.
- New Payment Model: The BALANCE model introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) aims to lower costs for GLP-1 drugs, set to take effect in 2027, which may influence Eli Lilly's sales strategies and market share.
- Patient Education Initiatives: Lilly stated it will actively educate patients and their physicians about plan options and smoothing programs to help patients access medications at the lowest possible out-of-pocket costs, reflecting the company's commitment to patient support and potentially affecting its brand image.
- Increased Market Competition: As CMS negotiates directly with GLP-1 drug manufacturers, Lilly may face pressure from competitors like Novo Nordisk, impacting its leadership position in the obesity drug market.
See More
Mullin and Wood Overlap on Seven Stocks in Portfolios
- Portfolio Overlap: According to Benzinga, Senator Mullin and ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood have overlapping investments in seven stocks over the past three years, indicating a potential influence on market attention towards these stocks.
- Shared Stock List: The seven stocks reflect a preference for high-growth companies, showcasing Wood's focus on disruptive technologies and Mullin's strategy of investing in small-cap stocks, which may enhance market confidence in these sectors.
- Divergent Investment Styles: ARK Funds emphasizes long-term performance in innovative companies, particularly in fintech, cryptocurrency, and electric vehicles, while Mullin favors small-cap stocks and the
See More
Viking Plans to Advance VK2735 Oral Drug
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is set to advance its experimental oral obesity drug VK2735 into late-stage studies in Q3 2026, with plans for four late-stage trials by the end of 2026, indicating a proactive approach in the obesity treatment sector.
- Expected Drug Efficacy: The subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 demonstrated a mean weight loss of 14.7% over 13 weeks in mid-stage trials, with the CEO expressing hopes that it will be competitive with existing GLP-1 monoagonists, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- Market Competition Analysis: Unlike industry giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which launched subcutaneous forms of their blockbuster obesity drugs first, Viking's strategy to develop both subcutaneous and oral formulations showcases its diversified approach in the obesity drug market, especially as Novo's oral drug launched in January.
- New Drug Application Plans: Viking is also looking to file an application to initiate trials for a novel amylin agonist this quarter, aiming to expand its obesity portfolio and further strengthen its market position in this therapeutic area.
See More
Samsung Biologics Partners with Eli Lilly to Establish Gateway Labs in Korea
- Collaboration Agreement: Samsung Biologics has signed a collaboration agreement with Eli Lilly to establish Lilly Gateway Labs in Korea, aimed at supporting early-stage and emerging biotech companies while fostering collaboration and innovation in the Korean life sciences sector.
- Facility Development: Under the agreement, Samsung Biologics will develop and operate the new facility, with Lilly Gateway Labs providing customized scientific support to accelerate the growth of resident biotech companies.
- Ecosystem Contribution: The lab is expected to attract global innovation activities and foster talent development, thereby strengthening Korea's position as a hub for early-stage life science research and enhancing the overall biotechnology ecosystem in the country.
- Project Timeline: The new facility is expected to be completed by July 2027, and Samsung's stock closed up 0.82% at KRW 1,592,000 on the Korea Stock Exchange, reflecting positive market sentiment towards this collaboration.
See More
Market Update: Oil Price Drop and Tech Stock Upgrades
- Oil Price Fluctuations: U.S. benchmark WTI crude prices have fallen below $90 a barrel, despite being up over 50% year-to-date, indicating market optimism regarding improved U.S.-Iran relations, yet geopolitical risks continue to loom over oil prices.
- Tech Stock Rating Changes: Intuit was upgraded to buy from hold by Rothschild & Co Redburn, with its stock rising over 30% since late February, although it remains down 28.5% for the year, reflecting a recovery in market confidence in its software products.
- Cybersecurity Stock Bounce: Morgan Stanley upgraded CrowdStrike from hold to buy, with its stock up over 20% from last month's low, highlighting the positive impact of AI technology on the cybersecurity sector and indicating optimistic market expectations for future growth.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Positive Outlook: Despite memory cost pressures, the company raised its full-year earnings outlook, with reported quarterly revenues slightly below expectations but gross margins and adjusted EPS exceeding forecasts, demonstrating strong demand in the data center buildout.
See More
Lilly's Remarks on the CMMI Balance Model for GLP-1 Medications
Statement Overview: Lilly's statement addresses the balance model for GLP-1 medicines, emphasizing its importance in the context of healthcare and patient outcomes.
Focus on GLP-1 Medicines: The statement highlights the role of GLP-1 medicines in managing conditions such as diabetes and obesity, underlining their therapeutic benefits.
Commitment to Innovation: Lilly reaffirms its commitment to innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, aiming to enhance treatment options and improve patient care.
Call for Collaboration: The statement encourages collaboration among stakeholders to optimize the use of GLP-1 medicines and ensure equitable access for patients.
See More
Eli Lilly's Medicare Drug Costs May Exceed $50 Cap
- Cost Cap Concerns: Eli Lilly has indicated that some Medicare enrollees may face out-of-pocket costs exceeding the $50 cap for its weight loss and obesity drugs, potentially impacting patient access and the company's competitive position in the market.
- New Payment Model: The BALANCE model introduced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) aims to lower costs for GLP-1 drugs, set to take effect in 2027, which may influence Eli Lilly's sales strategies and market share.
- Patient Education Initiatives: Lilly stated it will actively educate patients and their physicians about plan options and smoothing programs to help patients access medications at the lowest possible out-of-pocket costs, reflecting the company's commitment to patient support and potentially affecting its brand image.
- Increased Market Competition: As CMS negotiates directly with GLP-1 drug manufacturers, Lilly may face pressure from competitors like Novo Nordisk, impacting its leadership position in the obesity drug market.
See More
Mullin and Wood Overlap on Seven Stocks in Portfolios
- Portfolio Overlap: According to Benzinga, Senator Mullin and ARK Invest founder Cathie Wood have overlapping investments in seven stocks over the past three years, indicating a potential influence on market attention towards these stocks.
- Shared Stock List: The seven stocks reflect a preference for high-growth companies, showcasing Wood's focus on disruptive technologies and Mullin's strategy of investing in small-cap stocks, which may enhance market confidence in these sectors.
- Divergent Investment Styles: ARK Funds emphasizes long-term performance in innovative companies, particularly in fintech, cryptocurrency, and electric vehicles, while Mullin favors small-cap stocks and the
See More
Viking Plans to Advance VK2735 Oral Drug
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics is set to advance its experimental oral obesity drug VK2735 into late-stage studies in Q3 2026, with plans for four late-stage trials by the end of 2026, indicating a proactive approach in the obesity treatment sector.
- Expected Drug Efficacy: The subcutaneous formulation of VK2735 demonstrated a mean weight loss of 14.7% over 13 weeks in mid-stage trials, with the CEO expressing hopes that it will be competitive with existing GLP-1 monoagonists, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.
- Market Competition Analysis: Unlike industry giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which launched subcutaneous forms of their blockbuster obesity drugs first, Viking's strategy to develop both subcutaneous and oral formulations showcases its diversified approach in the obesity drug market, especially as Novo's oral drug launched in January.
- New Drug Application Plans: Viking is also looking to file an application to initiate trials for a novel amylin agonist this quarter, aiming to expand its obesity portfolio and further strengthen its market position in this therapeutic area.
See More
Samsung Biologics Partners with Eli Lilly to Establish Gateway Labs in Korea
- Collaboration Agreement: Samsung Biologics has signed a collaboration agreement with Eli Lilly to establish Lilly Gateway Labs in Korea, aimed at supporting early-stage and emerging biotech companies while fostering collaboration and innovation in the Korean life sciences sector.
- Facility Development: Under the agreement, Samsung Biologics will develop and operate the new facility, with Lilly Gateway Labs providing customized scientific support to accelerate the growth of resident biotech companies.
- Ecosystem Contribution: The lab is expected to attract global innovation activities and foster talent development, thereby strengthening Korea's position as a hub for early-stage life science research and enhancing the overall biotechnology ecosystem in the country.
- Project Timeline: The new facility is expected to be completed by July 2027, and Samsung's stock closed up 0.82% at KRW 1,592,000 on the Korea Stock Exchange, reflecting positive market sentiment towards this collaboration.
See More
Market Update: Oil Price Drop and Tech Stock Upgrades
- Oil Price Fluctuations: U.S. benchmark WTI crude prices have fallen below $90 a barrel, despite being up over 50% year-to-date, indicating market optimism regarding improved U.S.-Iran relations, yet geopolitical risks continue to loom over oil prices.
- Tech Stock Rating Changes: Intuit was upgraded to buy from hold by Rothschild & Co Redburn, with its stock rising over 30% since late February, although it remains down 28.5% for the year, reflecting a recovery in market confidence in its software products.
- Cybersecurity Stock Bounce: Morgan Stanley upgraded CrowdStrike from hold to buy, with its stock up over 20% from last month's low, highlighting the positive impact of AI technology on the cybersecurity sector and indicating optimistic market expectations for future growth.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise's Positive Outlook: Despite memory cost pressures, the company raised its full-year earnings outlook, with reported quarterly revenues slightly below expectations but gross margins and adjusted EPS exceeding forecasts, demonstrating strong demand in the data center buildout.
See More
