Hedge Funds Acquire Eli Lilly, United Healthcare, and Others, Renewing Focus on Healthcare ETFs
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Nov 17 2025
0mins
Source: Benzinga
Hedge Fund Strategy Shift: Hedge funds are pivoting towards healthcare investments, moving away from tech stocks due to high valuations and market volatility, with a focus on large-cap pharma and managed-care companies.
Key Players in Healthcare: Notable companies attracting institutional investment include Eli Lilly, UnitedHealth Group, Johnson & Johnson, and Elevance Health, driven by their strong earnings potential and stable revenue streams.
Healthcare ETFs to Watch: Recommended ETFs for investors include the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV), VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH), and Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT), which align with hedge fund positioning and offer varying levels of exposure to the healthcare sector.
Market Outlook: As hedge funds recalibrate their portfolios, healthcare ETFs are expected to benefit from their defensive characteristics, earnings visibility, and growth potential in drug pipelines, making them attractive for Q4 investments.
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Analyst Views on LLY
Wall Street analysts forecast LLY stock price to fall
20 Analyst Rating
18 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 1213.910
Low
950.00
Averages
1192
High
1500
Current: 1213.910
Low
950.00
Averages
1192
High
1500
About LLY
Eli Lilly and Company is a medicine company, which discovers, develops, manufactures, and market products in a single business segment called human pharmaceutical products. The Company manufacture and distribute its products through facilities in the United States, including Puerto Rico, and in Europe and Asia. The Company’s products are sold in approximately 90 countries. Its Cardiometabolic Health products 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, and others. Its oncology products include Cyramza, Erbitux, Tyvyt, Verzenio, Retevmo, Jaypirca, and others. Its immunology products include Ebglyss, Olumiant, Omvoh, and Taltz. Its neuroscience products include Emgality and Kisunla. Its LillyDirect, a direct-to-patient digital health care platform, provides delivery of select Lilly medicines dispensed by third-party pharmacies to patients.
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.
Eli Lilly Stock Valuation Analysis
- Stock Performance: Eli Lilly's stock has surged approximately 441.5% over the past five years, currently priced around $1,213, indicating strong performance; however, multiple valuation checks suggest the stock may be overpriced, prompting investors to carefully assess entry points.
- Cash Flow Forecast: Over the last twelve months, Eli Lilly generated about $8.6 billion in free cash flow, with the DCF model estimating an intrinsic value of approximately $1,591 per share, implying the current stock price is roughly 23.7% undervalued, providing potential upside for investors.
- P/E Ratio Analysis: Eli Lilly's P/E ratio stands at about 42.8x, significantly above the pharmaceutical industry average of 15.4x, although its tailored fair P/E ratio is approximately 39.2x, indicating that while investors are paying a premium for growth expectations, it is not excessively out of line with the company's profile.
- Market Expectations and Risks: While Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs bolster cash flow expectations, regulatory and pricing pressures may limit the premium investors are willing to pay, making the ability to sustain current cash flows and pipeline execution critical for future valuation.
See More
Investment Outlook Comparison: Eli Lilly vs. Teva
- Eli Lilly's Growth Potential: Eli Lilly achieved nearly $65.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 44% increase year-over-year, with a net income of approximately $20.6 billion, indicating strong market demand and profitability, and is projected to reach $85.2 billion in revenue in 2026, further solidifying its leadership in the innovative drug market.
- Teva's Stability: Teva reported nearly $17.3 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 4% year-over-year increase, achieving a net income of about $1.4 billion for the first time, and despite facing intense competition and legal risks, its shift towards biosimilars is expected to restore growth in the coming years.
- Risk Comparison: Eli Lilly faces regulatory challenges from the Inflation Reduction Act mandating price discounts on key drugs, while Teva struggles with high debt and legal litigation that limit its financial flexibility, factors that could impact both companies' future market performance.
- Valuation Discrepancy: Eli Lilly's forward P/E ratio stands at 33.1x, significantly higher than Teva's 16.4x, and while Eli Lilly's valuation is elevated, the success of its GLP-1 drugs has bolstered market confidence in its future growth, reflecting investor recognition of its long-term potential.
See More
Eli Lilly vs. Teva: A Market Comparison
- Eli Lilly's Growth Momentum: Eli Lilly reported a revenue of $65.2 billion in FY 2025, marking a 44% year-over-year increase, with a net income of approximately $20.6 billion, showcasing strong market demand in diabetes and obesity treatments, and is projected to further grow to $85.2 billion in 2026 with nearly $31 billion in net income, reflecting the success of its GLP-1 drugs.
- Teva's Transformation: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries achieved nearly $17.3 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 4% year-over-year increase, and recorded a net income of about $1.4 billion with a net margin of approximately 8.2%, indicating a gradual recovery in profitability after legal challenges, despite facing fierce competition in the generics market.
- Debt Risk Analysis: As of December 2025, Eli Lilly's debt-to-equity ratio stands at 1.6x, while Teva's is approximately 2.2x, indicating greater financial pressure on Teva, which may impact its future investment capacity and market competitiveness.
- Market Competition and Regulatory Challenges: Eli Lilly faces intense competition from rivals like Novo Nordisk and regulatory challenges from the Inflation Reduction Act mandating price discounts, while Teva must navigate price erosion in the generics market and legal risks, highlighting significant strategic differences in their market approaches.
See More
Market Update: Semiconductor and Airline Sector Outlook
- Semiconductor Market Recovery: Chip stocks are rebounding this morning after last week's severe sell-off, with Apple and Broadcom agreeing to an expanded partnership that is expected to drive long-term growth in the semiconductor sector.
- SK Hynix IPO Plans: South Korean memory giant SK Hynix is looking to raise $28 billion through a Nasdaq listing, which, while maintaining its primary listing in South Korea, will enhance its capital access and broaden its investor base.
- Acquisition Impact: Solstice Advanced Materials is acquiring Element Solutions for $14.5 billion, creating a specialty chemicals powerhouse focused on the semiconductor industry, which will enhance its competitive position and industry consolidation capabilities.
- Airline Sector Benefits from Oil Price Drop: With traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resuming and U.S.-Iran peace talks underway, oil prices are nearing pre-war levels, which could benefit airlines significantly and help combat inflation.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Clinical Trial Outlook Analysis
- Market Competition Analysis: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, faces significant competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose drugs dominate the weight loss market, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for VK2735 in capturing market share.
- Unique Therapeutic Advantage: VK2735's dual formulation allows for rapid weight loss via injection followed by oral maintenance, achieving a notable 14.7% weight reduction in 13 weeks, which could appeal to patients seeking quicker results compared to competitors' offerings.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous VK2735 expected in mid-2027 and oral dosing results anticipated in 2028, necessitating patience from investors as they await critical data.
- Investor Confidence and Risks: Despite a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events, market sentiment remains optimistic about VK2735's prospects, particularly if maintenance trial results are favorable, potentially attracting acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies and enhancing the company's value.
See More
Viking's VK2735 Shows Significant Weight Loss Potential
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 demonstrates a peak weight loss of 14.7% in phase 2 trials, achieving this in just 13 weeks, significantly outperforming competitors, which may attract acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies to expedite development.
- Dual Formulation Advantage: As a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, VK2735 can initially be administered via injection for rapid weight loss and later switched to oral maintenance, providing a more convenient experience that could enhance patient adherence and market competitiveness.
- Safety Challenges: Despite VK2735's promising weight loss results, the safety data from the phase 2 oral trial raises concerns, with a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events in the treatment group, compared to 13% in the placebo group, potentially affecting future market acceptance.
- Future Outlook: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous dosing expected in mid-2027; if results are favorable, this could boost investor confidence and drive stock price appreciation.
See More
Eli Lilly Stock Valuation Analysis
- Stock Performance: Eli Lilly's stock has surged approximately 441.5% over the past five years, currently priced around $1,213, indicating strong performance; however, multiple valuation checks suggest the stock may be overpriced, prompting investors to carefully assess entry points.
- Cash Flow Forecast: Over the last twelve months, Eli Lilly generated about $8.6 billion in free cash flow, with the DCF model estimating an intrinsic value of approximately $1,591 per share, implying the current stock price is roughly 23.7% undervalued, providing potential upside for investors.
- P/E Ratio Analysis: Eli Lilly's P/E ratio stands at about 42.8x, significantly above the pharmaceutical industry average of 15.4x, although its tailored fair P/E ratio is approximately 39.2x, indicating that while investors are paying a premium for growth expectations, it is not excessively out of line with the company's profile.
- Market Expectations and Risks: While Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs bolster cash flow expectations, regulatory and pricing pressures may limit the premium investors are willing to pay, making the ability to sustain current cash flows and pipeline execution critical for future valuation.
See More
Investment Outlook Comparison: Eli Lilly vs. Teva
- Eli Lilly's Growth Potential: Eli Lilly achieved nearly $65.2 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 44% increase year-over-year, with a net income of approximately $20.6 billion, indicating strong market demand and profitability, and is projected to reach $85.2 billion in revenue in 2026, further solidifying its leadership in the innovative drug market.
- Teva's Stability: Teva reported nearly $17.3 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 4% year-over-year increase, achieving a net income of about $1.4 billion for the first time, and despite facing intense competition and legal risks, its shift towards biosimilars is expected to restore growth in the coming years.
- Risk Comparison: Eli Lilly faces regulatory challenges from the Inflation Reduction Act mandating price discounts on key drugs, while Teva struggles with high debt and legal litigation that limit its financial flexibility, factors that could impact both companies' future market performance.
- Valuation Discrepancy: Eli Lilly's forward P/E ratio stands at 33.1x, significantly higher than Teva's 16.4x, and while Eli Lilly's valuation is elevated, the success of its GLP-1 drugs has bolstered market confidence in its future growth, reflecting investor recognition of its long-term potential.
See More
Eli Lilly vs. Teva: A Market Comparison
- Eli Lilly's Growth Momentum: Eli Lilly reported a revenue of $65.2 billion in FY 2025, marking a 44% year-over-year increase, with a net income of approximately $20.6 billion, showcasing strong market demand in diabetes and obesity treatments, and is projected to further grow to $85.2 billion in 2026 with nearly $31 billion in net income, reflecting the success of its GLP-1 drugs.
- Teva's Transformation: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries achieved nearly $17.3 billion in revenue for FY 2025, a 4% year-over-year increase, and recorded a net income of about $1.4 billion with a net margin of approximately 8.2%, indicating a gradual recovery in profitability after legal challenges, despite facing fierce competition in the generics market.
- Debt Risk Analysis: As of December 2025, Eli Lilly's debt-to-equity ratio stands at 1.6x, while Teva's is approximately 2.2x, indicating greater financial pressure on Teva, which may impact its future investment capacity and market competitiveness.
- Market Competition and Regulatory Challenges: Eli Lilly faces intense competition from rivals like Novo Nordisk and regulatory challenges from the Inflation Reduction Act mandating price discounts, while Teva must navigate price erosion in the generics market and legal risks, highlighting significant strategic differences in their market approaches.
See More
Market Update: Semiconductor and Airline Sector Outlook
- Semiconductor Market Recovery: Chip stocks are rebounding this morning after last week's severe sell-off, with Apple and Broadcom agreeing to an expanded partnership that is expected to drive long-term growth in the semiconductor sector.
- SK Hynix IPO Plans: South Korean memory giant SK Hynix is looking to raise $28 billion through a Nasdaq listing, which, while maintaining its primary listing in South Korea, will enhance its capital access and broaden its investor base.
- Acquisition Impact: Solstice Advanced Materials is acquiring Element Solutions for $14.5 billion, creating a specialty chemicals powerhouse focused on the semiconductor industry, which will enhance its competitive position and industry consolidation capabilities.
- Airline Sector Benefits from Oil Price Drop: With traffic through the Strait of Hormuz resuming and U.S.-Iran peace talks underway, oil prices are nearing pre-war levels, which could benefit airlines significantly and help combat inflation.
See More
Viking Therapeutics Clinical Trial Outlook Analysis
- Market Competition Analysis: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735, a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, faces significant competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, whose drugs dominate the weight loss market, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for VK2735 in capturing market share.
- Unique Therapeutic Advantage: VK2735's dual formulation allows for rapid weight loss via injection followed by oral maintenance, achieving a notable 14.7% weight reduction in 13 weeks, which could appeal to patients seeking quicker results compared to competitors' offerings.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous VK2735 expected in mid-2027 and oral dosing results anticipated in 2028, necessitating patience from investors as they await critical data.
- Investor Confidence and Risks: Despite a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events, market sentiment remains optimistic about VK2735's prospects, particularly if maintenance trial results are favorable, potentially attracting acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies and enhancing the company's value.
See More
Viking's VK2735 Shows Significant Weight Loss Potential
- Clinical Trial Progress: Viking Therapeutics' VK2735 demonstrates a peak weight loss of 14.7% in phase 2 trials, achieving this in just 13 weeks, significantly outperforming competitors, which may attract acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies to expedite development.
- Dual Formulation Advantage: As a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, VK2735 can initially be administered via injection for rapid weight loss and later switched to oral maintenance, providing a more convenient experience that could enhance patient adherence and market competitiveness.
- Safety Challenges: Despite VK2735's promising weight loss results, the safety data from the phase 2 oral trial raises concerns, with a 20% discontinuation rate due to adverse events in the treatment group, compared to 13% in the placebo group, potentially affecting future market acceptance.
- Future Outlook: Viking is conducting a 19-week maintenance study, with phase 3 results for subcutaneous dosing expected in mid-2027; if results are favorable, this could boost investor confidence and drive stock price appreciation.
See More
