Merck, Eli Lilly Enter Earnings Reports With Declines Expected

Merck and Eli Lilly are due to report third-quarter results Thursday, Oct. 29, as analysts expect earnings declines at both drugmakers and a 19% drop in Merck’s earnings per share.

Merck’s earnings per share are projected at $2.09. The company faces a patent cliff and the possibility of slower U.S. sales growth for Keytruda. New formulations and changes in specialty pharmacy purchasing are additional pressures, while generic competition has been lower than expected.

Eli Lilly’s revenue growth has come largely from its obesity and weight-loss franchise, including Mounjaro and Zepbound. The company also faces pricing pressure and competition in the GLP-1 and obesity drug market.

Both companies are scheduled to release their third-quarter results Thursday.