Pharma Stocks: JNJ or LLY - Which One Will Be the Healthiest Investment in 2026?
Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly are two pharmaceutical companies with different growth strategies. Johnson & Johnson has a diversified portfolio of drugs and medical devices, while Eli Lilly focuses on blockbuster treatments for diabetes and obesity.
J&J's revenue reached $94 billion in FY 2025, a 6% increase from the prior period. The company reported a net income of nearly $27 billion for the year, with a net margin of approximately 29%. Its debt-to-equity ratio was around 0.6x, indicating manageable borrowing levels.
Eli Lilly's revenue grew by 45% to about $65.2 billion in FY 2025, driven by the success of its newest pharmaceutical launches. The company achieved a net income of approximately $20.6 billion and a net margin of nearly 32%. Its current ratio was around 1.6x, showing strong liquidity.
While J&J is seen as a conservative value play, Eli Lilly carries a higher premium due to its aggressive growth trajectory. Analysts believe Eli Lilly's revenue will rise by up to 30% in 2026, reaching $85.2 billion, with close to $31 billion in net income.