Large-cap pharmaceuticals have displayed relative strength over the last month, seeing notable buying pressure.<\/p>\n
And three stocks from the realm \u2013 AbbVie ABBV, Novo Nordisk NVO, and Eli Lilly LLY \u2013 have been notably hot, all outperforming the S&P 500 handily during the period.<\/p>\n
For those interested in riding the recent momentum, let\u2019s take a closer look at how each currently stacks up.<\/p>\n
AbbVie<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n AbbVie enjoys leadership positions in key therapeutic areas, including immunology, hematologic oncology, neuroscience, aesthetics, eye care, and women\u2019s health.<\/p>\n The company\u2019s shares were boosted following its latest quarterly print, as we can see illustrated in the chart below. The company posted a double-beat, exceeding the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate by 4% and delivering revenue results modestly ahead of the consensus.<\/p>\n The company is a Dividend Aristocrat, reflecting its commitment to increasingly rewarding shareholders. ABBV shares currently yield a sizable 3.9% annually paired with a payout ratio sitting sustainably at 47% of the company\u2019s earnings.<\/p>\n Novo Nordisk<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company and a leader in the worldwide diabetes market. Analysts have raised their expectations across several timeframes, with the trend particularly noteworthy for its current fiscal year.<\/p>\n It\u2019s difficult to ignore the company\u2019s growth profile, with earnings forecasted to soar 50% in its current fiscal year on 30% higher revenues. Peeking ahead to FY24, estimates allude to a further 15% earnings growth paired with a 12% sales bump.<\/p>\n The stock has a Growth Style Score of \u201cA.\u201d<\/p>\n Shares may not entice value-focused investors, with the current 35.2X forward earnings multiple well above the five-year median. Still, investors have had little issue forking up the premium given the company\u2019s growth, with NVO shares up nearly 40% in 2023.<\/p>\n Eli Lilly<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Eli Lilly recently raised its full-year 2023 guidance following its last quarterly release; LLY now expects annual revenue in the range of $33.4 \u2013 $33.9 billion (previously $31.2 \u2013 $31.7 billion) and adjusted earnings of $9.70 \u2013 $9.90 per share (previously $8.65 \u2013 $8.85).<\/p>\n Analysts have revised their earnings expectations rapidly across the board following the release, reflecting optimism.<\/p>\n Like NVO, Eli Lilly has big growth expectations, with earnings forecasted to see improvements of 20% and 35% in FY23 and FY24, respectively. Top line growth is robust, too, expected to climb 16% in FY23 and 17% in FY24.<\/p>\n And LLY shares provide a source of passive income, with shares currently yielding 0.8% annually. While the yield is on the lower end, the company\u2019s 15% five-year annualized dividend growth rate helps to pick up the slack.<\/p>\n Bottom Line<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Large-cap pharmaceuticals have enjoyed buying pressure over the last month, delivering outsized gains to investors.<\/p>\n And all three stocks above \u2013 AbbVie ABBV, Novo Nordisk NVO, and Eli Lilly LLY \u2013 have been leading the move higher, all outperforming the S&P 500 over the period. Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report<\/p>\n AbbVie Inc. (ABBV): Free Stock Analysis Report<\/p>\n To read this article on Zacks.com click here.<\/p>\n Zacks Investment Research<\/p>\n This article originally appeared on Zacks<\/i><\/p>\n Sponsored: Tips for Investing<\/b><\/p>\n A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.<\/p>\n Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses,\tconsider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.<\/p>\n
\nNovo Nordisk A\/S (NVO): Free Stock Analysis Report<\/p>\n