In the third quarter, BAM Wealth Management LLC established a new position in Eli Lilly and Company by acquiring 1,424 shares valued at approximately $1.09 million. This stake represents 0.8% of BAM’s portfolio, making Eli Lilly its 25th largest holding. Several other institutions also adjusted their exposure: Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group initiated a $27,000 position in Q2, Evolution Wealth added $29,000, Steph & Co. increased its stake by 290% to 39 shares (worth $30,000), Financial Gravity invested $31,000, and Bare Financial Services grew its holding by 263.6% to 40 shares ($31,000). Collectively, hedge funds and institutional investors now own 82.53% of the company’s shares.

On December 15, Bank of America reduced its price target from $1,286 to $1,268 while maintaining a Buy rating. The same day, Goldman Sachs raised its target from $951 to $1,145 and reiterated a Buy recommendation. Earlier, CICC Research lifted its target from $801 to $1,060 with a Neutral stance on November 13, and Berenberg Bank increased its target from $830 to $950 with a Hold rating on December 2. UBS initiated coverage on January 6 with a Buy rating and a $1,250 objective. Of the 26 analysts covering the stock, four rate it Strong Buy, eighteen rate it Buy, and four rate it Hold, yielding a consensus target of $1,174.61 and an overall Buy consensus.

In the fiscal fourth quarter, Eli Lilly reported adjusted earnings per share of $7.02, beating expectations by $0.60, on revenue of $17.60 billion versus forecasts of $16.09 billion. Revenue grew 53.9% year-over-year, driving a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. The company’s FY2025 guidance targets EPS between $23.00 and $23.70, with analysts projecting $23.48. On March 10, the company will pay a quarterly dividend of $1.73 per share, up from $1.50, reflecting a 29.35% payout ratio and an annualized yield of 0.6%, with a record date of February 13.