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The recent earnings season has brought a mix of positive surprises and challenges across various industries. Companies like Eli Lilly (LLY), AbbVie (ABBV), and Uber (UBER) have released their quarterly reports, showcasing significant developments in their financial performance and future guidance. While some companies exceeded expectations, others faced hurdles that impacted their earnings.

Eli Lilly demonstrated strong performance, surpassing both EPS and revenue expectations, driven by robust growth in its key products. AbbVie also reported a solid quarter, beating EPS and revenue estimates, although it faced challenges in its oncology portfolio. On the other hand, Uber’s earnings fell short of EPS expectations, although it managed to exceed revenue forecasts, highlighting the complexities of the current economic environment.
 

Earnings Beats in Pharma Offset by Mixed Results at Uber

Eli Lilly’s fourth-quarter performance showcased impressive growth, with the company reporting an EPS of $7.54, surpassing the expectation of $7.20. Revenue also exceeded expectations, reaching $19.3 billion compared to the anticipated $17.87 billion. This strong performance was driven by volume growth from key products like Mounjaro and Zepbound, which saw significant increases in revenue. The company’s ability to surpass expectations highlights its strategic positioning and effective execution in the pharmaceutical market.

AbbVie also reported a solid quarter, with an EPS of $2.71, beating the expectation of $2.65. Revenue came in at $16.62 billion, slightly above the expected $16.39 billion. The company’s immunology portfolio, particularly Skyrizi and Rinvoq, contributed to its strong performance, although challenges in the oncology segment, specifically with Imbruvica, posed some hurdles. Despite these challenges, AbbVie’s diversified portfolio and strategic investments in innovation position it well for future growth.

In contrast, Uber faced challenges in the fourth-quarter, with an EPS of $0.71 falling short of the expected $0.80. However, the company managed to exceed revenue expectations, reporting $14.4 billion compared to the anticipated $14.32 billion. Uber’s performance was driven by strong growth in its Mobility and Delivery segments, although it faced headwinds from revaluations of its equity investments. The company’s focus on expanding its platform and leveraging its large consumer base remains a key driver of its long-term growth strategy.
 

Section 2: Companies Outline Forward Guidance for 2026

Looking ahead, Eli Lilly has provided optimistic guidance for 2026, with revenue expected to range between $80 billion and $83 billion, and non-GAAP EPS projected between $33.50 and $35.00. The company’s strong pipeline and recent regulatory approvals, including the FDA approval of Kwikpen for tirzepatide, position it well for continued growth. Lilly’s strategic focus on expanding access to obesity medicines and its agreement with the U.S. government further underscore its commitment to addressing significant health challenges.

AbbVie’s guidance for 2026 is also positive, with adjusted diluted EPS expected to range from $14.37 to $14.57. The company’s strategic investments in R&D and capital, along with its voluntary agreement with the U.S. government to enhance access and affordability, reflect its focus on long-term growth. AbbVie’s ongoing efforts to expand its pipeline, particularly in the immunology and neuroscience portfolios, indicate its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs and driving sustainable growth.

Uber’s outlook for the first quarter of 2026 suggests continued growth, with Gross Bookings projected to range between $52.0 billion and $53.5 billion, representing a 17% to 21% increase year-over-year. The company’s focus on expanding its platform and leveraging its large consumer base remains a key driver of its long-term growth strategy. Uber’s commitment to investing in autonomous vehicle technology and other innovative solutions highlights its strategic vision for the future, despite the near-term challenges it faces.

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