Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:LLY) shares popped nearly 4% on Tuesday despite missing analyst expectations on earnings. The company reported its most recent quarterly results before the market opened, positing an EPS of $1.87, slightly lower than the consensus Street estimate of $1.89 earnings per share.
On the other hand, Eli Lilly’s top line grew by 22.5% to $6.74 billion, outperforming analyst estimates by $150 million. In addition, the company said that its Alzheimer’s drug donanemab could be favoured over Biogen Inc.’s (NASDAQ:BIIB) Aduhelm.
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Biogen’s Alzheimer’s drug has raised a public outcry after receiving approval, leading to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation. However, if Lilly’s donanemab can show more promise, the company could be right about its chances of gaining approval from the public after the FDA gives the green light.
Should you invest in LLY shares in Q3 2021?
Despite Eli Lilly’s recent stock price spike, shares still trade at a fair valuation of approximately 36.93 P/E. In addition, the forward P/E ratio of 28.72 creates a small entry window amid next year’s earnings growth expectation of 36.90%. Analysts also expect Eli Lilly’s earnings per share to grow by an average annual rate of 14.57% over the next five years, making the stock attractive to growth investors.
Furthermore, depending on how things turn out for the company’s Alzheimer’s drug, LLY could experience more gains in the coming quarters. Eli Lilly reported promising phase two trials for donanemab. Therefore, it may not be too late to invest in LLY shares ahead of an exciting period.
Technical overview: Eli Lilly stock price forecast for August 2021
Technically, Eli Lilly shares appear to have recently surged to overbought conditions in the 14-day RSI. In addition, the stock continues to trade several levels above the 100-day moving average. However, the bullish momentum seems far from over after Tuesday’s statement.
Therefore, investors can target extended gains at approximately $270.50 or higher at $284.97. The key support levels are $242.72 and $228.51. The stock was trading at $255.66 at the time of writing.
Bottom line: the catalyst for buying the bull-run
Although Eli Lilly shares have surged significantly in recent trading sessions, the stock still trades at a fair valuation based on its forward P/E ratio. Furthermore, Tuesday’s company statement about its donanemab drug could boost the stock price as more investors look to take the opportunity.
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