Merck and Eli Lilly reported earnings today, and CNBC asked the pharmaceutical companies’ chief executives and an analyst to discuss the results and the sector as a whole.
Eli Lilly CEO: Q1 Bodes Well
"We're in the business of bringing new medicines to the market that, obviously, have to compete effectively with generics. I think the kind of growth we saw this first quarter indicates that we've been able to do that."
- John Lechleiter, CEO of Eli Lilly
Merck CEO: Look Deeper
“Although we missed slightly on the top line, the underlying growth and new products are doing extremely well for the company in the first quarter…
When you look at our strategy for the company, we have to leverage the cost expenses that we had during the year in order to make sure if you have challenges, that you’re able to offset those.”
- Richard Clark, CEO of Merck
Betting on the Pharma Sector
“Our favorite stock is Merck, and the other stock we’re recommending is Bristol-Myers , which I think is going to benefit from strength in their existing product portfolio, as well as a major restructuring initiative.”
- Barbara Ryan, Deutsche Bank