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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 88 (from laksa072)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa088.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/19/best-growth-stock-to-buy-right-now-eli-lilly-vs-ve/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/19/best-growth-stock-to-buy-right-now-eli-lilly-vs-ve/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/19\/best-growth-stock-to-buy-right-now-eli-lilly-vs-ve\/","crawl_time":1775390922,"first_indexed_time":1773948827,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,fool!www,\/investing\/2026\/03\/19\/best-growth-stock-to-buy-right-now-eli-lilly-vs-ve\/ s443","src_root_hash":"16263700115757751488","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Best Growth Stock to Buy Right Now: Eli Lilly vs. Vertex Pharmaceuticals | The Motley Fool","meta_descriptions":["Both have plenty to offer investors, but one has a better outlook."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Eli Lilly\n(\nLLY\n1.98%\n)\nand\nVertex Pharmaceuticals\n(\nVRTX\n2.01%\n)\nhave several things in common. Both are among the more prominent drugmakers in the world, and both have delivered market-beating returns over the past decade, although the larger Eli Lilly has performed much better on that front. Investors choosing between these two stocks can hardly go wrong, but which will be the better performer over the next five to 10 years? Let's try to answer that question.\nImage source: Getty Images.\nThe case for Eli Lilly\nEli Lilly currently leads the rapidly growing weight-loss market. The company's tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, is now the world's best-selling drug.\nOver the next two years, the\npharmaceutical leader\nshould add several weight loss products to its lineup. The company is gearing up to launch orforglipron, an oral GLP-1, which could earn the green light in the second quarter.\nThe healthcare giant also posted strong phase 3 results for retatrutide, another promising weight-loss candidate, in December.\nLLY\nToday's Change\n(-1.98%) $-18.94\nCurrent Price\n$935.58\nMeanwhile, Eli Lilly's newer approvals in other fields should also make headway, including Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease and Ebglyss for eczema. They won't be the company's main growth drivers, but they will help somewhat diversify its lineup. Lastly, Eli Lilly is looking to boost its already strong innovative engine by investing in\nartificial intelligence\n(AI). The company's lineup should drive top-line growth for the foreseeable future, while its AI initiatives help strengthen its moat.\nThe case for Vertex Pharmaceuticals\nVertex Pharmaceuticals generates strong sales and profits thanks to its medicines that treat the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis (CF), the only such drugs on the market. While this business remains strong, the company has expanded. Over the past few years, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has earned approval for Casgevy, a treatment for sickle cell disease, and Journavx, a medicine for acute pain. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is looking to further diversify its lineup. It recently reported strong phase 3 results for povetacicept, an investigational therapy for IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease.\nVRTX\nToday's Change\n(-2.01%) $-8.97\nCurrent Price\n$438.29\nThe company is planning to build a kidney disease franchise around povetacicept -- with which it will target other diseases -- and inaxaplin, which is being developed to treat APOL-1 mediated kidney disease.\nThen there is zimislecel, a potential therapy for Type 1 diabetes for which Vertex could request regulatory approval this year.\nThe biotech's core CF franchise can still drive top-line growth well into the 2030s. After that, newer approvals will eventually help the company move beyond its CF business.\nThe verdict\nIf I could only choose one of these stocks, I'd pick Eli Lilly. The company is generating higher revenue and net income while also growing both metrics faster than its smaller competitor.\nLLY Revenue (Quarterly)\ndata by\nYCharts\nFurther, even as the weight-loss market becomes more competitive, Eli Lilly's deep pipeline should help it keep the lead in this growing niche. Lastly, both companies are similarly valued, with Vertex's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.2 not much lower than Eli Lilly's 26.9. Perhaps if Vertex were much cheaper, it would be the better option right now, but it's not, which gives Eli Lilly the edge.","attrs_markdown":"[Accessibility Menu](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/19\/best-growth-stock-to-buy-right-now-eli-lilly-vs-ve\/)\n\nSearch for a company\n\n[Accessibility](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/19\/best-growth-stock-to-buy-right-now-eli-lilly-vs-ve\/)\n\nLog In\n\n[Help](https:\/\/support.fool.com\/)\n\n[![The Motley Fool](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/misc-assets\/logo-tmf-primary-1-magenta-purple-reversed.svg?_w=320)![The Motley Fool](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/image\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Fmisc-assets%2Ftmf_holdingco_logo_stacked_magenta_royalpurple_rev.png&w=96&op=resize)](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/)\n\n- Our Services\n  [All Services](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/)[Stock Advisor](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/stock-advisor\/)[Epic](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic\/)[Epic 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Bakiny](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20111\/) – Mar 19, 2026 at 2:30PM EST\n\n[Follow us](https:\/\/profile.google.com\/cp\/CgkvbS8wNTc4bWs)\n\nShare\n\nSummarize with AI\n\n## Key Points\n- Eli Lilly has strong momentum thanks to its leadership in the weight loss market.\n- Vertex Pharmaceuticals' core franchise and newer approvals could drive top-line growth for a long time.\n- One one of these drugmakers is performing better than the other on multiple fronts.\n\n**Eli Lilly** ([LLY](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nyse\/lly\/) 1\\.98%) and **Vertex Pharmaceuticals** ([VRTX](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/vrtx\/) 2\\.01%) have several things in common. Both are among the more prominent drugmakers in the world, and both have delivered market-beating returns over the past decade, although the larger Eli Lilly has performed much better on that front. Investors choosing between these two stocks can hardly go wrong, but which will be the better performer over the next five to 10 years? Let's try to answer that question.\n\n![Pharmacist talking to patient.](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/image\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F858658%2Fpharmacist-talking-to-patient.jpg&w=3840&op=resize)\n\nImage source: Getty Images.\n## The case for Eli Lilly\nEli Lilly currently leads the rapidly growing weight-loss market. The company's tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, is now the world's best-selling drug. Over the next two years, the [pharmaceutical leader](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/healthcare\/pharmaceutical-stocks\/) should add several weight loss products to its lineup. The company is gearing up to launch orforglipron, an oral GLP-1, which could earn the green light in the second quarter. The healthcare giant also posted strong phase 3 results for retatrutide, another promising weight-loss candidate, in December.\n\nCollapse\n\nLLY\n\n## [NYSE: LLY](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nyse\/lly\/)\nEli Lilly\n\nToday's Change\n\n(-1.98%) \\$-18.94\n\nCurrent Price\n\n\\$935.58\n\nUnable to reach the data service. Please check your connection.\n\nYTD\n\n1w\n\n1m\n\n3m\n\n6m\n\n1y\n\n5y\n\nPrice\n\nVS S\\&P\n\n### Key Data Points\nMarket Cap\n\n\\$884B\n\nDay's Range\n\n\\$930.02 - \\$957.69\n\n52wk Range\n\n\\$623.78 - \\$1133.95\n\nVolume\n\n2\\.7M\n\nAvg Vol\n\n3\\.2M\n\nGross Margin\n\n83\\.04%\n\nDividend Yield\n\n0\\.67%\n\nMeanwhile, Eli Lilly's newer approvals in other fields should also make headway, including Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease and Ebglyss for eczema. They won't be the company's main growth drivers, but they will help somewhat diversify its lineup. Lastly, Eli Lilly is looking to boost its already strong innovative engine by investing in [artificial intelligence](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/information-technology\/ai-stocks\/) (AI). The company's lineup should drive top-line growth for the foreseeable future, while its AI initiatives help strengthen its moat.\n\n## The case for Vertex Pharmaceuticals\nVertex Pharmaceuticals generates strong sales and profits thanks to its medicines that treat the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis (CF), the only such drugs on the market. While this business remains strong, the company has expanded. Over the past few years, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has earned approval for Casgevy, a treatment for sickle cell disease, and Journavx, a medicine for acute pain. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is looking to further diversify its lineup. It recently reported strong phase 3 results for povetacicept, an investigational therapy for IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease.\n\nCollapse\n\nVRTX\n\n## [NASDAQ: VRTX](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/vrtx\/)\nVertex Pharmaceuticals\n\nToday's Change\n\n(-2.01%) \\$-8.97\n\nCurrent Price\n\n\\$438.29\n\nUnable to reach the data service. Please check your connection.\n\nYTD\n\n1w\n\n1m\n\n3m\n\n6m\n\n1y\n\n5y\n\nPrice\n\nVS S\\&P\n\n### Key Data Points\nMarket Cap\n\n\\$111B\n\nDay's Range\n\n\\$436.70 - \\$449.17\n\n52wk Range\n\n\\$362.50 - \\$510.77\n\nVolume\n\n54K\n\nAvg Vol\n\n1\\.5M\n\nGross Margin\n\n86\\.32%\n\nThe company is planning to build a kidney disease franchise around povetacicept -- with which it will target other diseases -- and inaxaplin, which is being developed to treat APOL-1 mediated kidney disease. Then there is zimislecel, a potential therapy for Type 1 diabetes for which Vertex could request regulatory approval this year. The biotech's core CF franchise can still drive top-line growth well into the 2030s. After that, newer approvals will eventually help the company move beyond its CF business.\n\n## The verdict\nIf I could only choose one of these stocks, I'd pick Eli Lilly. The company is generating higher revenue and net income while also growing both metrics faster than its smaller competitor.\n\n[![LLY Revenue (Quarterly) Chart](https:\/\/media.ycharts.com\/charts\/6a2c5992a1f4b5c8444525664fe318cd.png)](https:\/\/ycharts.com\/companies\/LLY\/chart\/)\n\n[LLY Revenue (Quarterly)](https:\/\/ycharts.com\/companies\/LLY\/revenues) data by [YCharts](https:\/\/ycharts.com\/)\n\nFurther, even as the weight-loss market becomes more competitive, Eli Lilly's deep pipeline should help it keep the lead in this growing niche. Lastly, both companies are similarly valued, with Vertex's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.2 not much lower than Eli Lilly's 26.9. Perhaps if Vertex were much cheaper, it would be the better option right now, but it's not, which gives Eli Lilly the edge.\n\n## Read Next\nApr 4, 2026\n\n•By [Justin Pope](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/6581\/)\n\n[Eli Lilly's One-Two Punch Could Knock Novo Nordisk Out of the Obesity Drug Fight](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/04\/04\/eli-lilly-stock-punch-could-knock-novo-nordisk\/)\n\nApr 2, 2026\n\n•By [Adria Cimino](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20211\/)\n\n[Prediction: This Will Be Eli Lilly's Next Billion-Dollar Growth Driver. (Hint: It's Not Weight Loss Drugs.)](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/04\/02\/predict-eli-lilly-next-billion-growth-weight\/)\n\nApr 1, 2026\n\n•By [Lyle Daly](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20014\/)\n\n[The Largest Companies by Market Cap in April 2026](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/research\/largest-companies-by-market-cap\/)\n\nApr 1, 2026\n\n•By [Eric Volkman](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/4067\/)\n\n[Why Eli Lilly Stock Trounced the Market Today](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/04\/01\/why-eli-lilly-stock-trounced-the-market-today\/)\n\nApr 1, 2026\n\n•By [Manali Pradhan, CFA](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20323\/)\n\n[1 Reason This \\$900 Stock Could Announce a Split in 2026](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/04\/01\/1-reason-this-900-stock-could-announce-a-split-in\/)\n\nMar 28, 2026\n\n•By [Prosper Junior Bakiny](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20111\/)\n\n[1 Reason Eli Lilly Stock Is Still a Buy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/2026\/03\/28\/1-reason-eli-lilly-stock-is-still-a-buy\/)\n\n### About the Author\n![Prosper Junior Bakiny](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/avatar\/2046108619\/large.ashx?_w=3840)\n\nProsper Junior Bakiny is a contributing Motley Fool healthcare analyst covering biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare stocks. Before The Motley Fool, Prosper wrote about investing topics ranging from stock market news to private equity for various companies. He holds a master’s degree in corporate finance from the University of Maryland Global Campus.\n\n[TMFPBakiny](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20111\/)\n\n*[Prosper Junior Bakiny](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/author\/20111\/) has positions in Eli Lilly and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a [disclosure policy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/fool-disclosure-policy\/).*\n\n### Stocks Mentioned\n[LL Eli Lilly NYSE: LLY\\$935.58 (-1.98%)-\\$18.94](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nyse\/lly\/)\n\n[VR Vertex Pharmaceuticals NASDAQ: VRTX\\$438.71 (-1.91%)-\\$8.55](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/vrtx\/)\n\n\\*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.\n\n## Premium Investing Services\nInvest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.\n\n[View Premium Services](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/?ftm_cam=footer-services-sitewide-prospects)\n\n[![The Motley Fool](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/misc-assets\/logo-tmf-primary-1-magenta-purple.svg?_w=320)](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/)\n\nMaking the world smarter, happier, and richer.\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/themotleyfool)\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/x.com\/TheMotleyFool)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-motley-fool\/)\n- [Pinterest](https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/themotleyfool\/)\n- [YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/TheMotleyFool)\n- [Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/themotleyfoolofficial\/)\n- [TikTok](https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@themotleyfoolofficial)\n\n© 1995 - 2026 The Motley Fool. All rights reserved.\n\nMarket data powered by [Xignite](https:\/\/xignite.com\/) and [Polygon.io](https:\/\/polygon.io\/).\n\nAbout The Motley Fool\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/about\/)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/careers.fool.com\/)\n- [Research](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/research\/)\n- [Newsroom](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/contact\/newsroom\/)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/contact-us\/)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/cdn-cgi\/l\/email-protection#3a5b5e53544b4f5348535f497a5c55555614595557)\n\nOur Services\n\n- [All Services](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/)\n- [Stock Advisor](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/stock-advisor\/)\n- [Epic](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic\/)\n- [Epic Plus](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/epic-plus\/)\n- [Fool Portfolios](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/fool-portfolios\/)\n- [Fool One](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/services\/one\/)\n- [Motley Fool Money](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/money\/)\n\nAround the Globe\n\n- [Fool UK](https:\/\/www.fool.co.uk\/)\n- [Fool Australia](https:\/\/www.fool.com.au\/)\n- [Fool Canada](https:\/\/www.fool.ca\/)\n\nFree Tools\n\n- [CAPS Stock Ratings](https:\/\/caps.fool.com\/)\n- [Discussion Boards](https:\/\/discussion.fool.com\/)\n- [Calculators](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/calculators\/index\/)\n- [Financial Dictionary](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/terms\/)\n\nAffiliates & Friends\n\n- [Motley Fool Asset Management](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/mfam\/)\n- [Motley Fool Wealth Management](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/mfwm\/)\n- [Motley Fool Ventures](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/ventures\/)\n- [Fool Community Foundation](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/foundation\/)\n- [Become an Affiliate Partner](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/affiliates\/)\n\n- [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/terms-and-conditions\/fool-rules\/ \"Terms of Use\")\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/privacy-statement\/ \"Privacy Policy\")\n- [Disclosure Policy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/fool-disclosure-policy\/ \"Disclosure Policy\")\n- [Accessibility Policy](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/accessibility-policy\/ \"Accessibility Policy\")\n- [Copyright, Trademark and Patent Information](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/stuff-we-own\/ \"Copyright, Trademark and Patent Information\")\n- [Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/legal\/terms-and-conditions\/ \"Terms and Conditions\")\n- [Do Not Sell My Personal Information](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/data-protection\/ccpa-update\/ \"Do Not Sell My Personal Information\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"**Eli Lilly** ([LLY](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nyse\/lly\/) 1\\.98%) and **Vertex Pharmaceuticals** ([VRTX](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/quote\/nasdaq\/vrtx\/) 2\\.01%) have several things in common. Both are among the more prominent drugmakers in the world, and both have delivered market-beating returns over the past decade, although the larger Eli Lilly has performed much better on that front. Investors choosing between these two stocks can hardly go wrong, but which will be the better performer over the next five to 10 years? Let's try to answer that question.\n\n![Pharmacist talking to patient.](https:\/\/g.foolcdn.com\/image\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F858658%2Fpharmacist-talking-to-patient.jpg&w=3840&op=resize)\n\nImage source: Getty Images.\n## The case for Eli Lilly\nEli Lilly currently leads the rapidly growing weight-loss market. The company's tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, is now the world's best-selling drug. Over the next two years, the [pharmaceutical leader](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/healthcare\/pharmaceutical-stocks\/) should add several weight loss products to its lineup. The company is gearing up to launch orforglipron, an oral GLP-1, which could earn the green light in the second quarter. The healthcare giant also posted strong phase 3 results for retatrutide, another promising weight-loss candidate, in December.\n\nLLY\n\nToday's Change\n\n(-1.98%) \\$-18.94\n\nCurrent Price\n\n\\$935.58\n\nMeanwhile, Eli Lilly's newer approvals in other fields should also make headway, including Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease and Ebglyss for eczema. They won't be the company's main growth drivers, but they will help somewhat diversify its lineup. Lastly, Eli Lilly is looking to boost its already strong innovative engine by investing in [artificial intelligence](https:\/\/www.fool.com\/investing\/stock-market\/market-sectors\/information-technology\/ai-stocks\/) (AI). The company's lineup should drive top-line growth for the foreseeable future, while its AI initiatives help strengthen its moat.\n\n## The case for Vertex Pharmaceuticals\nVertex Pharmaceuticals generates strong sales and profits thanks to its medicines that treat the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis (CF), the only such drugs on the market. While this business remains strong, the company has expanded. Over the past few years, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has earned approval for Casgevy, a treatment for sickle cell disease, and Journavx, a medicine for acute pain. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is looking to further diversify its lineup. It recently reported strong phase 3 results for povetacicept, an investigational therapy for IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease.\n\nVRTX\n\nToday's Change\n\n(-2.01%) \\$-8.97\n\nCurrent Price\n\n\\$438.29\n\nThe company is planning to build a kidney disease franchise around povetacicept -- with which it will target other diseases -- and inaxaplin, which is being developed to treat APOL-1 mediated kidney disease. Then there is zimislecel, a potential therapy for Type 1 diabetes for which Vertex could request regulatory approval this year. The biotech's core CF franchise can still drive top-line growth well into the 2030s. After that, newer approvals will eventually help the company move beyond its CF business.\n\n## The verdict\nIf I could only choose one of these stocks, I'd pick Eli Lilly. The company is generating higher revenue and net income while also growing both metrics faster than its smaller competitor.\n\n[![LLY Revenue (Quarterly) Chart](https:\/\/media.ycharts.com\/charts\/6a2c5992a1f4b5c8444525664fe318cd.png)](https:\/\/ycharts.com\/companies\/LLY\/chart\/)\n\n[LLY Revenue (Quarterly)](https:\/\/ycharts.com\/companies\/LLY\/revenues) data by [YCharts](https:\/\/ycharts.com\/)\n\nFurther, even as the weight-loss market becomes more competitive, Eli Lilly's deep pipeline should help it keep the lead in this growing niche. Lastly, both companies are similarly valued, with Vertex's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.2 not much lower than Eli Lilly's 26.9. Perhaps if Vertex were much cheaper, it would be the better option right now, but it's not, which gives Eli Lilly the edge.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	Best Growth Stock to Buy Right Now: Eli Lilly vs. Vertex Pharmaceuticals \| The Motley Fool
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Boilerpipe Text	Eli Lilly ( LLY 1.98% ) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX 2.01% ) have several things in common. Both are among the more prominent drugmakers in the world, and both have delivered market-beating returns over the past decade, although the larger Eli Lilly has performed much better on that front. Investors choosing between these two stocks can hardly go wrong, but which will be the better performer over the next five to 10 years? Let's try to answer that question. Image source: Getty Images. The case for Eli Lilly Eli Lilly currently leads the rapidly growing weight-loss market. The company's tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, is now the world's best-selling drug. Over the next two years, the pharmaceutical leader should add several weight loss products to its lineup. The company is gearing up to launch orforglipron, an oral GLP-1, which could earn the green light in the second quarter. The healthcare giant also posted strong phase 3 results for retatrutide, another promising weight-loss candidate, in December. LLY Today's Change (-1.98%) $-18.94 Current Price $935.58 Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's newer approvals in other fields should also make headway, including Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease and Ebglyss for eczema. They won't be the company's main growth drivers, but they will help somewhat diversify its lineup. Lastly, Eli Lilly is looking to boost its already strong innovative engine by investing in artificial intelligence (AI). The company's lineup should drive top-line growth for the foreseeable future, while its AI initiatives help strengthen its moat. The case for Vertex Pharmaceuticals Vertex Pharmaceuticals generates strong sales and profits thanks to its medicines that treat the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis (CF), the only such drugs on the market. While this business remains strong, the company has expanded. Over the past few years, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has earned approval for Casgevy, a treatment for sickle cell disease, and Journavx, a medicine for acute pain. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is looking to further diversify its lineup. It recently reported strong phase 3 results for povetacicept, an investigational therapy for IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease. VRTX Today's Change (-2.01%) $-8.97 Current Price $438.29 The company is planning to build a kidney disease franchise around povetacicept -- with which it will target other diseases -- and inaxaplin, which is being developed to treat APOL-1 mediated kidney disease. Then there is zimislecel, a potential therapy for Type 1 diabetes for which Vertex could request regulatory approval this year. The biotech's core CF franchise can still drive top-line growth well into the 2030s. After that, newer approvals will eventually help the company move beyond its CF business. The verdict If I could only choose one of these stocks, I'd pick Eli Lilly. The company is generating higher revenue and net income while also growing both metrics faster than its smaller competitor. LLY Revenue (Quarterly) data by YCharts Further, even as the weight-loss market becomes more competitive, Eli Lilly's deep pipeline should help it keep the lead in this growing niche. Lastly, both companies are similarly valued, with Vertex's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.2 not much lower than Eli Lilly's 26.9. Perhaps if Vertex were much cheaper, it would be the better option right now, but it's not, which gives Eli Lilly the edge.
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[Top 10 Stocks to Buy Now ›](https://api.fool.com/infotron/splitter/route/article-template-button?apikey=5c8e52dd-1bea-455e-87f5-d5506e590f21) [Top 10 Stocks to Buy Now ›](https://api.fool.com/infotron/splitter/route/article-template-button?apikey=5c8e52dd-1bea-455e-87f5-d5506e590f21) [S\&P 500 6,582.69+0.1% +7.37](https://www.fool.com/quote/snpindex/^gspc/) [DJI 46,504.67-0.1% -61.07](https://www.fool.com/quote/djindices/^dji/) [NASDAQ 21,879.18+0.2% +38.23](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaqindex/^ixic/) [Bitcoin \$66,973.00-0.2% -\$135.72](https://www.fool.com/quote/crypto/btc/) [AMZN \$209.77-0.4% -\$0.80](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/amzn/) [GOOG \$294.31-0.2% -\$0.59](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/goog/) [META \$574.46-0.8% -\$4.77](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/meta/) [MSFT \$373.10+1.0% +\$3.73](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/msft/) [NVDA \$177.28+0.9% +\$1.53](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/nvda/) [TSLA \$360.59-5.4% -\$20.67](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/tsla/) [Most Active Stocks](https://www.fool.com/markets/most-active-stocks/)[Daily Stock Gainers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-gainers/)[Daily Stock Losers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-losers/) [Most Active Stocks](https://www.fool.com/markets/most-active-stocks/)[Daily Stock Gainers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-gainers/)[Daily Stock Losers](https://www.fool.com/markets/top-stock-losers/) Free Article[Explore Premium Services](https://www.fool.com/services/) # Best Growth Stock to Buy Right Now: Eli Lilly vs. Vertex Pharmaceuticals Both have plenty to offer investors, but one has a better outlook. By [Prosper Junior Bakiny](https://www.fool.com/author/20111/) – Mar 19, 2026 at 2:30PM EST [Follow us](https://profile.google.com/cp/CgkvbS8wNTc4bWs) Share Summarize with AI ## Key Points - Eli Lilly has strong momentum thanks to its leadership in the weight loss market. - Vertex Pharmaceuticals' core franchise and newer approvals could drive top-line growth for a long time. - One one of these drugmakers is performing better than the other on multiple fronts. Eli Lilly ([LLY](https://www.fool.com/quote/nyse/lly/) 1\.98%) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals ([VRTX](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/vrtx/) 2\.01%) have several things in common. Both are among the more prominent drugmakers in the world, and both have delivered market-beating returns over the past decade, although the larger Eli Lilly has performed much better on that front. Investors choosing between these two stocks can hardly go wrong, but which will be the better performer over the next five to 10 years? Let's try to answer that question. ![Pharmacist talking to patient.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F858658%2Fpharmacist-talking-to-patient.jpg&w=3840&op=resize) Image source: Getty Images. ## The case for Eli Lilly Eli Lilly currently leads the rapidly growing weight-loss market. The company's tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, is now the world's best-selling drug. Over the next two years, the [pharmaceutical leader](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/healthcare/pharmaceutical-stocks/) should add several weight loss products to its lineup. The company is gearing up to launch orforglipron, an oral GLP-1, which could earn the green light in the second quarter. The healthcare giant also posted strong phase 3 results for retatrutide, another promising weight-loss candidate, in December. Collapse LLY ## [NYSE: LLY](https://www.fool.com/quote/nyse/lly/) Eli Lilly Today's Change (-1.98%) \$-18.94 Current Price \$935.58 Unable to reach the data service. Please check your connection. YTD 1w 1m 3m 6m 1y 5y Price VS S\&P ### Key Data Points Market Cap \$884B Day's Range \$930.02 - \$957.69 52wk Range \$623.78 - \$1133.95 Volume 2\.7M Avg Vol 3\.2M Gross Margin 83\.04% Dividend Yield 0\.67% Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's newer approvals in other fields should also make headway, including Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease and Ebglyss for eczema. They won't be the company's main growth drivers, but they will help somewhat diversify its lineup. Lastly, Eli Lilly is looking to boost its already strong innovative engine by investing in [artificial intelligence](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/information-technology/ai-stocks/) (AI). The company's lineup should drive top-line growth for the foreseeable future, while its AI initiatives help strengthen its moat. ## The case for Vertex Pharmaceuticals Vertex Pharmaceuticals generates strong sales and profits thanks to its medicines that treat the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis (CF), the only such drugs on the market. While this business remains strong, the company has expanded. Over the past few years, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has earned approval for Casgevy, a treatment for sickle cell disease, and Journavx, a medicine for acute pain. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is looking to further diversify its lineup. It recently reported strong phase 3 results for povetacicept, an investigational therapy for IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease. Collapse VRTX ## [NASDAQ: VRTX](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/vrtx/) Vertex Pharmaceuticals Today's Change (-2.01%) \$-8.97 Current Price \$438.29 Unable to reach the data service. Please check your connection. YTD 1w 1m 3m 6m 1y 5y Price VS S\&P ### Key Data Points Market Cap \$111B Day's Range \$436.70 - \$449.17 52wk Range \$362.50 - \$510.77 Volume 54K Avg Vol 1\.5M Gross Margin 86\.32% The company is planning to build a kidney disease franchise around povetacicept -- with which it will target other diseases -- and inaxaplin, which is being developed to treat APOL-1 mediated kidney disease. Then there is zimislecel, a potential therapy for Type 1 diabetes for which Vertex could request regulatory approval this year. The biotech's core CF franchise can still drive top-line growth well into the 2030s. After that, newer approvals will eventually help the company move beyond its CF business. ## The verdict If I could only choose one of these stocks, I'd pick Eli Lilly. The company is generating higher revenue and net income while also growing both metrics faster than its smaller competitor. [![LLY Revenue (Quarterly) Chart](https://media.ycharts.com/charts/6a2c5992a1f4b5c8444525664fe318cd.png)](https://ycharts.com/companies/LLY/chart/) [LLY Revenue (Quarterly)](https://ycharts.com/companies/LLY/revenues) data by [YCharts](https://ycharts.com/) Further, even as the weight-loss market becomes more competitive, Eli Lilly's deep pipeline should help it keep the lead in this growing niche. Lastly, both companies are similarly valued, with Vertex's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.2 not much lower than Eli Lilly's 26.9. Perhaps if Vertex were much cheaper, it would be the better option right now, but it's not, which gives Eli Lilly the edge. ## Read Next Apr 4, 2026 •By [Justin Pope](https://www.fool.com/author/6581/) [Eli Lilly's One-Two Punch Could Knock Novo Nordisk Out of the Obesity Drug Fight](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/04/04/eli-lilly-stock-punch-could-knock-novo-nordisk/) Apr 2, 2026 •By [Adria Cimino](https://www.fool.com/author/20211/) [Prediction: This Will Be Eli Lilly's Next Billion-Dollar Growth Driver. (Hint: It's Not Weight Loss Drugs.)](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/04/02/predict-eli-lilly-next-billion-growth-weight/) Apr 1, 2026 •By [Lyle Daly](https://www.fool.com/author/20014/) [The Largest Companies by Market Cap in April 2026](https://www.fool.com/research/largest-companies-by-market-cap/) Apr 1, 2026 •By [Eric Volkman](https://www.fool.com/author/4067/) [Why Eli Lilly Stock Trounced the Market Today](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/04/01/why-eli-lilly-stock-trounced-the-market-today/) Apr 1, 2026 •By [Manali Pradhan, CFA](https://www.fool.com/author/20323/) [1 Reason This \$900 Stock Could Announce a Split in 2026](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/04/01/1-reason-this-900-stock-could-announce-a-split-in/) Mar 28, 2026 •By [Prosper Junior Bakiny](https://www.fool.com/author/20111/) [1 Reason Eli Lilly Stock Is Still a Buy](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/03/28/1-reason-eli-lilly-stock-is-still-a-buy/) ### About the Author ![Prosper Junior Bakiny](https://g.foolcdn.com/avatar/2046108619/large.ashx?_w=3840) Prosper Junior Bakiny is a contributing Motley Fool healthcare analyst covering biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare stocks. Before The Motley Fool, Prosper wrote about investing topics ranging from stock market news to private equity for various companies. He holds a master’s degree in corporate finance from the University of Maryland Global Campus. [TMFPBakiny](https://www.fool.com/author/20111/) [Prosper Junior Bakiny](https://www.fool.com/author/20111/) has positions in Eli Lilly and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a [disclosure policy](https://www.fool.com/legal/fool-disclosure-policy/). ### Stocks Mentioned [LL Eli Lilly NYSE: LLY\$935.58 (-1.98%)-\$18.94](https://www.fool.com/quote/nyse/lly/) [VR Vertex Pharmaceuticals NASDAQ: VRTX\$438.71 (-1.91%)-\$8.55](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/vrtx/) \*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close. ## Premium Investing Services Invest better with The Motley Fool. 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Readable Markdown	Eli Lilly ([LLY](https://www.fool.com/quote/nyse/lly/) 1\.98%) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals ([VRTX](https://www.fool.com/quote/nasdaq/vrtx/) 2\.01%) have several things in common. Both are among the more prominent drugmakers in the world, and both have delivered market-beating returns over the past decade, although the larger Eli Lilly has performed much better on that front. Investors choosing between these two stocks can hardly go wrong, but which will be the better performer over the next five to 10 years? Let's try to answer that question. ![Pharmacist talking to patient.](https://g.foolcdn.com/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fg.foolcdn.com%2Feditorial%2Fimages%2F858658%2Fpharmacist-talking-to-patient.jpg&w=3840&op=resize) Image source: Getty Images. ## The case for Eli Lilly Eli Lilly currently leads the rapidly growing weight-loss market. The company's tirzepatide, sold under the brand name Zepbound, is now the world's best-selling drug. Over the next two years, the [pharmaceutical leader](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/healthcare/pharmaceutical-stocks/) should add several weight loss products to its lineup. The company is gearing up to launch orforglipron, an oral GLP-1, which could earn the green light in the second quarter. The healthcare giant also posted strong phase 3 results for retatrutide, another promising weight-loss candidate, in December. LLY Today's Change (-1.98%) \$-18.94 Current Price \$935.58 Meanwhile, Eli Lilly's newer approvals in other fields should also make headway, including Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease and Ebglyss for eczema. They won't be the company's main growth drivers, but they will help somewhat diversify its lineup. Lastly, Eli Lilly is looking to boost its already strong innovative engine by investing in [artificial intelligence](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/information-technology/ai-stocks/) (AI). The company's lineup should drive top-line growth for the foreseeable future, while its AI initiatives help strengthen its moat. ## The case for Vertex Pharmaceuticals Vertex Pharmaceuticals generates strong sales and profits thanks to its medicines that treat the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis (CF), the only such drugs on the market. While this business remains strong, the company has expanded. Over the past few years, Vertex Pharmaceuticals has earned approval for Casgevy, a treatment for sickle cell disease, and Journavx, a medicine for acute pain. Vertex Pharmaceuticals is looking to further diversify its lineup. It recently reported strong phase 3 results for povetacicept, an investigational therapy for IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease. VRTX Today's Change (-2.01%) \$-8.97 Current Price \$438.29 The company is planning to build a kidney disease franchise around povetacicept -- with which it will target other diseases -- and inaxaplin, which is being developed to treat APOL-1 mediated kidney disease. Then there is zimislecel, a potential therapy for Type 1 diabetes for which Vertex could request regulatory approval this year. The biotech's core CF franchise can still drive top-line growth well into the 2030s. After that, newer approvals will eventually help the company move beyond its CF business. ## The verdict If I could only choose one of these stocks, I'd pick Eli Lilly. The company is generating higher revenue and net income while also growing both metrics faster than its smaller competitor. [![LLY Revenue (Quarterly) Chart](https://media.ycharts.com/charts/6a2c5992a1f4b5c8444525664fe318cd.png)](https://ycharts.com/companies/LLY/chart/) [LLY Revenue (Quarterly)](https://ycharts.com/companies/LLY/revenues) data by [YCharts](https://ycharts.com/) Further, even as the weight-loss market becomes more competitive, Eli Lilly's deep pipeline should help it keep the lead in this growing niche. Lastly, both companies are similarly valued, with Vertex's forward price-to-earnings ratio of 24.2 not much lower than Eli Lilly's 26.9. Perhaps if Vertex were much cheaper, it would be the better option right now, but it's not, which gives Eli Lilly the edge.
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