Abbott vs Eli Lilly (ABT vs LLY)

Abbott (ABT) vs Eli Lilly (LLY) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Abbott (ABT) and Eli Lilly (LLY) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Abbott and Eli Lilly side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Abbott or Eli Lilly.

Abbott vs Eli Lilly: the figures

Abbott and Eli Lilly figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Abbott or Eli Lilly figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Abbott and Eli Lilly

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Eli Lilly keeps 31.9 as net profit and Abbott keeps 9.7.
2. Growth: Eli Lilly grew sales +38.6% year on year in its latest quarter, against +14.5% for Abbott.
3. Dividend: Abbott yields 2.30% at today's price and Eli Lilly yields 0.49%.

Abbott or Eli Lilly: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Eli Lilly is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Abbott pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Eli Lilly has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Abbott trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Abbott nor Eli Lilly wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Abbott and Eli Lilly make money

Abbott (ABT)

Abbott reports four segments: Medical Devices, the largest, including FreeStyle Libre glucose sensors and heart devices; Diagnostics, selling lab analyzers and tests; Nutrition, with Similac, PediaSure and Ensure; and Established Pharmaceuticals, branded generic drugs sold in emerging markets. It operates in the U.S. and internationally. Full Abbott analysis.

Eli Lilly (LLY)

Eli Lilly sells prescription medicines. Its largest revenue source is tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro for diabetes and Zepbound for obesity, followed by Verzenio for breast cancer, Jardiance and Trulicity for diabetes, Taltz for immunology and Kisunla for Alzheimer's disease. The United States is its biggest market. Full Eli Lilly analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Abbott vs Eli Lilly

Is Abbott or Eli Lilly the better stock?

Choosing between Abbott and Eli Lilly depends on what you are looking for. Eli Lilly is growing faster right now, and Abbott trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Abbott or Eli Lilly: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Abbott or Eli Lilly?

As of November 4, 2026, Abbott yields 2.30% and Eli Lilly yields 0.49%. Also check how much of their profit Abbott and Eli Lilly pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Abbott or Eli Lilly?

On P/E, Eli Lilly (46.0x) is more expensive than Abbott (42.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Abbott and Eli Lilly?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Abbott and Eli Lilly, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Abbott or Eli Lilly.

More comparisons with Abbott or Eli Lilly

• AbbVie vs Abbott
• Abbott vs Amgen
• AbbVie vs Eli Lilly
• Amgen vs Eli Lilly

More companies like Abbott and Eli Lilly: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Abbott and Eli Lilly, not investment advice.