The article examines the six best-performing Nasdaq-100 stocks in 2026, led by Moderna (up 667%), followed by SanDisk, Micron Technology, Marvell Technology, AMD, and Intel. While these stocks have benefited from AI-driven demand and strong fundamentals, the article cautions that their massive gains may already be priced in, making future performance uncertain. Past performance does not guarantee future results, as illustrated by examples like Novo Nordisk, which surged in 2023 but declined in 2024.

Eli Lilly's pipeline extends beyond its blockbuster weight-loss drug Zepbound, with three promising medicines poised to drive future growth: Foundayo (oral GLP-1 for weight loss), Onswik (once-weekly basal insulin for diabetes), and retatrutide (investigational triple-hormone weight-loss drug showing 28.3% average weight loss). These drugs target different patient segments and indications, positioning Eli Lilly to maintain market leadership despite increasing competition.

A NIH-funded study found that the GLP-1 drug semaglutide extended lifespan and slowed aging in older mice by improving muscle and cognitive function and reducing inflammation. The findings could accelerate adoption of GLP-1 drugs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, with forecasts predicting 25 million Americans on these treatments by 2030 and a market reaching $190 billion by 2035.

Over 200 companies are advancing next-generation obesity therapies, with more than 30 drugs in late-stage development and 180+ in mid and early stages. Key players include Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Viking Therapeutics, and Roche, developing innovative mechanisms like dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists and triple hormone receptor agonists. Recent approvals include Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy formulation and Eli Lilly's orforglipron, while multiple Phase III trials show promising weight loss results.

Viking Therapeutics announced the initiation of the SUNRISE phase III program to evaluate its oral VK2735 formulation for obesity treatment. The program consists of two studies targeting 560 adults each, with and without type 2 diabetes. Phase II results showed up to 12.2% mean weight loss at the highest dose versus 1.3% with placebo. Despite positive developments, VKTX stock declined 4.4% on the announcement day and is down 27.6% year-to-date.

Roche has secured worldwide rights to Rona Therapeutics' investigational ALK7-targeting RNAi candidate for obesity treatment, with up to $100 million upfront and $1.06 billion in potential milestone payments. The deal strengthens Roche's metabolic disease pipeline alongside its Phase III enicepatide program, though the company faces intense competition from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the rapidly growing obesity market.

Zacks analysts reviewed five stocks on October 14, 2026. Walmart maintains strong fundamentals with solid omnichannel growth but faces margin pressures. Visa leads digital payments with momentum but elevated valuations and rising costs concern analysts. Novo Nordisk's semaglutide drugs drive growth despite competitive pressures and underperformance. Village Super Market outperforms its industry with steady growth and operational flexibility. Empire Petroleum struggles with liquidity constraints and declining production despite long-term growth potential.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) closed down 1.35% and has fallen 11.21% over the past month, underperforming the S&P 500. The company is expected to report a 20.59% year-over-year earnings decline with revenue down 3.03%. The stock holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 11.29, trading at a discount to its industry average, though analyst consensus estimates have moved 3.17% lower in the past month.

Zacks Research Daily features analysis of 16 major stocks and 2 microcap companies. Walmart maintains strong fundamentals with omnichannel growth but faces margin pressures. Visa leads digital payments but experiences rising client incentives weighing on profitability. Novo Nordisk's semaglutide drugs drive growth despite competitive pressures. Additional coverage includes Shopify, Union Pacific, Monster Beverage, and others with mixed outlooks.

Eli Lilly's weight loss drug portfolio, led by Mounjaro and Zepbound, is driving explosive revenue growth with expectations of up to $87 billion in 2026 revenue compared to $65 billion in 2025. Despite a 400% gain over five years and 25% rise in the past six months, the stock trades at 32x forward earnings—below historical levels—and appears undervalued given strong pipeline candidates like EloraTZP and retatrutide that could further expand the company's weight loss drug offerings.

Novo Nordisk shares fell 11.1% over the past month following disappointing Capital Markets Day guidance that lacked near-term clarity. The company faces headwinds from intensifying competition with Eli Lilly's obesity drugs, lower U.S. pricing pressure, and pipeline setbacks including the failed CagriSema trial. While long-term opportunities exist in rare diseases and next-generation GLP-1 candidates, short-term investors should wait for stabilization signs, though long-term holders may maintain positions given valuation discounts and market potential.

The article recommends four healthcare stocks across two key niches: GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk) and surgical robotics (Intuitive Surgical and Medtronic). Eli Lilly leads in GLP-1 but faces patent expiration risks, while Novo Nordisk is a turnaround story with attractive valuation. Intuitive Surgical dominates surgical robotics with strong recurring revenue, while Medtronic offers a diversified play with dividend appeal as it launches its Hugo surgical robot.