Eli Lilly Profit Beats Analysts’ Estimates on Key Drug Sales

Eli Lilly & Co., seeking to rebound from declining sales, reported third-quarter profit that topped analysts’ estimates and raised its forecast for the year as revenue from key drugs exceeded expectations.

Adjusted earnings of 89 cents a share beat the average analyst estimate of 76 cents. Revenue rose 2 percent to $4.96 billion, compared with the $4.98 billion average projection of analysts. Lilly shares climbed 3.5 percent to $79.71 in early trading.