WallStSmart

Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IONS)vsEli Lilly and Company (LLY)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Eli Lilly and Company generates 9014% more annual revenue ($79.67B vs $874.09M). LLY leads profitability with a 33.5% profit margin vs -64.7%. LLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.14. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

IONS

Avoid

20

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 2.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.22

LLY

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 10.0Value: 5.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.16
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

IONSUndervalued (+35.8%)

Margin of Safety

+35.8%

Fair Value

$131.43

Current Price

$44.39

$87.04 discount

UndervaluedFair: $131.43Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for LLY.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

IONS0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

LLY6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$1.12T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
78.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 79 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
33.5%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
54.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 54.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
47.7%10/10

Revenue surging 47.7% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
26.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 26.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

IONS4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
16.7x4/10

Trading at 16.7x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
25.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-66.5%2/10

ROE of -66.5% — below average capital efficiency

LLY3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.623/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
42.2x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
36.1x2/10

Trading at 36.1x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : IONS

IONS has a balanced fundamental profile.

Bull Case : LLY

The strongest argument for LLY centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.5% and operating margin at 54.2%. Revenue growth of 47.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : IONS

The primary concerns for IONS are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 5.50 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : LLY

The primary concerns for LLY are Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 42.2x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

IONS profiles as a turnaround stock while LLY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

LLY carries more volatility with a beta of 0.45 — expect wider price swings.

LLY is growing revenue faster at 47.7% — sustainability is the question.

LLY generates stronger free cash flow (7.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

LLY scores higher overall (76/100 vs 20/100), backed by strong 33.5% margins and 47.7% revenue growth. IONS offers better value entry with a 35.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. discovers and develops RNA-targeted therapies in the United States. The company is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

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Eli Lilly and Company

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries.

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