ICON PLC (ICLR)vsEli Lilly and Company (LLY)
ICLR
ICON PLC
$169.31
+2.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $12.22B
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
$1,115.70
-0.65%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $994.92B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Eli Lilly and Company generates 860% more annual revenue ($79.67B vs $8.29B). LLY leads profitability with a 33.5% profit margin vs 0.3%. ICLR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.50. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).
ICLR
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
LLY
Strong Buy76
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+61.0%
Fair Value
$341.51
Current Price
$169.31
$172.20 discount
Intrinsic value data unavailable for LLY.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 79 in profit
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 54.2%
Revenue surging 47.7% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 26.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
1.2% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 0.7% — below average capital efficiency
0.3% margin — thin
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 29.4x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ICLR
The strongest argument for ICLR centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.50 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : ICLR
The primary concerns for ICLR are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. A P/E of 247.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : LLY
The primary concerns for LLY are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.62 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ICLR profiles as a value stock while LLY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
ICLR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — 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 51/100), backed by strong 33.5% margins and 47.7% revenue growth. ICLR offers better value entry with a 61.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
ICON PLC
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
ICON Public Limited Company, a clinical research organization, provides outsourced marketing and development services in Ireland, the rest of Europe, the United States and internationally. The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
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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