BIIB vs. LLY: A Head-to-Head Stock Comparison

Updated on October 6, 2025

Here’s a clear look at BIIB and LLY, comparing key factors like historical performance, profitability, financial strength, growth, dividend, and valuation.

Company Profile

Symbol	BIIB	LLY
Company Name	Biogen Inc.	Eli Lilly and Company
Country	United States	United States
GICS Sector	Health Care	Health Care
GICS Industry	Biotechnology	Pharmaceuticals
Market Capitalization	23.44 billion USD	752.91 billion USD
Exchange	NasdaqGS	NYSE
Listing Date	September 17, 1991	June 1, 1972
Security Type	Common Stock	Common Stock

Historical Performance

This chart compares the performance of BIIB and LLY by tracking the growth of an initial $10,000 investment in each. Use the tabs to select the desired time period. Data is adjusted for dividends and splits.

BIIB vs. LLY: Growth of a $10,000 investment over the past one year.

Historical Performance at a Glance

Symbol	BIIB	LLY
5-Day Price Return	15.42%	15.60%
13-Week Price Return	20.33%	7.58%
26-Week Price Return	16.84%	1.69%
52-Week Price Return	-15.29%	-5.75%
Month-to-Date Return	14.13%	10.07%
Year-to-Date Return	4.55%	8.79%
10-Day Avg. Volume	1.93M	4.54M
3-Month Avg. Volume	1.54M	4.24M
3-Month Volatility	36.89%	45.17%
Beta	0.11	0.37

Profitability

Return on Equity (TTM)

BIIB

9.04%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 97.92%
Q3: 11.99%
Median: -19.30%
Q1: -51.29%
Min: -132.03%

BIIB’s Return on Equity of 9.04% is on par with the norm for the Biotechnology industry, indicating its profitability relative to shareholder equity is typical for the sector.

LLY

88.36%

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 38.59%
Q3: 19.84%
Median: 11.85%
Q1: 5.40%
Min: -10.91%

LLY’s Return on Equity of 88.36% is exceptionally high, placing it well beyond the typical range for the Pharmaceuticals industry. This demonstrates a superior ability to generate profit from shareholder investments, though it could also be inflated by high financial leverage.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Return on Equity (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Net Profit Margin (TTM)

BIIB

15.31%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 73.34%
Q3: 18.98%
Median: -12.96%
Q1: -105.72%
Min: -259.82%

BIIB’s Net Profit Margin of 15.31% is aligned with the median group of its peers in the Biotechnology industry. This indicates its ability to convert revenue into profit is typical for the sector.

LLY

25.91%

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 40.67%
Q3: 19.07%
Median: 12.31%
Q1: 4.50%
Min: -9.91%

A Net Profit Margin of 25.91% places LLY in the upper quartile for the Pharmaceuticals industry, signifying strong profitability and more effective cost management than most of its peers.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Net Profit Margin (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Operating Profit Margin (TTM)

BIIB

20.80%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 78.85%
Q3: 21.90%
Median: -13.30%
Q1: -109.94%
Min: -278.10%

BIIB’s Operating Profit Margin of 20.80% is around the midpoint for the Biotechnology industry, indicating that its efficiency in managing core business operations is typical for the sector.

LLY

32.37%

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 45.78%
Q3: 23.14%
Median: 16.68%
Q1: 7.98%
Min: -7.13%

An Operating Profit Margin of 32.37% places LLY in the upper quartile for the Pharmaceuticals industry. This signals a strong ability to translate revenue into operating profit, outperforming most of its competitors in core business efficiency.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Operating Profit Margin (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Profitability at a Glance

Symbol	BIIB	LLY
Return on Equity (TTM)	9.04%	88.36%
Return on Assets (TTM)	5.43%	16.02%
Net Profit Margin (TTM)	15.31%	25.91%
Operating Profit Margin (TTM)	20.80%	32.37%
Gross Profit Margin (TTM)	75.43%	82.64%

Financial Strength

Current Ratio (MRQ)

BIIB

2.50

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 16.97
Q3: 8.39
Median: 4.11
Q1: 2.64
Min: 0.74

BIIB’s Current Ratio of 2.50 falls into the lower quartile for the Biotechnology industry. This indicates a tighter liquidity situation and a more constrained capacity to handle short-term debt than many of its competitors.

LLY

1.28

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 4.65
Q3: 2.64
Median: 1.85
Q1: 1.26
Min: 0.78

LLY’s Current Ratio of 1.28 aligns with the median group of the Pharmaceuticals industry, indicating that its short-term liquidity is in line with its sector peers.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Current Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)

BIIB

0.36

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 1.92
Q3: 0.79
Median: 0.12
Q1: 0.00
Min: 0.00

BIIB’s Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 0.36 is typical for the Biotechnology industry, indicating its use of leverage is in line with the sector norm. This suggests a balanced approach to its capital structure.

LLY

2.18

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 1.75
Q3: 0.82
Median: 0.35
Q1: 0.13
Min: 0.00

With a Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 2.18, LLY operates with exceptionally high leverage compared to the Pharmaceuticals industry norm. This suggests an aggressive reliance on debt financing, which can magnify returns but also significantly elevates financial risk.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)

BIIB

4.35

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 72.37
Q3: 1.03
Median: -9.59
Q1: -65.05
Min: -163.11

BIIB’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 4.35 is in the upper quartile for the Biotechnology industry, signifying a strong and healthy capacity to meet its interest payments from operating profits.

LLY

20.36

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 103.95
Q3: 43.60
Median: 9.83
Q1: 2.37
Min: -42.71

LLY’s Interest Coverage Ratio of 20.36 is positioned comfortably within the norm for the Pharmaceuticals industry, indicating a standard and healthy capacity to cover its interest payments.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Financial Strength at a Glance

Symbol	BIIB	LLY
Current Ratio (MRQ)	2.50	1.28
Quick Ratio (MRQ)	1.79	0.53
Debt-to-Equity Ratio (MRQ)	0.36	2.18
Interest Coverage Ratio (TTM)	4.35	20.36

Growth

Revenue Growth

BIIB vs. LLY: A side-by-side comparison of their Revenue Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

EPS Growth

BIIB vs. LLY: A side-by-side comparison of their EPS Growth for the MRQ (YoY), TTM (YoY), 3-Year CAGR, and 5-Year CAGR periods.

Dividend

Dividend Yield (TTM)

BIIB

0.00%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 0.00%
Q3: 0.00%
Median: 0.00%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

BIIB currently does not pay a dividend, resulting in a yield of 0%. This is a common strategy for growth-focused companies that prioritize reinvesting earnings, though it may be less typical in mature, income-oriented sectors.

LLY

0.65%

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 7.14%
Q3: 3.45%
Median: 2.17%
Q1: 0.33%
Min: 0.00%

LLY’s Dividend Yield of 0.65% is consistent with its peers in the Pharmaceuticals industry, providing a dividend return that is standard for its sector.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Dividend Yield (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)

BIIB

0.00%

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 0.00%
Q3: 0.00%
Median: 0.00%
Q1: 0.00%
Min: 0.00%

BIIB has a Dividend Payout Ratio of 0%, indicating it does not currently pay a dividend. This is a common strategy for growth-oriented companies that reinvest all profits back into the business.

LLY

36.46%

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 199.58%
Q3: 97.17%
Median: 53.47%
Q1: 22.97%
Min: 0.00%

LLY’s Dividend Payout Ratio of 36.46% is within the typical range for the Pharmaceuticals industry, suggesting a balanced approach between shareholder payouts and company reinvestment.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Dividend at a Glance

Symbol	BIIB	LLY
Dividend Yield (TTM)	0.00%	0.65%
Dividend Payout Ratio (TTM)	0.00%	36.46%

Valuation

Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)

BIIB

15.21

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 40.44
Q3: 39.37
Median: 22.12
Q1: 15.76
Min: 3.48

In the lower quartile for the Biotechnology industry, BIIB’s P/E Ratio of 15.21 suggests the stock may be undervalued compared to its peers, potentially presenting an attractive entry point for investors.

LLY

56.49

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 45.19
Q3: 27.91
Median: 20.59
Q1: 15.08
Min: 3.79

At 56.49, LLY’s P/E Ratio is exceptionally high, exceeding the typical maximum for the Pharmaceuticals industry. This suggests the stock may be significantly overvalued compared to its peers and implies high market expectations that could be difficult to meet.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)

BIIB

2.33

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 92.67
Q3: 41.36
Median: 8.45
Q1: 4.46
Min: 0.97

In the lower quartile for the Biotechnology industry, BIIB’s P/S Ratio of 2.33 indicates its revenue is valued more conservatively than most of its peers. This could present a compelling opportunity if the market has overlooked its sales-generating capabilities.

LLY

14.64

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 8.87
Q3: 4.56
Median: 2.14
Q1: 1.58
Min: 0.11

With a P/S Ratio of 14.64, LLY trades at a valuation that eclipses even the highest in the Pharmaceuticals industry. This implies the market has priced in exceptionally optimistic scenarios for future revenue growth, posing considerable valuation risk.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)

BIIB

1.04

Biotechnology Industry

Max: 22.72
Q3: 10.68
Median: 4.55
Q1: 2.44
Min: 0.59

BIIB’s P/B Ratio of 1.04 is in the lower quartile for the Biotechnology industry. From a value investing perspective, this is favorable, as it suggests the stock is trading at a discount to its net asset value and may offer a greater margin of safety.

LLY

40.43

Pharmaceuticals Industry

Max: 9.78
Q3: 4.99
Median: 2.48
Q1: 1.53
Min: 0.59

At 40.43, LLY’s P/B Ratio is at an extreme premium to the Pharmaceuticals industry. This signifies that the market’s valuation is heavily reliant on future potential rather than its current net asset value, which can be a high-risk proposition.

BIIB vs. LLY: A comparison of their Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ) against their respective Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals industry benchmarks.

Valuation at a Glance

Symbol	BIIB	LLY
Price-to-Earnings Ratio (TTM)	15.21	56.49
Price-to-Sales Ratio (TTM)	2.33	14.64
Price-to-Book Ratio (MRQ)	1.04	40.43
Price-to-Free Cash Flow Ratio (TTM)	12.60	387.91