Big Move for SUPN, but Do LLY’s Margins and Growth Give It the Edge?
Eli Lilly (LLY) offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Supernus Pharmaceuticals (SUPN), suggesting you may be better off investing in LLY
- LLY’s quarterly revenue growth was 36.8%, vs. SUPN’s 5.5%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 36.8%, ahead of SUPN’s 5.5%.
- LLY leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 43.0% and 3-year average of 35.6%.
SUPN develops and commercializes treatments for central nervous system diseases in the U.S., including extended-release topiramate for epilepsy and migraine, distributing through wholesalers and specialty pharmacies. LLY develops and markets pharmaceuticals globally, offering treatments for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and related autoimmune diseases.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| SUPN | LLY | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 35.0 | 27.3 | LLY |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 5.5% | 36.8% | LLY |
| Last 12 Months | 5.5% | 36.8% | LLY |
| Last 3 Year Average | 1.9% | 23.4% | LLY |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 10.7% | 43.0% | LLY |
| Last 3 Year Average | 6.6% | 35.6% | LLY |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 26.7% | 120.6% | LLY |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: SUPN Revenue Comparison | LLY Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: SUPN Operating Income Comparison | LLY Operating Income Comparison
But do these numbers tell the full story? Read Buy or Sell LLY Stock to see if Eli Lilly’s edge holds up under the hood or if Supernus Pharmaceuticals still has cards to play (see Buy or Sell SUPN Stock).
That is one way to look at stocks. Trefis High Quality Portfolio evaluates much more, and is designed to reduce stock-specific risk while giving upside exposure
Historical Market Performance
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| SUPN Return | 6% | 16% | 22% | -19% | 25% | 23% | 89% | ||
| LLY Return | 31% | 66% | 34% | 61% | 33% | -9% | 481% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Return | 16% | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 9% | 100% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| SUPN Win Rate | 33% | 50% | 67% | 50% | 50% | 43% | 49% | ||
| LLY Win Rate | 50% | 58% | 75% | 58% | 58% | 57% | 60% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 57% | 62% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| SUPN Max Drawdown | -39% | -6% | -13% | -36% | -11% | -16% | -20% | ||
| LLY Max Drawdown | -9% | -3% | -15% | -15% | 0% | -19% | -10% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -31% | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -12% | ||
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year up to 8/25/2025 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read SUPN Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.