WallStSmart

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc (ACAD)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc generates 1005% more annual revenue ($12.59B vs $1.14B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.0% profit margin vs 33.4%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.89. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

ACAD

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.14

VRTX

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 6.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.61
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for ACAD.

VRTXUndervalued (+46.5%)

Margin of Safety

+46.5%

Fair Value

$963.47

Current Price

$515.44

$448.03 discount

UndervaluedFair: $963.47Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACAD5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
30.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
33.4%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.4%8/10

16.4% revenue growth

VRTX6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
35.0%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.1%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.1010/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6110/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$130.56B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Areas to Watch

ACAD1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
50.862/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.894/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
30.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACAD

The strongest argument for ACAD centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.4% and operating margin at 12.3%. Revenue growth of 16.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : VRTX

The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.0% and operating margin at 38.1%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ACAD

The primary concerns for ACAD are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : VRTX

The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACAD profiles as a growth stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ACAD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.

ACAD is growing revenue faster at 16.4% — sustainability is the question.

VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (64/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 35.0% margins and 12.5% revenue growth. Both earn "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.

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development and commercialization of small molecule drugs that address unmet medical needs in central nervous system disorders. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?