Ascendis Pharma AS (ASND)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
ASND
Ascendis Pharma AS
$263.52
+0.87%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $17.75B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$515.44
+0.17%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $130.56B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc generates 1102% more annual revenue ($12.59B vs $1.05B). ASND leads profitability with a 70.9% profit margin vs 35.0%. ASND trades at a lower P/E of 20.9x. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
ASND
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
VRTX
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for ASND.
Margin of Safety
+46.5%
Fair Value
$963.47
Current Price
$515.44
$448.03 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 53 in profit
Keeps 71 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 65.0%
Revenue surging 114.7% year-over-year
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 38.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Areas to Watch
Trading at 10.4x book value
0.0% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ASND
The strongest argument for ASND centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 70.9% and operating margin at 65.0%. Revenue growth of 114.7% 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 : ASND
The primary concerns for ASND are Price/Book, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ASND profiles as a growth stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ASND carries more volatility with a beta of 0.48 — expect wider price swings.
ASND is growing revenue faster at 114.7% — 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.
Ascendis Pharma AS
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Ascendis Pharma A / S, a biopharmaceutical company, develops therapies for unmet medical needs. The company is headquartered in Hellerup, Denmark.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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