Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
CAH
Cardinal Health Inc
$211.31
+1.97%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $48.76B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$454.97
+1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $113.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cardinal Health Inc generates 1939% more annual revenue ($244.67B vs $12.00B). CAH leads profitability with a 68.0% profit margin vs 32.9%. CAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
CAH
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+14.8%
Fair Value
$263.37
Current Price
$211.31
$52.06 discount
Margin of Safety
+36.5%
Fair Value
$716.04
Current Price
$454.97
$261.07 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 68 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 123.0%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
18.8% revenue growth
Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CAH
The strongest argument for CAH centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 68.0% and operating margin at 123.0%. Revenue growth of 18.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : VRTX
The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.9% and operating margin at 39.6%.
Bear Case : CAH
The primary concerns for CAH are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAH profiles as a growth stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CAH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.62 — expect wider price swings.
CAH is growing revenue faster at 18.8% — sustainability is the question.
CAH generates stronger free cash flow (555M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 32.9% margins. 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.
Cardinal Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Cardinal Health, Inc. is an American multinational health care services company.
Visit Website →Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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