WallStSmart

Estee Lauder Companies Inc (EL)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Estee Lauder Companies Inc generates 21% more annual revenue ($14.83B vs $12.22B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs -1.7%. EL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

EL

Hold

38

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.7Profit: 4.0Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.68

VRTX

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 6.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.62
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ELUndervalued (+35.7%)

Margin of Safety

+35.7%

Fair Value

$163.80

Current Price

$86.20

$77.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $163.80Overvalued
VRTXUndervalued (+57.2%)

Margin of Safety

+57.2%

Fair Value

$992.87

Current Price

$429.82

$563.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $992.87Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

EL0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

VRTX6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
35.5%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
61.4%10/10

Earnings expanding 61.4% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$107.87B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Areas to Watch

EL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.684/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-6.0%2/10

ROE of -6.0% — below average capital efficiency

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.104/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
25.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : EL

PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : VRTX

The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.5% and operating margin at 38.1%.

Bear Case : EL

The primary concerns for EL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : VRTX

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

EL profiles as a turnaround stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

EL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — expect wider price swings.

VRTX is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.

VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 38/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. EL offers better value entry with a 35.7% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Estee Lauder Companies Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is an American multinational manufacturer and marketer of prestige skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care products, based in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The company owns a diverse portfolio of brands, distributed internationally through both digital commerce and retail channels.

Visit Website →

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?