Elevance Health Inc (ELV)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
ELV
Elevance Health Inc
$296.09
+1.98%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $64.08B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$454.97
+1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $113.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Elevance Health Inc generates 1559% more annual revenue ($199.13B vs $12.00B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 2.8%. ELV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.17. ELV earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
ELV
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+74.9%
Fair Value
$1179.36
Current Price
$296.09
$883.27 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 36.3% YoY
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
2.8% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.5%
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ELV
The strongest argument for ELV centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Market Cap. PEG of 1.17 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : ELV
The primary concerns for ELV are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ELV profiles as a value stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ELV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
ELV scores higher overall (67/100 vs 66/100). VRTX offers better value entry with a 36.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
Elevance Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Elevance Health Inc. is a health benefits company. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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