McKesson Corporation (MCK)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
MCK
McKesson Corporation
$736.09
-2.47%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $92.45B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$429.82
+1.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $107.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McKesson Corporation generates 3157% more annual revenue ($397.96B vs $12.22B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs 1.1%. MCK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
MCK
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+63.8%
Fair Value
$2633.47
Current Price
$736.09
$1897.38 discount
Margin of Safety
+57.2%
Fair Value
$992.87
Current Price
$429.82
$563.05 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Earnings expanding 38.0% YoY
Generating 3.4B in free cash flow
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 38.1%
Earnings expanding 61.4% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Areas to Watch
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
1.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MCK
The strongest argument for MCK centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.90 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 : MCK
The primary concerns for MCK are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 1.1% 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
MCK profiles as a value stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MCK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.35 — expect wider price swings.
MCK is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.
MCK generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. MCK offers better value entry with a 63.8% margin of safety. 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.
McKesson Corporation
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
McKesson Corporation is an American company distributing pharmaceuticals and providing health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools.
Visit Website →Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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