WallStSmart

Ross Stores Inc (ROST)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ross Stores Inc generates 90% more annual revenue ($22.75B vs $12.00B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 9.4%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.19. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

ROST

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.7Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.10

VRTX

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.62
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ROSTSignificantly Overvalued (-15.8%)

Margin of Safety

-15.8%

Fair Value

$166.32

Current Price

$216.03

$49.71 premium

UndervaluedFair: $166.32Overvalued
VRTXUndervalued (+36.5%)

Margin of Safety

+36.5%

Fair Value

$716.04

Current Price

$454.97

$261.07 discount

UndervaluedFair: $716.04Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ROST3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$70.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

VRTX6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
32.9%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
39.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$113.95B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.219/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

ROST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.2x4/10

Trading at 11.2x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.112/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.194/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ROST

The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 12.2% 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 : ROST

The primary concerns for ROST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : VRTX

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ROST profiles as a value stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ROST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.

ROST is growing revenue faster at 12.2% — sustainability is the question.

ROST generates stronger free cash flow (921M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 56/100), 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.

Ross Stores Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

Ross Stores, Inc., operating under the brand name Ross Dress for Less, is an American chain of discount department stores headquartered in Dublin, California.

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Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.

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