ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc (ACAD)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
ACAD
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc
$22.01
+5.01%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $3.57B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$454.97
+1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $113.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc generates 1020% more annual revenue ($12.00B vs $1.07B). ACAD leads profitability with a 36.5% profit margin vs 32.9%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.19. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
ACAD
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+79.1%
Fair Value
$107.64
Current Price
$22.01
$85.63 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
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Keeps 37 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 86.2% 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
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ACAD
The strongest argument for ACAD centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.5% and operating margin at 6.1%.
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 : ACAD
The primary concerns for ACAD are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
ACAD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.81 — 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.
Monitor BIOTECHNOLOGY industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
ACAD scores higher overall (66/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 36.5% margins. 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.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development and commercialization of small molecule drugs that address unmet medical needs in central nervous system disorders. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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