WallStSmart

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc generates 1005% more annual revenue ($12.22B vs $1.11B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs 12.1%. VRTX trades at a lower P/E of 25.3x. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

APLS

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -2.39

VRTX

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 6.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.62
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APLSUndervalued (+88.5%)

Margin of Safety

+88.5%

Fair Value

$194.37

Current Price

$41.03

$153.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $194.37Overvalued
VRTXUndervalued (+53.1%)

Margin of Safety

+53.1%

Fair Value

$952.53

Current Price

$446.83

$505.70 discount

UndervaluedFair: $952.53Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APLS2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Return on EquityProfitability
33.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
60.9%10/10

Revenue surging 60.9% year-over-year

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
$107.89B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.4%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

Areas to Watch

APLS4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.3x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
12.7x4/10

Trading at 12.7x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

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 : APLS

The strongest argument for APLS centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 60.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : APLS

The primary concerns for APLS are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : VRTX

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APLS profiles as a growth stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

VRTX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.30 — expect wider price swings.

APLS is growing revenue faster at 60.9% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (68/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. APLS offers better value entry with a 88.5% 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.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of therapeutic compounds through inhibition of the complement system for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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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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