WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CSX Corporation generates 16% more annual revenue ($14.15B vs $12.22B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs 21.5%. CSX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.09. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

CSX

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.20

VRTX

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSXUndervalued (+44.2%)

Margin of Safety

+44.2%

Fair Value

$74.12

Current Price

$44.83

$29.29 discount

UndervaluedFair: $74.12Overvalued
VRTXUndervalued (+57.2%)

Margin of Safety

+57.2%

Fair Value

$992.87

Current Price

$429.82

$563.05 discount

UndervaluedFair: $992.87Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSX5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.2%

Market CapQuality
$83.30B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
23.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.5%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
26.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 26.5% YoY

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
$107.87B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Areas to Watch

CSX4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.094/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.5x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.433/10

Elevated debt levels

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.104/10

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 : CSX

The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.5% and operating margin at 36.2%.

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 : CSX

The primary concerns for CSX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : VRTX

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

VRTX is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. CSX offers better value entry with a 44.2% 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.

CSX Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

CSX Corporation is an American holding company focused on rail transportation and real estate in North America, among other industries. Based in Richmond, Virginia, USA after the merger, in 2003 the CSX Corporation headquarters moved to Jacksonville, Florida.

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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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