Elevance Health Inc (ELV)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
ELV
Elevance Health Inc
$378.07
+1.38%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $80.98B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$429.82
+1.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $107.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Elevance Health Inc generates 1540% more annual revenue ($200.42B vs $12.22B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs 2.6%. ELV appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
ELV
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+63.1%
Fair Value
$1011.48
Current Price
$378.07
$633.41 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 4.1B 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
2.6% revenue growth
2.6% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 16.8%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : ELV
The strongest argument for ELV centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.44 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 : ELV
The primary concerns for ELV are Revenue Growth, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. Thin 2.6% 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
ELV profiles as a value stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
ELV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.67 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 7.8% — sustainability is the question.
ELV generates stronger free cash flow (4.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. ELV offers better value entry with a 63.1% 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.
Elevance Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
Elevance Health Inc. is a health benefits company. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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