Altria Group (MO)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
MO
Altria Group
$63.78
-0.84%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $107.97B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$454.97
+1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $113.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Altria Group generates 68% more annual revenue ($20.14B vs $12.00B). MO leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 32.9%. MO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.65. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
MO
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-135.3%
Fair Value
$28.02
Current Price
$63.78
$35.76 premium
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
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 57.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 3.2B in free cash flow
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
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 0.5%
Earnings declined 62.9%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : MO
The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 57.1%.
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 : MO
The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.
Bear Case : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MO profiles as a declining stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
MO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.43 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
MO generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 32.9% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Altria Group
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.
Visit Website →Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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