WallStSmart

Ross Stores Inc (ROST)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Ross Stores Inc generates 86% more annual revenue ($22.75B vs $12.22B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs 9.4%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.10. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

ROST

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 3.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.10

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

ROSTFair Value (-4.9%)

Margin of Safety

-4.9%

Fair Value

$183.53

Current Price

$225.81

$42.28 premium

UndervaluedFair: $183.53Overvalued
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

ROST3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
36.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 37 in profit

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$73.04B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

ROST3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
34.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.8x4/10

Trading at 11.8x book value

PEG RatioValuation
3.312/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : ROST

The strongest argument for ROST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 12.2% 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 : ROST

The primary concerns for ROST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : VRTX

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

ROST carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.

ROST is growing revenue faster at 12.2% — 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 56/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. 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.

Ross Stores Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · APPAREL RETAIL · USA

Ross Stores, Inc., operating under the brand name Ross Dress for Less, is an American chain of discount department stores headquartered in Dublin, California.

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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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