Universal Corporation (UVV)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
UVV
Universal Corporation
$53.70
-0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.34B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$429.82
+1.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $107.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc generates 320% more annual revenue ($12.22B vs $2.91B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs 2.9%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.10. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
UVV
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+33.4%
Fair Value
$79.32
Current Price
$53.70
$25.62 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
2.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
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 : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.9% 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
UVV profiles as a value stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
UVV carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — 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 45/100), backed by strong 35.5% margins. UVV offers better value entry with a 33.4% margin of safety. 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.
Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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