Universal Corporation (UVV)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
UVV
Universal Corporation
$51.95
+1.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.32B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$454.97
+1.42%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $113.95B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc generates 302% more annual revenue ($12.00B vs $2.99B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 3.7%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.19. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
UVV
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+74.6%
Fair Value
$207.79
Current Price
$51.95
$155.84 discount
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 32.0% YoY
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
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
3.7% 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 P/E Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth.
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 : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.7% 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 0.67 — expect wider price swings.
VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.
VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 32.9% margins. UVV offers better value entry with a 74.6% 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.
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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