WallStSmart

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Vistra Energy Corp generates 48% more annual revenue ($17.74B vs $12.00B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

VRTX

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.62

VST

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

VRTXUndervalued (+36.5%)

Margin of Safety

+36.5%

Fair Value

$716.04

Current Price

$454.97

$261.07 discount

UndervaluedFair: $716.04Overvalued
VSTSignificantly Overvalued (-980.6%)

Margin of Safety

-980.6%

Fair Value

$14.82

Current Price

$151.51

$136.69 premium

UndervaluedFair: $14.82Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

VRTX6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
32.9%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
39.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$113.95B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.219/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

VST1 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$51.70B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.194/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

VST4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
19.5x4/10

Trading at 19.5x book value

Profit MarginProfitability
5.3%3/10

5.3% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
70.1x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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%.

Bull Case : VST

The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : VRTX

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

Bear Case : VST

The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.

VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.

VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 32.9% 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.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Vistra Energy Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?