Abbott Laboratories (ABT) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

A side-by-side comparison of Abbott Laboratories and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 19, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnABT vs VRTX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ABT +219.9% (+12.3%/yr)VRTX +452.1% (+18.6%/yr)VRTX compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$320$552
ABT VRTX

ABT vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • ABT is the larger company ($198.06B vs $140.12B market cap).
  • VRTX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (32.13 vs 36.79 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • VRTX converts more revenue to profit (34.89% vs 11.65% net margin).
  • VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.57% vs 2.98% CAGR).
  • ABT pays a dividend (2.17% yield), while VRTX has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricABTVRTX
P/E ratio36.7932.13
Forward P/E20.7529.41
P/S ratio4.2811.18
P/B ratio3.906.97
EV / EBITDA20.8426.91
FCF yield4.37%2.69%

Profitability

MetricABTVRTX
Gross margin56.80%86.04%
Operating margin17.03%38.59%
Net margin11.65%34.89%
ROE10.61%21.76%
ROIC6.07%17.33%

Dividends

MetricABTVRTX
Dividend yield2.17%N/A
Payout ratio66.31%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricABTVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.98%13.57%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.22%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.18%16.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)0.07%23.14%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ABT or VRTX?
VRTX has the lower trailing P/E: ABT trades at 36.79 and VRTX at 32.13. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ABT or VRTX?
Over the past five years, VRTX grew revenue faster — ABT at a 2.98% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.57%.
Does ABT or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
ABT pays a dividend (2.17% yield), while VRTX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is ABT or VRTX more profitable?
VRTX runs the higher net margin — ABT at 11.65% versus VRTX at 34.89%.
How have ABT and VRTX total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ABT delivered 12.06% and VRTX delivered 18.87% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified August 19, 2026.