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 October 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ABT vs VRTX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ABT +185.9% (+11.1%/yr)VRTX +518.1% (+20.0%/yr)VRTX compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$286$618
ABT VRTX

ABT vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • •ABT is the larger company ($168.71B vs $128.10B market cap).
  • •VRTX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (29.38 vs 31.35 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 (2.54% yield), while VRTX has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricABTVRTX
P/E ratio31.3529.38
Forward P/E17.6727.03
PEG ratio3.793.54
P/S ratio3.6210.15
P/B ratio3.306.33
EV / EBITDA18.0224.34
FCF yieldN/A2.96%

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 yield2.54%N/A
Payout ratio79.74%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricABTVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.98%13.57%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.22%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)N/A16.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-1.72%22.84%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ABT or VRTX?
VRTX has the lower trailing P/E: ABT trades at 31.35 and VRTX at 29.38. 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 (2.54% 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 10.77% and VRTX delivered 19.18% 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 October 4, 2026.