Amgen Inc. (AMGN) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)
VRTX leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics, though AMGN is the cheaper stock.
A side-by-side comparison of Amgen Inc. and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 9, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
AMGN
Amgen Inc.
$363.62Healthcare
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
$496.50Healthcare
Total return — AMGN vs VRTX
growth of $100 · last 30yAMGN +2677.3%VRTX +3168.4%VRTX compounded faster
AMGN VRTX
AMGN vs VRTX: by the numbers
- •AMGN is the larger company ($196.25B vs $126.01B market cap).
- •AMGN trades at the lower earnings multiple (25.61 vs 29.56 P/E).
- •VRTX converts more revenue to profit (35.40% vs 20.95% net margin).
- •VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.82% vs 8.15% CAGR).
- •AMGN pays a dividend (2.74% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.
Which is better, AMGN or VRTX?
Metric tally: AMGN 7 · VRTX 9It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueAMGN(lower P/E)
GrowthVRTX(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityVRTX(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AMGN | VRTX |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.61● | 29.56 |
| Forward P/E | 16.45● | 25.80 |
| P/S ratio | 5.38● | 10.42 |
| P/B ratio | 21.78 | 6.60● |
| PEG ratio | 0.26● | 3.62 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.72● | 24.90 |
| FCF yield | 4.29%● | 2.90% |
Profitability
| Metric | AMGN | VRTX |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 71.46% | 86.28%● |
| Operating margin | 31.63% | 38.97%● |
| Net margin | 20.95% | 35.40%● |
| ROE | 84.87%● | 22.41% |
| ROIC | 13.16% | 18.12%● |
Dividends
| Metric | AMGN | VRTX |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.74% | — |
| Payout ratio | 70.34% | — |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AMGN | VRTX |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.15% | 13.82%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 2.94% | 8.17%● |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -2.66% | 4.01%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 12.02% | 20.31%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, AMGN or VRTX?
- It depends on your goal. value: AMGN (lower P/E); growth: VRTX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: VRTX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, VRTX leads 9 to 7.
- Is AMGN or VRTX cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, AMGN is cheaper: AMGN trades at a 25.61 P/E and VRTX at 29.56.
- Which has grown faster, AMGN or VRTX?
- Over the past five years, VRTX grew revenue faster — AMGN at a 8.15% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.82%.
- Does AMGN or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
- AMGN pays a dividend (2.74% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.
- Is AMGN or VRTX more profitable?
- VRTX runs the higher net margin — AMGN at 20.95% versus VRTX at 35.40%.
- Which has been the better investment, AMGN or VRTX?
- Over the past 10-year, VRTX delivered the higher annualized total return — AMGN at 11.89% versus VRTX at 18.81%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Amgen P/E ratioVertex Pharmaceuticals P/E ratioAmgen dividend yieldVertex Pharmaceuticals dividend yieldAmgen ROEVertex Pharmaceuticals ROEAmgen operating marginVertex Pharmaceuticals operating marginAmgen revenue growthVertex Pharmaceuticals revenue growthAmgen free cash flowVertex Pharmaceuticals free cash flow
Amgen & Vertex Pharmaceuticals appear in these rankings
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 July 9, 2026.