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).

Compare

Total return — AMGN vs VRTX

growth of $100 · last 30y
AMGN +2677.3%VRTX +3168.4%VRTX compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,777$3,268
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 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueAMGN(lower P/E)
GrowthVRTX(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
QualityVRTX(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAMGNVRTX
P/E ratio25.6129.56
Forward P/E16.4525.80
P/S ratio5.3810.42
P/B ratio21.786.60
PEG ratio0.263.62
EV / EBITDA14.7224.90
FCF yield4.29%2.90%

Profitability

MetricAMGNVRTX
Gross margin71.46%86.28%
Operating margin31.63%38.97%
Net margin20.95%35.40%
ROE84.87%22.41%
ROIC13.16%18.12%

Dividends

MetricAMGNVRTX
Dividend yield2.74%
Payout ratio70.34%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAMGNVRTX
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.

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.