CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCVS vs VRTX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CVS +40.4% (+3.5%/yr)VRTX +462.1% (+18.8%/yr)VRTX compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$140$562
CVS VRTX

CVS vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • VRTX is the larger company ($130.82B vs $120.78B market cap).
  • CVS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.04 vs 30.00 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • VRTX converts more revenue to profit (34.89% vs 1.18% net margin).
  • VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.57% vs 8.32% CAGR).
  • CVS pays a dividend (2.79% yield), while VRTX has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCVSVRTX
P/E ratio25.0430.00
Forward P/E11.8327.49
P/S ratio0.2910.36
P/B ratio1.526.46
EV / EBITDA14.5024.88
FCF yield9.74%2.90%

Profitability

MetricCVSVRTX
Gross margin14.15%86.04%
Operating margin2.00%38.59%
Net margin1.18%34.89%
ROE6.16%21.76%
ROIC4.14%17.33%

Dividends

MetricCVSVRTX
Dividend yield2.79%N/A
Payout ratio70.37%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.32%13.57%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-23.89%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.28%16.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.05%22.61%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or VRTX?
CVS has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 25.04 and VRTX at 30.00. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CVS or VRTX?
Over the past five years, VRTX grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.32% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.57%.
Does CVS or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
CVS pays a dividend (2.79% yield), while VRTX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CVS or VRTX more profitable?
VRTX runs the higher net margin — CVS at 1.18% versus VRTX at 34.89%.
How have CVS and VRTX total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.54% and VRTX delivered 18.72% 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 September 11, 2026.