CVS Health Corporation (CVS) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

VRTX leads on 10 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corporation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — CVS vs VRTX

growth of $100 · last 30y
CVS +882.3%VRTX +2389.1%VRTX compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$982$2,489
CVS VRTX

CVS vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • CVS is the larger company ($130.09B vs $112.92B market cap).
  • VRTX trades at the lower earnings multiple (26.39 vs 44.92 P/E).
  • VRTX converts more revenue to profit (35.40% vs 0.72% net margin).
  • VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.82% vs 8.52% CAGR).
  • CVS pays a dividend (2.61% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.

Which is better, CVS or VRTX?

Metric tally: CVS 5 · VRTX 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Valuation

MetricCVSVRTX
P/E ratio44.9226.39
Forward P/E12.1720.58
P/S ratio0.329.31
P/B ratio1.685.89
PEG ratio3.23
EV / EBITDA17.9020.72
FCF yield5.67%3.25%

Profitability

MetricCVSVRTX
Gross margin13.87%86.28%
Operating margin1.46%38.97%
Net margin0.72%35.40%
ROE3.79%22.41%
ROIC4.72%18.12%

Dividends

MetricCVSVRTX
Dividend yield2.61%
Payout ratio190.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.52%13.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-23.89%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.57%4.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.06%18.17%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CVS or VRTX?
It depends on your goal. value: VRTX (lower P/E); growth: VRTX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: VRTX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, VRTX leads 10 to 5.
Is CVS or VRTX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, VRTX is cheaper: CVS trades at a 44.92 P/E and VRTX at 26.39.
Which has grown faster, CVS or VRTX?
Over the past five years, VRTX grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.52% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.82%.
Does CVS or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
CVS pays a dividend (2.61% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.
Is CVS or VRTX more profitable?
VRTX runs the higher net margin — CVS at 0.72% versus VRTX at 35.40%.
Which has been the better investment, CVS or VRTX?
Over the past 10-year, VRTX delivered the higher annualized total return — CVS at 3.66% versus VRTX at 17.13%. 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 June 13, 2026.