GSK plc (GSK) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

GSK leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of GSK plc and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 27, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — GSK vs VRTX

growth of $100 · last 30y
GSK +98.1%VRTX +3203.1%VRTX compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$198$3,303
GSK VRTX

GSK vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • VRTX is the larger company ($124.70B vs $105.20B market cap).
  • GSK trades at the lower earnings multiple (11.62 vs 29.14 P/E).
  • VRTX converts more revenue to profit (35.40% vs 17.76% net margin).
  • VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.82% vs 0.63% CAGR).
  • GSK pays a dividend (3.51% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.

Which is better, GSK or VRTX?

Metric tally: GSK 9 · VRTX 7

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricGSKVRTX
P/E ratio11.6229.14
Forward P/E13.2522.73
P/S ratio2.4210.28
P/B ratio3.446.50
PEG ratio0.023.57
EV / EBITDA8.6224.53
FCF yield7.87%2.95%

Profitability

MetricGSKVRTX
Gross margin72.67%86.28%
Operating margin25.65%38.97%
Net margin17.76%35.40%
ROE25.19%22.41%
ROIC16.61%18.12%

Dividends

MetricGSKVRTX
Dividend yield3.51%
Payout ratio24.30%

Growth (annualized)

MetricGSKVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)0.63%13.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.05%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-0.35%4.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.18%20.37%

Frequently asked

Which is better, GSK or VRTX?
It depends on your goal. value: GSK (lower P/E); growth: VRTX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: VRTX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, GSK leads 9 to 7.
Is GSK or VRTX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, GSK is cheaper: GSK trades at a 11.62 P/E and VRTX at 29.14.
Which has grown faster, GSK or VRTX?
Over the past five years, VRTX grew revenue faster — GSK at a 0.63% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.82%.
Does GSK or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
GSK pays a dividend (3.51% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.
Is GSK or VRTX more profitable?
VRTX runs the higher net margin — GSK at 17.76% versus VRTX at 35.40%.
Which has been the better investment, GSK or VRTX?
Over the past 10-year, VRTX delivered the higher annualized total return — GSK at 7.50% versus VRTX at 19.61%. 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 27, 2026.