Medtronic plc (MDT) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

VRTX leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics, though MDT is the cheaper stock.

A side-by-side comparison of Medtronic plc 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 — MDT vs VRTX

growth of $100 · last 30y
MDT +462.8%VRTX +2389.1%VRTX compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$563$2,489
MDT VRTX

MDT vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • VRTX is the larger company ($112.92B vs $102.97B market cap).
  • MDT trades at the lower earnings multiple (21.50 vs 26.39 P/E).
  • VRTX converts more revenue to profit (35.40% vs 13.20% net margin).
  • VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.82% vs 5.18% CAGR).
  • MDT pays a dividend (3.54% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.

Which is better, MDT or VRTX?

Metric tally: MDT 6 · VRTX 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Valuation

MetricMDTVRTX
P/E ratio21.5026.39
Forward P/E12.5620.58
P/S ratio2.849.31
P/B ratio2.115.89
PEG ratio6.733.23
EV / EBITDA13.0320.72
FCF yield5.25%3.25%

Profitability

MetricMDTVRTX
Gross margin65.02%86.28%
Operating margin17.78%38.97%
Net margin13.20%35.40%
ROE9.80%22.41%
ROIC0.00%18.12%

Dividends

MetricMDTVRTX
Dividend yield3.54%
Payout ratio75.73%

Growth (annualized)

MetricMDTVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.18%13.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)0.83%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)3.07%4.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-5.47%18.17%

Frequently asked

Which is better, MDT or VRTX?
It depends on your goal. value: MDT (lower P/E); growth: VRTX (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); quality: VRTX (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, VRTX leads 10 to 6.
Is MDT or VRTX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, MDT is cheaper: MDT trades at a 21.50 P/E and VRTX at 26.39.
Which has grown faster, MDT or VRTX?
Over the past five years, VRTX grew revenue faster — MDT at a 5.18% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.82%.
Does MDT or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
MDT pays a dividend (3.54% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.
Is MDT or VRTX more profitable?
VRTX runs the higher net margin — MDT at 13.20% versus VRTX at 35.40%.
Which has been the better investment, MDT or VRTX?
Over the past 10-year, VRTX delivered the higher annualized total return — MDT at 1.97% 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.