Pfizer Inc. (PFE) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

A side-by-side comparison of Pfizer Inc. and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPFE vs VRTX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
PFE +42.4% (+3.6%/yr)VRTX +462.1% (+18.8%/yr)VRTX compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$142$562
PFE VRTX

PFE vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • PFE is the larger company ($157.99B vs $130.82B market cap).
  • VRTX trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (30.00 vs 36.63 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • VRTX converts more revenue to profit (34.89% vs 6.81% net margin).
  • VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.57% vs 6.29% CAGR).
  • PFE pays a dividend (6.20% yield), while VRTX has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPFEVRTX
P/E ratio36.6330.00
Forward P/E9.3227.49
P/S ratio2.4810.36
P/B ratio1.856.46
EV / EBITDA10.1524.88
FCF yield6.95%2.90%

Profitability

MetricPFEVRTX
Gross margin71.32%86.04%
Operating margin25.08%38.59%
Net margin6.81%34.89%
ROE5.09%21.76%
ROIC9.33%17.33%

Dividends

MetricPFEVRTX
Dividend yield6.20%N/A
Payout ratio227.27%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricPFEVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.29%13.57%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.78%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-3.11%16.39%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-4.53%22.61%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, PFE or VRTX?
VRTX has the lower trailing P/E: PFE trades at 36.63 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, PFE or VRTX?
Over the past five years, VRTX grew revenue faster — PFE at a 6.29% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.57%.
Does PFE or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
PFE pays a dividend (6.20% yield), while VRTX has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is PFE or VRTX more profitable?
VRTX runs the higher net margin — PFE at 6.81% versus VRTX at 34.89%.
How have PFE and VRTX total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, PFE delivered 3.15% 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 13, 2026.