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 July 30, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnPFE vs VRTX

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
PFE +559.3%VRTX +3582.5%VRTX compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$659$3,683
PFE VRTX

PFE vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • PFE is the larger company ($140.06B vs $120.07B market cap).
  • PFE trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.20 vs 28.67 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • VRTX converts more revenue to profit (35.40% vs 11.83% net margin).
  • VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.82% vs 8.22% CAGR).
  • PFE pays a dividend (6.84% yield), while VRTX has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricPFEVRTX
P/E ratio19.2028.67
Forward P/E8.5425.14
P/S ratio2.2810.11
P/B ratio1.606.40
PEG ratioN/A3.51
EV / EBITDA9.8524.12
FCF yield6.58%2.99%

Profitability

MetricPFEVRTX
Gross margin69.35%86.28%
Operating margin23.45%38.97%
Net margin11.83%35.40%
ROE8.31%22.41%
ROIC8.84%18.12%

Dividends

MetricPFEVRTX
Dividend yield6.84%N/A
Payout ratio126.47%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricPFEVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.22%13.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-3.78%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-3.79%4.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-5.18%19.26%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, PFE or VRTX?
PFE has the lower trailing P/E: PFE trades at 19.20 and VRTX at 28.67. 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 8.22% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.82%.
Does PFE or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
PFE pays a dividend (6.84% 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 11.83% versus VRTX at 35.40%.
How have PFE and VRTX total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, PFE delivered 1.44% and VRTX delivered 17.42% 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 July 30, 2026.