Stryker Corporation (SYK) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX)

VRTX leads on 10 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Stryker Corporation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 17, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — SYK vs VRTX

growth of $100 · last 30y
SYK +4798.7%VRTX +2529.4%SYK compounded faster
02k4k6kStart $100200120062011201620212026$4,899$2,629
SYK VRTX

SYK vs VRTX: by the numbers

  • SYK is the larger company ($119.06B vs $113.82B market cap).
  • VRTX trades at the lower earnings multiple (26.72 vs 35.95 P/E).
  • VRTX converts more revenue to profit (35.40% vs 13.21% net margin).
  • VRTX grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.82% vs 11.42% CAGR).
  • SYK pays a dividend (1.11% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.

Which is better, SYK or VRTX?

Metric tally: SYK 6 · VRTX 10

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

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

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricSYKVRTX
P/E ratio35.9526.72
Forward P/E18.5620.84
P/S ratio4.759.42
P/B ratio5.225.96
PEG ratio5.163.27
EV / EBITDA21.4920.77
FCF yield3.81%3.21%

Profitability

MetricSYKVRTX
Gross margin63.67%86.28%
Operating margin21.34%38.97%
Net margin13.21%35.40%
ROE14.52%22.41%
ROIC8.53%18.12%

Dividends

MetricSYKVRTX
Dividend yield1.11%
Payout ratio40.52%

Growth (annualized)

MetricSYKVRTX
Revenue CAGR (5Y)11.42%13.82%
EPS CAGR (5Y)14.79%8.17%
FCF CAGR (5Y)11.01%4.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)4.98%18.98%

Frequently asked

Which is better, SYK 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 6.
Is SYK or VRTX cheaper?
On trailing earnings, VRTX is cheaper: SYK trades at a 35.95 P/E and VRTX at 26.72.
Which has grown faster, SYK or VRTX?
Over the past five years, VRTX grew revenue faster — SYK at a 11.42% CAGR versus VRTX at 13.82%.
Does SYK or VRTX pay a bigger dividend?
SYK pays a dividend (1.11% yield) while VRTX does not currently pay one.
Is SYK or VRTX more profitable?
VRTX runs the higher net margin — SYK at 13.21% versus VRTX at 35.40%.
Which has been the better investment, SYK or VRTX?
Over the past 10-year, VRTX delivered the higher annualized total return — SYK at 11.71% versus VRTX at 17.33%. 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 17, 2026.