Gilead Sciences (GILD) vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Gilead Sciences (GILD) has outperformed Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) over the past year, gaining 24.4% versus a gain of 19.5%. Over five years, VRTX leads with a +176.9% price change compared with +117.5% for GILD. Gilead Sciences is the larger company by market cap ($182.40 billion vs $127.55 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while Vertex Pharmaceuticals is growing revenue faster (+8.9% vs +2.4%).
On valuation, Gilead Sciences trades at a lower forward P/E (14.9x vs 25.0x for Vertex Pharmaceuticals). Gilead Sciences pays a dividend yielding 2.19%, while Vertex Pharmaceuticals does not currently pay one. Vertex Pharmaceuticals converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 32.9% versus 28.9%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | GILD | VRTX |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $147.10 | $503.25 |
| Market cap | $182.40B | $127.55B |
| 1-day change | +0.17% | -0.47% |
| YTD return | +19.85% | +11.00% |
| 1-year return | +24.40% | +19.49% |
| 5-year return | +117.51% | +176.86% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | — | 29.31 |
| Forward P/E | 14.87 | 25.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $-2.65 | $17.17 |
| Dividend yield | 2.19% | 0.00% |
| Annual dividend | $3.22 | $0.00 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $29.44B | $12.00B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.40% | +8.90% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $8.51B | $3.95B |
| Gross margin | 78.83% | 86.24% |
| Operating margin | 34.04% | 34.77% |
| Net margin | 28.90% | 32.94% |
| 52-week high | $157.29 | $560.25 |
| 52-week low | $114.02 | $402.58 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -6.48% | -10.17% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +8.27% | +13.54% |
| Average volume | 5.99M | 1.15M |
| Shares outstanding | 1.24B | 253.46M |
| Employees | 17,000 | 6,400 |
| Sector | Health Care | Health Care |
| Industry | Biotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) | Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Gilead Sciences offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.19% vs 0.00%).
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+8.90% vs +2.40%).
About Gilead Sciences
GILD stock →Gilead Sciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, discovers, develops, and commercializes medicines in the areas of unmet medical need in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company provides Biktarvy, Descovy, Genvoya, Odefsey, Sunlenca, Symtuza, and YeztugoFor the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) · 17,000 employees
About Vertex Pharmaceuticals
VRTX stock →Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated operates as a biotechnology company in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers transformative medicines for people with serious diseases with a focus on specialty markets, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), sickle cell disease (SCD), transfusion dependent beta thalassemia (TDT), and acute pain.
Health Care · Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations · 6,400 employees
GILD vs VRTX FAQ
Which is bigger, Gilead Sciences or Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
Gilead Sciences (GILD) is larger, with a market capitalization of $182.40B compared with $127.55B for Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, GILD or VRTX?
GILD returned +24.40% over the past 12 months, compared with +19.49% for VRTX (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which pays a higher dividend, Gilead Sciences or Vertex Pharmaceuticals?
Gilead Sciences pays a dividend yielding 2.19%, while Vertex Pharmaceuticals does not currently pay a regular dividend.
Are Gilead Sciences and Vertex Pharmaceuticals in the same industry?
Both are in the Health Care sector, but in different industries: Biotechnology: Biological Products (No Diagnostic Substances) for Gilead Sciences and Biotechnology: Pharmaceutical Preparations for Vertex Pharmaceuticals.