Between Amgen and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Which Stock Looks Set to Break Out?
Vertex Pharmaceuticals surged 8.3% during the past Day. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Amgen gives you more. Amgen (AMGN) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in AMGN
- AMGN’s Last 12 Months revenue growth was 10.0%, vs. VRTX’s 8.9%.
- In addition, its Last 3-Year Average revenue growth came in at 11.9%, ahead of VRTX’s 10.4%.
- AMGN’s 3-year average margin is stronger: 24.8% vs. VRTX’s 24.7%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how VRTX’s fundamentals stack up against those of AMGN on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| VRTX | AMGN | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 27.8 | 22.2 | AMGN |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 9.5% | 8.6% | VRTX |
| Last 12 Months | 8.9% | 10.0% | AMGN |
| Last 3 Year Average | 10.4% | 11.9% | AMGN |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 37.9% | 24.7% | VRTX |
| Last 3 Year Average | 24.7% | 24.8% | AMGN |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 73.8% | 81.0% | AMGN |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: VRTX Revenue Comparison | AMGN Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: VRTX Operating Income Comparison | AMGN Operating Income Comparison
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See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell AMGN Stock and Buy or Sell VRTX Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| VRTX Return | -7% | 32% | 41% | -1% | 13% | 2% | 95% | <=== | |
| AMGN Return | 2% | 20% | 13% | -7% | 30% | 16% | 95% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | -1% | 81% | ||
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| VRTX Win Rate | 42% | 67% | 58% | 50% | 83% | 67% | 61% | <=== | |
| AMGN Win Rate | 33% | 58% | 58% | 50% | 50% | 67% | 53% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 33% | 60% | ||
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| VRTX Max Drawdown | -25% | 0% | -2% | -3% | -9% | -3% | -7% | ||
| AMGN Max Drawdown | -10% | -2% | -17% | -8% | -1% | -2% | -7% | <=== | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -2% | -8% | ||
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] 2026 data is for the year up to 3/10/2026 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read VRTX Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about VRTX or AMGN? Consider portfolio approach.
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