Boston Scientific vs Vertex (BSX vs VRTX)
Boston Scientific (BSX) vs Vertex (VRTX) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Boston Scientific (BSX) and Vertex (VRTX) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Boston Scientific and Vertex side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Boston Scientific or Vertex.
Boston Scientific vs Vertex: the figures
| Figure | Boston Scientific | Vertex |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $45.82 (November 4, 2026) | $549.04 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $66.4 billion | $139.2 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 19.3x | 36.8x |
| Forward P/E | 14.6x | 27.5x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +1.4% | +11.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 16.6% | 30.7% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 2.0x | 0.0x |
| Dividend yield | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Beta | 0.58 | 0.28 |
Boston Scientific and Vertex figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Boston Scientific or Vertex figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Boston Scientific and Vertex
- Valuation: Vertex trades at 36.8x its annual earnings and Boston Scientific at 19.3x; the market pays more for each dollar of Vertex profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Vertex keeps 30.7 as net profit and Boston Scientific keeps 16.6.
- Growth: Vertex grew sales +11.8% year on year in its latest quarter, against +1.4% for Boston Scientific.
Boston Scientific or Vertex: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Vertex is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you prefer caution: Vertex has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Boston Scientific trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Boston Scientific nor Vertex wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Boston Scientific and Vertex make money
Boston Scientific (BSX)
Boston Scientific makes devices for minimally invasive procedures. Its Cardiovascular segment, the larger one, includes the Farapulse ablation system, the Watchman heart implant and stents, while MedSurg covers endoscopy, urology and neuromodulation products. Customers are hospitals and clinics across the United States, Europe and Asia. Full Boston Scientific analysis.
Vertex (VRTX)
Vertex Pharmaceuticals earns most of its revenue from cystic fibrosis drugs such as Trikafta, sold as Kaftrio in Europe, and Alyftrek. It has broadened its lineup with Casgevy, a gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease, and Journavx, a non-opioid pain medicine. The United States and Europe are its biggest markets. Full Vertex analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Boston Scientific vs Vertex
Is Boston Scientific or Vertex the better stock?
Choosing between Boston Scientific and Vertex depends on what you are looking for. Vertex is growing faster right now, and Boston Scientific trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Boston Scientific or Vertex: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Boston Scientific or Vertex?
Neither pays a dividend as of November 4, 2026: Boston Scientific and Vertex put what they earn into growth or other forms of shareholder return.
Which is more expensive, Boston Scientific or Vertex?
On P/E, Vertex (36.8x) is more expensive than Boston Scientific (19.3x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Boston Scientific and Vertex?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Boston Scientific and Vertex, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Boston Scientific or Vertex.
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More companies like Boston Scientific and Vertex: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Boston Scientific and Vertex, not investment advice.