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With a market cap of $115.7 billion, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX) is a leading biotechnology firm based in Boston, best known for its dominance in cystic fibrosis treatments through drugs like Trikafta.
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as “large-cap” stocks, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals fits this criterion perfectly. Its market dominance, innovative pipeline, and financial resilience make it a leading player in the biotechnology industry. The company is also a pioneer in advanced therapies, including gene-editing (Casgevy) and non-opioid pain management (JOURNAVX).
The biopharmaceutical titan has dipped 13.4% from its 52-week high of $519.88 touched on Nov. 8, 2024. Over the last three months, VRTX shares have tumbled 7.3%, compared to the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF’s (XBI) 3.2% fall during the same time frame.
Longer term, VRTX has climbed 11.9% on a YTD basis, surpassing XBI’s 6.4% drop. Additionally, shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals have declined 7.2% over the past 52 weeks, while the ITB has plunged 9.2% in the same period.
VRTX has dipped below trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since early May, indicating a downtrend.
On May 8, Vertex shares fell over 1% as part of a broader sell-off in pharmaceutical stocks, following reports that President Trump may revive a plan to cut drug costs by linking U.S. prices to lower international rates.
Its top rival, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN), has underperformed VRTX. Shares of REGN have declined 50.7% in the last 52 weeks and 30.8% on a YTD basis.
Among the 32 analysts covering the stock, there is a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy,” and the mean price target of $514.46 implies an upside potential of 14.2% from the current market prices.
