L3Harris Technologies Inc vs Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated — how do they compare? L3Harris Technologies Inc trades at $290.16 (market cap $53.26B), while Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated trades at $529.5 (market cap $134.25B). The key difference: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated is far larger — about 2.5× L3Harris Technologies Inc's market cap, and L3Harris Technologies Inc pays a 1.75% dividend while Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| LHX | VRTX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.26B | $134.25B |
Sector | Industrials | Health |
52-Week High | $378.48 | $529.65 |
52-Week Low | $270.21 | $376.62 |
Enterprise Value | $63.71B | $128.37B |
Dividend Yield | 1.75% | — |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
LHX trades at $290.66, up 0.32% on the day, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings, beating estimates with revenue up 8% and a record $42 billion backlog. Recent news highlights contract wins, including a U.S. Space Force satellite deal and PAC-3 production expansion, supporting growth prospects. Fundamentals show steady revenue growth to $21.87 billion in 2025 and improving net margins, though valuation ratios like P/E of 28.89 are elevated relative to historical averages.
Outlook is positive with analyst consensus favoring buys (73%) and a $319.33 price target implying ~10% upside. Risks include execution on large contracts, debt levels, and geopolitical dependencies. The stock offers a dividend yield near 1.7%, with cash flow strength supporting shareholder returns amid defense sector tailwinds.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) trades at $525.72, up 0.35% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook supported by moving averages and strong institutional sentiment. The company reported Q2 2026 revenue of $3.3 billion, beating estimates, and raised its full-year sales guidance, driven by cystic fibrosis drug strength and new product contributions. Profitability remains robust with a 35% net income margin, though the P/E ratio of 30.85 reflects premium valuation.
Outlook is positive with 84% analyst buy ratings and a $534.25 consensus target, but risks include earnings volatility and competitive pressures. Upside hinges on execution of new launches and sustained CF franchise growth, while any clinical or regulatory setbacks could pressure the stock.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
L3Harris Technologies was created in 2019 from the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris, two defense contractors that provide products for the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) market. The firm also has smaller operations serving the civil government, particularly the Federal Aviation Administration's communication infrastructure, and produces various avionics for defense and commercial aviation.
Read more on LHX →Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that discovers and develops small-molecule drugs for the treatment of serious diseases. Its key drugs are Kalydeco, Orkambi, Symdeko, and Trikafta/Kaftrio for cystic fibrosis, where Vertex therapies remain the standard of care globally. In addition to its focus on cystic fibrosis, Vertex is diversifying its pipeline through gene-editing therapies such as CTX001 for beta-thalassemia and sickle-cell disease, small-molecule inhibitors targeting acute and chronic pain using non-opioid treatments, and small-molecule inhibitors of APOL1-mediated kidney diseases. Vertex is also investigating cell therapies to deliver a potential functional cure for type 1 diabetes.
Read more on VRTX →