VRCA
Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Biotechnology
Market Cap$145M
5Y Perf.-92.7%
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Stock Comparison
VRCA vs PRGO
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
PRGO
Perrigo Company plc
Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic
Market Cap$1.69B
5Y Perf.-77.6%
VRCA vs PRGO — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | VRCA | PRGO |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Biotechnology | Drug Manufacturers - Specialty & Generic |
| Market Cap | $145M | $1.69B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $36M | $4.18B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-18M | $-1.82B |
| Gross Margin | 93.8% | 34.2% |
| Operating Margin | -34.2% | -4.1% |
| Forward P/E | — | 5.8x |
| Total Debt | $2M | $3.97B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $30M | $532M |
VRCA vs PRGO — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
VRCA
PRGO
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verrica Pharmaceuti… (VRCA) | 100 | 7.3 | -92.7% |
| Perrigo Company plc (PRGO) | 100 | 22.4 | -77.6% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: VRCA vs PRGO
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: PRGO leads in 4 of 6 categories, making it the strongest pick for profitability and margin quality and capital preservation and lower volatility. Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for growth and revenue expansion and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
VRCA
Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc.
The Growth Play
VRCA is the clearest fit if your priority is growth exposure.
- Rev growth 370.2%, EPS growth 88.6%, 3Y rev CAGR 57.9%
- 370.2% revenue growth vs PRGO's -2.8%
- +87.3% vs PRGO's -45.6%
Best for: growth exposure
PRGO
Perrigo Company plc
The Income Pick
PRGO carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and long-term compounding.
- Dividend streak 10 yrs, beta 1.18, yield 9.4%
- -76.8% 10Y total return vs VRCA's -95.2%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.18, current ratio 2.76x
Best for: income & stability and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | VRCA | 370.2% revenue growth vs PRGO's -2.8% |
| Quality / Margins | PRGO | -43.5% margin vs VRCA's -50.3% |
| Stability / Safety | PRGO | Beta 1.18 vs VRCA's 2.19 |
| Dividends | PRGO | 9.4% yield; 10-year raise streak; the other pay no meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | VRCA | +87.3% vs PRGO's -45.6% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | PRGO | -19.8% ROA vs VRCA's -42.3% |
VRCA vs PRGO — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
VRCA vs PRGO — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLPRGOLAGGINGVRCA
VRCAVerrica Pharmaceutica…
1leads
PRGOPerrigo Company plc
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs VRCAMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
Tied
—
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
PRGO2/3
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
VRCA5/8
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
PRGO4/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
Evenly matched — VRCA and PRGO each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
PRGO is the larger business by revenue, generating $4.2B annually — 117.4x VRCA's $36M. PRGO is the more profitable business, keeping -43.5% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to VRCA's -50.3%. On growth, VRCA holds the edge at +13.8% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | VRCAVerrica Pharmaceu… | PRGOPerrigo Company p… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $36M | $4.2B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | -$11M | $58M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$18M | -$1.8B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$18M | $108M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +93.8% | +34.2% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | -34.2% | -4.1% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -50.3% | -43.5% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -49.5% | +2.6% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +13.8% | -7.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +73.4% | -56.4% |
Evenly matched — VRCA and PRGO each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
PRGO leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
| Metric | VRCAVerrica Pharmaceu… | PRGOPerrigo Company p… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $145M | $1.7B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $116M | $5.1B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -5.02x | -1.19x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | — | 5.82x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | — | 7.53x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 4.07x | 0.40x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 3.63x | 0.58x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | — | 11.63x |
PRGO leads this category, winning 2 of 3 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
VRCA leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
PRGO delivers a -50.7% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $-51 in annual profit, vs $-2 for VRCA. VRCA carries lower financial leverage with a 0.07x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to PRGO's 1.35x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), VRCA scores 6/9 vs PRGO's 4/9, reflecting solid financial health.
| Metric | VRCAVerrica Pharmaceu… | PRGOPerrigo Company p… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -2.4% | -50.7% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -42.3% | -19.8% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | — | +3.7% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | -42.8% | +4.3% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 6 | 4 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.07x | 1.35x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$29M | $3.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $30M | $532M |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $2M | $4.0B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | -1.33x | -7.20x |
VRCA leads this category, winning 5 of 8 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
PRGO leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in PRGO five years ago would be worth $4,142 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $735 for VRCA. Over the past 12 months, VRCA leads with a +87.3% total return vs PRGO's -45.6%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors PRGO at -24.3% vs VRCA's -49.7% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | VRCAVerrica Pharmaceu… | PRGOPerrigo Company p… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +1.6% | -9.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +87.3% | -45.6% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -87.3% | -56.6% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -92.7% | -58.6% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -95.2% | -76.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -49.7% | -24.3% |
PRGO leads this category, winning 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — VRCA and PRGO each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
PRGO is the less volatile stock with a 1.18 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than VRCA's 2.19 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. VRCA currently trades 85.8% from its 52-week high vs PRGO's 43.1% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | VRCAVerrica Pharmaceu… | PRGOPerrigo Company p… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 2.19x | 1.18x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $9.82 | $28.44 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $3.28 | $9.23 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +85.8% | +43.1% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 65.3 | 53.7 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 108K | 3.4M |
Evenly matched — VRCA and PRGO each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates VRCA as "Buy" and PRGO as "Hold". Consensus price targets imply 101.7% upside for VRCA (target: $17) vs 63.1% for PRGO (target: $20). PRGO is the only dividend payer here at 9.38% yield — a key consideration for income-focused portfolios.
| Metric | VRCAVerrica Pharmaceu… | PRGOPerrigo Company p… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $17.00 | $20.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 10 | 36 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | +9.4% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | — | 10 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | $1.15 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
PRGO leads in 2 of 6 categories (Valuation Metrics, Total Returns). VRCA leads in 1 (Profitability & Efficiency). 2 tied.
Best OverallPerrigo Company plc (PRGO)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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VRCA vs PRGO: Frequently Asked Questions
9 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is VRCA or PRGO a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(VRCA) is the stronger pick with 370. 2% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -2. 8% for Perrigo Company plc (PRGO). Analysts rate Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRCA) a "Buy" — based on 10 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which is the better long-term investment — VRCA or PRGO?
Over the past 5 years, Perrigo Company plc (PRGO) delivered a total return of -58.
6%, compared to -92. 7% for Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRCA). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: PRGO returned -76. 8% versus VRCA's -95. 2%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
03Which is safer — VRCA or PRGO?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Perrigo Company plc (PRGO) is the lower-risk stock at 1.
18β versus Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. 's 2. 19β — meaning VRCA is approximately 85% more volatile than PRGO relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRCA) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 7% versus 135% for Perrigo Company plc — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
04Which is growing faster — VRCA or PRGO?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(VRCA) is pulling ahead at 370. 2% versus -2. 8% for Perrigo Company plc (PRGO). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. grew EPS 88. 6% year-over-year, compared to -723. 2% for Perrigo Company plc. Over a 3-year CAGR, VRCA leads at 57. 9% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
05Which has better profit margins — VRCA or PRGO?
Perrigo Company plc (PRGO) is the more profitable company, earning -33.
5% net margin versus -50. 3% for Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. — meaning it keeps -33. 5% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: PRGO leads at 8. 1% versus -33. 6% for VRCA. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — VRCA leads at 93. 8%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
06Is VRCA or PRGO more undervalued right now?
Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for VRCA: 101.
7% to $17. 00.
07Which pays a better dividend — VRCA or PRGO?
In this comparison, PRGO (9.
4% yield) pays a dividend. VRCA does not pay a meaningful dividend and should not be held primarily for income.
08Is VRCA or PRGO better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Perrigo Company plc (PRGO) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1.
18), 9. 4% yield). Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VRCA) carries a higher beta of 2. 19 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (PRGO: -76. 8%, VRCA: -95. 2%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
09What are the main differences between VRCA and PRGO?
Both stocks operate in the Healthcare sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
In terms of investment character: VRCA is a small-cap high-growth stock; PRGO is a small-cap income-oriented stock. PRGO pays a dividend while VRCA does not, making them suitable for different income and tax situations. These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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