Abbott Laboratories (ABT) vs CVS Health Corp. (CVS)

A side-by-side comparison of Abbott Laboratories and CVS Health Corp. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnABT vs CVS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
ABT +195.2% (+11.4%/yr)CVS +38.3% (+3.3%/yr)ABT compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$295$138
ABT CVS

ABT vs CVS: by the numbers

  • ABT is the larger company ($176.57B vs $120.63B market cap).
  • CVS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.01 vs 32.81 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ABT converts more revenue to profit (11.65% vs 1.18% net margin).
  • CVS grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.32% vs 2.98% CAGR).
  • CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.81% vs 2.43%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricABTCVS
P/E ratio32.8125.01
Forward P/E18.5011.81
P/S ratio3.790.29
P/B ratio3.451.51
EV / EBITDA18.7414.49
FCF yield4.49%9.75%

Profitability

MetricABTCVS
Gross margin56.80%14.15%
Operating margin17.03%2.00%
Net margin11.65%1.18%
ROE10.61%6.16%
ROIC6.07%4.14%

Dividends

MetricABTCVS
Dividend yield2.43%2.81%
Payout ratio79.74%70.37%

Growth (annualized)

MetricABTCVS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)2.98%8.32%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.22%-23.89%
FCF CAGR (5Y)0.18%-10.28%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.69%5.91%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ABT or CVS?
CVS has the lower trailing P/E: ABT trades at 32.81 and CVS at 25.01. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ABT or CVS?
Over the past five years, CVS grew revenue faster — ABT at a 2.98% CAGR versus CVS at 8.32%.
Does ABT or CVS pay a bigger dividend?
ABT yields 2.43% and CVS yields 2.81% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ABT or CVS more profitable?
ABT runs the higher net margin — ABT at 11.65% versus CVS at 1.18%.
How have ABT and CVS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, ABT delivered 11.61% and CVS delivered 3.48% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.