Alcon Inc. (ALC) vs IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV)

A side-by-side comparison of Alcon Inc. and IQVIA Holdings Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 4, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnALC vs IQV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 7y
ALC +26.6% (+3.4%/yr)IQV +88.6% (+9.5%/yr)IQV compounded faster over this window
100150200Start $100202120232025$127$189
ALC IQV

ALC vs IQV: by the numbers

  • IQV is the larger company ($44.07B vs $34.38B market cap).
  • IQV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.70 vs 55.45 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • IQV converts more revenue to profit (8.10% vs 5.95% net margin).
  • ALC grew revenue faster over the past five years (6.57% vs 5.61% CAGR).
  • ALC pays a dividend (0.50% yield), while IQV has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricALCIQV
P/E ratio55.4533.70
Forward P/E20.7220.95
P/S ratio3.282.70
P/B ratio1.637.42
EV / EBITDA17.4117.24
FCF yield4.78%5.70%

Profitability

MetricALCIQV
Gross margin56.43%26.23%
Operating margin10.26%13.57%
Net margin5.95%8.10%
ROE2.96%22.28%
ROIC3.35%8.32%

Dividends

MetricALCIQV
Dividend yield0.50%N/A
Payout ratio18.06%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricALCIQV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)6.57%5.61%
EPS CAGR (5Y)N/A40.21%
FCF CAGR (5Y)40.55%4.44%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-2.79%0.63%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ALC or IQV?
IQV has the lower trailing P/E: ALC trades at 55.45 and IQV at 33.70. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ALC or IQV?
Over the past five years, ALC grew revenue faster — ALC at a 6.57% CAGR versus IQV at 5.61%.
Does ALC or IQV pay a bigger dividend?
ALC pays a dividend (0.50% yield), while IQV has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is ALC or IQV more profitable?
IQV runs the higher net margin — ALC at 5.95% versus IQV at 8.10%.
How have ALC and IQV total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, ALC delivered -2.79% and IQV delivered 13.44% 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 4, 2026.