AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) vs CVS Health Corp. (CVS)

A side-by-side comparison of AstraZeneca PLC and CVS Health Corp. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAZN vs CVS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AZN +217.1% (+12.2%/yr)CVS +39.3% (+3.4%/yr)AZN compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$317$139
AZN CVS

AZN vs CVS: by the numbers

  • AZN is the larger company ($248.40B vs $120.78B market cap).
  • AZN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.05 vs 25.04 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • AZN converts more revenue to profit (17.02% vs 1.18% net margin).
  • AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (15.76% vs 8.32% CAGR).
  • CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.79% vs 2.02%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAZNCVS
P/E ratio24.0525.04
Forward P/E15.6411.83
P/S ratio4.050.29
P/B ratio4.941.52
EV / EBITDA13.5614.50
FCF yield3.52%9.74%

Profitability

MetricAZNCVS
Gross margin81.88%14.15%
Operating margin22.77%2.00%
Net margin17.02%1.18%
ROE20.79%6.16%
ROIC12.83%4.14%

Dividends

MetricAZNCVS
Dividend yield2.02%2.79%
Payout ratio48.50%70.37%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNCVS
Revenue CAGR (5Y)15.76%8.32%
EPS CAGR (5Y)22.02%-23.89%
FCF CAGR (5Y)14.53%-10.28%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.46%6.05%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AZN or CVS?
AZN has the lower trailing P/E: AZN trades at 24.05 and CVS at 25.04. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AZN or CVS?
Over the past five years, AZN grew revenue faster — AZN at a 15.76% CAGR versus CVS at 8.32%.
Does AZN or CVS pay a bigger dividend?
AZN yields 2.02% and CVS yields 2.79% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AZN or CVS more profitable?
AZN runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.02% versus CVS at 1.18%.
How have AZN and CVS total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AZN delivered 12.85% and CVS delivered 3.54% 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 10, 2026.