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 July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$172.48HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 7:53 PM EDT
CVS
CVS Health Corp.
$109.34HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — AZN vs CVS
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yAZN +2029.9%CVS +1692.7%AZN compounded faster
AZN CVS
AZN vs CVS: by the numbers
- •CVS is the larger company ($139.51B vs $133.67B market cap).
- •AZN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (12.77 vs 47.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •AZN converts more revenue to profit (17.19% vs 0.72% net margin).
- •AZN grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.99% vs 8.52% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.48% vs 1.89%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | AZN | CVS |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 12.77 | 47.17 |
| Forward P/E | 16.58 | 14.37 |
| P/S ratio | 2.19 | 0.34 |
| P/B ratio | 2.80 | 1.77 |
| PEG ratio | 0.29 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 7.89 | 19.53 |
| FCF yield | 6.09% | 5.40% |
Profitability
| Metric | AZN | CVS |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 81.68% | 13.87% |
| Operating margin | 23.69% | 1.46% |
| Net margin | 17.19% | 0.72% |
| ROE | 21.95% | 3.79% |
| ROIC | 13.03% | 4.72% |
Dividends
| Metric | AZN | CVS |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.89% | 2.48% |
| Payout ratio | 24.24% | 190.00% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | AZN | CVS |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 16.99% | 8.52% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 22.02% | -23.89% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 15.68% | -10.57% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 10.56% | 8.59% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, AZN or CVS?
- AZN has the lower trailing P/E: AZN trades at 12.77 and CVS at 47.17. 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 16.99% CAGR versus CVS at 8.52%.
- Does AZN or CVS pay a bigger dividend?
- AZN yields 1.89% and CVS yields 2.48% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is AZN or CVS more profitable?
- AZN runs the higher net margin — AZN at 17.19% versus CVS at 0.72%.
- How have AZN and CVS total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, AZN delivered 13.96% and CVS delivered 4.62% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
AstraZeneca P/E ratioCVS Health P/E ratioAstraZeneca dividend yieldCVS Health dividend yieldAstraZeneca ROECVS Health ROEAstraZeneca operating marginCVS Health operating marginAstraZeneca revenue growthCVS Health revenue growthAstraZeneca free cash flowCVS Health free cash flow
AstraZeneca & CVS Health appear in these rankings
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 July 28, 2026.