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.

Compare

Total returnAZN vs CVS

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
AZN +2029.9%CVS +1692.7%AZN compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,130$1,793
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

MetricAZNCVS
P/E ratio12.7747.17
Forward P/E16.5814.37
P/S ratio2.190.34
P/B ratio2.801.77
PEG ratio0.29N/A
EV / EBITDA7.8919.53
FCF yield6.09%5.40%

Profitability

MetricAZNCVS
Gross margin81.68%13.87%
Operating margin23.69%1.46%
Net margin17.19%0.72%
ROE21.95%3.79%
ROIC13.03%4.72%

Dividends

MetricAZNCVS
Dividend yield1.89%2.48%
Payout ratio24.24%190.00%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAZNCVS
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.

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.