Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) vs Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH)
BDX and CAH are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.
A side-by-side comparison of Becton, Dickinson and Company and Cardinal Health, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 14, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).
BDX
Becton, Dickinson and Company
$146.24Healthcare
CAH
Cardinal Health, Inc.
$223.85Healthcare
Total return — BDX vs CAH
growth of $100 · last 25yBDX +532.5%CAH +224.4%BDX compounded faster
BDX CAH
BDX vs CAH: by the numbers
- •BDX is the larger company ($52.98B vs $52.43B market cap).
- •CAH trades at the lower earnings multiple (34.23 vs 37.02 P/E).
- •BDX converts more revenue to profit (5.33% vs 0.62% net margin).
- •CAH grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.86% vs 2.52% CAGR).
- •BDX pays the higher dividend yield (2.56% vs 0.91%).
Which is better, BDX or CAH?
Metric tally: BDX 8 · CAH 8It depends on what you're optimizing for:
ValueCAH(lower P/E)
GrowthCAH(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeBDX(higher dividend yield)
QualityCAH(higher ROIC)
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | BDX | CAH |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 37.02 | 34.23● |
| Forward P/E | 10.92● | 18.64 |
| P/S ratio | 1.92 | 0.21● |
| P/B ratio | 1.70 | — |
| PEG ratio | 2.28 | 0.30● |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.81● | 19.10 |
| FCF yield | 7.66% | 8.31%● |
Profitability
| Metric | BDX | CAH |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 46.48%● | 3.68% |
| Operating margin | 10.61%● | 0.92% |
| Net margin | 5.33%● | 0.62% |
| ROE | 4.72%● | -56.13% |
| ROIC | 4.73% | 11.37%● |
Dividends
| Metric | BDX | CAH |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.56%● | 0.91% |
| Payout ratio | 64.09% | 31.52% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | BDX | CAH |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 2.52% | 9.86%● |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 16.26%● | 6.11% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -5.41% | 22.47%● |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | -2.99% | 33.46%● |
Frequently asked
- Which is better, BDX or CAH?
- It depends on your goal. value: CAH (lower P/E); growth: CAH (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: BDX (higher dividend yield); quality: CAH (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
- Is BDX or CAH cheaper?
- On trailing earnings, CAH is cheaper: BDX trades at a 37.02 P/E and CAH at 34.23.
- Which has grown faster, BDX or CAH?
- Over the past five years, CAH grew revenue faster — BDX at a 2.52% CAGR versus CAH at 9.86%.
- Does BDX or CAH pay a bigger dividend?
- BDX yields 2.56% and CAH yields 0.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is BDX or CAH more profitable?
- BDX runs the higher net margin — BDX at 5.33% versus CAH at 0.62%.
- Which has been the better investment, BDX or CAH?
- Over the past 10-year, CAH delivered the higher annualized total return — BDX at 2.80% versus CAH at 14.21%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Becton, Dickinson and P/E ratioCardinal Health P/E ratioBecton, Dickinson and dividend yieldCardinal Health dividend yieldBecton, Dickinson and ROECardinal Health ROEBecton, Dickinson and operating marginCardinal Health operating marginBecton, Dickinson and revenue growthCardinal Health revenue growthBecton, Dickinson and free cash flowCardinal Health free cash flow
Becton, Dickinson and & Cardinal 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 June 14, 2026.