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).

Compare

Total return — BDX vs CAH

growth of $100 · last 25y
BDX +532.5%CAH +224.4%BDX compounded faster
02004006008001kStart $10020062011201620212026$633$324
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 8

It 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

MetricBDXCAH
P/E ratio37.0234.23
Forward P/E10.9218.64
P/S ratio1.920.21
P/B ratio1.70
PEG ratio2.280.30
EV / EBITDA13.8119.10
FCF yield7.66%8.31%

Profitability

MetricBDXCAH
Gross margin46.48%3.68%
Operating margin10.61%0.92%
Net margin5.33%0.62%
ROE4.72%-56.13%
ROIC4.73%11.37%

Dividends

MetricBDXCAH
Dividend yield2.56%0.91%
Payout ratio64.09%31.52%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBDXCAH
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.

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.