Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) vs Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH)
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 July 30, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
BDX
Becton, Dickinson and Company
$168.40HealthcareAt close: Jul 29, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
CAH
Cardinal Health, Inc.
$229.12HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 29, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — BDX vs CAH
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 25yBDX +893.7%CAH +426.8%BDX compounded faster
BDX CAH
BDX vs CAH: by the numbers
- •BDX is the larger company ($61.01B vs $53.66B market cap).
- •CAH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (35.55 vs 42.63 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •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 (2.22% vs 0.88%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | BDX | CAH |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 42.63 | 35.55 |
| Forward P/E | 13.35 | 21.58 |
| P/S ratio | 2.21 | 0.22 |
| P/B ratio | 1.96 | N/A |
| PEG ratio | 2.62 | 0.30 |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.71 | 18.90 |
| FCF yield | 6.65% | 8.01% |
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 | 2.22% | 0.88% |
| Payout ratio | 64.09% | 31.60% |
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) | -1.23% | 34.18% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, BDX or CAH?
- CAH has the lower trailing P/E: BDX trades at 42.63 and CAH at 35.55. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- 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 2.22% and CAH yields 0.88% 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%.
- How have BDX and CAH total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, BDX delivered 3.86% and CAH delivered 14.04% annualized total return. 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 July 30, 2026.