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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnBDX vs CAH

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
BDX +55.7% (+4.5%/yr)CAH +284.1% (+14.4%/yr)CAH compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$156$384
BDX CAH

BDX vs CAH: by the numbers

  • CAH is the larger company ($54.94B vs $49.00B market cap).
  • CAH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (32.44 vs 53.57 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • BDX converts more revenue to profit (4.52% vs 0.67% net margin).
  • CAH grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.37% vs 1.22% CAGR).
  • BDX pays the higher dividend yield (2.25% vs 0.87%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricBDXCAH
P/E ratio53.5732.44
Forward P/E14.0418.70
P/S ratio2.350.22
P/B ratio2.01N/A
EV / EBITDA11.8216.82
FCF yield5.32%8.24%

Profitability

MetricBDXCAH
Gross margin46.12%3.84%
Operating margin9.83%1.03%
Net margin4.52%0.67%
ROE3.85%N/A
ROIC3.72%13.45%

Dividends

MetricBDXCAH
Dividend yield2.25%0.87%
Payout ratio119.73%28.33%

Growth (annualized)

MetricBDXCAH
Revenue CAGR (5Y)1.22%9.37%
EPS CAGR (5Y)16.26%28.32%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-9.10%17.40%
Total return CAGR (5Y)-0.49%37.89%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, BDX or CAH?
CAH has the lower trailing P/E: BDX trades at 53.57 and CAH at 32.44. 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 1.22% CAGR versus CAH at 9.37%.
Does BDX or CAH pay a bigger dividend?
BDX yields 2.25% and CAH yields 0.87% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is BDX or CAH more profitable?
BDX runs the higher net margin — BDX at 4.52% versus CAH at 0.67%.
How have BDX and CAH total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, BDX delivered 4.67% and CAH delivered 14.74% 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 September 10, 2026.