Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) vs Dover Corporation (DOV)

A side-by-side comparison of Cardinal Health, Inc. and Dover Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: CAH is classified in Healthcare; DOV is classified in Industrials. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnCAH vs DOV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CAH +304.7% (+15.0%/yr)DOV +278.5% (+14.2%/yr)CAH compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$405$379
CAH DOV

CAH vs DOV: by the numbers

  • CAH is the larger company ($55.03B vs $25.45B market cap).
  • DOV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (22.83 vs 32.50 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • DOV converts more revenue to profit (13.48% vs 0.67% net margin).
  • CAH grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.37% vs 2.54% CAGR).
  • DOV pays the higher dividend yield (1.10% vs 0.87%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCAHDOV
P/E ratio32.5022.83
Forward P/E18.7317.67
P/S ratio0.223.02
P/B ratioN/A3.30
EV / EBITDA16.8514.88
FCF yield8.22%4.61%

Profitability

MetricCAHDOV
Gross margin3.84%39.58%
Operating margin1.03%16.87%
Net margin0.67%13.48%
ROEN/A14.73%
ROIC13.45%9.56%

Dividends

MetricCAHDOV
Dividend yield0.87%1.10%
Payout ratio28.33%25.18%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCAHDOV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.37%2.54%
EPS CAGR (5Y)28.32%10.95%
FCF CAGR (5Y)17.40%2.55%
Total return CAGR (5Y)37.70%2.98%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAH or DOV?
DOV has the lower trailing P/E: CAH trades at 32.50 and DOV at 22.83. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CAH or DOV?
Over the past five years, CAH grew revenue faster — CAH at a 9.37% CAGR versus DOV at 2.54%.
Does CAH or DOV pay a bigger dividend?
CAH yields 0.87% and DOV yields 1.10% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CAH or DOV more profitable?
DOV runs the higher net margin — CAH at 0.67% versus DOV at 13.48%.
How have CAH and DOV total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CAH delivered 14.67% and DOV delivered 14.80% 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 13, 2026.