Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) vs Elevance Health Inc. (ELV)

A side-by-side comparison of Cardinal Health, Inc. and Elevance 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.

Compare

Total returnCAH vs ELV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 25y
CAH +410.1%ELV +2223.1%ELV compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $10020062011201620212026$510$2,323
CAH ELV

CAH vs ELV: by the numbers

  • ELV is the larger company ($80.42B vs $52.99B market cap).
  • ELV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (16.71 vs 35.03 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ELV converts more revenue to profit (2.47% vs 0.62% net margin).
  • CAH grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.86% vs 9.25% CAGR).
  • ELV pays the higher dividend yield (1.82% vs 0.89%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCAHELV
P/E ratio35.0316.71
Forward P/E21.2613.86
P/S ratio0.220.41
P/B ratioN/A1.83
PEG ratio0.302.51
EV / EBITDA18.6512.72
FCF yield8.12%7.67%

Profitability

MetricCAHELV
Gross margin3.68%25.56%
Operating margin0.92%3.51%
Net margin0.62%2.47%
ROE-56.13%11.06%
ROIC11.37%6.65%

Dividends

MetricCAHELV
Dividend yield0.89%1.82%
Payout ratio31.60%27.24%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCAHELV
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.86%9.25%
EPS CAGR (5Y)6.11%6.67%
FCF CAGR (5Y)22.47%-19.97%
Total return CAGR (5Y)33.63%1.01%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAH or ELV?
ELV has the lower trailing P/E: CAH trades at 35.03 and ELV at 16.71. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CAH or ELV?
Over the past five years, CAH grew revenue faster — CAH at a 9.86% CAGR versus ELV at 9.25%.
Does CAH or ELV pay a bigger dividend?
CAH yields 0.89% and ELV yields 1.82% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CAH or ELV more profitable?
ELV runs the higher net margin — CAH at 0.62% versus ELV at 2.47%.
How have CAH and ELV total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CAH delivered 13.73% and ELV delivered 12.64% 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 July 30, 2026.