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.
CAH
Cardinal Health, Inc.
$226.25HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 30, 2026, 10:59 AM EDT
ELV
Elevance Health Inc.
$370.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 30, 2026, 10:59 AM EDT
Total return — CAH vs ELV
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 25yCAH +410.1%ELV +2223.1%ELV compounded faster
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
| Metric | CAH | ELV |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 35.03 | 16.71 |
| Forward P/E | 21.26 | 13.86 |
| P/S ratio | 0.22 | 0.41 |
| P/B ratio | N/A | 1.83 |
| PEG ratio | 0.30 | 2.51 |
| EV / EBITDA | 18.65 | 12.72 |
| FCF yield | 8.12% | 7.67% |
Profitability
| Metric | CAH | ELV |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 3.68% | 25.56% |
| Operating margin | 0.92% | 3.51% |
| Net margin | 0.62% | 2.47% |
| ROE | -56.13% | 11.06% |
| ROIC | 11.37% | 6.65% |
Dividends
| Metric | CAH | ELV |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.89% | 1.82% |
| Payout ratio | 31.60% | 27.24% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CAH | ELV |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cardinal Health P/E ratioElevance Health P/E ratioCardinal Health dividend yieldElevance Health dividend yieldCardinal Health ROEElevance Health ROECardinal Health operating marginElevance Health operating marginCardinal Health revenue growthElevance Health revenue growthCardinal Health free cash flowElevance Health free cash flow
Cardinal Health & Elevance 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.