CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs Danaher Corporation (DHR)
A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and Danaher Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CVS
CVS Health Corp.
$94.66HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
DHR
Danaher Corporation
$200.06HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CVS vs DHR
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCVS +44.1% (+3.7%/yr)DHR +210.3% (+12.0%/yr)DHR compounded faster over this window
CVS DHR
CVS vs DHR: by the numbers
- •DHR is the larger company ($140.64B vs $120.78B market cap).
- •CVS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.04 vs 35.53 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •DHR converts more revenue to profit (15.95% vs 1.18% net margin).
- •CVS grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.32% vs 1.97% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.79% vs 0.72%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | DHR |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.04 | 35.53 |
| Forward P/E | 11.83 | 23.52 |
| P/S ratio | 0.29 | 5.60 |
| P/B ratio | 1.52 | 2.67 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.50 | 22.54 |
| FCF yield | 9.74% | 3.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | DHR |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 14.15% | 58.51% |
| Operating margin | 2.00% | 20.42% |
| Net margin | 1.18% | 15.95% |
| ROE | 6.16% | 7.61% |
| ROIC | 4.14% | 5.03% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | DHR |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.79% | 0.72% |
| Payout ratio | 70.37% | 25.58% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | DHR |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.32% | 1.97% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | 0.40% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.28% | -2.83% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.05% | -6.82% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or DHR?
- CVS has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 25.04 and DHR at 35.53. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CVS or DHR?
- Over the past five years, CVS grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.32% CAGR versus DHR at 1.97%.
- Does CVS or DHR pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.79% and DHR yields 0.72% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CVS or DHR more profitable?
- DHR runs the higher net margin — CVS at 1.18% versus DHR at 15.95%.
- How have CVS and DHR total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.54% and DHR delivered 11.94% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioDanaher P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldDanaher dividend yieldCVS Health ROEDanaher ROECVS Health operating marginDanaher operating marginCVS Health revenue growthDanaher revenue growthCVS Health free cash flowDanaher free cash flow
CVS Health & Danaher 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 September 11, 2026.