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.

Compare

Total returnCVS vs DHR

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CVS +44.1% (+3.7%/yr)DHR +210.3% (+12.0%/yr)DHR compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$144$310
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

MetricCVSDHR
P/E ratio25.0435.53
Forward P/E11.8323.52
P/S ratio0.295.60
P/B ratio1.522.67
EV / EBITDA14.5022.54
FCF yield9.74%3.89%

Profitability

MetricCVSDHR
Gross margin14.15%58.51%
Operating margin2.00%20.42%
Net margin1.18%15.95%
ROE6.16%7.61%
ROIC4.14%5.03%

Dividends

MetricCVSDHR
Dividend yield2.79%0.72%
Payout ratio70.37%25.58%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSDHR
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.

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.