CVS Health Corporation (CVS) vs Danaher Corporation (DHR)

CVS and DHR are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.

A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corporation and Danaher Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 13, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Total return — CVS vs DHR

growth of $100 · last 30y
CVS +882.3%DHR +5181.5%DHR compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$982$5,282
CVS DHR

CVS vs DHR: by the numbers

  • CVS is the larger company ($130.09B vs $127.47B market cap).
  • DHR trades at the lower earnings multiple (34.84 vs 44.92 P/E).
  • DHR converts more revenue to profit (14.89% vs 0.72% net margin).
  • CVS grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.52% vs 2.05% CAGR).
  • CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.61% vs 0.76%).

Which is better, CVS or DHR?

Metric tally: CVS 8 · DHR 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueDHR(lower P/E)
GrowthCVS(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCVS(higher dividend yield)
QualityDHR(higher ROIC)

Valuation

MetricCVSDHR
P/E ratio44.9234.84
Forward P/E12.1719.73
P/S ratio0.325.17
P/B ratio1.682.42
PEG ratio87.09
EV / EBITDA17.9021.20
FCF yield5.67%4.13%

Profitability

MetricCVSDHR
Gross margin13.87%60.68%
Operating margin1.46%20.95%
Net margin0.72%14.89%
ROE3.79%6.97%
ROIC4.72%5.72%

Dividends

MetricCVSDHR
Dividend yield2.61%0.76%
Payout ratio190.00%26.82%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSDHR
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.52%2.05%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-23.89%0.40%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.57%-0.45%
Total return CAGR (5Y)7.06%-3.38%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CVS or DHR?
It depends on your goal. value: DHR (lower P/E); growth: CVS (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CVS (higher dividend yield); quality: DHR (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is CVS or DHR cheaper?
On trailing earnings, DHR is cheaper: CVS trades at a 44.92 P/E and DHR at 34.84.
Which has grown faster, CVS or DHR?
Over the past five years, CVS grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.52% CAGR versus DHR at 2.05%.
Does CVS or DHR pay a bigger dividend?
CVS yields 2.61% and DHR yields 0.76% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CVS or DHR more profitable?
DHR runs the higher net margin — CVS at 0.72% versus DHR at 14.89%.
Which has been the better investment, CVS or DHR?
Over the past 10-year, DHR delivered the higher annualized total return — CVS at 3.66% versus DHR at 10.98%. 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 June 13, 2026.