CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs Elevance Health Inc. (ELV)
A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and Elevance Health Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 23, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CVS
CVS Health Corp.
$93.02HealthcareAt close: Aug 21, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
ELV
Elevance Health Inc.
$400.54HealthcareAt close: Aug 21, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
Total return — CVS vs ELV
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCVS +30.5% (+2.7%/yr)ELV +262.0% (+13.7%/yr)ELV compounded faster over this window
CVS ELV
CVS vs ELV: by the numbers
- •CVS is the larger company ($118.69B vs $86.86B market cap).
- •ELV trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.80 vs 24.61 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •ELV converts more revenue to profit (2.47% vs 1.18% net margin).
- •ELV grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.25% vs 8.32% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.86% vs 1.71%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | ELV |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 24.61 | 17.80 |
| Forward P/E | 11.66 | 14.75 |
| P/S ratio | 0.29 | 0.43 |
| P/B ratio | 1.50 | 1.94 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.39 | 13.38 |
| FCF yield | 9.85% | 7.20% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | ELV |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 14.15% | 25.56% |
| Operating margin | 2.00% | 3.51% |
| Net margin | 1.18% | 2.47% |
| ROE | 6.16% | 11.06% |
| ROIC | 4.14% | 6.34% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | ELV |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.86% | 1.71% |
| Payout ratio | 190.00% | 27.24% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | ELV |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.32% | 9.25% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | 6.67% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.28% | -19.97% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.27% | 2.63% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or ELV?
- ELV has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 24.61 and ELV at 17.80. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CVS or ELV?
- Over the past five years, ELV grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.32% CAGR versus ELV at 9.25%.
- Does CVS or ELV pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.86% and ELV yields 1.71% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CVS or ELV more profitable?
- ELV runs the higher net margin — CVS at 1.18% versus ELV at 2.47%.
- How have CVS and ELV total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 2.70% and ELV delivered 13.51% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioElevance Health P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldElevance Health dividend yieldCVS Health ROEElevance Health ROECVS Health operating marginElevance Health operating marginCVS Health revenue growthElevance Health revenue growthCVS Health free cash flowElevance Health free cash flow
CVS 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 August 23, 2026.