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.

Compare

Total returnCVS vs ELV

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CVS +30.5% (+2.7%/yr)ELV +262.0% (+13.7%/yr)ELV compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$130$362
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

MetricCVSELV
P/E ratio24.6117.80
Forward P/E11.6614.75
P/S ratio0.290.43
P/B ratio1.501.94
EV / EBITDA14.3913.38
FCF yield9.85%7.20%

Profitability

MetricCVSELV
Gross margin14.15%25.56%
Operating margin2.00%3.51%
Net margin1.18%2.47%
ROE6.16%11.06%
ROIC4.14%6.34%

Dividends

MetricCVSELV
Dividend yield2.86%1.71%
Payout ratio190.00%27.24%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSELV
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.

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.