CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG)

A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and Intuitive Surgical, Inc. 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 ISRG

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CVS +39.3% (+3.4%/yr)ISRG +372.7% (+16.8%/yr)ISRG compounded faster over this window
200400600800Start $10020182020202220242026$139$473
CVS ISRG

CVS vs ISRG: by the numbers

  • ISRG is the larger company ($130.41B vs $120.78B market cap).
  • CVS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.04 vs 42.00 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • ISRG converts more revenue to profit (28.45% vs 1.18% net margin).
  • ISRG grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.41% vs 8.32% CAGR).
  • CVS pays a dividend (2.79% yield), while ISRG has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCVSISRG
P/E ratio25.0442.00
Forward P/E11.8334.18
P/S ratio0.2911.82
P/B ratio1.527.18
EV / EBITDA14.5030.16
FCF yield9.74%2.47%

Profitability

MetricCVSISRG
Gross margin14.15%66.68%
Operating margin2.00%31.28%
Net margin1.18%28.45%
ROE6.16%17.28%
ROIC4.14%15.11%

Dividends

MetricCVSISRG
Dividend yield2.79%N/A
Payout ratio70.37%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSISRG
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.32%16.41%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-23.89%21.51%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.28%14.17%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.05%1.11%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or ISRG?
CVS has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 25.04 and ISRG at 42.00. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CVS or ISRG?
Over the past five years, ISRG grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.32% CAGR versus ISRG at 16.41%.
Does CVS or ISRG pay a bigger dividend?
CVS pays a dividend (2.79% yield), while ISRG has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is CVS or ISRG more profitable?
ISRG runs the higher net margin — CVS at 1.18% versus ISRG at 28.45%.
How have CVS and ISRG total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.54% and ISRG delivered 16.97% 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.