CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs The Kroger Co. (KR)
A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and The Kroger Co. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
Different business models: CVS is classified in Healthcare; KR is classified in Consumer Defensive. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.
CVS
CVS Health Corp.
$109.34HealthcareDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
KR
The Kroger Co.
$59.19Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CVS vs KR
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCVS +1692.7%KR +1577.9%CVS compounded faster
CVS KR
CVS vs KR: by the numbers
- •CVS is the larger company ($139.51B vs $36.26B market cap).
- •KR trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (33.91 vs 47.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CVS grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.52% vs 2.33% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.48% vs 2.41%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | KR |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 47.17 | 33.91 |
| Forward P/E | 14.37 | 12.07 |
| P/S ratio | 0.34 | 0.24 |
| P/B ratio | 1.77 | 5.51 |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.53 | 10.44 |
| FCF yield | 5.40% | 8.09% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | KR |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 13.87% | 23.18% |
| Operating margin | 1.46% | 1.33% |
| Net margin | 0.72% | 0.71% |
| ROE | 3.79% | 16.27% |
| ROIC | 4.72% | 4.70% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | KR |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.48% | 2.41% |
| Payout ratio | 190.00% | 89.74% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | KR |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.52% | 2.33% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | -13.96% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.57% | -1.62% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 8.59% | 10.73% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or KR?
- KR has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 47.17 and KR at 33.91. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CVS or KR?
- Over the past five years, CVS grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.52% CAGR versus KR at 2.33%.
- Does CVS or KR pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.48% and KR yields 2.41% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- How have CVS and KR total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 4.62% and KR delivered 7.90% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioKroger P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldKroger dividend yieldCVS Health ROEKroger ROECVS Health operating marginKroger operating marginCVS Health revenue growthKroger revenue growthCVS Health free cash flowKroger free cash flow
CVS Health & Kroger 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 July 28, 2026.