CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs McKesson Corporation (MCK)
A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and McKesson Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of August 5, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CVS
CVS Health Corp.
$98.18HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 5, 2026, 11:40 AM EDT
MCK
McKesson Corporation
$843.82HealthcareDelayed quote: Aug 5, 2026, 11:40 AM EDT
Total return — CVS vs MCK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCVS +1604.5%MCK +4590.3%MCK compounded faster
CVS MCK
CVS vs MCK: by the numbers
- •CVS is the larger company ($125.27B vs $98.79B market cap).
- •MCK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (21.59 vs 46.00 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MCK converts more revenue to profit (1.18% vs 0.72% net margin).
- •MCK grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.11% vs 8.52% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.55% vs 0.39%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | MCK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 46.00 | 21.59 |
| Forward P/E | 14.01 | 21.29 |
| P/S ratio | 0.33 | 0.25 |
| P/B ratio | 1.72 | N/A |
| PEG ratio | N/A | 0.46 |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.21 | 15.00 |
| FCF yield | 5.54% | 5.82% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | MCK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 13.87% | 3.61% |
| Operating margin | 1.46% | 1.58% |
| Net margin | 0.72% | 1.18% |
| ROE | 3.79% | -219.24% |
| ROIC | 4.72% | 31.48% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | MCK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.55% | 0.39% |
| Payout ratio | 190.00% | 8.51% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | MCK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.52% | 11.11% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | 40.71% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.57% | 8.76% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 8.60% | 32.96% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or MCK?
- MCK has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 46.00 and MCK at 21.59. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CVS or MCK?
- Over the past five years, MCK grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.52% CAGR versus MCK at 11.11%.
- Does CVS or MCK pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.55% and MCK yields 0.39% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CVS or MCK more profitable?
- MCK runs the higher net margin — CVS at 0.72% versus MCK at 1.18%.
- How have CVS and MCK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.89% and MCK delivered 16.52% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioMcKesson P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldMcKesson dividend yieldCVS Health ROEMcKesson ROECVS Health operating marginMcKesson operating marginCVS Health revenue growthMcKesson revenue growthCVS Health free cash flowMcKesson free cash flow
CVS Health & McKesson 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 5, 2026.