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 September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CVS
CVS Health Corp.
$88.84HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MCK
McKesson Corporation
$874.65HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 18, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CVS vs MCK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCVS +38.3% (+3.3%/yr)MCK +472.6% (+19.1%/yr)MCK compounded faster over this window
CVS MCK
CVS vs MCK: by the numbers
- •CVS is the larger company ($113.35B vs $102.40B market cap).
- •MCK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.41 vs 23.50 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MCK grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.88% vs 8.32% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.81% vs 0.37%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | MCK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 23.50 | 23.41 |
| Forward P/E | 11.10 | 19.60 |
| P/S ratio | 0.27 | 0.25 |
| P/B ratio | 1.42 | N/A |
| EV / EBITDA | 13.92 | 14.68 |
| FCF yield | 10.37% | 6.04% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | MCK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 14.15% | 3.64% |
| Operating margin | 2.00% | 1.62% |
| Net margin | 1.18% | 1.12% |
| ROE | 6.16% | N/A |
| ROIC | 4.14% | 28.34% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | MCK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.81% | 0.37% |
| Payout ratio | 70.37% | 8.78% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | MCK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.32% | 10.88% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | 40.71% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.28% | 13.40% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.91% | 34.85% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or MCK?
- MCK has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 23.50 and MCK at 23.41. 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 8.32% CAGR versus MCK at 10.88%.
- Does CVS or MCK pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.81% and MCK yields 0.37% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- How have CVS and MCK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.48% and MCK delivered 18.37% 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 September 13, 2026.