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.

Compare

Total returnCVS vs MCK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CVS +38.3% (+3.3%/yr)MCK +472.6% (+19.1%/yr)MCK compounded faster over this window
200400600Start $10020182020202220242026$138$573
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

MetricCVSMCK
P/E ratio23.5023.41
Forward P/E11.1019.60
P/S ratio0.270.25
P/B ratio1.42N/A
EV / EBITDA13.9214.68
FCF yield10.37%6.04%

Profitability

MetricCVSMCK
Gross margin14.15%3.64%
Operating margin2.00%1.62%
Net margin1.18%1.12%
ROE6.16%N/A
ROIC4.14%28.34%

Dividends

MetricCVSMCK
Dividend yield2.81%0.37%
Payout ratio70.37%8.78%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSMCK
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.

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.