CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and Microsoft Corporation 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; MSFT is classified in Technology. 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
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$393.35TechnologyDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CVS vs MSFT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCVS +1692.7%MSFT +7530.9%MSFT compounded faster
CVS MSFT
CVS vs MSFT: by the numbers
- •MSFT is the larger company ($2.92T vs $139.51B market cap).
- •MSFT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (23.16 vs 47.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •MSFT converts more revenue to profit (39.34% vs 0.72% net margin).
- •MSFT grew revenue faster over the past five years (14.75% vs 8.52% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.48% vs 0.91%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 47.17 | 23.16 |
| Forward P/E | 14.37 | 22.87 |
| P/S ratio | 0.34 | 9.10 |
| P/B ratio | 1.77 | 6.99 |
| PEG ratio | N/A | 2.34 |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.53 | 15.53 |
| FCF yield | 5.40% | 2.52% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 13.87% | 68.31% |
| Operating margin | 1.46% | 46.80% |
| Net margin | 0.72% | 39.34% |
| ROE | 3.79% | 30.22% |
| ROIC | 4.72% | 21.63% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.48% | 0.91% |
| Payout ratio | 190.00% | 25.99% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | MSFT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.52% | 14.75% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | 18.68% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.57% | 6.27% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 8.59% | 7.19% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or MSFT?
- MSFT has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 47.17 and MSFT at 23.16. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CVS or MSFT?
- Over the past five years, MSFT grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.52% CAGR versus MSFT at 14.75%.
- Does CVS or MSFT pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.48% and MSFT yields 0.91% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CVS or MSFT more profitable?
- MSFT runs the higher net margin — CVS at 0.72% versus MSFT at 39.34%.
- How have CVS and MSFT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 4.62% and MSFT delivered 22.86% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioMicrosoft P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldMicrosoft dividend yieldCVS Health ROEMicrosoft ROECVS Health operating marginMicrosoft operating marginCVS Health revenue growthMicrosoft revenue growthCVS Health free cash flowMicrosoft free cash flow
CVS Health & Microsoft appear in these rankings
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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.