CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs Pfizer Inc. (PFE)

A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and Pfizer Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 11, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCVS vs PFE

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CVS +40.4% (+3.5%/yr)PFE +37.3% (+3.2%/yr)CVS compounded faster over this window
50100150200Start $10020182020202220242026$140$137
CVS PFE

CVS vs PFE: by the numbers

  • PFE is the larger company ($157.99B vs $120.78B market cap).
  • CVS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.04 vs 36.63 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • PFE converts more revenue to profit (6.81% vs 1.18% net margin).
  • CVS grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.32% vs 6.29% CAGR).
  • PFE pays the higher dividend yield (6.19% vs 2.79%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCVSPFE
P/E ratio25.0436.63
Forward P/E11.839.32
P/S ratio0.292.48
P/B ratio1.521.85
EV / EBITDA14.5010.15
FCF yield9.74%6.95%

Profitability

MetricCVSPFE
Gross margin14.15%71.32%
Operating margin2.00%25.08%
Net margin1.18%6.81%
ROE6.16%5.09%
ROIC4.14%9.33%

Dividends

MetricCVSPFE
Dividend yield2.79%6.19%
Payout ratio70.37%227.27%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSPFE
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.32%6.29%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-23.89%-3.78%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.28%-3.11%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.05%-4.68%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or PFE?
CVS has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 25.04 and PFE at 36.63. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CVS or PFE?
Over the past five years, CVS grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.32% CAGR versus PFE at 6.29%.
Does CVS or PFE pay a bigger dividend?
CVS yields 2.79% and PFE yields 6.19% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CVS or PFE more profitable?
PFE runs the higher net margin — CVS at 1.18% versus PFE at 6.81%.
How have CVS and PFE total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.54% and PFE delivered 3.17% 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 11, 2026.