CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs Stryker Corporation (SYK)
A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and Stryker 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.
$95.55HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
SYK
Stryker Corporation
$281.87HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 14, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CVS vs SYK
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCVS +38.3% (+3.3%/yr)SYK +169.1% (+10.4%/yr)SYK compounded faster over this window
CVS SYK
CVS vs SYK: by the numbers
- •CVS is the larger company ($121.92B vs $108.06B market cap).
- •CVS trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (25.28 vs 29.21 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •SYK converts more revenue to profit (14.43% vs 1.18% net margin).
- •SYK grew revenue faster over the past five years (9.72% vs 8.32% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.81% vs 1.26%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | SYK |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.28 | 29.21 |
| Forward P/E | 11.94 | 18.78 |
| P/S ratio | 0.29 | 4.18 |
| P/B ratio | 1.53 | 4.50 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.59 | 17.24 |
| FCF yield | 9.64% | 4.35% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | SYK |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 14.15% | 65.17% |
| Operating margin | 2.00% | 22.03% |
| Net margin | 1.18% | 14.43% |
| ROE | 6.16% | 15.55% |
| ROIC | 4.14% | 9.82% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | SYK |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.81% | 1.26% |
| Payout ratio | 70.37% | 36.06% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | SYK |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.32% | 9.72% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | 14.79% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.28% | 9.60% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 5.91% | 1.16% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or SYK?
- CVS has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 25.28 and SYK at 29.21. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CVS or SYK?
- Over the past five years, SYK grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.32% CAGR versus SYK at 9.72%.
- Does CVS or SYK pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.81% and SYK yields 1.26% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CVS or SYK more profitable?
- SYK runs the higher net margin — CVS at 1.18% versus SYK at 14.43%.
- How have CVS and SYK total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.48% and SYK delivered 10.77% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioStryker P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldStryker dividend yieldCVS Health ROEStryker ROECVS Health operating marginStryker operating marginCVS Health revenue growthStryker revenue growthCVS Health free cash flowStryker free cash flow
CVS Health & Stryker 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.