CVS Health Corporation (CVS) vs Stryker Corporation (SYK)

SYK leads on 9 of 16 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corporation and Stryker Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 16, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — CVS vs SYK

growth of $100 · last 30y
CVS +872.8%SYK +4798.7%SYK compounded faster
Log scale — wide-divergence pair
101001k10kStart $100200120062011201620212026$973$4,899
CVS SYK

CVS vs SYK: by the numbers

  • CVS is the larger company ($127.54B vs $119.06B market cap).
  • SYK trades at the lower earnings multiple (35.95 vs 44.35 P/E).
  • SYK converts more revenue to profit (13.21% vs 0.72% net margin).
  • SYK grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.42% vs 8.52% CAGR).
  • CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.64% vs 1.11%).

Which is better, CVS or SYK?

Metric tally: CVS 7 · SYK 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueSYK(lower P/E)
GrowthSYK(faster 5Y revenue CAGR)
IncomeCVS(higher dividend yield)
QualitySYK(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCVSSYK
P/E ratio44.3535.95
Forward P/E12.0118.56
P/S ratio0.324.75
P/B ratio1.665.22
PEG ratio5.16
EV / EBITDA17.7521.49
FCF yield5.74%3.81%

Profitability

MetricCVSSYK
Gross margin13.87%63.67%
Operating margin1.46%21.34%
Net margin0.72%13.21%
ROE3.79%14.52%
ROIC4.72%8.53%

Dividends

MetricCVSSYK
Dividend yield2.64%1.11%
Payout ratio190.00%40.52%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCVSSYK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)8.52%11.42%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-23.89%14.79%
FCF CAGR (5Y)-10.57%11.01%
Total return CAGR (5Y)6.84%4.98%

Frequently asked

Which is better, CVS or SYK?
It depends on your goal. value: SYK (lower P/E); growth: SYK (faster 5Y revenue CAGR); income: CVS (higher dividend yield); quality: SYK (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, SYK leads 9 to 7.
Is CVS or SYK cheaper?
On trailing earnings, SYK is cheaper: CVS trades at a 44.35 P/E and SYK at 35.95.
Which has grown faster, CVS or SYK?
Over the past five years, SYK grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.52% CAGR versus SYK at 11.42%.
Does CVS or SYK pay a bigger dividend?
CVS yields 2.64% and SYK yields 1.11% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CVS or SYK more profitable?
SYK runs the higher net margin — CVS at 0.72% versus SYK at 13.21%.
Which has been the better investment, CVS or SYK?
Over the past 10-year, SYK delivered the higher annualized total return — CVS at 3.58% versus SYK at 11.71%. 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 June 16, 2026.