CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs Target Corporation (TGT)
A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and Target 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; TGT is classified in Consumer Defensive. 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
TGT
Target Corporation
$144.18Consumer DefensiveDelayed quote: Jul 28, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CVS vs TGT
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30yCVS +1692.7%TGT +3345.1%TGT compounded faster
CVS TGT
CVS vs TGT: by the numbers
- •CVS is the larger company ($139.51B vs $65.49B market cap).
- •TGT trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (18.54 vs 47.17 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •TGT converts more revenue to profit (3.24% vs 0.72% net margin).
- •CVS grew revenue faster over the past five years (8.52% vs -0.29% CAGR).
- •TGT pays the higher dividend yield (3.25% vs 2.48%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 47.17 | 18.54 |
| Forward P/E | 14.37 | 19.22 |
| P/S ratio | 0.34 | 0.60 |
| P/B ratio | 1.77 | 3.90 |
| EV / EBITDA | 19.53 | 9.98 |
| FCF yield | 5.40% | 4.89% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 13.87% | 28.14% |
| Operating margin | 1.46% | 4.49% |
| Net margin | 0.72% | 3.24% |
| ROE | 3.79% | 21.04% |
| ROIC | 4.72% | 9.76% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.48% | 3.25% |
| Payout ratio | 190.00% | 55.88% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | TGT |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.52% | -0.29% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | -1.34% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.57% | -17.01% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 8.59% | -8.75% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or TGT?
- TGT has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 47.17 and TGT at 18.54. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CVS or TGT?
- Over the past five years, CVS grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.52% CAGR versus TGT at -0.29%.
- Does CVS or TGT pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.48% and TGT yields 3.25% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CVS or TGT more profitable?
- TGT runs the higher net margin — CVS at 0.72% versus TGT at 3.24%.
- How have CVS and TGT total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 4.62% and TGT delivered 9.69% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioTarget P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldTarget dividend yieldCVS Health ROETarget ROECVS Health operating marginTarget operating marginCVS Health revenue growthTarget revenue growthCVS Health free cash flowTarget free cash flow
CVS Health & Target 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 July 28, 2026.