CVS Health Corp. (CVS) vs UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
A side-by-side comparison of CVS Health Corp. and UnitedHealth Group Incorporated 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.
CVS
CVS Health Corp.
$94.66HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$379.09HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — CVS vs UNH
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCVS +40.4% (+3.5%/yr)UNH +235.1% (+12.9%/yr)UNH compounded faster over this window
CVS UNH
CVS vs UNH: by the numbers
- •UNH is the larger company ($344.27B vs $120.78B market cap).
- •UNH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.38 vs 25.04 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •UNH converts more revenue to profit (3.14% vs 1.18% net margin).
- •UNH grew revenue faster over the past five years (10.59% vs 8.32% CAGR).
- •CVS pays the higher dividend yield (2.79% vs 2.28%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CVS | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 25.04 | 24.38 |
| Forward P/E | 11.83 | 19.18 |
| P/S ratio | 0.29 | 0.76 |
| P/B ratio | 1.52 | 3.50 |
| EV / EBITDA | 14.50 | 14.98 |
| FCF yield | 9.74% | 6.86% |
Profitability
| Metric | CVS | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 14.15% | 22.49% |
| Operating margin | 2.00% | 4.82% |
| Net margin | 1.18% | 3.14% |
| ROE | 6.16% | 14.34% |
| ROIC | 4.14% | 9.19% |
Dividends
| Metric | CVS | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 2.79% | 2.28% |
| Payout ratio | 70.37% | 57.55% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CVS | UNH |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 8.32% | 10.59% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | -23.89% | -4.06% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | -10.28% | -4.39% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 6.05% | 0.70% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CVS or UNH?
- UNH has the lower trailing P/E: CVS trades at 25.04 and UNH at 24.38. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CVS or UNH?
- Over the past five years, UNH grew revenue faster — CVS at a 8.32% CAGR versus UNH at 10.59%.
- Does CVS or UNH pay a bigger dividend?
- CVS yields 2.79% and UNH yields 2.28% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CVS or UNH more profitable?
- UNH runs the higher net margin — CVS at 1.18% versus UNH at 3.14%.
- How have CVS and UNH total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CVS delivered 3.54% and UNH delivered 13.19% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
CVS Health P/E ratioUnitedHealth P/E ratioCVS Health dividend yieldUnitedHealth dividend yieldCVS Health ROEUnitedHealth ROECVS Health operating marginUnitedHealth operating marginCVS Health revenue growthUnitedHealth revenue growthCVS Health free cash flowUnitedHealth free cash flow
CVS Health & UnitedHealth appear in these rankings
Highest Dividend Yield StocksHighest FCF Yield StocksHighest 10-Year Total Return StocksLargest Companies by Market Cap
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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 September 11, 2026.