Bristol Myers Squibb vs CVS Health (BMY vs CVS)
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) vs CVS Health (CVS) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) and CVS Health (CVS) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health.
Bristol Myers Squibb vs CVS Health: the figures
| Figure | Bristol Myers Squibb | CVS Health |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $64.19 (November 4, 2026) | $79.96 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $131.2 billion | $102.3 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 14.2x | 21.0x |
| Forward P/E | 9.6x | 9.4x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +6.9% | +7.1% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 18.5% | 1.2% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 1.8x | 3.7x |
| Dividend yield | 4.08% | 2.91% |
| Beta | 0.19 | 0.58 |
Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Bristol Myers Squibb keeps 18.5 as net profit and CVS Health keeps 1.2.
- Valuation: CVS Health trades at 21.0x its annual earnings and Bristol Myers Squibb at 14.2x; the market pays more for each dollar of CVS Health profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Debt: CVS Health owes 3.7x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Bristol Myers Squibb owes 1.8x its EBITDA.
Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: CVS Health is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Bristol Myers Squibb pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Bristol Myers Squibb has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Bristol Myers Squibb trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Bristol Myers Squibb nor CVS Health wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health make money
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY)
Bristol Myers Squibb sells prescription drugs in a single segment. Its biggest products are Eliquis, a blood thinner marketed with Pfizer, and Opdivo, a cancer immunotherapy, along with Revlimid, Pomalyst, Breyanzi, Camzyos and the schizophrenia drug Cobenfy. The United States generates most of its revenue. Full Bristol Myers Squibb analysis.
CVS Health (CVS)
CVS Health reports three segments. Health Services, its largest by revenue, includes the CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit manager and clinics such as Oak Street Health. Health Care Benefits is Aetna health insurance, including Medicare plans. Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness runs CVS Pharmacy stores selling prescriptions and everyday goods across the U.S. Full CVS Health analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Bristol Myers Squibb vs CVS Health
Is Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health the better stock?
Choosing between Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health depends on what you are looking for. CVS Health is growing faster right now, and Bristol Myers Squibb trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health?
As of November 4, 2026, Bristol Myers Squibb yields 4.08% and CVS Health yields 2.91%. Also check how much of their profit Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health?
On P/E, CVS Health (21.0x) is more expensive than Bristol Myers Squibb (14.2x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health.
More comparisons with Bristol Myers Squibb or CVS Health
- Bristol Myers Squibb vs Danaher
- Bristol Myers Squibb vs Gilead
- Bristol Myers Squibb vs Eli Lilly
- CVS Health vs Danaher
More companies like Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about Bristol Myers Squibb and CVS Health, not investment advice.