CVS Health vs Gilead (CVS vs GILD)
CVS Health (CVS) vs Gilead (GILD) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
CVS Health (CVS) and Gilead (GILD) compete in healthcare and pharma. Here are CVS Health and Gilead 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 CVS Health or Gilead.
CVS Health vs Gilead: the figures
| Figure | CVS Health | Gilead |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $79.96 (November 4, 2026) | $174.48 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $102.3 billion | $216.4 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 21.0x | N/A |
| Forward P/E | 9.4x | 17.3x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +7.1% | +6.8% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 1.2% | -12.5% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 3.7x | 1.2x |
| Dividend yield | 2.91% | 1.96% |
| Beta | 0.58 | 0.37 |
CVS Health and Gilead figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that CVS Health or Gilead figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between CVS Health and Gilead
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, CVS Health keeps 1.2 as net profit and Gilead keeps -12.5.
- Debt: CVS Health owes 3.7x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Gilead owes 1.2x its EBITDA.
- Dividend: CVS Health yields 2.91% at today's price and Gilead yields 1.96%.
CVS Health or Gilead: 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): CVS Health pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Gilead has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
Neither CVS Health nor Gilead 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 CVS Health and Gilead make money
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.
Gilead (GILD)
Gilead Sciences is a biotech whose largest revenue source is HIV treatment and prevention, led by Biktarvy, alongside Descovy and Yeztugo. It also sells cancer drugs, including Trodelvy and Kite's cell therapies Yescarta and Tecartus, liver disease treatments such as Epclusa and Livdelzi, and the antiviral Veklury. Full Gilead analysis.
Frequently asked questions: CVS Health vs Gilead
Is CVS Health or Gilead the better stock?
Choosing between CVS Health and Gilead depends on what you are looking for. CVS Health is growing faster right now. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy CVS Health or Gilead: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, CVS Health or Gilead?
As of November 4, 2026, CVS Health yields 2.91% and Gilead yields 1.96%. Also check how much of their profit CVS Health and Gilead pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Can I own both CVS Health and Gilead?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as CVS Health and Gilead, 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 CVS Health or Gilead.
More comparisons with CVS Health or Gilead
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- Bristol Myers Squibb vs Gilead
More companies like CVS Health and Gilead: healthcare and pharma stocks. Educational content about CVS Health and Gilead, not investment advice.