CVS Health Corp (CVS)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)
CVS
CVS Health Corp
$70.08
-1.55%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $89.16B
NVS
Novartis AG ADR
$148.18
-1.02%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $286.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
CVS Health Corp generates 605% more annual revenue ($399.83B vs $56.67B). NVS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 0.4%. CVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.20. CVS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
CVS
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
NVS
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-18.4%
Fair Value
$65.05
Current Price
$70.08
$5.03 premium
Margin of Safety
-243.2%
Fair Value
$48.69
Current Price
$148.18
$99.49 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 76.6% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.6B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 2.3% — below average capital efficiency
0.4% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.6%
Elevated debt levels
2.2% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 11.6%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CVS
The strongest argument for CVS centers on PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 0.20 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : NVS
The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 27.8%.
Bear Case : CVS
The primary concerns for CVS are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 50.4x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 0.4% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : NVS
The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
NVS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — expect wider price swings.
CVS is growing revenue faster at 8.4% — sustainability is the question.
CVS generates stronger free cash flow (2.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor HEALTHCARE PLANS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
CVS scores higher overall (65/100 vs 51/100). Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
CVS Health Corp
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
CVS Health (previously CVS Corporation and CVS Caremark Corporation) is an American healthcare company that owns CVS Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain; CVS Caremark, a pharmacy benefits manager; Aetna, a health insurance provider, among many other brands. The company's headquarters is in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.
Visit Website →Novartis AG ADR
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Visit Website →Compare with Other HEALTHCARE PLANS Stocks
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