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Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
09/17/2025: CAH (3-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
1 Year Target Price $180.46
1 Year Target Price $180.46
9 | Strong Buy |
2 | Buy |
5 | Hold |
1 | Sell |
0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 33.38% | Avg. Invested days 52 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | Stock Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 35.43B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 23 | 1Y Target Price 180.46 |
Price to earnings Ratio 23 | 1Y Target Price 180.46 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 17 | Beta 0.74 | 52 Weeks Range 104.89 - 168.44 | Updated Date 09/17/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 104.89 - 168.44 | Updated Date 09/17/2025 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 1.35% | Basic EPS (TTM) 6.45 |
Analyzing Revenue: Products, Geography and Growth
Revenue by Products
Product revenue - Year on Year
Revenue by Geography
Geography revenue - Year on Year
Earnings Date
Report Date - | When - | Estimate - | Actual - |
Profitability
Profit Margin 0.7% | Operating Margin (TTM) 1.05% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 3.16% | Return on Equity (TTM) - |
Valuation
Trailing PE 23 | Forward PE 15.85 | Enterprise Value 39903142528 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.16 |
Enterprise Value 39903142528 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.16 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.18 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 12.85 | Shares Outstanding 238794000 | Shares Floating 238285017 |
Shares Outstanding 238794000 | Shares Floating 238285017 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.28 | Percent Institutions 88.39 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Cardinal Health Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
Cardinal Health was founded in 1971 as Cardinal Foods, a food wholesaler. It entered the drug distribution business in 1979 and later divested its food operations to focus solely on healthcare. It has grown through acquisitions to become a major player in pharmaceutical distribution and medical products.
Core Business Areas
- Pharmaceutical Distribution: Distributes branded and generic pharmaceuticals, specialty pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter healthcare products to retail pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare providers.
- Medical Segment: Manufactures, sources, and distributes medical, surgical, and laboratory products, providing supply chain and logistics services to hospitals and healthcare systems.
Leadership and Structure
The current CEO is Jason Hollar. The company operates with a hierarchical organizational structure, with executive leadership overseeing the pharmaceutical and medical segments, as well as functional areas such as finance, legal, and human resources.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Pharmaceutical Distribution: Cardinal Health distributes a wide range of pharmaceuticals. They handle 22% of all pharmaceuticals distributed in the US. Major competitors include McKesson (MCK) and AmerisourceBergen (ABC). Revenue information is proprietary, but their distribution segment is a major contributor to overall revenue.
- Medical Products and Supplies: Manufactures and distributes medical, surgical, and laboratory products, including exam gloves, surgical apparel, and fluid management products. Competition includes Medline Industries and Owens & Minor (OMI). Specific market share data for these products is not publicly available.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
The pharmaceutical distribution industry is consolidated, with a few major players controlling a large share of the market. It faces challenges such as pricing pressure, regulatory changes, and competition from online pharmacies. The medical supply industry is fragmented but also experiencing consolidation. Growth drivers include an aging population, increasing healthcare spending, and technological advancements.
Positioning
Cardinal Health is one of the largest pharmaceutical distributors and medical product companies in the US. Its competitive advantages include its scale, established relationships with healthcare providers, and integrated supply chain capabilities.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The TAM for pharmaceutical distribution in the US is estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually. The TAM for medical supplies is also substantial. Cardinal Health is positioned to capture a significant share of both markets through its scale and established relationships.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Large scale and market share
- Established relationships with healthcare providers
- Integrated supply chain
- Diverse product portfolio
- Strong distribution network
Weaknesses
- Exposure to generic pricing pressure
- Dependence on key suppliers
- Litigation risk related to opioid distribution
- Debt burden
Opportunities
- Expansion into specialty pharmaceuticals
- Growth in emerging markets
- Increased demand for healthcare services
- Development of new technologies and solutions
- Strategic acquisitions
Threats
- Increased competition
- Regulatory changes
- Pricing pressure from payers
- Economic downturns
- Supply chain disruptions
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- MCK
- ABC
- SVU
Competitive Landscape
Cardinal Health competes with other large pharmaceutical distributors and medical product companies. Its competitive advantages include its scale, established relationships, and integrated supply chain. However, it faces challenges from pricing pressure and competition from online pharmacies.
Major Acquisitions
Medtronic's Patient Recovery Business
- Year: 2017
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 6100
- Strategic Rationale: Strengthened Cardinal Health's medical segment by adding complementary products and services.
AssuraMed
- Year: 2013
- Acquisition Price (USD millions): 2070
- Strategic Rationale: Increased Cardinal Health's presence in the home healthcare market.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Cardinal Health's historical growth has been driven by acquisitions and organic growth in its pharmaceutical and medical segments. Discuss growth rates and key factors contributing to growth.
Future Projections: Analyze analyst estimates for future revenue, earnings, and cash flow growth. Identify key growth drivers and potential risks. Future Revenue Growth Rate (number)
Recent Initiatives: Highlight recent strategic initiatives undertaken by Cardinal Health, such as acquisitions, divestitures, and investments in new technologies.
Summary
Cardinal Health is a major player in pharmaceutical distribution and medical products with a large scale and established relationships. While the company faces challenges related to pricing pressures and opioid litigation, its diversified portfolio and strategic initiatives position it for future growth. Key focus areas should be managing debt and adapting to evolving market dynamics. Overall, the company appears financially sound with steady historical performance.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company SEC Filings (10-K, 10-Q)
- Company Investor Relations Materials
- Industry Reports (e.g., IBISWorld, MarketWatch)
- Analyst Reports (e.g., Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg)
- Company Website
Disclaimers:
This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Market conditions and company performance can change rapidly. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Market share numbers and other data are estimates based on available information and may not be precise.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Cardinal Health Inc
Exchange NYSE | Headquaters Dublin, OH, United States | ||
IPO Launch date 1987-12-31 | CEO & Director Mr. Jason M. Hollar | ||
Sector Healthcare | Industry Medical Distribution | Full time employees 53084 | Website https://www.cardinalhealth.com |
Full time employees 53084 | Website https://www.cardinalhealth.com |
Cardinal Health, Inc. operates as a healthcare services and products company in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments: Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions, and Global Medical Products and Distribution. The company provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home. It distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter healthcare and consumer products. The company also provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers for specialty pharmaceutical products; pharmacy management services to hospitals; operates pharmacies, including pharmacies in community health centers; and repackages generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter healthcare products. In addition, it manufactures, sources, and distributes Cardinal Health branded medical, surgical, and laboratory products and devices that include exam and surgical gloves; needles, syringe, and sharps disposals; compression, incontinence, nutritional delivery, and wound care products; single-use surgical drapes, gowns, and apparel products; fluid suction and collection systems; urology products; operating room supply products; and electrode product lines. Further, the company distributes a range of national brand products, including medical, surgical, and laboratory products; provides supply chain services and solutions to hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and other healthcare providers; and assembles and sells sterile and non-sterile procedure kits. Additionally, it manufactures, prepares, and delivers radiopharmaceuticals; and optimizes direct shipments through integrated technology solutions. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.

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