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Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
01/09/2026: CAH (5-star) is a REGULAR-BUY. BUY since 69 days. Simulated Profits (27.23%). Updated daily EoD!
1 Year Target Price $218.6
1 Year Target Price $218.6
| 9 | Strong Buy |
| 2 | Buy |
| 5 | Hold |
| 1 | Sell |
| 0 | Strong Sell |
Analysis of Past Performance
Type Stock | Historic Profit 69.68% | Avg. Invested days 54 | Today’s Advisory Regular Buy |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | Stock Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Company Size Large-Cap Stock | Market Capitalization 48.11B USD | Price to earnings Ratio 30.59 | 1Y Target Price 218.6 |
Price to earnings Ratio 30.59 | 1Y Target Price 218.6 | ||
Volume (30-day avg) 17 | Beta 0.65 | 52 Weeks Range 117.77 - 214.40 | Updated Date 01/8/2026 |
52 Weeks Range 117.77 - 214.40 | Updated Date 01/8/2026 | ||
Dividends yield (FY) 0.98% | Basic EPS (TTM) 6.62 |
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 0.68% | Operating Margin (TTM) 1.21% |
Management Effectiveness
Return on Assets (TTM) 3.44% | Return on Equity (TTM) - |
Valuation
Trailing PE 30.59 | Forward PE 21.28 | Enterprise Value 53666316751 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.21 |
Enterprise Value 53666316751 | Price to Sales(TTM) 0.21 | ||
Enterprise Value to Revenue 0.23 | Enterprise Value to EBITDA 16.45 | Shares Outstanding 237595042 | Shares Floating 237098468 |
Shares Outstanding 237595042 | Shares Floating 237098468 | ||
Percent Insiders 0.26 | Percent Institutions 90.73 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Cardinal Health Inc

Company Overview
History and Background
Cardinal Health Inc. was founded in 1971 by Robert D. Walter as a wholesale food distributor. It evolved into a healthcare services company, shifting its focus to medical and surgical products distribution in the 1980s. Key milestones include its IPO in 1983, the acquisition of Pyxis Corporation in 1996, and the divestiture of its pharmaceutical distribution business to McKesson Corporation in 2017. The company is a global integrated healthcare services and products company, playing a critical role in the healthcare supply chain.
Core Business Areas
- Medical Segment: The Medical segment supplies a broad range of medical, surgical, and laboratory products to hospitals, healthcare systems, and other healthcare providers. This includes branded and generic medical products, surgical instruments, and diagnostic equipment. It also offers services such as supply chain management and data analytics to optimize hospital operations and patient care.
- Pharmaceutical Segment: The Pharmaceutical segment is one of the largest distributors of pharmaceuticals, including branded and generic drugs, specialty pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter healthcare products. It serves retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. This segment also provides services like medication management, patient adherence programs, and specialty pharmacy solutions.
Leadership and Structure
Cardinal Health Inc. is led by a Board of Directors and a senior management team. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) oversees the overall strategy and operations. The company is organized into its two primary segments: Medical and Pharmaceutical, each with its own leadership responsible for segment-specific operations and performance.
Top Products and Market Share
Key Offerings
- Product Name 1: Pharmaceutical Distribution Services: Cardinal Health is a major distributor of pharmaceuticals to a wide range of customers. While specific revenue figures for individual product lines are not publicly disclosed in detail, this service represents a substantial portion of its revenue. Competitors include McKesson Corporation and AmerisourceBergen Corporation. The market share for pharmaceutical distribution is highly concentrated among these few large players.
- Product Name 2: Medical and Surgical Products: This includes a vast array of products used in hospitals and clinical settings, from gloves and gowns to complex surgical devices. Cardinal Health offers both its own branded products and those from other manufacturers. Its market share in this diverse segment is significant, with competitors including Medline Industries, Becton Dickinson and Company, and various specialized medical supply companies.
- Product Name 3: Specialty Pharmaceutical Solutions: This involves services and products for the distribution and management of high-cost specialty drugs, often used for chronic or complex conditions. Competitors include other major distributors and specialized specialty pharmacy providers. The market for specialty drugs is growing rapidly.
Market Dynamics
Industry Overview
Cardinal Health operates within the healthcare services and products industry, which is characterized by a growing demand driven by an aging population, advancements in medical technology, and increased access to healthcare. The industry is highly regulated and competitive, with a strong emphasis on efficiency, cost containment, and supply chain reliability. Key trends include the shift towards value-based care, the increasing use of technology, and the growing importance of specialty pharmaceuticals.
Positioning
Cardinal Health is a leading global integrated healthcare services and products company, positioned as a critical intermediary in the healthcare supply chain. Its strengths lie in its extensive distribution network, broad product portfolio, and established relationships with manufacturers and healthcare providers. The company's scale provides significant purchasing power and operational efficiencies. Its competitive advantages include its ability to offer a comprehensive suite of services, from product distribution to patient support programs.
Total Addressable Market (TAM)
The total addressable market for healthcare distribution and services is substantial and growing. While precise TAM figures are complex due to the diverse nature of the healthcare sector, the global pharmaceutical distribution market alone is valued in the hundreds of billions of dollars, and the medical supply market is also in the tens of billions. Cardinal Health, as one of the largest players, commands a significant share of this market, particularly in North America, but faces ongoing competition and evolving market dynamics.
Upturn SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- Extensive and efficient global distribution network.
- Broad portfolio of medical and pharmaceutical products.
- Strong relationships with healthcare providers and manufacturers.
- Scale and purchasing power leading to cost efficiencies.
- Diversified business segments providing resilience.
Weaknesses
- Significant debt burden.
- Reliance on a few key suppliers and customers.
- Potential for regulatory changes impacting operations.
- Complex supply chain management susceptible to disruptions.
Opportunities
- Growth in specialty pharmaceuticals and biosimil markets.
- Expansion of services in areas like patient support and data analytics.
- Leveraging technology for supply chain optimization and efficiency.
- Strategic acquisitions to enhance market position or expand service offerings.
- Increasing demand for healthcare services in emerging markets.
Threats
- Intense competition from other major distributors and niche players.
- Pricing pressures and reimbursement challenges in healthcare.
- Supply chain disruptions (e.g., pandemics, geopolitical events).
- Increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs.
- Cybersecurity risks and data breaches.
Competitors and Market Share
Key Competitors
- McKesson Corporation (MCK)
- AmerisourceBergen Corporation (now Cencora - COR)
Competitive Landscape
Cardinal Health's competitive advantages lie in its integrated supply chain solutions and its broad customer base. However, it faces intense competition from McKesson and AmerisourceBergen (now Cencora), which are similar in scale and scope. These competitors often vie for the same contracts and customers, leading to pricing pressures. Cardinal Health differentiates itself through specialized services and a focus on innovation within its segments. The top three players (Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen/Cencora) dominate the US pharmaceutical distribution market, holding a combined market share that leaves a smaller portion for other players.
Major Acquisitions
Point Health
- Year: 2022
- Acquisition Price (USD millions):
- Strategic Rationale: Acquired to enhance Cardinal Health's capabilities in data analytics and technology solutions within the healthcare supply chain, aiming to improve efficiency and patient outcomes.
Growth Trajectory and Initiatives
Historical Growth: Cardinal Health has a history of consistent revenue growth, driven by its core distribution businesses and strategic acquisitions. Its expansion has been marked by an increasing scale of operations and a broadening service offering. The company has navigated industry consolidation and shifts in healthcare policy to maintain its market position.
Future Projections: Analyst projections for Cardinal Health typically anticipate continued revenue growth, albeit at a moderate pace, driven by the underlying demand for healthcare products and services. Growth in specialty pharmaceuticals and the expansion of its medical segment offerings are key drivers. Profitability projections depend on the company's ability to manage costs, leverage its scale, and adapt to evolving market dynamics. Specific EPS and revenue growth forecasts vary among analysts.
Recent Initiatives: Recent strategic initiatives include efforts to enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience, investments in technology to improve customer experience and data analytics capabilities, and ongoing focus on expanding its product and service offerings within both the medical and pharmaceutical segments. The company has also been active in managing its debt and optimizing its capital structure.
Summary
Cardinal Health Inc. is a robust player in the healthcare services and products industry, leveraging its extensive distribution network and broad portfolio to serve a wide range of customers. Its consistent revenue growth and strategic initiatives position it well for future expansion, particularly in specialty pharmaceuticals and data-driven solutions. However, the company must vigilantly manage its significant debt load, navigate intense competition, and adapt to evolving regulatory landscapes and supply chain volatilities to sustain its strong market standing.
Similar Stocks
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- Company Investor Relations Reports (Annual and Quarterly Filings)
- Financial News Outlets (e.g., Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg)
- Industry Analysis Reports
- Financial Data Providers (e.g., Yahoo Finance, Google Finance)
Disclaimers:
This analysis is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice. Financial data and market share information are subject to change and may vary depending on the source and reporting period. Readers should conduct their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
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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