Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat Aydin, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) trades at $214.05 with AI Score 42/100 (Weak). Cardinal Health, Inc. is a global healthcare services and products company, providing customized solutions to healthcare providers and patients. Market cap: $50.37B, Sector: Healthcare.
Last analyzed: Feb 8, 2026Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
Cardinal Health, a leading integrated healthcare services and products company, offers customized solutions across the healthcare spectrum, boasting a robust pharmaceutical distribution network and a growing portfolio of medical products, positioning it as a vital partner for healthcare providers worldwide and offering stable returns with a dividend yield of 0.90%.
Investment Thesis
Cardinal Health presents a notable research candidate due to its established position in the healthcare distribution market and its diversified revenue streams. The company's Pharmaceutical segment benefits from the consistent demand for prescription drugs, while the Medical segment capitalizes on the growing need for medical supplies and equipment. With a P/E ratio of 32.06 and a dividend yield of 0.90%, Cardinal Health offers a blend of value and income potential. Key growth catalysts include the expansion of its specialty pharmaceutical services and the increasing adoption of its supply chain solutions by hospitals and healthcare systems. The company's beta of 0.66 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market, making it a noteworthy option for risk-averse investors. The company's ongoing initiatives to optimize its operations and enhance its service offerings should drive long-term value creation.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $53.26 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the healthcare industry.
- P/E ratio of 32.06, indicating investor willingness to pay for its earnings.
- Gross margin of 3.6%, reflecting the profitability of its core operations.
- Dividend yield of 0.90%, providing a steady income stream for investors.
- Beta of 0.66, suggesting lower volatility compared to the broader market.
Competitors & Peers
Strengths
- Extensive distribution network across the United States and internationally.
- Diversified revenue streams through pharmaceutical and medical segments.
- Strong relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers.
- Established brand reputation and market presence.
Weaknesses
- Relatively low profit margin of 0.7%.
- Exposure to pricing pressures and regulatory changes in the healthcare industry.
- Dependence on key suppliers and customers.
- Potential for product liability claims and recalls.
Catalysts
- Expansion of specialty pharmaceutical services, driving revenue growth and market share.
- Increased adoption of supply chain solutions by hospitals and healthcare systems, improving efficiency and profitability.
- Potential acquisitions or partnerships to expand product portfolio and market reach.
- Growth in the home healthcare market, driven by aging population and preference for home-based care.
Risks
- Increased competition from other distributors and manufacturers, impacting market share and profitability.
- Changes in government regulations and reimbursement policies, affecting revenue and profitability.
- Economic downturns and fluctuations in healthcare spending, reducing demand for products and services.
- Product liability claims and recalls, resulting in financial losses and reputational damage.
Growth Opportunities
- Expansion of Specialty Pharmaceutical Services: Cardinal Health can capitalize on the growing market for specialty pharmaceuticals by expanding its services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers. This includes providing support for product launches, patient access programs, and reimbursement assistance. The specialty pharmaceutical market is expected to continue growing due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the development of innovative therapies. This expansion could drive revenue growth and enhance Cardinal Health's position as a leading provider of specialty pharmaceutical solutions.
- Increased Adoption of Supply Chain Solutions: Cardinal Health can drive growth by increasing the adoption of its supply chain solutions by hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and other healthcare providers. These solutions help healthcare providers optimize their inventory management, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. As healthcare providers face increasing pressure to improve efficiency and reduce expenses, the demand for supply chain solutions is expected to grow. Cardinal Health's expertise in supply chain management and its comprehensive suite of solutions position it to capture a significant share of this market.
- Growth in the Home Healthcare Market: Cardinal Health can expand its presence in the home healthcare market by offering a wider range of products and services to patients at home. This includes providing medical supplies, equipment, and support services to help patients manage their health conditions and improve their quality of life. The home healthcare market is expected to grow due to the aging population and the increasing preference for home-based care. Cardinal Health's established distribution network and its focus on patient-centric solutions make it well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
- Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships: Cardinal Health can pursue strategic acquisitions and partnerships to expand its product portfolio, enhance its service offerings, and enter new markets. This includes acquiring companies with complementary capabilities or partnering with innovative technology providers. Strategic acquisitions and partnerships can help Cardinal Health accelerate its growth and strengthen its competitive position. By carefully selecting targets and partners, Cardinal Health can create significant value for its shareholders.
- International Expansion: Cardinal Health can expand its international presence by entering new markets and increasing its sales in existing markets. This includes focusing on countries with growing healthcare expenditures and a need for efficient distribution solutions. International expansion can help Cardinal Health diversify its revenue streams and reduce its reliance on the U.S. market. By adapting its products and services to meet the specific needs of each market, Cardinal Health can achieve sustainable growth and create long-term value.
Opportunities
- Expansion of specialty pharmaceutical services.
- Increased adoption of supply chain solutions by healthcare providers.
- Growth in the home healthcare market.
- Strategic acquisitions and partnerships to expand product portfolio and market reach.
Threats
- Increased competition from other distributors and manufacturers.
- Consolidation of healthcare providers, leading to increased bargaining power.
- Changes in government regulations and reimbursement policies.
- Economic downturns and fluctuations in healthcare spending.
Competitive Advantages
- Extensive distribution network: Cardinal Health has a well-established distribution network that allows it to efficiently deliver products to a wide range of customers.
- Strong relationships with manufacturers: Cardinal Health has strong relationships with pharmaceutical and medical product manufacturers, giving it access to a wide range of products at competitive prices.
- Comprehensive product portfolio: Cardinal Health offers a comprehensive portfolio of pharmaceutical and medical products, making it a one-stop shop for healthcare providers.
- Scale and efficiency: Cardinal Health's large scale and efficient operations allow it to achieve economies of scale and offer competitive pricing.
About CAH
Cardinal Health, Inc., founded in 1979 and headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare services and products provider. The company operates in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally, offering customized solutions to a diverse range of healthcare providers, including hospitals, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients at home. Cardinal Health operates through two primary segments: Pharmaceutical and Medical. The Pharmaceutical segment focuses on the distribution of branded and generic pharmaceuticals, specialty pharmaceuticals, and over-the-counter healthcare and consumer products. This segment also provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers, operates nuclear pharmacies, repackages generic pharmaceuticals, and offers medication therapy management services. The Medical segment manufactures, sources, and distributes Cardinal Health branded medical, surgical, and laboratory products and devices, including gloves, needles, surgical apparel, and fluid suction systems. Additionally, the Medical segment distributes national brand products and provides supply chain services to healthcare providers. With a market capitalization of $53.26 billion, Cardinal Health plays a crucial role in the healthcare supply chain, ensuring the efficient delivery of essential products and services.
What They Do
- Distributes branded and generic pharmaceuticals.
- Provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- Operates nuclear pharmacies.
- Repackages generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter products.
- Offers medication therapy management services.
- Manufactures and distributes Cardinal Health branded medical products.
- Provides supply chain services to healthcare providers.
Business Model
- Distribution of pharmaceutical products to pharmacies and healthcare providers.
- Manufacturing and distribution of medical products and devices.
- Providing supply chain and logistics services to hospitals and healthcare systems.
- Offering specialized services such as nuclear pharmacy and medication therapy management.
Industry Context
Cardinal Health operates in the medical distribution industry, which is characterized by increasing demand for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies driven by an aging population and rising healthcare expenditures. The industry is competitive, with key players focusing on supply chain efficiency and value-added services. Cardinal Health's extensive distribution network and comprehensive product portfolio position it as a major player in this market. The company competes with other distributors and manufacturers, including A, ARGX, BDX, BRKR and COR. The market is also influenced by regulatory changes and pricing pressures, requiring companies to adapt their strategies to maintain profitability.
Key Customers
- Hospitals and healthcare systems.
- Pharmacies.
- Ambulatory surgery centers.
- Clinical laboratories.
- Physician offices.
- Patients at home.
Financials
Chart & Info
Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) stock price: $214.05 (-3.09, -1.47%)
Latest News
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Cardinal Health (CAH) Stock Moves -1.47%: What You Should Know
Yahoo! Finance: CAH News · Mar 20, 2026
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Yahoo! Finance: CAH News · Mar 20, 2026
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Glaukos Launches Epioxa, Boosts Growth in Corneal Treatments
Yahoo! Finance: CAH News · Mar 20, 2026
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for CAH.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $248.80
MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates CAH's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Competitors & Peers
Latest News
Cardinal Health (CAH) Stock Moves -1.47%: What You Should Know
Here's Why You Should Retain AMN HealthCare Stock in Your Portfolio
GEHC Acquires Intelerad to Boost Cloud-First, AI Imaging Capabilities
Glaukos Launches Epioxa, Boosts Growth in Corneal Treatments
Latest Cardinal Health, Inc. Analysis
Common Questions About CAH (Healthcare)
What does Cardinal Health, Inc. do?
Cardinal Health operates as an integrated healthcare services and products company, providing customized solutions to hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers. The company distributes branded and generic pharmaceuticals, manufactures and distributes medical products, and offers supply chain and logistics services. Cardinal Health's business model revolves around efficiently delivering essential products and services to healthcare providers, ensuring they have the resources they need to provide quality patient care. The company generates revenue through the sale of pharmaceutical and medical products, as well as through fees for its services.
Is CAH stock worth researching?
CAH stock presents a mixed investment case. Its established market position and diversified revenue streams provide stability, while its dividend yield of 0.90% offers income potential. However, the company's low profit margin of 0.7% and exposure to regulatory changes pose challenges. Growth opportunities in specialty pharmaceuticals and supply chain solutions could drive future value. Investors should weigh these factors, considering their risk tolerance and investment objectives. The P/E ratio of 32.06 suggests the stock may be fairly valued, but future earnings growth could justify the current price.
What are the main risks for CAH?
Cardinal Health faces several key risks. Increased competition from other distributors and manufacturers could erode market share and profitability. Changes in government regulations and reimbursement policies could negatively impact revenue and earnings. Economic downturns and fluctuations in healthcare spending could reduce demand for its products and services. Additionally, product liability claims and recalls pose a risk to its financial performance and reputation. These risks require careful monitoring and proactive mitigation strategies to ensure the company's long-term success.
What are the key factors to evaluate for CAH?
Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) currently holds an AI score of 42/100, indicating low score. The stock trades at a P/E of 29.4x, near the S&P 500 average (~20-25x). Analysts target $248.80 (+16% from $214.05). Key strength: Extensive distribution network across the United States and internationally. Primary risk to monitor: Increased competition from other distributors and manufacturers, impacting market share and profitability. This is not financial advice.
How frequently does CAH data refresh on this page?
CAH prices update in real time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM-4:00 PM ET, weekdays). Fundamentals refresh after quarterly or annual filings. Analyst ratings and AI insights update daily. News is aggregated continuously from financial sources.
What has driven CAH's recent stock price performance?
Recent price movement in Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) can be influenced by earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and broader market sentiment. The current analyst target of $248.80 implies 16% upside from here. Notable catalyst: Extensive distribution network across the United States and internationally. Check the News and Technical Analysis tabs for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider CAH overvalued or undervalued right now?
Determining whether Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) is overvalued or undervalued requires examining multiple metrics. Its P/E ratio is 29.4. Analysts target $248.80 (+16% from current price), suggesting analysts see upside potential. Compare valuation ratios (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) against sector peers for a comprehensive view.
What research should beginners do before buying CAH?
Before investing in Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Stock data pending update, which may affect valuation metrics.
- Industry analysis based on current market conditions and trends, which are subject to change.