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Cardinal Health (CAH)
NYSE:CAH
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Cardinal Health (CAH) AI Stock Analysis

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CAH

Cardinal Health

(NYSE:CAH)

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Neutral 65 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
$204.00
▲(3.66% Upside)
Cardinal Health's overall stock score is driven by strong earnings call performance and robust cash flow, offset by financial leverage concerns and potential overvaluation. The technical analysis indicates bullish momentum, but overbought conditions suggest caution. The valuation metrics reflect a high P/E ratio, indicating potential overvaluation.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
The significant growth in the Pharmaceutical segment demonstrates Cardinal Health's strong market position and ability to capitalize on demand for branded and specialty pharmaceuticals, which is crucial for sustained revenue expansion.
Strategic Acquisitions
The acquisition of Solaris Health is a strategic move to enhance Cardinal Health's specialty solutions, expanding its multi-specialty MSO platform. This positions the company for long-term growth by broadening its service offerings and strengthening its competitive edge.
Free Cash Flow
The strong free cash flow performance, exceeding expectations by $500 million, underscores Cardinal Health's effective cash management and operational efficiency, providing financial flexibility for future investments and shareholder returns.
Negative Factors
High Financial Leverage
The significant leverage indicated by a negative debt-to-equity ratio poses financial risks, potentially limiting Cardinal Health's ability to invest in growth opportunities and impacting its long-term financial stability.
SG&A Expenses
The rise in SG&A expenses, driven by acquisitions and investments, could pressure margins if not managed effectively, potentially affecting profitability and requiring strategic cost control measures.
Tariff Challenges
Tariff-related challenges in the GMPD segment highlight external risks that could impact cost structures and profitability. Ongoing efforts to mitigate these impacts are crucial for maintaining competitive pricing and margins.

Cardinal Health (CAH) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Cardinal Health Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionCardinal Health, Inc. operates as an integrated healthcare services and products company in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It provides customized solutions for hospitals, healthcare systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, physician offices, and patients in the home. The company operates in two segments, Pharmaceutical and Medical. The Pharmaceutical segment distributes branded and generic pharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, and over-the-counter healthcare and consumer products. The segment also provides services to pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers for specialty pharmaceutical products; operates nuclear pharmacies and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities; repackages generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter healthcare products; and offers medication therapy management and patient outcomes services to hospitals, other healthcare providers, and payers, as well as provides pharmacy management services to hospitals. The Medical segment 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; compressions; incontinences; nutritional delivery products; wound care products; single-use surgical drapes, gowns, and apparels; fluid suction and collection systems; urology products; operating room supply products; and electrode product lines. The segment also 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. The company was incorporated in 1979 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyCardinal Health generates revenue primarily through two key segments: Pharmaceutical and Medical. In the Pharmaceutical segment, the company earns money by distributing branded and generic pharmaceuticals, as well as providing related services such as inventory management and pharmacy solutions to healthcare providers. The Medical segment generates revenue through the sale of medical products, surgical supplies, and equipment to hospitals and healthcare facilities. Additionally, Cardinal Health benefits from long-term contracts with various healthcare providers, which ensure a steady stream of income. Strategic partnerships with manufacturers and leveraging technology for supply chain efficiencies also contribute to its earnings. The company's ability to negotiate favorable pricing with suppliers and manage logistics effectively enhances its profitability.

Cardinal Health Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Profit by Segment
Profit by Segment
Shows profitability across different business units, highlighting which areas drive earnings and where there might be challenges or opportunities for growth.
Chart InsightsCardinal Health's Pharmaceutical segment shows robust growth, with a notable profit increase driven by brand and specialty pharmaceutical sales, aligning with a 14% segment profit rise reported in the latest earnings call. The Medical segment, however, continues to face volatility, with recent profits recovering from previous lows but still under pressure. The company's strategic acquisitions and customer onboarding are expected to bolster future performance, although challenges in the GMPD segment due to tariffs may pose risks. Overall, the company anticipates sustainable long-term growth, supported by strong cash flow and strategic initiatives.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Cardinal Health Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Oct 30, 2025
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Jan 29, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflected a strong financial performance with significant revenue and profit growth across all segments. The company raised its EPS guidance and showed strong cash flow and shareholder returns. However, there were concerns regarding tariff costs and increased interest expenses.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Start to Fiscal Year 2026
Cardinal Health reported strong double-digit profit growth across all 5 operating segments, indicating robust operating momentum and broad-based performance.
Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions Segment
First quarter revenue increased by 23% to $59 billion, driven by Brand and Specialty Pharmaceutical sales growth, with Pharma segment profit increasing by 26% to $667 million.
Increased EPS Guidance
EPS guidance for the full year was raised to a range of $9.65 to $9.85, reflecting 17% to 20% growth from the prior year.
Record Revenue Growth
Total company revenue increased 22% to $64 billion, reflecting growth from all 5 operating segments.
Strong Performance in Other Segments
The 'Other' segment saw a first-quarter revenue increase of 38% to $1.6 billion, with segment profit increasing by 60% to $166 million.
Cash Flow and Shareholder Returns
Generated $1.3 billion in adjusted free cash flow, returned $500 million to shareholders, and ended the quarter with a cash position of $4.6 billion.
Negative Updates
Tariff Costs Impact
In GMPD, net tariff costs produced a slight headwind during Q1, with a larger portion of tariff costs expected to impact the second quarter.
Interest and Other Expenses
Interest and other expenses increased by $43 million to $70 million in the quarter due to financing costs related to acquisitions.
Company Guidance
During the Cardinal Health First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 earnings call, the company reported impressive financial metrics, highlighting strong double-digit profit growth across all five operating segments. Overall, revenue increased by 22% to $64 billion, with operating earnings growing by 37% and EPS rising by 36% to $2.55. The Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment led the performance with a 23% increase in revenue to $59 billion, driven by brand and specialty pharmaceutical sales. The acquisition of Solaris Health is anticipated to further accelerate growth, contributing approximately 3 percentage points to Pharma's profit growth. Cardinal Health raised its full-year EPS guidance to a range of $9.65 to $9.85 and increased its adjusted free cash flow guidance to $3 billion to $3.5 billion, reflecting their confidence in continued strong demand and execution of strategic priorities.

Cardinal Health Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Cardinal Health shows strong revenue growth and robust cash flow performance, with a significant free cash flow growth rate. However, the company faces challenges with profitability and financial leverage, as indicated by a negative stockholders' equity and high debt-to-equity ratio.
Income Statement
75
Positive
Cardinal Health shows a solid revenue growth rate of 5.27% in the TTM, indicating a positive trajectory. The gross profit margin is stable at 3.67%, but the net profit margin is relatively low at 0.70%, suggesting limited profitability. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are modest, reflecting operational efficiency challenges. Overall, the income statement reflects growth but with room for improvement in profitability.
Balance Sheet
45
Neutral
The balance sheet reveals a negative stockholders' equity, leading to a concerning debt-to-equity ratio of -3.31. This high leverage poses a risk to financial stability. The return on equity is negative, indicating inefficiencies in generating returns from equity. The equity ratio is also negative, highlighting the need for strengthening the financial position. Overall, the balance sheet suggests financial vulnerability.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
Cardinal Health demonstrates robust cash flow performance with a significant free cash flow growth rate of 140.65% in the TTM. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, indicating strong cash generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is also solid at 77.18%, reflecting efficient cash utilization. Overall, the cash flow statement indicates strong liquidity and cash management.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue234.31B222.58B226.83B204.98B181.33B162.47B
Gross Profit8.59B8.17B7.41B6.89B6.48B6.78B
EBITDA3.26B3.11B1.96B1.44B55.00M1.29B
Net Income1.59B1.56B852.00M330.00M-938.00M611.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets55.23B53.12B45.12B43.35B43.88B44.45B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.59B3.87B5.13B4.08B4.72B3.41B
Total Debt9.03B9.35B5.61B5.18B5.80B6.71B
Total Liabilities57.96B55.76B48.33B46.31B44.58B42.66B
Stockholders Equity-2.88B-2.78B-3.21B-2.96B-709.00M1.79B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow4.45B1.85B3.25B2.36B2.73B2.03B
Operating Cash Flow5.02B2.40B3.76B2.84B3.12B2.43B
Investing Cash Flow-5.66B-5.61B-1.85B-454.00M567.00M-378.00M
Financing Cash Flow2.38B1.95B-847.00M-3.05B-2.46B-1.32B

Cardinal Health Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price196.79
Price Trends
50DMA
157.73
Positive
100DMA
157.71
Positive
200DMA
146.95
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
10.06
Negative
RSI
86.60
Negative
STOCH
89.09
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For CAH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 196.79 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 166.92, above the 50-day MA of 157.73, and above the 200-day MA of 146.95, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 10.06 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 86.60 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 89.09 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for CAH.

Cardinal Health Risk Analysis

Cardinal Health disclosed 19 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cardinal Health reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cardinal Health Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
$66.80B35.44130.60%0.62%11.56%5.31%
70
Outperform
$104.69B33.580.36%20.35%11.96%
69
Neutral
$8.68B22.5911.39%3.51%29.65%
65
Neutral
$46.41B29.491.04%4.37%28.48%
62
Neutral
$2.98B14.2012.05%0.63%4.23%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
40
Underperform
$269.94M-184.47%-37.09%-2639.44%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CAH
Cardinal Health
196.79
80.25
68.86%
COR
Cencora
354.00
108.29
44.07%
HSIC
Henry Schein
72.01
2.58
3.72%
MCK
McKesson
844.26
239.43
39.59%
OMI
Owens & Minor
3.35
-9.41
-73.75%
PBH
Prestige Consumer Healthcare
59.83
-20.26
-25.30%

Cardinal Health Corporate Events

Cardinal Health Reports Strong Revenue Growth in Latest Quarter
Oct 31, 2025

Cardinal Health, Inc., headquartered in Ohio, is a global healthcare services and products company that provides pharmaceuticals and medical products to various healthcare facilities, enhancing supply chain efficiency and integrated care coordination. In its latest quarterly earnings report, Cardinal Health announced a 22% increase in revenue, reaching $64 billion, driven by growth in branded and specialty pharmaceutical sales. The company’s GAAP operating earnings rose by 18% to $668 million, while non-GAAP operating earnings increased by 37% to $857 million, primarily due to acquisitions and increased contributions from pharmaceutical products. The Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment saw a 23% revenue increase, while the Global Medical Products and Distribution segment grew by 2%. Cardinal Health’s management remains optimistic about future growth, with expectations of continued demand for its products and services, despite potential challenges from regulatory changes and market conditions.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Cardinal Health Reports Strong Q1 2026 Revenue Growth
Positive
Oct 30, 2025

On October 30, 2025, Cardinal Health reported a 22% increase in first-quarter fiscal year 2026 revenues, reaching $64 billion. The company’s non-GAAP operating earnings rose 37% to $857 million, driven by growth across all five operating segments. The company raised its fiscal 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance and adjusted free cash flow outlook, reflecting strong financial performance and strategic execution. Cardinal Health also announced the anticipated completion of its acquisition of Solaris Health in early November, which is expected to bolster its market position.

The most recent analyst rating on (CAH) stock is a Buy with a $190.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cardinal Health stock, see the CAH Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Cardinal Health Secures New $1 Billion Credit Agreement
Neutral
Oct 10, 2025

On October 7, 2025, Cardinal Health entered into a new 364-Day Credit Agreement with Bank of America, allowing access to $1 billion of revolving credit until October 6, 2026. This agreement supports general corporate purposes and backs the company’s commercial paper program, with conditions including a financial covenant requiring a Consolidated Net Leverage Ratio of no greater than 3.75 to 1.00.

The most recent analyst rating on (CAH) stock is a Buy with a $190.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cardinal Health stock, see the CAH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Cardinal Health Extends Receivables Agreement to 2028
Positive
Oct 3, 2025

On September 30, 2025, Cardinal Health Funding, LLC, a subsidiary of Griffin Capital, and several financial institutions including Wells Fargo and Bank of America, entered into a First Amendment to extend the term of their receivables purchase agreement to September 28, 2028. This amendment aims to maintain the company’s financial flexibility and strengthen its position by ensuring continued access to financing, which is crucial for its operations and relationships with stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (CAH) stock is a Hold with a $165.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cardinal Health stock, see the CAH Stock Forecast page.

Cardinal Health’s Real-world Study on HPV-positive Cancer Treatment: Key Insights
Sep 9, 2025

Study Overview: The study titled Real-world Study of Patients With Human Papillomavirus-positive Recurrent/ Metastatic Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With First Line Pembrolizumab or Nivolumab With or Without Chemotherapy aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pembrolizumab and nivolumab in treating HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). This study is significant as it provides real-world evidence to compare with clinical trial data, enhancing the understanding of treatment benefits and informing future research.

Cardinal Health’s Earnings Call Highlights Growth and Challenges
Sep 1, 2025

Cardinal Health’s latest earnings call conveyed a generally positive sentiment, underscored by robust financial performance and strategic growth initiatives. The company reported strong operating earnings and EPS growth, alongside significant advancements in its business segments. However, challenges such as increased SG&A expenses and tariff impacts were also acknowledged, though the overall outlook remains optimistic.

M&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Cardinal Health Completes $1 Billion Notes Offering
Neutral
Aug 27, 2025

On August 27, 2025, Cardinal Health completed a public offering of $1 billion in notes, with proceeds intended to fund part of its proposed acquisition of Solaris Health. If the acquisition is not completed by August 12, 2026, or if Cardinal Health decides not to pursue it, the company will be required to redeem the notes at a premium.

The most recent analyst rating on (CAH) stock is a Hold with a $155.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cardinal Health stock, see the CAH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Cardinal Health Secures $1 Billion in Notes Sale
Positive
Aug 14, 2025

On August 13, 2025, Cardinal Health entered into an underwriting agreement with major financial institutions for the sale of $1 billion in notes, consisting of $600 million in 4.500% Notes due 2030 and $400 million in 5.150% Notes due 2035. This financial maneuver is part of Cardinal Health’s strategy to optimize its capital structure, potentially impacting its market positioning and offering implications for investors and stakeholders in terms of financial stability and growth prospects.

The most recent analyst rating on (CAH) stock is a Hold with a $110.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cardinal Health stock, see the CAH Stock Forecast page.

Cardinal Health Reports Strong Q4 and FY 2025 Results
Aug 13, 2025

Cardinal Health is a global distributor of pharmaceuticals and medical products, operating in the healthcare sector with a focus on providing innovative solutions to improve healthcare delivery. The company is known for its extensive distribution network and commitment to enhancing patient care through its diverse range of services.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Cardinal Health Reports Q4 2025 Financial Results
Positive
Aug 12, 2025

On August 12, 2025, Cardinal Health announced its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 financial results, reporting a relatively flat revenue of $60.2 billion for the fourth quarter. However, excluding the impact of a contract expiration, revenue increased by 21%. The company also reported a significant increase in non-GAAP operating earnings and EPS, driven by strong performance across its segments. Additionally, Cardinal Health raised its fiscal year 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance and announced the acquisition of Solaris Health, a leading urology management services organization, indicating strategic growth and expansion in its specialty solutions segment.

The most recent analyst rating on (CAH) stock is a Hold with a $110.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cardinal Health stock, see the CAH Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Oct 31, 2025