Price movement over the last 24 hours
Alcon AG vs Cardinal Health Inc — how do they compare? Alcon AG trades at $66.89 (market cap $32.69B), while Cardinal Health Inc trades at $238.57 (market cap $56.14B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Cardinal Health Inc pays the higher dividend (0.85%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| ALC | CAH | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $32.69B | $56.14B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $92.22 | $239.71 |
52-Week Low | $62.02 | $146.04 |
Enterprise Value | $36.28B | $61.12B |
Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 0.85% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
ALC trades at $66.87, down 4.01% on the day, amid a mixed technical and fundamental backdrop. The stock exhibits a bullish technical signal overall, with moving averages supporting a positive trend, while oscillators remain neutral. Fundamentally, revenue growth is steady, reaching $10.40 billion in 2025, though net income margin compressed to 7.7%. Recent news highlights product innovation, including a collaboration with RxSight for adjustable PCIOLs, signaling ongoing R&D investment. Analyst sentiment is predominantly positive, with a consensus price target of $86.00 implying significant upside.
The outlook for ALC is cautiously optimistic, driven by new product launches and strategic partnerships that may fuel growth. However, risks include competitive pressures, macroeconomic headwinds, and margin compression. With a P/E of 40.92, the valuation appears rich relative to historical norms, requiring strong earnings delivery to justify current levels. Investors should weigh robust analyst buy ratings against execution risks and market volatility.
Cardinal Health (CAH) trades at $239.71, up 0.32% on the day, near its 52-week high. The stock shows strong momentum with consecutive earnings beats, including Q1 2026 EPS of $3.17 beating estimates of $2.79. Revenue reached $222.58B in 2025 with net income of $1.56B. Technical indicators are bullish, with the current price above key support levels. Analysts maintain a positive outlook with a consensus price target of $243.33.
CAH presents a compelling investment case driven by earnings growth and defensive healthcare distribution. However, risks include high debt levels, thin profit margins, and competitive pressures. The stock's valuation at a P/E of 36.26 may limit upside if growth moderates. Overall, the bullish analyst consensus and operational strength support a positive medium-term view.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Alcon, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is the global eyecare leader with a diverse portfolio in ophthalmology including contact lenses, eye drops, surgical equipment, and related surgical products. Novartis purchased Alcon from Nestle in 2010 and, following nine years as a Novartis subsidiary, the company was spun off as a public company in April 2019. The company reports five distinct segments: implantables (16% of revenue), consumables (31%), equipment (9%), contact lenses (27%), and ocular health (17%). The company is geographically diversified, with only about 40% of revenue from the U.S. market, and the firm has a strong presence in the European Union and Japan.
Read more on ALC →Cardinal Health is a leading pharmaceutical wholesaler, engaged in the sourcing and distribution of branded, generic, and specialty pharmaceutical products to pharmacies (retail chains, independent, and mail-order), hospitals networks, and healthcare providers. Along with AmerisourceBergen and McKesson, the three compose well over 90% of the U.S. pharmaceutical wholesale industry. Cardinal Health also supplies medical-surgical products and equipment to healthcare facilities in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Read more on CAH →