Cardinal Health Inc vs Colgate-Palmolive Company — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $241.5 (market cap $55.55B), while Colgate-Palmolive Company trades at $92.22 (market cap $74.26B). The key difference: Colgate-Palmolive Company is the larger of the two by market cap, and Colgate-Palmolive Company pays the higher dividend (2.28%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | CL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $55.55B | $74.26B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $240.26 | $99.14 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $74.98 |
Enterprise Value | $60.53B | $80.74B |
Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 2.28% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Cardinal Health (CAH) trades at $236.4, down 0.53% on the day, with a bullish technical outlook and strong earnings momentum after beating estimates for three consecutive quarters. The company reported $222.58B in revenue for 2025, with net income rising to $1.56B, and recently announced two home-care acquisitions to expand its at-Home Solutions segment. Analyst sentiment is positive, with a consensus price target of $262.80 and no sell ratings among 33 analysts.
The stock presents a favorable risk-reward profile with upside to the consensus target, supported by earnings beats and strategic growth initiatives. Key risks include high leverage with a debt-to-asset ratio of 16.09 in 2025 and thin net margins of 0.62%, which could pressure profitability if revenue growth slows or interest costs rise.
Colgate-Palmolive (CL) trades at $93.27, up 0.29% on the day, with a bullish technical signal and consistent earnings beats. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $0.99, exceeding estimates, driven by strong margins and organic growth in emerging markets, though North American performance remains weak. Operating cash flow remains robust at $4.2 billion in 2025, supporting shareholder returns.
Outlook is mixed: valuation appears stretched with a P/E of 36.72, but analyst consensus targets $99.10. Risks include competitive pressures in North America and high debt levels. The stock offers a stable dividend, but growth concerns and insider selling warrant caution.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
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 →Since its founding in 1806, Colgate-Palmolive has grown to become a leading global consumer product company. In addition to its namesake oral care line, the firm manufactures shampoos, shower gels, deodorants, and home care products that are sold in over 200 countries (international sales account for about 70% of its consolidated total, including approximately 45% from emerging regions). It also owns specialty pet food maker Hill's, which sells its products through veterinarians and specialty pet retailers.
Read more on CL →