Cardinal Health Inc vs Ecolab Inc. — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $239.67 (market cap $55.55B), while Ecolab Inc. trades at $284.06 (market cap $79.73B). The key difference: Ecolab Inc. is the larger of the two by market cap, and Ecolab Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.03%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | ECL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $55.55B | $79.73B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $308.35 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $245.73 |
Enterprise Value | $60.53B | $88.51B |
Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 1.03% |
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.
ECL trades at $285.17, up 0.6% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong analyst support. The company reported Q2 2026 EPS of $2.09, beating estimates, and raised full-year guidance. Revenue growth remains steady, with a net income margin of 12.57% and robust cash flow from operations of $2.95B in 2025. Recent news highlights dividend declarations and institutional buying interest.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $327.90, implying 15% upside. Risks include elevated valuation multiples and potential margin pressure from input costs. The stock's momentum is supported by earnings beats and strategic acquisitions, but investors should monitor debt levels and competitive dynamics in the water and hygiene sector.
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 →Ecolab produces and markets cleaning and sanitation products for the hospitality, healthcare, and industrial markets. The firm is the global market share leader in this category with a wide array of products and services, including dish and laundry washing systems, pest control, and infection control products. The company has a strong hold on the U.S. market and is looking to increase its profitability abroad. Additionally, Ecolab serves customers in water, manufacturing, and life sciences end markets, selling customized solutions.
Read more on ECL →