Cardinal Health Inc vs Estee Lauder Companies Inc — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $228.5 (market cap $53.89B), while Estee Lauder Companies Inc trades at $83.15 (market cap $29.25B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Estee Lauder Companies Inc pays the higher dividend (1.73%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | EL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $29.25B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $119.61 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $67.23 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $35.43B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.73% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Cardinal Health (CAH) trades at $233.66, down 0.91% in the last session, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages and strong analyst support. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $3.17 surpassing expectations. Revenue reached $222.58 billion in 2025, though net margins remain thin at 0.62%. Recent news highlights growth potential in medical supplies, with earnings results for fiscal 2026 due August 11.
The outlook for CAH is positive, driven by earnings momentum and sector tailwinds, but risks include high leverage with debt-to-asset ratio at 16.09% and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is bullish with a $248 price target, suggesting 6% upside. Investors should weigh solid operational cash flow against negative shareholder equity and investing outflows.
Estée Lauder (EL) trades at $81.15, down 1.83% on the day, with a bearish technical outlook and mixed fundamentals. The stock shows negative net income and declining revenue trends, though recent quarters have beaten EPS estimates. Analyst consensus is divided with a $90.60 price target, while technical indicators point to support near $80.
Outlook remains cautious due to profitability challenges and competitive pressures, but potential upside exists if cost controls and innovation drive margin recovery. Key risks include sustained earnings pressure and macroeconomic sensitivity in the beauty sector.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Estee Lauder is the world leader in the global prestige beauty market, participating across skincare (56% of fiscal 2022 sales), makeup (26%), fragrance (14%), and haircare (4%) categories, with popular brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, Jo Malone, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Too Faced, Origins, Dr. Jart+, and The Ordinary. The firm operates in 150 countries, with 26% of fiscal 2022 revenue stemming from the Americas, 43% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 31% from Asia-Pacific. The company sells its products through department stores, travel retail, multi-brand specialty beauty stores, brand-dedicated freestanding stores, e-commerce, salons/spas, and perfumeries.
Read more on EL →