Cardinal Health Inc vs HCA Health Inc — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $224.88 (market cap $53.89B), while HCA Health Inc trades at $375 (market cap $80.66B). The key difference: HCA Health Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Cardinal Health Inc pays the higher dividend (0.89%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | HCA | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $80.66B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $545.13 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $334.32 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $129.57B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 0.86% |
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.
HCA Healthcare stock trades at $390.74, down 3.9% following a lowered 2026 profit outlook. The company maintains strong fundamentals with revenue growth to $75.6B in 2025 and consistent earnings beats, though technical indicators show bearish momentum. Recent news highlights challenges from payer mix shifts and rising uninsured patients, creating near-term headwinds despite long-term capacity expansion initiatives.
The stock presents a valuation opportunity with a P/E of 13.5x below industry averages, supported by analyst consensus target of $481.80. Key risks include execution on guidance and healthcare reimbursement pressures, but institutional sentiment remains positive with 63% buy ratings, suggesting potential recovery once near-term uncertainties resolve.
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 →HCA Healthcare is a Nashville-based healthcare provider organization operating the largest collection of acute-care hospitals in the U.S. As of December 2021, the firm owned and operated 182 hospitals, 125 freestanding outpatient surgery centers, and a broad network of physician offices, urgent care clinics, and freestanding emergency rooms across nearly 20 states and a small foothold in England.
Read more on HCA →