Cardinal Health Inc vs Howmet Aerospace Inc — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $229.43 (market cap $53.89B), while Howmet Aerospace Inc trades at $274.46 (market cap $110.74B). The key difference: Howmet Aerospace Inc is far larger — about 2.1× Cardinal Health Inc's market cap, and Cardinal Health Inc pays the higher dividend (0.89%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | HWM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $110.74B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $283.23 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $171.00 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $112.99B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 0.17% |
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.
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) trades at $271.28, up 0.16% on the day, with a neutral technical signal but strong fundamental performance. The company has consistently beaten earnings estimates in recent quarters, with Q1 2026 EPS of $1.22 exceeding expectations. Revenue growth and robust profit margins, including a 20.22% net income margin, support its premium valuation multiples. Recent news highlights strength in commercial aerospace demand as a key growth driver.
The outlook remains positive given analyst consensus with 84% buy ratings and a $317.63 price target, suggesting ~17% upside. However, elevated valuation ratios like a P/E of 64.22 pose risks if growth slows. Key catalysts include Q2 2026 results on August 6, 2026, while reliance on aerospace cycles and competitive pressures are monitoring points for investors.
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 →Howmet Aerospace provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. It specializes in jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, and forged aluminum wheels.
Read more on HWM →