Cardinal Health Inc vs McKesson Corporation — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $228.82 (market cap $53.89B), while McKesson Corporation trades at $801.97 (market cap $94.06B). The key difference: McKesson Corporation 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 | MCK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $94.06B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $995.69 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $659.01 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $98.70B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 0.41% |
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.
McKesson (MCK) trades at $812.28, up 0.78% with a bullish technical signal. The stock shows consistent earnings beats, with Q1 2026 EPS of $11.69 exceeding expectations. Revenue grew to $359.05B in 2025, though net margins remain thin at 1.18%. Analysts maintain strong buy consensus (80%) with a $932.83 price target. Recent news highlights growth in specialty pharma and oncology services, supporting positive momentum.
Outlook remains positive driven by earnings strength and sector tailwinds, but risks include policy changes and high liabilities. The stock offers value with a P/E of 21.16 and P/S of 0.25, though investors should monitor debt levels and execution risks amid competitive pressures.
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 →McKesson is a leading wholesaler of branded, generic, and specialty pharmaceutical products to pharmacies (retail chains, independent, and mail order), hospitals networks, and healthcare providers. Along with AmerisourceBergen and Cardinal Health, the three account for well over 90% of the U.S. pharmaceutical wholesale industry. McKesson is currently divesting from its pharmaceutical wholesale and distribution in Europe and Canada in order to redeploy capital to strategic growth areas in the U.S. (oncology network and ecosystem, and biopharma services). Additionally, the company supplies medical-surgical products and equipment to healthcare facilities and provides a variety of technology solutions for pharmacies.
Read more on MCK →