Cardinal Health Inc vs McCormick & Company, Incorporated — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $229 (market cap $53.89B), while McCormick & Company, Incorporated trades at $52.85 (market cap $14.21B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc is far larger — about 3.8× McCormick & Company, Incorporated's market cap, and McCormick & Company, Incorporated pays the higher dividend (3.63%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | MKC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $14.21B |
Sector | Health | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $72.81 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $45.60 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $18.81B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 3.63% |
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.
McCormick (MKC) trades at $53.75, up 2.48% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The stock shows strong profitability with a 21.91% net income margin and 25.7% ROE, while valuation metrics like a P/E of 8.94 appear attractive. Recent Q2 2026 earnings beat estimates, and the company reaffirmed its 2026 outlook, supported by the transformative Unilever Foods deal announced in July 2026.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $59.67 offering 11% upside, driven by margin recovery and strategic acquisitions. Risks include soft consumer volumes in the Americas and integration challenges from the Unilever deal. The stock presents a value opportunity with a 4% dividend yield, but investors should monitor volume trends and deal execution.
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 →In its 130-year history, McCormick has grown to become the leading global manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of spices, herbs, extracts, seasonings, and other flavorings. Beyond end consumers, McCormick's customer base also includes top quick-service restaurants, retail grocery chains, and other packaged food and beverage manufacturers, with about 30% of sales generated beyond its home turf to include 150 other countries and territories. In addition to its namesake brand, the firm's portfolio includes Old Bay, Zatarain's, Thai Kitchen, Frank's RedHot, French's, and the recently acquired Cholula brand.
Read more on MKC →