Cardinal Health Inc vs Nucor Corporation — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $228.9 (market cap $53.89B), while Nucor Corporation trades at $235.35 (market cap $53.33B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc and Nucor Corporation are close in size by market cap, and Nucor Corporation pays the higher dividend (0.96%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | NUE | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $53.33B |
Sector | Health | Basic Materials |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $266.35 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $131.78 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $57.97B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 0.96% |
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.
Nucor (NUE) trades at $233.00, up 2.48% over the past day, supported by a bullish technical signal and strong earnings beats in recent quarters. The stock benefits from a solid balance sheet with a debt-to-asset ratio of 20.23% (2025 company filing) and a 53-year dividend growth streak. Revenue for 2025 was $32.49 billion, with net income of $1.74 billion, though margins have compressed from peak levels. Recent news highlights a joint venture to address power infrastructure bottlenecks and positive analyst sentiment.
Outlook remains positive with a consensus price target of $262.89 (analyst reports July 2026), implying ~13% upside. Key opportunities include steel price strength and strategic expansions, but risks involve cyclical demand weakness and margin pressure. Institutional ownership trends and buy ratings (62.5% of analysts) support a constructive view, though investors should monitor Q2 2026 earnings for confirmation of guidance.
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 →Nucor Corp manufactures steel and steel products. The company also produces direct reduced iron for use in its steel mills. The operations include international trading and sales companies that buy and sell steel and steel products manufactured by the company and others. The operating business segments are: steel mills, steel products and raw materials, the steel mills segment derives maximum revenue.
Read more on NUE →