Cardinal Health Inc vs Select Medical Holdings Corporation — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $228.8 (market cap $53.89B), while Select Medical Holdings Corporation trades at $16.51 (market cap $2.05B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc is far larger — about 26.3× Select Medical Holdings Corporation's market cap, and Select Medical Holdings Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.51%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | SEM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $2.05B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $16.66 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $11.77 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $5.01B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.51% |
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.
Select Medical Holdings (SEM) trades at $16.51, unchanged on the day, following its recent acquisition completion by a consortium led by Robert A. Ortenzio and Martin F. announced on June 30, 2026. The stock shows mixed signals with a bullish overall technical outlook but bearish moving averages, while fundamentals indicate modest profitability with a net income margin of 2.42% and a P/E ratio of 15.43. Recent earnings have been inconsistent, with Q1 2026 missing expectations.
The acquisition at $16.50 per share caps near-term upside, with legal investigations into board fiduciary duties posing reputational risks. Analyst sentiment is neutral with a 57.15% hold rating, reflecting uncertainty post-buyout. Investors face limited growth prospects amid stable revenues and margin pressures, emphasizing caution in the current holding pattern.
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 →Select Medical Holdings Corporation is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States. The company's services focus on treating patients with serious illnesses, injuries, and post-acute care needs. SEM provides specialized care across various settings, aiming to help patients recover and return home.
Read more on SEM →