Cardinal Health Inc vs Tenet Healthcare Corporation — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $228.91 (market cap $53.89B), while Tenet Healthcare Corporation trades at $189 (market cap $15.82B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc is far larger — about 3.4× Tenet Healthcare Corporation's market cap, and Cardinal Health Inc pays a 0.89% dividend while Tenet Healthcare Corporation pays none. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | THC | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $15.82B |
Sector | Health | Health |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $244.80 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $148.38 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $26.06B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | — |
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.
Tenet Healthcare (THC) trades at $194.81, down 4.62% today, but maintains strong fundamentals with consistent earnings beats and attractive valuation metrics. The stock shows robust profitability with 37.87% ROE and 7.79% net margin, supported by growing outpatient care operations. Technical indicators suggest near-term bearish pressure with key support at $191 and resistance at $198. Recent analyst coverage remains overwhelmingly positive with 81% buy ratings and a $235.88 consensus target.
THC presents a compelling value opportunity with below-market P/E of 9.55 and strong earnings momentum, though technical weakness and upcoming Q2 earnings on July 24 create near-term uncertainty. The expanding ambulatory care segment and defensive healthcare positioning during geopolitical tensions support long-term growth, while debt levels and hospital industry challenges remain key monitoring points.
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 →Tenet Healthcare is a leading diversified healthcare services company that has strategically pivoted toward high-growth ambulatory care. Operating through United Surgical Partners International (USPI), the largest ambulatory platform in the U.S., Tenet manages an expansive network of surgical centers, acute care hospitals, and specialty facilities. The company’s focus on high-acuity services and operational efficiency, supported by its revenue cycle management subsidiary Conifer Health Solutions, positions it as a resilient leader in the evolving U.S. healthcare landscape.
Read more on THC →