Cardinal Health Inc vs Valero Energy Corporation — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $240 (market cap $55.88B), while Valero Energy Corporation trades at $322.32 (market cap $93.27B). The key difference: Valero Energy Corporation is the larger of the two by market cap, and Valero Energy Corporation pays the higher dividend (1.48%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | VLO | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $55.88B | $93.27B |
Sector | Health | Energy |
52-Week High | $240.26 | $323.92 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $133.38 |
Enterprise Value | $59.91B | $96.74B |
Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 1.48% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Cardinal Health (CAH) trades at $237.18, up 0.33% on the day, near its 52-week high. The stock shows bullish technical signals with consistent earnings beats, including Q2 2026 EPS of $2.91 versus $2.42 expected. Revenue reached $222.58 billion in 2025, with net income margin improving to 0.67%. Positive sentiment is driven by strong Q4 2026 results and optimistic fiscal 2027 guidance highlighted by Reuters on August 11, 2026.
Outlook remains favorable with analyst consensus price target of $266.43 implying 12% upside. Key opportunities include pharmaceutical segment strength and dividend payments, while risks involve high debt levels and thin profit margins. The bullish analyst stance (54.55% buy ratings) supports growth potential, but investors should monitor cash flow volatility and competitive pressures.
Valero Energy (VLO) trades at $314.95, up 5.58% in 24 hours, reflecting strong momentum. The stock exhibits bullish technical signals with key support at $307 and resistance at $324. Recent quarterly earnings consistently beat expectations, with Q2 2026 EPS of $12.54 surpassing the $10.11 estimate. Revenue for 2026 is projected to rise to $139.4 billion, with net income margin improving to 5.17%.
Outlook remains positive due to robust refining margins and renewable diesel growth, but risks include volatile oil prices and geopolitical tensions. Analysts maintain a buy consensus with a $324.27 price target, indicating potential upside. Investors should monitor execution on earnings guidance and global energy supply dynamics.
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 →Valero Energy is one of the largest independent refiners in the United States. It operates 14 refineries with a total throughput capacity of 3.2 million barrels a day in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Valero also owns 14 ethanol plants with capacity of 1.7 billion gallons of ethanol a year and holds a 50% stake in Diamond Green Diesel, which has capacity to produce 700 million gallons per year of renewable diesel.
Read more on VLO →