Cardinal Health Inc vs Verizon Communications Inc — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $228.8 (market cap $53.89B), while Verizon Communications Inc trades at $42.42 (market cap $177.34B). The key difference: Verizon Communications Inc is far larger — about 3.3× Cardinal Health Inc's market cap, and Verizon Communications Inc pays the higher dividend (6.66%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | VZ | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $177.34B |
Sector | Health | Media |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $51.38 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $38.40 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $364.84B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 6.66% |
Volume | — | 22,584,735 |
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.
Verizon (VZ) trades at $42.68, up 1.33% today, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but recent earnings beats. The stock offers a 6.7% dividend yield with a consensus price target of $47.57, indicating 11.5% upside. Revenue grew to $138.19B in 2025, with a net income margin of 12.46%, while debt levels remain elevated at $144B total debt. Recent news highlights competitive threats from SpaceX's Starlink but also new partnerships like the 5G deal with BMW.
Outlook: VZ presents a value opportunity with a low P/E of 10.4 and strong cash flow, but faces significant competitive and debt-related risks. The stock is suitable for income-focused investors seeking defensive yield, though growth is constrained by industry saturation and rising capital expenditures.
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 →Verizon Communications Inc. is an integrated telecommunications company that provides wire line voice and data services, wireless services, Internet services, and published directory information. The Company also provides network services for the federal government including business phone lines, data services, telecommunications equipment, and payphones.
Read more on VZ →