Cardinal Health Inc vs Advanced Drainage Systems Inc — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $234.16 (market cap $55.88B), while Advanced Drainage Systems Inc trades at $143.7 (market cap $10.83B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc is far larger — about 5.2× Advanced Drainage Systems Inc's market cap, and Cardinal Health Inc pays the higher dividend (0.86%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | WMS | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $55.88B | $10.83B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $240.26 | $175.38 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $129.50 |
Enterprise Value | $59.91B | $12.44B |
Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 0.56% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Cardinal Health (CAH) trades at $235.3, down 0.79% on the day, but remains near its 52-week high. The stock exhibits a bullish technical signal with consistent earnings beats in recent quarters, including Q2 2026 EPS of $2.91 versus $2.42 expected. Revenue for fiscal 2025 was $222.58 billion, with net income reaching $1.56 billion. Analyst consensus is strongly positive, with 18 buys and a $266.43 price target, reflecting confidence in the company's pharmaceutical and specialty business growth.
The outlook for CAH is favorable, driven by robust earnings performance and optimistic fiscal 2027 guidance. Key opportunities include sustained demand for specialty drugs and operational efficiency gains. Risks involve high debt levels, with a debt-to-asset ratio of 16.09 in 2025, and competitive pressures in the healthcare distribution sector. Investors should weigh strong analyst support against balance sheet leverage and market volatility.
WMS trades at $140.22, down 1.02% over 24 hours, with a bearish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. The company reported strong Q2 2026 earnings of $2.49 per share, beating estimates, and maintains solid profitability with a 14% net income margin. Recent news highlights Q1 2027 revenue growth of 21% year-over-year and a quarterly dividend declaration.
The outlook is mixed: analyst consensus is a Buy with a $185.86 price target, implying upside, but technical weakness and a Zacks Strong Sell rating (June 22, 2026) pose near-term risks. Investment appeal hinges on execution of growth initiatives amid competitive pressures and debt levels.
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 →Advanced Drainage Systems Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related water management products in North and South America, and Europe. The company's operating segment includes Pipe
Read more on WMS →