Cardinal Health Inc vs Xylem, Inc. — how do they compare? Cardinal Health Inc trades at $228.51 (market cap $53.89B), while Xylem, Inc. trades at $120.74 (market cap $28.89B). The key difference: Cardinal Health Inc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Xylem, Inc. pays the higher dividend (1.42%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| CAH | XYL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $53.89B | $28.89B |
Sector | Health | Industrials |
52-Week High | $239.71 | $152.95 |
52-Week Low | $146.04 | $106.34 |
Enterprise Value | $58.87B | $30.14B |
Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 1.42% |
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.
XYL trades at $121.21, showing minimal daily change. The stock maintains a bullish technical outlook with consistent earnings beats in recent quarters. Revenue grew to $9.04B in 2025 with a net margin of 10.79%. Recent news highlights strategic partnerships and leadership appointments, reinforcing growth in water technology solutions. Analyst consensus is mixed with a $153.14 price target suggesting 26% upside from current levels.
XYL offers solid fundamentals with expanding profitability and strong cash flow generation. Key risks include execution of growth initiatives and macroeconomic sensitivity. The stock presents a compelling opportunity for long-term investors seeking exposure to essential water infrastructure, though near-term volatility may persist around earnings announcements.
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 →Xylem is a global leader in water technology and offers a wide range of solutions, including the transport, treatment, testing, and efficient use of water for customers in the utility, industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Xylem was spun off from ITT in 2011. Based in Rye Brook, New York, Xylem has a presence in over 150 countries and employs 16,200. The company generated $6.2 billion in revenue and $611 million in adjusted operating income in 2021.
Read more on XYL →