DailyIQ
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Sector:HealthcareAll sectors
Last updated 4 minutes ago

CAH·Cardinal Health, Inc.

$.
-. (-.%)
After Hours
High
$231.83
Open
$231.80
Market Cap
54.10B
52W High
$243.21
Low
$227.85
P. Close
$229.98
P/E
34.79
52W Low
$137.75
Fwd P/E
19.05
DailyIQ Est.
$256.24
Technical Score (1D)
59
BUY
News Sentiment
51
MIXED
Cardinal Health is projected to beat earnings estimates again, driven by robust revenue growth and margin expansion, as recent analyst coverage notes. The company’s expanding product mix and strong distribution network support continued demand, positioning it well amid industry tailwinds linked to aging populations and increased dental procedures. Analysts point out that CAH’s revenue trajectory outpaces peers and its history of earnings surprises suggests a likely positive trend in the next quarter. Efficient cost management and disciplined cost controls have helped maintain healthy cash flow, reinforcing the company’s valuation and providing a cushion for potential margin expansion. The firm’s solid earnings history and strong cash flow also underpin its potential upside from increased market share, as Zacks highlights the opportunity for continued penetration. Traders should monitor the upcoming earnings release for guidance on revenue growth assumptions and margin performance, as any shift could alter the outlook for the next 1–10 trading days. Additionally, regulatory developments affecting medical supply distribution could impact CAH’s operations, so keeping an eye on any new policy announcements is prudent. Finally, the broader medical distribution sector’s moderate growth means CAH’s relative performance will be a key indicator of its resilience, making its earnings guidance a critical watch point.
Earnings Summary
Cardinal Health, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, operates as a global healthcare distributor, providing pharmaceuticals and medical products across two main segments—Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions and Global Medical Products and Distribution—serving hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers. The medical distribution industry is characterized by tight margins and evolving reimbursement policies. In the most recent two quarters, Cardinal’s Q3 2025 EPS of $2.55 beat the $2.16845 estimate while revenue climbed to $64.009 B from $60.159 B in Q2 2025, marking a 6.5 % YoY increase; the prior two quarters saw Q1 2025 EPS of $2.35 beating the $2.14886 estimate and revenue of $54.878 B, a modest decline from Q4 2024’s $55.264 B. Thus, the company has consistently outperformed earnings estimates in all four quarters, with revenue growth accelerating in 2025 but a slight dip in Q3 2026 to $60.94 B versus $64.009 B in Q3 2025. Historically, Cardinal has maintained a streak of EPS beats and has shown resilient revenue growth, though the 2026 quarter indicates a modest slowdown. Recent news reports a robust upside outlook, with analysts projecting a 30.58 % lift in full‑year earnings and a 15.12 % rise in revenue, driven by strong cost control and margin expansion; meanwhile, the removal from defensive indices and an Evercore upgrade to a $265 price target underscore a positive sentiment shift. Investors should watch for the upcoming earnings release to confirm guidance on revenue, margin trends, and supply‑chain dynamics, and to assess whether pricing power remains intact amid regulatory and reimbursement pressures. The key will be whether Cardinal can sustain its margin expansion while navigating potential cost‑inflation and maintaining its distribution network efficiency.

EPS

EstBeatMiss
$1.55$2.01$2.47$2.92$3.38Q4'24Q1'25Q2'25Q3'25Q3'26Q4'26
QtrEstActual+/−
Q4'26$2.42 - -
Q3'26$2.82$3.17+12.5%
Q3'25$2.17$2.55+17.6%
Q2'25$2.03$2.08+2.4%
Q1'25$2.15$2.35+9.4%
Q4'24$1.76$1.93+9.4%

Revenue

EstBeatMiss
$53.2B$56.8B$60.4B$63.9B$67.5BQ4'24Q1'25Q2'25Q3'25Q3'26Q4'26
QtrEstActual+/−
Q4'26$65.9B - -
Q3'26$62.3B$60.9B-2.2%
Q3'25 - $64.0B -
Q2'25 - $60.2B -
Q1'25 - $54.9B -
Q4'24 - $55.3B -
Full Earnings BreakdownEstimates, actuals, guidance, and historical context
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Market Data

CAH Stock Snapshot

CAH is currently trading at $230.11, giving Cardinal Health, Inc. a market cap of 54.10B and a P/E ratio of 34.8. Today's range spans $227.85–$231.83, with shares opening at $231.80 and moving up $0.13 (0.1%) from the prior close. DailyIQ's technical score sits at 59/100 (HOLD) with a news sentiment reading of 51/100.

Over the past year CAH has traded between $137.75 and $243.21 - the current price is +67.0% off the 52-week low and -5.4% from the high. 25 analysts cover the stock with a Buy consensus and a mean 12-month target of $249.60 (range $215.00–$275.00), implying upside of +8.5%.

The quality factor scores well for Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) even in a HOLD phase - at 54.10B in Healthcare market cap with a 59/100 technical read (HOLD) and neutral sentiment (51/100), the stock's balance sheet and earnings stability attract defensive allocators who don't need a mixed signal to hold the position. (P/E: 34.8) Price: $230.11 (in the upper portion of its 52-week range). Range: $137.75–$243.21.

In neutral phases, large-cap Healthcare names like CAH are often where sector rotation debates play out quietly — at 54.10B in capitalization, the stock receives incremental allocation from funds reducing mega-cap exposure without the volatility of a small-cap entry. The 59/100 (HOLD) and neutral sentiment (51/100) at $230.11 (in the upper portion of its 52-week range) describe a stock that is being considered rather than avoided.