Based in Dublin, Ohio, Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) is a global healthcare services and products company. It distributes pharmaceuticals and specialty products, supplies medical and laboratory equipment, provides home healthcare services and logistics, and operates nuclear pharmacies and manufacturing facilities, serving healthcare providers and patients worldwide. The company has a market capitalization of $55.1 billion.
CAH is scheduled to report its Q1 earnings on Thursday, November 5, 2026, before the market opens. Ahead of the release, analysts expect diluted EPS of $2.92, up 14.5% from $2.55 in the year-ago quarter. CAH has also exceeded Wall Street’s EPS estimates in each of the past four quarters, highlighting its consistent earnings performance.
For fiscal 2027, analysts expect CAH to report EPS of $12.55, up 11.5% from $11.26 in fiscal 2026. EPS is projected to increase by another 10.8% to $13.91 in fiscal 2028.
CAH shares have surged 55.4% over the past 52 weeks, comfortably outperforming the S&P 500 Index ($SPX), which rose 17.3%, and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), which gained 19.5% over the same period.
Cardinal Health’s strong competitive position and consistent earnings growth have helped the stock outperform, with share buybacks further boosting shareholder returns. Over the past five years, the company’s EPS grew at an annual rate of 14.6%, outpacing revenue growth. Its scale and presence in the highly regulated healthcare supply chain also reinforce its competitive advantages.
More recently, on Oct. 1, Cardinal Health announced a binding letter of intent to extend its pharmaceutical distribution agreement with CVS Health Corporation (CVS) through June 30, 2032, strengthening the continuity of a key customer relationship and improving long-term revenue visibility. The company also reaffirmed its fiscal 2027 non-GAAP EPS growth guidance of 13% to 15% and its long-term growth outlook of 12% to 14%, signaling continued confidence in its earnings trajectory. CAH shares jumped 3.4% that day.
Analysts remain bullish on CAH, with the stock carrying a consensus “Strong Buy” rating. Of the 17 analysts covering the stock, 13 recommend a “Strong Buy,” one suggests a “Moderate Buy,” and three rate it a “Hold.” The average analyst price target of $270 represents a 12.6% premium to the current share price.
On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.