Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)vsMedline Inc. Class A Common Stock (MDLN)
CAH
Cardinal Health Inc
$183.65
-0.88%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $43.39B
MDLN
Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
$39.52
-5.59%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $35.40B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Cardinal Health Inc generates 760% more annual revenue ($250.74B vs $29.14B). MDLN leads profitability with a 3.3% profit margin vs 0.6%. CAH trades at a lower P/E of 28.2x. MDLN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 52/100 (C-).
CAH
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
MDLN
Buy52
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+73.9%
Fair Value
$859.62
Current Price
$183.65
$675.97 discount
Margin of Safety
+69.5%
Fair Value
$147.84
Current Price
$39.52
$108.32 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 1258.0% YoY
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
0.6% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.4%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 6.0% — below average capital efficiency
3.3% margin — thin
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CAH
The strongest argument for CAH centers on Altman Z-Score, Free Cash Flow. Revenue growth of 11.0% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.25 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : MDLN
The strongest argument for MDLN centers on EPS Growth, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : CAH
The primary concerns for CAH are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Bear Case : MDLN
The primary concerns for MDLN are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 3.3% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CAH is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — sustainability is the question.
CAH generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
MDLN scores higher overall (52/100 vs 47/100) and 10.7% revenue growth. CAH offers better value entry with a 73.9% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Cardinal Health Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Cardinal Health, Inc. is an American multinational health care services company.
Visit Website →Medline Inc. Class A Common Stock
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
Medline Inc. manufactures med-surg products serving the hospital, surgery centers, physician offices, post-acute facilities, and nursing home sites of care in the United States and Internationally. The company is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois.
Visit Website →Compare with Other MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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