Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
CAH
Cardinal Health Inc
$183.65
-0.88%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $43.39B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$379.98
+2.77%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $335.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 79% more annual revenue ($449.71B vs $250.74B). UNH leads profitability with a 2.7% profit margin vs 0.6%. CAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. UNH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 54/100 (C-).
CAH
Hold47
out of 100
Grade: D+
UNH
Buy54
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
+42.2%
Fair Value
$639.72
Current Price
$379.98
$259.74 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 8.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Moderate valuation
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
0.6% margin — thin
Operating margin of 1.4%
Moderate valuation
2.0% revenue growth
0.7% earnings growth
2.7% margin — thin
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 : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
UNH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.
CAH is growing revenue faster at 11.0% — sustainability is the question.
UNH generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
UNH scores higher overall (54/100 vs 47/100). 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 →UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
Visit Website →Compare with Other MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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