WallStSmart

Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cardinal Health Inc generates 915% more annual revenue ($250.74B vs $24.70B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 0.6%. CAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. UNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C).

CAH

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.30

UNP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CAHUndervalued (+73.9%)

Margin of Safety

+73.9%

Fair Value

$859.62

Current Price

$183.65

$675.97 discount

UndervaluedFair: $859.62Overvalued
UNPSignificantly Overvalued (-75.9%)

Margin of Safety

-75.9%

Fair Value

$150.49

Current Price

$264.65

$114.16 premium

UndervaluedFair: $150.49Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CAH2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.3010/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.68B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

UNP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%

Market CapQuality
$157.27B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.2%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CAH4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.2x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.6%3/10

0.6% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.4%3/10

Operating margin of 1.4%

UNP3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.5x4/10

Trading at 8.5x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.2%4/10

3.2% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.302/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.

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 : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

UNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.

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

UNP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 29.2% margins. 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 →

Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?