Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) vs Cigna Corporation (CI)
A side-by-side comparison of Cardinal Health, Inc. and Cigna Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 13, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.
CAH
Cardinal Health, Inc.
$233.49HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT
CI
Cigna Corporation
$288.18HealthcareDelayed quote: Sep 15, 2026, 10:30 AM EDT
Total return — CAH vs CI
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10yCAH +304.7% (+15.0%/yr)CI +144.7% (+9.4%/yr)CAH compounded faster over this window
CAH CI
CAH vs CI: by the numbers
- •CI is the larger company ($76.15B vs $54.68B market cap).
- •CI trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.93 vs 32.29 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
- •CI converts more revenue to profit (2.27% vs 0.67% net margin).
- •CI grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.11% vs 9.37% CAGR).
- •CI pays the higher dividend yield (2.20% vs 0.87%).
Metrics side by side
Valuation
| Metric | CAH | CI |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 32.29 | 11.93 |
| Forward P/E | 18.61 | 9.45 |
| P/S ratio | 0.22 | 0.27 |
| P/B ratio | N/A | 1.79 |
| EV / EBITDA | 16.75 | 8.24 |
| FCF yield | 8.27% | 11.97% |
Profitability
| Metric | CAH | CI |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 3.84% | 11.66% |
| Operating margin | 1.03% | 3.46% |
| Net margin | 0.67% | 2.27% |
| ROE | N/A | 15.05% |
| ROIC | 13.45% | 7.69% |
Dividends
| Metric | CAH | CI |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 0.87% | 2.20% |
| Payout ratio | 28.33% | 25.62% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | CAH | CI |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue CAGR (5Y) | 9.37% | 11.11% |
| EPS CAGR (5Y) | 28.32% | -0.76% |
| FCF CAGR (5Y) | 17.40% | -1.95% |
| Total return CAGR (5Y) | 37.70% | 8.52% |
Frequently asked
- Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAH or CI?
- CI has the lower trailing P/E: CAH trades at 32.29 and CI at 11.93. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
- Which has grown faster, CAH or CI?
- Over the past five years, CI grew revenue faster — CAH at a 9.37% CAGR versus CI at 11.11%.
- Does CAH or CI pay a bigger dividend?
- CAH yields 0.87% and CI yields 2.20% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
- Is CAH or CI more profitable?
- CI runs the higher net margin — CAH at 0.67% versus CI at 2.27%.
- How have CAH and CI total returns compared?
- Over the past 10 years, CAH delivered 14.67% and CI delivered 9.29% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
Cardinal Health P/E ratioCigna P/E ratioCardinal Health dividend yieldCigna dividend yieldCardinal Health ROECigna ROECardinal Health operating marginCigna operating marginCardinal Health revenue growthCigna revenue growthCardinal Health free cash flowCigna free cash flow
Cardinal Health & Cigna appear in these rankings
Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 13, 2026.