Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) vs Humana Inc. (HUM)

A side-by-side comparison of Cardinal Health, Inc. and Humana Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnCAH vs HUM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
CAH +307.2% (+15.1%/yr)HUM +147.2% (+9.5%/yr)CAH compounded faster over this window
100200300400Start $10020182020202220242026$407$247
CAH HUM

CAH vs HUM: by the numbers

  • CAH is the larger company ($54.94B vs $49.21B market cap).
  • CAH trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (32.44 vs 38.81 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • HUM converts more revenue to profit (0.88% vs 0.67% net margin).
  • HUM grew revenue faster over the past five years (12.61% vs 9.37% CAGR).
  • HUM pays the higher dividend yield (0.88% vs 0.87%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricCAHHUM
P/E ratio32.4438.81
Forward P/E18.7044.77
P/S ratio0.220.34
P/B ratioN/A2.56
EV / EBITDA16.8220.40
FCF yield8.24%N/A

Profitability

MetricCAHHUM
Gross margin3.84%13.65%
Operating margin1.03%1.39%
Net margin0.67%0.88%
ROEN/A6.65%
ROIC13.45%4.52%

Dividends

MetricCAHHUM
Dividend yield0.87%0.88%
Payout ratio28.33%33.52%

Growth (annualized)

MetricCAHHUM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.37%12.61%
EPS CAGR (5Y)28.32%-17.27%
FCF CAGR (5Y)17.40%-17.19%
Total return CAGR (5Y)37.89%0.94%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, CAH or HUM?
CAH has the lower trailing P/E: CAH trades at 32.44 and HUM at 38.81. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, CAH or HUM?
Over the past five years, HUM grew revenue faster — CAH at a 9.37% CAGR versus HUM at 12.61%.
Does CAH or HUM pay a bigger dividend?
CAH yields 0.87% and HUM yields 0.88% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is CAH or HUM more profitable?
HUM runs the higher net margin — CAH at 0.67% versus HUM at 0.88%.
How have CAH and HUM total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, CAH delivered 14.74% and HUM delivered 9.46% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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 10, 2026.