Cardinal Health stock dips despite solid fiscal 2026 earnings and upbeat analyst targets

Published on 09/11/2026 at 22:00 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Cardinal Health stock closed at USD 236.02 on September 10, 2026, after a 1.66 percent drop on the NYSE. Analysts see upside to an average price target of USD 266.56, backed by double-digit revenue growth in fiscal 2026.

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Cardinal Health stock (ISIN US14149Y1082) slipped to USD 236.02 on the New York Stock Exchange on September 10, 2026, down 1.66 percent from the prior close, even as the company reported double-digit revenue growth for fiscal 2026 and analysts project further upside with an average price target of USD 266.56.

Fiscal 2026 results show strong momentum

According to Zacks on September 11, 2026, Cardinal Health closed fiscal 2026 with fourth-quarter revenue of USD 63.7 billion, an increase of 6 percent compared with the prior-year quarter.

The same analysis notes that fourth-quarter gross profit rose 16 percent to USD 2.6 billion, while operating earnings in that quarter climbed 30 percent to USD 935 million, underscoring a significant improvement in profitability year over year.Zacks

On a full-year basis, Cardinal Health generated fiscal 2026 revenue of USD 254 billion, up 14 percent versus the prior fiscal year, while operating earnings increased 30 percent to USD 3.6 billion over the same period, confirming that growth is not only volume-driven but also supported by expanding margins.Zacks

Analysts highlight upside potential

As MarketBeat reported on September 11, 2026, Cardinal Health carries a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from 19 analysts, with 16 Buy recommendations and 3 Hold ratings and no Sell calls.

The same overview shows an average 12-month price target of USD 266.56 per share, compared with a current price of about USD 233 to USD 236, implying roughly 13 to 14 percent upside if the consensus scenario plays out.MarketBeat

In addition, a filing-based note from MarketBeat on September 11, 2026, highlighted that Cardinal Health recently reported quarterly earnings per share of USD 2.91, beating market estimates, which supports the positive analyst stance despite some profit-taking in the share price.

Valuation and risk considerations for investors

According to Zacks, Cardinal Health trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.41, above its five-year median multiple of 14.10 but still below the broader S and P 500 index, which stands at about 19.83.

This means the stock is valued at a premium to its own historical average but still at a discount to the overall market, a combination that reflects improved earnings quality yet leaves room for further rerating if growth in specialty-focused and higher-margin businesses continues.Zacks

The same report points out that Cardinal Health shares have gained 29.3 percent over the past four months, demonstrating strong momentum but also suggesting that part of the valuation catch-up has already occurred, leaving investors to monitor execution risks around acquisitions and potential tariff-related cost pressures.Zacks

Cardinal Health stock holds near upper end of 52-week range

Per data from MarketBeat on September 11, 2026, Cardinal Health shares recently traded around USD 233.12 on the NYSE, within a 52-week range of USD 145.87 to USD 258.30, placing the current level closer to the upper end of that band.

The same overview lists a market capitalization of USD 54.22 billion at that price point, underscoring Cardinal Health's status as a large-cap healthcare distributor with meaningful index presence, while a trailing twelve-month earnings per share of USD 7.23 supports the stock's valuation profile.MarketBeat

For investors, the combination of a recent closing price of USD 236.02 on September 10, 2026, a 52-week high of USD 258.30, and an average analyst target of USD 266.56 suggests that Cardinal Health stock is already pricing in much of the recent earnings strength but still offers measured upside if fiscal 2026 trends carry into the new year.