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On Tuesday, Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) analysts upgraded Cardinal Health (NYSE: NYSE:CAH) stock to Overweight from Equal Weight. The analysts also raised the company’s price target to $179 from $136, citing an improved valuation and a tighter spread compared to peers. The stock, currently trading at $155.25, sits near its 52-week high of $156.44, having delivered an impressive 58.8% return over the past year.
The analysts highlighted a strong industry backdrop, an improving business mix, and impressive execution as key factors behind the upgrade. They noted that Cardinal Health’s core EBIT growth is estimated to be around 14% for fiscal year 2025, with an expected growth of approximately 6% in fiscal year 2026, leading to a reported EBIT growth of about 11%. InvestingPro data shows the company maintains strong financial health with an overall score of "GREAT," supported by robust cash flows and moderate debt levels.
The analysts also mentioned potential upward revisions if the company’s recent outperformance in its Pharma segment continues or if GMPD tariff headwinds are less severe than anticipated. Cardinal Health’s discussion of tariffs suggests a significant amount of non-price offsets, which may be durable even if the gross pressure from tariffs decreases.
Additionally, the analysts increased their earnings per share estimates for Cardinal Health by 1.8% for 2025, 3.3% for 2026, and 4.7% for 2027. These changes reflect the ramping of mergers and acquisitions, as well as the inclusion of the ADSG deal in their model.
The new price target of $179 is based on a 17.5x fiscal year 2027 EPS, aligning with the current next twelve months price-to-earnings ratio. The analysts believe this premium is justified by strong trends, improved business mix post-capital deployment, enhanced execution, and conservative GMPD assumptions. According to InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis, Cardinal Health appears undervalued, with additional insights and 16 more ProTips available to subscribers through the comprehensive Pro Research Report.
In other recent news, Cardinal Health reported impressive first-quarter 2025 earnings, surpassing expectations with an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.35, compared to the forecasted $2.17. Despite a slight revenue miss, the company raised its full-year EPS guidance, reflecting confidence in future growth. Citi analysts responded by raising their price target for Cardinal Health to $157, maintaining a Neutral rating, while Evercore ISI lifted their target to $175 with an Outperform rating. Both analyst firms highlighted the company’s strong performance in its Pharmaceutical (TADAWUL:2070) and Other segments, which have exceeded expectations and contributed significantly to growth. Additionally, Cardinal Health announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.5107 per share, demonstrating its commitment to delivering value to shareholders. The company also noted strong growth in its Nuclear segment and strategic acquisitions, which have bolstered its operational earnings. Cardinal Health continues to anticipate double-digit EPS growth in fiscal year 2026, with the Pharma and Other segments expected to be primary contributors.
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