WallStSmart

Cardinal Health Inc (CAH)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Cardinal Health Inc generates 332% more annual revenue ($244.67B vs $56.67B). NVS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 0.7%. CAH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. CAH earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 53/100 (C-).

CAH

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 4.5Value: 8.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.30

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CAHUndervalued (+14.8%)

Margin of Safety

+14.8%

Fair Value

$263.37

Current Price

$211.31

$52.06 discount

UndervaluedFair: $263.37Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-243.7%)

Margin of Safety

-243.7%

Fair Value

$48.62

Current Price

$150.75

$102.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.62Overvalued

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

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.8%8/10

18.8% revenue growth

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$286.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

CAH4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
0.7%3/10

0.7% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.2%3/10

Operating margin of 1.2%

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.6%2/10

Earnings declined 11.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CAH

The strongest argument for CAH centers on Altman Z-Score, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 18.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.33 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 27.8%.

Bear Case : CAH

The primary concerns for CAH are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 0.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Bear Case : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CAH profiles as a growth stock while NVS is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

CAH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.62 — expect wider price swings.

CAH is growing revenue faster at 18.8% — sustainability is the question.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CAH scores higher overall (53/100 vs 51/100) and 18.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" 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.

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Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

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