Cardinal Health

American multinational healthcare services company specializing in pharmaceutical distribution, medical products, and healthcare technology solutions.

Company Type

public

Founded

1971

Headquarters

Dublin, Ohio, USA

Stock

NYSE: CAH

About Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health operates through several key business segments focused on healthcare distribution and services. The Pharmaceutical segment distributes brand-name and generic pharmaceuticals to pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers across the United States and internationally.

The Medical segment manufactures and distributes medical and surgical products, including gloves, surgical gowns, and other medical supplies. The company also operates nuclear pharmacies that prepare and deliver radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging and cancer treatment.

Cardinal Health provides various healthcare technology solutions, including pharmacy management systems, supply chain management tools, and data analytics platforms. The company has expanded into at-home healthcare services, delivering medical supplies and pharmaceuticals directly to patients' homes.

Cardinal Health employs approximately 47,000 people worldwide and generates annual revenues exceeding $180 billion. The company serves pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare systems, and manufacturers across the United States and select international markets.

History of Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health was founded in 1971 by Robert Walter as a small food distributor in Columbus, Ohio. The company entered the pharmaceutical distribution business in 1979, marking a strategic shift toward healthcare services. Throughout the 1980s, Cardinal Health expanded its pharmaceutical distribution operations and went public in 1983.

The company grew rapidly through acquisitions in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming one of the largest pharmaceutical distributors in the United States. In 1994, Cardinal Health acquired the medical and surgical products business of Baxter International, significantly expanding its medical products portfolio.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Cardinal Health continued to expand through strategic acquisitions and organic growth. The company expanded internationally, particularly in Europe and Latin America. In 2009, Cardinal Health spun off its clinical and medical products businesses into CareFusion, which was later acquired by BD.

In recent years, Cardinal Health has focused on expanding its specialty pharmaceuticals business, healthcare technology solutions, and at-home healthcare services. The company has invested heavily in digital health platforms and data analytics to enhance its healthcare delivery capabilities.

Brands Owned by Cardinal Health

Cardinal Health owns 4 brands in our database.

Cardinal Health At-Home

Owned by Cardinal Health

At-home healthcare solutions provider delivering medical supplies, equipment, and pharmacy services directly to patients' homes owned by Cardinal Health.

at-home-healthcaremedical-supplieshome-delivery

Cardinal Health Nuclear & Precision Health Solutions

Owned by Cardinal Health

Radiopharmaceutical and nuclear medicine solutions provider offering PET and SPECT radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear pharmacy services owned by Cardinal Health.

radiopharmaceuticalsnuclear-medicineprecision-health

Cardinal Health Specialty Pharmacy

Owned by Cardinal Health

Specialty pharmaceutical distribution and services provider serving specialty pharmacies, hospitals, and healthcare providers with complex medications owned by Cardinal Health.

specialty-pharmacypharmaceutical-distributioncomplex-medications

Edgepark Medical Supplies

Owned by Cardinal Health

Direct-to-consumer medical supply provider offering home medical equipment, mobility aids, and healthcare products owned by Cardinal Health.

medical-supplieshome-medical-equipmentdirect-to-consumer

Shop Cardinal Health Brands

Disclosure: We may earn commission from purchases

Cardinal Health At-Home on Amazon

Cardinal Health Nuclear & Precision Health Solutions on Amazon

Cardinal Health Specialty Pharmacy on Amazon

Stock Information

Cardinal Health Ownership: Pros & Cons

Advantages

+Market leadership position in pharmaceutical distribution
+Critical role in healthcare supply chain providing stability
+Diversified revenue streams across distribution and medical products
+Strong relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare providers
+Growing presence in specialty pharmaceuticals and healthcare technology

Considerations

-Regulatory scrutiny over drug pricing and distribution practices
-Complex healthcare regulations affecting operations
-Competition from other large distributors and technology companies
-Pressure on pharmaceutical margins and pricing transparency
-Balance between growth and regulatory compliance

Frequently Asked Questions About Cardinal Health

Is Cardinal Health a subsidiary of another company?

Cardinal Health is an independent, publicly traded corporation with no parent company. The company operates independently with its own management structure and board of directors, though it has grown through numerous acquisitions throughout its history.

Is Cardinal Health publicly traded?

Yes, Cardinal Health is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAH. The company has been publicly traded since its IPO in 1983, allowing investors to purchase shares and own a portion of the company.

When was Cardinal Health founded?

Cardinal Health was founded in 1971 by Robert Walter as a food distributor. The company entered the pharmaceutical distribution business in 1979, marking the beginning of its transformation into a healthcare services company.

Who founded Cardinal Health?

Cardinal Health was founded by Robert Walter, who started the company as a small food distributor in Columbus, Ohio. Walter's vision and leadership guided the company's transformation into one of the largest healthcare distribution companies in the world.

What is Cardinal Health's market position?

Cardinal Health is one of the largest pharmaceutical distribution companies globally by revenue and a critical component of the healthcare supply chain. The company maintains strong positions in pharmaceutical distribution, medical products, and healthcare technology solutions, serving healthcare providers across the United States and internationally.

About Cardinal Health

History of Cardinal Health