Stock Analysis: Cardinal Health,Inc. (CAH)

Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Cardinal Health,Inc. (CAH). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

Company Description: Cardinal Health Inc. is one of the leading wholesale distributors of pharmaceuticals, medical/surgical supplies and related products to a broad range of health care customers.

Fair Value: In calculating fair value, I consider the NPV MMA Differential Fair Value along with these four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. Avg. High Yield Price
2. 20-Year DCF Price
3. Avg. P/E Price
4. Graham Number

CAH is trading at a discount to 1.) and 3.) above. The stock is trading at a slight premium to its calculated fair value of $38.81. CAH did not earn any Stars in this section.

Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. Free Cash Flow Payout
2. Debt To Total Capital
3. Key Metrics
4. Dividend Growth Rate
5. Years of Div. Growth
6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15%

CAH earned three Stars in this section for 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. CAH earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15% means that dividends grew on average in excess of 15% for each consecutive 4 year period over the last 10 years (2001-2004, 2002-2005, 2003-2006, etc.) I consider this a key metric since dividends will double every 5 years if they grow by 15%. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1983 and has increased its dividend payments for 14 consecutive years.

Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA)? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

1. NPV MMA Diff.
2. Years to > MMA

The NPV MMA Diff. of the $2,080 is below the $2,100 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as CAH has. If CAH grows its dividend at 15.0% per year, it will take 6 years to equal a MMA yielding an estimated 20-year average rate of 3.9%.

Memberships and Peers: CAH is a member of the S&P 500 a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers™ Index. The company's peer group includes: AmerisourceBergen Corporation (ABC) with a 1.1% yield, McKesson Corporation (MCK) with a 0.9% yield and Owens & Minor Inc. (OMI) with a 2.6% yield.

Conclusion: CAH did not earn any Stars in the Fair Value section, earned three Stars in the Dividend Analytical Data section and did not earn any Stars in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of three Stars. This quantitatively ranks CAH as a 3 Star-Hold.

Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to decrease to $40.31 before CAH's NPV MMA Differential increased to the $2,100 minimum that I look for in a stock with 14 years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 1.94%.

Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $2,100 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is 15.0%. This dividend growth rate is equal to the 15.0% used in this analysis, thus providing no margin of safety. CAH has a risk rating of 1.50 which classifies it as a Low risk stock.

CAH offers a diversified line of products and services. It is well-situated, with relationships with two major retail pharmacy chains (CVS Caremark and Walgreen) generating over 40% of its revenues. However, intense competition in the drug distribution market and consolidation among retail pharmacies could squeeze future margins. The company generates strong cash flow, which provides flexibility for expansion, dividends and share buybacks. CAH is currently trading slightly above my fair value price of $38.81. However, its low dividend yield will keep me from giving CAH serious consideration at this time. For additional information, including the stock’s dividend history, please refer to its data page.

Disclaimer: Material presented here is for informational purposes only. The above quantitative stock analysis, including the Star rating, is mechanically calculated and is based on historical information. The analysis assumes the stock will perform in the future as it has in the past. This is generally never true. Before buying or selling any stock you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion. See my Disclaimer for more information.

Full Disclosure: At the time of this writing, I held no position in CAH (0.0% of my Income Portfolio). See a list of all my income holdings here.

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