Cardinal Health Statistics and Facts Last updated on: October 30, 2025

Company Overview

Cardinal Health, Inc. is a global leader in healthcare services and products, providing tailored solutions for hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, physician offices, clinical laboratories, and patients receiving care at home. The company delivers a broad range of pharmaceuticals and medical products while offering cost-effective services that enhance the efficiency of the healthcare system and strengthen supply chain performance. By connecting providers, payers, manufacturers, pharmacists, and patients, Cardinal Health plays a vital role in enabling coordinated and accessible care delivery across multiple healthcare settings.

The company operates through 2 main business segments: the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions (Pharma) segment and the Global Medical Products and Distribution (GMPD) segment. The Pharma segment distributes branded, specialty, generic, and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, along with consumer health products. Meanwhile, the GMPD segment manufactures, sources, and allocates Cardinal Health–branded medical, surgical, and laboratory products, serving customers across the United States, Europe, Canada, Asia, and other international markets.

Cardinal Health has an extensive presence in more than 60 countries, with major operations spanning the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Australia, and the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region. Its global footprint includes key markets such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Through its diverse regional network and commitment to supply chain excellence, Cardinal Health continues to advance healthcare accessibility, operational resilience, and patient care outcomes worldwide. As of July 31, 2025, Cardinal Health reported approximately 5,917 registered shareholders of its common stock, reflecting a broad and stable investor base.

Key Facts

• Cardinal Health was founded in 1971 (originally as a food wholesaler) and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.
• The company operates globally, providing healthcare products and services across hospitals, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centres and other care settings.
• Cardinal Health’s business is structured around major segments, including Pharmaceutical & Specialty Solutions and Global Medical Products & Distribution.
• It serves a very large portion of US hospitals and a broad client base of pharmacies and health-care providers.
• Cardinal Health is listed on major US stock exchanges and is part of the healthcare distribution and services infrastructure in the US.

History of Cardinal Health

• 1971: Cardinal Health traces its origins to Robert D. Walter’s acquisition of Monarch Foods, forming Cardinal Foods, a grocery distribution business that would evolve into a global healthcare leader.
• 1980: The company entered the pharmaceutical sector by acquiring Bailey Drug Company, rebranding as Cardinal Distribution, Inc., and shifting its focus toward healthcare distribution.
• 1983: Following rapid growth in pharmaceutical logistics, Cardinal Distribution launched an initial public offering (IPO) on NASDAQ at US$1.03 per share, marking its emergence as a publicly traded enterprise.
• 1994: Reflecting its expanding role in healthcare services and medical supply distribution, the company changed its name to Cardinal Health, Inc., symbolizing its transformation into a comprehensive healthcare solutions provider.
• 1999: Through the acquisition of Allegiance Corporation, a manufacturer of hospital gowns, gloves, drapes, and surgical supplies, Cardinal Health significantly broadened its medical products portfolio and hospital supply capabilities.
• 2003: The purchase of Syncor International positioned Cardinal Health as a national leader in nuclear pharmacy services, enhancing its expertise in radiopharmaceuticals and diagnostic imaging solutions.
• 2010: With the acquisition of Kinray, Cardinal Health strengthened its independent retail pharmacy distribution network across the northeastern United States, expanding its reach in community healthcare.
• 2013: The company bolstered its technology-driven and home healthcare operations through the acquisitions of WaveMark, introducing the Cardinal Inventory Manager system and AssuraMed, later branded as Cardinal Health at Home, entering the direct-to-patient delivery segment.
• 2015: Cardinal Health advanced its medical technology footprint with the acquisition of Cordis, a global innovator in vascular intervention devices, and Metro Medical, which enhanced its Specialty Distribution
• 2017: The company diversified its healthcare solutions by acquiring Medtronic’s Patient Recovery business, expanding its range of medical and recovery products across hospitals and clinics.
• 2021: Celebrating 50 years of operations, Cardinal Health reached a remarkable scale, serving 29,000 pharmacies, over 10,000 specialty physician offices, and 4 million U.S. patients directly with 46,000 home healthcare products. Its products and services supported nearly 90% of U.S. hospitals, backed by partnerships with 4,500 manufacturing and sourcing organizations, reaffirming its central role in global healthcare delivery.

(Source: Company Website)

Employee Analysis

• As of June 30, 2025, Cardinal Health employed approximately 57,700 people worldwide, reflecting its strong global workforce dedicated to addressing complex healthcare challenges and improving patient outcomes every day.
• Around 18,500 employees are based outside the United States, supporting the company’s international operations across multiple regions.
• Nearly 92% of the workforce consists of full-time employees, emphasizing Cardinal Health’s commitment to stable and long-term employment.
• Approximately 35,000 employees work in distribution centers, manufacturing sites, pharmacies, or serve as non-provider staff within the company’s MSO platforms, ensuring efficient supply chain and service operations.
• About 21,000 employees contribute to other essential corporate functions such as finance, human resources, information technology, and sales, reinforcing operational excellence and strategic business growth.
• The company also employs around 1,900 licensed healthcare providers, including physicians, Advanced Level Providers, and nurse anesthetists, delivering specialized medical expertise across its service network.
• Roughly 6% of employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements or equivalent forms of worker representation, with the majority of these individuals located outside the United States.
• In addition, Cardinal Health partners with global professional service firms to manage select business processes in IT, finance, and HR, enhancing efficiency and enabling a focus on core healthcare operations.

(Source: Eli Lilly Company SEC Filings)

Financial Analysis

Annual Revenue

• In fiscal 2024, Cardinal Health generated US$222.6 billion in annual revenue, reflecting a 2% decrease from US$226.8 billion in 2023, primarily due to the expiration of OptumRx contracts within the Pharma segment.
• The decline was partially mitigated by continued momentum in branded and specialty pharmaceutical sales, supported by expanded customer relationships and stronger product demand.
• Over the three years, the company’s revenue showed steady performance—rising from US$204.9 billion in 2022 to US$226.8 billion in 2023, before adjusting slightly to US$222.6 billion in 2024, underscoring a resilient business model and diversified growth across healthcare services.
• Despite a temporary dip, Cardinal Health maintained strong market positioning, driven by customer retention, strategic product mix, and sustained leadership in pharmaceutical distribution and specialty healthcare solutions.

(Source: Cardinal Health Inc. SEC Filings)

Segment Revenue Analysis

• In 2025, the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment generated US$204,644 million, compared to US$210,019 million in 2024 and US$188,814 million in 2023. The year-over-year moderation reflected the conclusion of the OptumRx contracts, partially balanced by continued growth in branded and specialty pharmaceuticals supported by new and existing client relationships.
• The Global Medical Products and Distribution segment reported US$12,636 million in 2025, up from US$12,381 million in 2024 and US$12,222 million in 2023, marking sustained performance driven by stable hospital demand, expanding surgical product lines, and improved distribution efficiency across key markets.
• The Other category in Cardinal Health’s reporting includes three non-reportable operating segments that complement its core business operations.
• The Nuclear and Precision Health Solutions segment manages a network of nuclear pharmacies and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, providing diagnostic and therapeutic solutions that support precision medicine.
• The at-Home Solutions segment focuses on distributing medical products directly to patients’ homes across the United States, enabling greater access to home-based healthcare and personalized medical support.
• The OptiFreight Logistics segment delivers supply chain management and logistics solutions to healthcare providers, ensuring efficient transportation, cost optimization, and improved supply chain visibility.
• Nuclear and Precision Health Solutions delivered US$1,578 million in 2025, increasing from US$1,369 million in 2024 and US$1,197 million in 2023, reflecting strong growth in radiopharmaceutical services, precision imaging, and personalized medicine offerings in the U.S. market.
• The at-Home Solutions division recorded US$3,480 million in 2025, up from US$2,869 million the prior year and US$2,584 million in 2023, driven by rising demand for remote patient care and expansion of the company’s direct-to-consumer medical supply programs.
• OptiFreight Logistics posted US$324 million in revenue for 2025, compared with US$274 million in 2024 and US$240 million in 2023, underscoring growth in logistics optimization and transportation management solutions offered to healthcare providers.
• The Other segment contributed US$5,382 million in 2025, up from US$4,512 million in 2024 and US$4,021 million in 2023, highlighting gains from new service initiatives, strategic collaborations, and diversified healthcare operations that strengthen Cardinal Health’s overall business portfolio.

(Source: Cardinal Health Inc. SEC Filings)

Geographical Revenue

• In 2024, Cardinal Health generated US$220,993 million in revenue from the United States, compared to US$225,231 million in 2023 and US$203,440 million in 2022. The slight decline year-over-year reflected market adjustments, though overall performance remained strong due to sustained demand for pharmaceutical and medical distribution services
• The international segment reported US$1,669 million in 2024, remaining stable against US$1,681 million in 2023 and US$1,617 million in 2022. This steady trend underscores consistent expansion in emerging markets and the company’s diversified global operations.
• Across the three years, S. revenue continued to dominate Cardinal Health’s portfolio, serving as the primary growth engine, while the international business provided steady and reliable contributions, reflecting a balanced global strategy and resilient operating model.

(Source: Cardinal Health Inc., SEC Filings)

Global Operations and Service Footprint of the Company

• Serving over 90% of U.S. hospitals, Cardinal Health plays a vital role in ensuring uninterrupted access to critical medical and pharmaceutical supplies nationwide.
• The Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions division supports more than 20,000 physician offices and clinics, enabling efficient delivery of medications and specialty therapies across diverse healthcare settings.
• Operating across 20+ medical product categories, the company stands as a comprehensive healthcare manufacturer and distributor, offering end-to-end solutions for hospitals and patients.
• Through OptiFreight Logistics, Cardinal Health manages over 22 million parcel shipments each year, improving delivery speed, cost efficiency, and reliability throughout the healthcare supply chain.
• Its direct-to-patient business reaches more than 5 million individuals annually, empowering patients with home-based care and consistent access to medical products.
• The company oversees approximately 40,000 pharmaceutical deliveries daily, reinforcing its leadership in pharmaceutical distribution and supply efficiency.
• With around 130 nuclear pharmacies and 30 PET cyclotron facilities, Cardinal Health contributes to the advancement of precision diagnostics and radiopharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Employing nearly 48,000 professionals worldwide, the company’s workforce drives innovation, operational excellence, and patient-centered service delivery.
• Operating in over 30 countries, Cardinal Health’s expansive global network underscores its mission to strengthen healthcare access and outcomes across regions.

(Source: Cardinal Health Inc Fact Sheet)

Pharmaceutical Products and Associated U.S. Patents of the Company

(Source: Company Website)

Fun facts

• The name “Cardinal” comes from the state bird of Ohio (the northern cardinal), reflecting the company’s Ohio roots.
• Though it’s primarily known as a pharmaceutical distributor and healthcare services provider, Cardinal Health’s origins were in food distribution—a very different business.
• The company delivers enormous volumes of medical and surgical products; in some reports it supplies items used in an extremely high percentage of US hospital operations.
• Over the years, Cardinal Health has evolved through many acquisitions and expansions into novel areas (for example, logistics, home-care solutions, medical product manufacturing) beyond its original distribution core.
• As part of its operations, Cardinal Health places emphasis on “end-to-end” supply-chain solutions—linking manufacturers, distributors, healthcare providers and patients—highlighting its role beyond just “wholesaler.”

Recent Developments

• In September 2025, Cardinal Health expanded its pharmaceutical distribution network with the addition of a new state-of-the-art facility in Indianapolis. The forward distribution center integrates advanced automation and digital systems to support the delivery of more than 70,000 pharmaceutical and specialty shipments per day across the United States, enhancing operational efficiency and nationwide supply reliability.
• Also in September 2025, the company expanded its Fort Worth, Texas distribution center, dedicated exclusively to its at-Home Solutions business, which serves over 6 million patients annually across the U.S. Additionally, Cardinal Health announced plans to begin construction on a new at-Home Solutions facility in Sacramento, California, during the fiscal year, reinforcing its commitment to improving access to home-based healthcare supplies.
• In July 2025, Cardinal Health furthered its social impact through the Equity Rx initiative, designed to help underserved communities in Ohio and surrounding regions access essential prescription medications. Initially launched as a pilot in 2023, the program is a collaboration between the Cardinal Health Foundation, Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN), and St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy in Cincinnati, promoting equitable access to healthcare.
• In June 2025, the company introduced a multi-parameter, single-patient-use lead wire system and monitoring cable in the U.S. market. The device allows continuous tracking of cardiac activity, blood oxygen levels, and temperature through a single connection point, improving patient monitoring efficiency in clinical settings.
• In January 2025, Cardinal Health opened a newly consolidated distribution center in Fort Worth, Texas, merging two existing warehouses into a larger, more advanced facility. The upgrade added approximately 74,000 square feet of inventory capacity while maintaining the existing workforce, supporting greater scale and operational flexibility in medical product distribution.

(Source: Cardinal Health Press Releases)

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