"From the original article's publication on May 29, 2025, through May 11, 2026, UnitedHealth returned 35.2%, climbing from $296.80 to $401.16. Cardinal Health, the recommended pick, returned 21.8%, moving from $153.00 to $186.35. Both produced solid gains, yet the "buy the wreck" trade in UnitedHealth beat the "ride the leader" trade in Cardinal Health by a meaningful margin on a total-return basis."
"UnitedHealth posted a 27.0% gain over the past month and is up 20.9% year-to-date, fueled by a Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $7.23, versus the $6.61 consensus estimate, and a raised full-year outlook calling for adjusted EPS above $18.25. The medical cost ratio improved 90 basis points to 83.9%, the central data point bears had been hammering."
"Cardinal Health has gone the other way. The stock is down 10.7% over the past month and down 6.6% year-to-date, even after Q3 FY26 produced a non-GAAP EPS beat of $3.17 against $2.79. The market punished a 2.09% revenue miss, a 30.27% year-over-year operating income decline, and a $184"
UnitedHealth delivered stronger 12-month total returns than Cardinal Health, rising from $296.80 to $401.16 for a 35.2% gain versus Cardinal Health’s increase from $153.00 to $186.35 for a 21.8% gain. Recent momentum favors UnitedHealth, with a 27.0% gain over the past month and a 20.9% year-to-date rise. Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $7.23 beat the $6.61 consensus, and full-year adjusted EPS guidance was raised above $18.25. The medical cost ratio improved by 90 basis points to 83.9%. Cardinal Health has weakened, down 10.7% over the past month and 6.6% year-to-date, despite a Q3 FY26 non-GAAP EPS beat, with the market reacting negatively to revenue and operating income declines.
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