1104: Navigating Cardinal Health’s Growth Journey | Aaron Alt, CFO, Cardinal Health

CFO THOUGHT LEADER

As Cardinal Health nears its second anniversary since the company’s first investor day under Aaron Alt’s leadership, significant strides have been made in an ambitious transformation. Alt reflects on the company’s trajectory since his appointment as CFO, saying, “We’ve deployed several billion dollars of money inorganically to drive our strategy.” This move underscores the shift towards specialty distribution and related services—areas with higher margins and greater growth potential than the company’s traditional core business.

Under Alt’s stewardship, Cardinal Health has pursued a strategy of organic growth alongside strategic acquisitions, targeting key therapy areas like gastroenterology and urology. The company’s balance sheet has played a crucial role, enabling substantial investments and allowing Cardinal Health to maintain a steady flow of capital back to shareholders in the form of increased dividends and share repurchases.

With the recent increase in the company’s fiscal year 2026 profit estimates, Alt’s strategy of clear execution is paying off. “We’re doing what we said we were going to do,” Alt emphasizes, highlighting the transparency and accountability that have defined Cardinal Health’s performance under his leadership. Looking ahead, the company’s growth trajectory is set to continue as it leverages acquisitions and internal investments to expand its portfolio and drive long-term value creation.

Alt’s leadership continues to guide Cardinal Health through a period of transformation, ensuring the company remains agile and strategically positioned for future success in the healthcare industry.