Cardinal settles with Elliott

Article Excerpt

CARDINAL HEALTH INC. $68 is a hold. The company (New York symbol CAH; Manufacturing sector; Shares outstanding: 272.5 million; Market cap: $18.5 billion; Dividend yield: 3.0%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.cardinalhealth.com) distributes branded and generic drugs to pharmacies, hospitals and clinics in the U.S. It also distributes medical supplies such as gloves, syringes and hospital gowns. Cardinal has agreed to a new deal with activist Elliott Investment Management, which holds an undisclosed but “large” stake in the firm. As a result, the company has appointed four new independent directors, including an Elliott representative, to its board. Two current members will also step down, which will bring the total number to 13. Elliott will also help the company conduct a strategic review of its businesses, which could lead to a spinoff of some divisions or even the sale of the entire company. It expects to complete the review in 2023. Cardinal Health is a hold. hold. …