Cardinal Health

RANK36

Despite bringing in over $160 billion in revenue in 2021, Cardinal Health reported net income of just $611 million for the year. Litigation costs were one factor: One of several companies entangled in lawsuits over their alleged role in the opioid crisis, Cardinal in July 2021 agreed to pay $6.4 billion in settlements to help fund health care and drug-treatment programs. The company also agreed to settle a case with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission involving racial harassment claims made by Black employees at one of its distribution centers, offering $1.45 million in settlements and agreeing to implement a range of policy changes. On the business-building front, Cardinal partnered with logistics startup Zipline to deliver products to pharmacies using autonomous aircraft.