MCK Stock Up on Q4 Earnings Beat & Potential Surgical Biz Spin-Off

Core Insights - McKesson Corporation reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS of $10.12, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.81 by 3.2%, and showing a year-over-year increase of 63.8% [1] - The company's revenue for the quarter was $90.82 billion, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.1%, but represented an 18.9% increase year-over-year, driven by strong performance in the Pharmaceutical segment, particularly in specialty products and oncology [2][5] Revenue and Segment Performance - U.S. Pharmaceutical segment revenues reached $83.2 billion, up 21% year-over-year, primarily due to increased prescription volumes and growth in the oncology platform [5] - The International segment reported revenues of $3.5 billion, down 2% year-over-year, attributed to the divestiture of the Canada-based Rexall and Well.ca retail businesses, although higher pharmaceutical distribution volumes partially offset this decline [8] - Medical-Surgical Solutions segment revenues totaled $2.9 billion, up 1% year-over-year, driven by higher volumes of specialty pharmaceuticals [9] - Prescription Technology Solutions segment revenues were $1.3 billion, reflecting a 14% year-over-year increase due to growth in technology services and third-party logistics [10] Profitability and Margins - Gross profit for the quarter was $3.39 billion, up 2.2% year-over-year, representing 3.7% of net revenues, a decrease of nearly 60 basis points year-over-year [12] - Adjusted operating income was $1.72 billion, an 18.5% increase from the prior year, with an operating margin of 1.9%, remaining flat year-over-year [12] Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook - McKesson announced plans to separate its Medical-Surgical Solutions segment into an independent company to enhance strategic opportunities [10] - The company provided EPS guidance of $36.75-$37.55 for fiscal 2026 but did not offer total and segmental sales outlook due to the potential spin-off [14] - McKesson is investing in advanced technologies, including AI and data analytics, to improve operational efficiency and patient care outcomes [18] - The company emphasized its commitment to health equity and expanding access to pharmacies in underserved areas [18] Market Performance - McKesson's shares rose 2.3% in after-hours trading on May 8, reflecting positive bottom-line performance and plans for divestiture [4] - Year-to-date, McKesson's shares have gained 21.1%, contrasting with a 1.6% decline in the industry and a 4.9% decline in the S&P 500 Index [4]