Core Viewpoint - Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) is expected to report strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) anticipated to increase by 17.6% year-over-year, driven by robust pharmaceutical demand and new customer acquisitions [1][7]. Group 1: Performance Expectations - The company is projected to achieve revenues of $59.05 billion for the first quarter, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year [7]. - The Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions unit is likely to be a key driver of revenue growth, benefiting from steady brand and generics volume growth, as well as contributions from biosimilars and GLP-1 therapies [3][9]. - The Other segment, which includes growth businesses like at-Home Solutions and Nuclear and Precision Health, is expected to show strong double-digit growth, with estimated sales of $1.49 billion [5]. Group 2: Segment Analysis - The Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment is estimated to generate $53.58 billion in sales, supported by increasing specialty penetration and new customer wins [3]. - The Global Medical Products and Distribution (GMPD) segment is projected to have sales of $3.19 billion, although margins may be pressured by tariff-related costs [4]. - U.S. and international sales are estimated at $57.82 billion and $437 million, respectively, with higher selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses potentially impacting operating leverage [6]. Group 3: Market Position and Valuation - Cardinal Health's shares have gained 1.2% over the past three months, underperforming the Medical - Dental Supplies sector and the S&P 500 [11]. - The company's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 16.3X, which is below the industry average of 16.8X, indicating a potential valuation opportunity [15]. - The company is building a durable growth runway through its Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions business, supported by acquisitions and expansion into high-growth therapeutic areas [16][19]. Group 4: Growth Initiatives - The Biopharma Solutions segment is expected to grow at an annual rate of 20%, driven by technology-enabled services [17]. - The at-Home Solutions segment is capitalizing on the increasing demand for home healthcare, supported by recent acquisitions and distribution center expansions [18]. - Supply-chain modernization and growth in Cardinal-branded products in GMPD are expected to contribute to sustained earnings growth and margin expansion [19].

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of investing in dividend stocks, particularly those with a history of consistent dividend growth, which can provide stability during economic downturns [2][3] Dividend Stocks Overview - Companies that consistently raise dividends are often strong, profitable, and financially stable, making them valuable during economic slowdowns [2] - Dividend-growth stocks tend to have durable competitive advantages, allowing them to maintain profit margins even during high inflation [2] - Historically, dividends have grown at an average annual rate of 5.7% since 1957, outpacing the average inflation rate by over 2% [3] - Stock prices are noted to be more than twice as volatile as their dividend cash flows, indicating that dividend stocks may offer a more stable investment [4] Methodology for Stock Selection - The article outlines a methodology for selecting dividend stocks based on year-to-date highest-returning stocks as of October 9, 2025 [6] Featured Dividend Stocks - **Fastenal Company (NASDAQ:FAST)** - YTD Return as of October 9: 31.55% - Fastenal is linked to the health of the US and global economies and has a strong dividend history with 26 consecutive years of increases [8][10] - Current quarterly dividend: $0.22 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.88% [10] - **General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:GD)** - YTD Return as of October 9: 31.7% - The company is a major player in military shipbuilding and has raised its dividend for 28 consecutive years [11][12] - Current quarterly dividend: $1.50 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.75% [12] - **Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH)** - YTD Return as of October 9: 33.7% - Cardinal Health is a major distributor of healthcare products and has increased its dividends for 39 consecutive years [13][15] - Current quarterly dividend: $0.5107 per share, with a dividend yield of 1.30% [15]

Core Points - Kroger Health, in collaboration with the Cardinal Health Foundation, is participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 25, allowing individuals to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at local pharmacies [1][2][3] - The initiative aims to promote safer environments and educate communities on medication safety, contributing to healthier living [3][4] Company Overview - Kroger Health serves over 17 million patients annually and operates more than 2,200 pharmacies across 35 states, along with telehealth services and in-person clinics [5] - The Cardinal Health Foundation focuses on advancing health equity and supports initiatives that foster healthier communities [6] Event Details - Drug take back events will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, with law enforcement present to accept various forms of medications [3][4] - Since 2018, Kroger Health has collected over 220,000 pounds of unwanted medications and served more than 86,000 visitors during these events [4]

Core Viewpoint - Cardinal Health is set to release its earnings report on October 30, 2025, with projected earnings per share (EPS) of $2.22, reflecting an 18.09% increase year-over-year, and revenue expected to be $59.05 billion, indicating a 12.96% increase compared to the same quarter last year [2]. Group 1: Earnings and Revenue Projections - For the entire year, Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $9.42 per share and revenue of $249.31 billion, representing increases of 14.32% and 12.01% respectively compared to the previous year [3]. - Recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Cardinal Health suggest evolving short-term business trends, with positive revisions indicating optimism about the business outlook [3]. Group 2: Stock Performance and Valuation - Cardinal Health's stock was down 1.64% at $154.31, underperforming the S&P 500, which gained 1.56% [1]. - Over the past month, Cardinal Health's shares gained 3.05%, outperforming the Medical sector's gain of 2.08% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.41% [1]. - The current Forward P/E ratio for Cardinal Health is 16.66, which is a premium compared to the industry average Forward P/E of 14 [6]. - The PEG ratio for Cardinal Health is currently 1.33, while the Medical - Dental Supplies industry has an average PEG ratio of 1.46 [6]. Group 3: Industry Ranking - The Medical - Dental Supplies industry, part of the Medical sector, holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 82, placing it in the top 34% of all industries [7]. - The Zacks Industry Rank measures the strength of individual industry groups, indicating that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1 [7].

Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools for investors to enhance their stock market strategies, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Company Overview - Cardinal Health is a leading global healthcare services and products provider, serving nearly 90% of U.S. hospitals and managing over 43,000 pharmaceutical shipments daily [11] - The company operates in multiple segments, including Pharmaceutical & Specialty Solutions and Global Medical Products & Distribution, and offers a wide range of medical and surgical products [11] Investment Ratings - Cardinal Health holds a 2 (Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, indicating strong potential for investment [12] - The company has a VGM Score of A, suggesting it is an attractive option for investors [12] Growth Potential - Cardinal Health is projected to achieve a year-over-year earnings growth of 14.3% for the current fiscal year, supported by upward revisions in earnings estimates from analysts [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cardinal Health's earnings has increased by $0.21 to $9.42 per share [12] Performance Metrics - Cardinal Health has demonstrated an average earnings surprise of +9.2%, indicating a history of exceeding earnings expectations [12] - The combination of a solid Zacks Rank and high Growth and VGM Style Scores positions Cardinal Health as a strong candidate for investors [13]

Core Insights - Bio-Techne (TECH) is expanding its portfolio through acquisitions and strategic investments, indicating strong growth potential, particularly in international markets [1][8] - The company has experienced a decline in share price by 20.3% over the past year, contrasting with a 5.8% decline in the industry and an 18.7% rise in the S&P 500 [2] - Bio-Techne's market capitalization stands at $9.64 billion, with earnings consistently surpassing estimates in the last four quarters, averaging a surprise of 9.2% [2] Expansion and Growth Strategies - In fiscal 2024, Bio-Techne completed the acquisition of Lunaphore, which achieved nearly 50% growth for the full year despite order timing delays [3] - The company holds a 20% stake in Wilson Wolf, which is expected to grow by more than 20% in fiscal 2025, maintaining EBITDA margins above 70% [3] - Bio-Techne introduced ProPak GMP Cytokines to support CAR-T and TCR-T manufacturing workflows, reinforcing its leadership in RUO assays through a partnership with Sphere Bio [4] International Market Performance - Bio-Techne's core portfolio includes over 6,000 protein and 400,000 antibody types, essential for life science research globally [5] - In the fiscal fourth quarter, sales in the Americas grew in the low single digits, while Europe saw mid-single-digit growth driven by biopharma demand [5] - The Asia-Pacific region, excluding China, experienced low single-digit growth, with China showing low double-digit growth due to improved demand [6] Financial Health - As of June 30, 2025, Bio-Techne's total debt was $346 million, with cash and cash equivalents at $162 million, indicating a stable liquidity position [9] - Despite higher quarterly debt compared to cash levels, the company had no short-term payable debt on its balance sheet [9] Challenges and Competitive Landscape - The macroeconomic environment has led to increased raw material and labor costs, impacting the company's operations and margins [10] - Bio-Techne faces intense competition from both large global companies and smaller niche competitors, leading to pricing pressures [11] - The company's cost of sales rose by 15% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, with selling, general, and administrative expenses increasing by 47.2% year over year [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Bio-Techne's fiscal 2026 earnings remains at $2.00, with revenues projected at $1.24 billion, reflecting a 1.7% increase from the previous year [12]

Core Insights - Cardinal Health (CAH) is establishing a new pharmaceutical distribution facility in Indianapolis, enhancing its supply-chain modernization efforts and aiming for over 70,000 daily deliveries of pharmaceutical and specialty products nationwide [1][4] - The 230,000-square-foot facility will utilize a robotic storage and retrieval system, enabling real-time inventory management and intelligent order fulfillment, setting a new standard in automated distribution [2][7] - Cardinal Health's stock has increased by 31.3% this year, significantly outperforming the industry growth of 1.1% and the S&P 500 Index's gain of 15.1% [3] Investment and Expansion Strategy - The Indianapolis facility, expected to be operational by fall 2027, is part of a broader multi-year transformation strategy that includes recent infrastructure upgrades and automation enhancements [4][11] - The company has also opened a Consumer Health Logistics Center in Groveport, OH, and a distribution center in Fort Worth, TX, adding over 750,000 square feet of distribution capacity in three years [9][10] - Cardinal Health's investments across pharmaceutical, consumer health, and at-home care sectors are designed to improve logistics efficiency, reduce transit times, and enhance customer service [10][12] Market Outlook - The healthcare distribution market is projected to grow to $2.2 trillion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1%, driven by rising demand for specialty drugs and home-based care [12] - Cardinal Health's strategic investments position the company to capitalize on this market growth, enhancing its competitiveness and potential for long-term shareholder value [12]

Summary of Guardian Pharmacy Services Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Guardian Pharmacy Services (NYSE: GRDN) - **Industry**: Institutional pharmacy services focused on long-term care, specifically assisted living facilities [2][3] Core Insights and Arguments - **Market Position**: Guardian holds a 13% market share in the assisted living pharmacy segment, indicating significant growth potential with 87% of the market still available [3] - **Target Demographic**: The company serves a highly acute population in assisted living, with residents averaging 85 years of age and 14 prescriptions each [2] - **Growth Strategy**: Guardian aims for low double-digit growth, supported by a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. Historical revenue growth has been around 15% since inception [8][9] - **Industry Dynamics**: The assisted living sector is transitioning from a real estate focus to a healthcare focus, with increasing consolidation and demand for sophisticated services [9][10] - **Pricing and Reimbursement**: The company is working to improve reimbursement rates by negotiating directly with payors, moving away from third-party networks [10][11] Challenges and Legislative Impact - **Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)**: The IRA poses a potential headwind, expected to impact revenue by over $100 million in 2026 and create a $5 million EBITDA headwind [11][12] - **Mitigation Strategies**: Guardian is actively engaging in legislative efforts and commercial negotiations to mitigate the impact of the IRA [12][14] M&A and Market Expansion - **Acquisition Strategy**: The company seeks to acquire pharmacies with strong operators who can benefit from Guardian's support and scale. The focus is on collaborative operators rather than complete buyouts [17][18] - **Market Entry**: Recent expansions into Oregon and Washington are seen as case studies for successful market entry, leveraging existing strong operators [19][20] Adjacent Market Opportunities - **PACE Programs and Hospice Pharmacy**: Guardian is exploring adjacent markets such as PACE programs and hospice pharmacy services, which present significant growth opportunities [23][25] Investor Insights - **Underappreciated Aspects**: Investors may not fully recognize the virtuous cycle of scale that enhances profitability and market share. Guardian's focus on a different segment of the long-term care market distinguishes it from legacy players [26][27] Financial Health - **Cash Flow and Capital Deployment**: The company has a strong cash conversion ratio of approximately 60%, providing flexibility for M&A and other capital deployment strategies [21][22] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Guardian Pharmacy Services conference call, highlighting the company's market position, growth strategies, challenges, and opportunities within the industry.

Core Point - The healthcare company is advancing its 10-year plan to modernize and expand its distribution network with the construction of a 230,000 square-foot plant [1] Group 1 - The new plant represents a significant investment in the company's infrastructure [1] - This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and distribution capabilities [1]

Core Insights - Cardinal Health announced plans for a new flagship forward distribution center in Indianapolis, Indiana, aimed at expanding and modernizing its national pharmaceutical distribution network [1][2] - The facility will be 230,000 square feet and will feature an industry-first robotic storage and retrieval system, enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability [2][3] - The center is expected to be fully operational by fall 2027 and will create over 100 new jobs in Indiana [4] Investment and Strategy - The company is making strategic investments in its core distribution network to enhance efficiency and meet evolving customer needs [2] - Automation is a key component of Cardinal Health's strategy, aimed at improving productivity, customer service, and employee safety [3] Technological Advancements - The new distribution center will utilize advanced automation technology for real-time inventory visibility and intelligent order fulfillment [2][3] - The facility's design and implementation are in partnership with Swisslog, a leader in warehouse automation [2] Employment Impact - The establishment of the Indianapolis distribution center will create more than 100 new jobs, reinforcing Indiana's role as a strategic transit hub for the company [4]