Core Thesis - McKesson Corporation is viewed as a compelling investment opportunity due to its dominant position in U.S. pharmaceutical distribution, handling approximately one-third of all drugs in the country, which provides strong competitive advantages and steady cash flow [2][3] Valuation Metrics - As of September 12th, McKesson's share price was $711.42, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 28.49 and 18.94 respectively [1] - The company is trading at 16.5 times free cash flow while growing earnings at about 13% annually, indicating an attractive risk/reward profile [3] Financial Performance - McKesson's current stock price allows for an investment of $10,000 to effectively purchase $607 of owner's earnings, expected to compound at approximately 8.6%, showcasing the company's undervaluation and resilience [4] - The company generates consistent free cash flow and has high returns on capital, making it a recession-resilient business [4] Growth Potential - Demographic tailwinds are expected to drive continued demand growth, and McKesson's strategic shift into higher-margin oncology services positions it for enhanced profitability over time [3] - Long-term investors may anticipate compounded wealth creation at an estimated rate of 10-12% annually, with minimal downside risk [3] Market Perception - The market is currently undervaluing McKesson by focusing on its thin 1% margins rather than its strong cash flow generation and returns on capital [2]

Core Insights - Cardinal Health (CAH) has launched a new Consumer Health Logistics Center in Groveport, OH, which is a 350,000-square-foot facility aimed at enhancing the distribution of over-the-counter medicines and diagnostic products [1][8] - The center is fully operational since July 2025 and has created over 150 new jobs while incorporating advanced technologies such as robotics and automated labeling to improve efficiency and safety [2][10] - CAH's stock has increased by 25.5% this year, contrasting with a 2.6% decline in the industry, indicating positive market sentiment towards the company's initiatives [3] Investment and Growth Strategy - The new logistics center is part of a broader strategy to modernize CAH's distribution network, with over $115 million invested in Ohio over the past five years [9][15] - The facility is designed to support the growing consumer health segment and is expected to enhance cost efficiencies and supply reliability for retail and pharmacy customers [13][15] - The investment aligns with CAH's focus on expanding its specialty care offerings and improving its operational capabilities, which is expected to support margin expansion and cash flow resilience [5][14] Operational Enhancements - The Groveport hub is the first of its kind in CAH's network, specifically built to cater to the consumer health segment, and is expected to drive improvements in service levels and scalability [10][12] - Recent expansions in Texas, South Carolina, and Ohio have already contributed to significant revenue growth in CAH's at-Home Solutions business, which saw nearly a 50% increase in the fiscal fourth quarter [11] - Management has confirmed ongoing efforts to establish a fully automated pharmaceutical distribution center, further enhancing the company's modernization plan [12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported core earnings growth in the low double-digit percentage range, which is consistent with the impact of acquisitions and despite the loss of the Optum contract [5][11] - The pharma segment, particularly pharma and specialty solutions, had a strong year with 11% growth in the quarter and 12% for the year [21][70] - The company anticipates a slower growth rate moving forward, although still above normalized long-term rates [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The distribution business has grown consistently at mid-teens rates, significantly above market growth [8] - Biopharma solutions, which are higher margin parts of the specialty business, have been growing around 20% and are expected to reach about a billion-dollar business by fiscal 2028 [9] - Generic products have shown stable growth rates of 2% to 3%, with expectations of increased value from the loss of exclusivity of branded products in the next three years [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is confident in the underlying demographic trends that support growth, despite potential policy changes impacting Medicaid funding [25][24] - The retail pharmacy market remains important, with independent pharmacies benefiting from volume, although they face challenges on the reimbursement side [32][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its business to ensure participation in the fastest-growing parts of the market, particularly in specialty areas [13] - Recent acquisitions, such as Solaris, are seen as strategic additions that align with the company's focus on autoimmune and urology sectors [41][42] - The company plans to prioritize organic investments while maintaining a strong balance sheet and returning capital to shareholders [72][73] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the rising tide of utilization trends and the effectiveness of their operational strategies [11][12] - There is awareness of potential impacts from policy changes, particularly regarding Medicaid and COVID vaccine restrictions, but overall confidence in the business model remains strong [25][12] - The company expects to manage any potential impacts from the most favored nations policy, viewing them as relatively minor [58][59] Other Important Information - The company has raised its share repurchase program from $500 million to $750 million, committing to $1 billion in capital deployment back to shareholders annually [72][73] - The integration of the ADS acquisition is expected to create significant synergies, increasing revenue without heavily impacting distribution capacity [62][63] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the key factors driving strong performance? - Management highlighted broad-based utilization trends and effective operational execution as key drivers of performance [6][7] Question: How does the company view the impact of COVID vaccine trends? - Management indicated it is too early to provide specifics but expects a slight headwind from COVID vaccine contributions compared to previous years [15][16] Question: What is the outlook for the retail pharmacy market? - Management noted that while independent pharmacies face reimbursement challenges, they benefit from volume and the company's advocacy efforts [32][33] Question: How does the company plan to deploy capital moving forward? - The company will focus on organic investments, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and returning capital to shareholders while remaining opportunistic about acquisitions [72][73]

Core Viewpoint - Cardinal Health (CAH) has experienced a downtrend with a 9.1% decline over the past four weeks, but it is now in oversold territory, suggesting a potential turnaround due to analysts' positive earnings outlook [1] Group 1: Technical Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum oscillator that indicates whether a stock is oversold, with readings below 30 typically signaling this condition [2] - CAH's current RSI reading is 27.62, indicating that heavy selling may be exhausting itself, which could lead to a price rebound [5] Group 2: Fundamental Analysis - Analysts have shown strong agreement in raising earnings estimates for CAH, with a 0.7% increase in the consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days, which often correlates with price appreciation [7] - CAH holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises, further supporting the potential for a near-term turnaround [8]

Core Insights - Cardinal Health, Inc. reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.08, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.03 by 2.5% and reflecting a 13% year-over-year improvement [1] - The company raised its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance, anticipating adjusted EPS between $9.30 and $9.50, up from a previous outlook of $9.10-$9.30 [9] Revenue Details - Total sales for the quarter were flat year-over-year at $60.2 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.8% [2] Segmental Analysis - **Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions**: Revenues were nearly flat at $55.4 billion year-over-year, but excluding the impact of a customer contract expiration, sales increased by 22% [3] - **Pharmaceutical Profit**: Totaled $535 million, an 11% increase from the previous year, driven by growth in brand and specialty products [4] - **Global Medical Products and Distribution**: Revenues reached $3.2 billion, up 3% year-over-year, with profits increasing from $47 million to $70 million [4] - **Other Segment**: Sales grew by 37% year-over-year to $1.6 billion, with profits rising 44% to $160 million [5] Margin Analysis - Gross profit increased by 17% year-over-year to $2.2 billion, with a gross margin of 3.7%, expanding approximately 50 basis points [6] Financial Update - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $3.33 billion, down from $3.81 billion in the previous quarter, while net cash provided by operating activities was $2.91 billion compared to a net cash usage of $27 million in the prior year [8] 2026 Outlook - The company expects revenues from the Pharmaceutical segment to grow by 11-13% year-over-year, with segmental profit also anticipated to increase by 11-13% [9] - Medical segment revenues are estimated to grow by 2-4%, while the Other segment is projected to see revenue growth of 26-28% [10] Conclusion - Cardinal Health's fourth-quarter results showed mixed performance, with earnings exceeding estimates but revenues falling short. Profit growth was observed across all segments, particularly in Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions, Global Medical Products, and the Other segment [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 19% increase in operating earnings for Q4 and a 15% increase for the year [10] - EPS grew by 13% in Q4 and over 9% for the year [10] - Adjusted free cash flow for the year was $2.5 billion, exceeding expectations by $500 million [11] - Total company revenue was relatively flat at $60.2 billion, but increased by 21% when adjusting for contract expiration [12] - Gross profit grew 17% to $2.2 billion, with a gross margin improvement of approximately 50 basis points [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharmaceutical segment revenue was flat at $55.4 billion, but increased by 22% excluding customer contract expiration [16] - The Pharma segment profit increased by 11% to $535 million, driven by brand and specialty pharmaceutical sales [16] - GMPD revenue grew 3% to $3.2 billion, with segment profit reaching $70 million, its highest quarter [18] - Other growth businesses reported a 37% revenue increase to $1.6 billion and a 44% profit increase to $160 million [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw strong pharmaceutical demand across all business areas, including brand, specialty, generics, and consumer health [16] - The At Home Solutions segment, including the ADS acquisition, experienced significant growth, contributing to overall revenue increases [20] - The nuclear and precision health solutions segment outpaced the market, with revenue growth over 30% [44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving simplification and operational efficiencies while making strategic investments for growth [6] - The acquisition of Solaris Health is expected to enhance the company's position in the specialty market, particularly in urology [7][38] - The company aims to expand its distribution capabilities and modernize its technology platforms to enhance customer service [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal year 2026, expecting EPS growth of 13% to 15% [23] - The company anticipates continued strong demand across its business segments, with a focus on customer experience as a key differentiator [34] - Management remains confident in the company's resilient business model amid regulatory changes and market dynamics [49] Other Important Information - The company completed four strategic acquisitions during the year, including Green Specialty and ADS [11] - The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 26.3%, slightly higher than the previous year [13] - The company plans to maintain a baseline of annual share repurchases at $750 million [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the updated guidance for the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions division? - Management confirmed that the guidance was raised by $0.20, with half attributed to liability classification and the other half to higher expectations for Pharma and other businesses [54] Question: What are the drivers behind the increase in SG&A? - Management indicated that the majority of the SG&A increase is tied to recent acquisitions, with ongoing efforts to simplify and optimize operating costs [58] Question: Can you elaborate on the gross profit performance and margin expansion? - Management noted that the emphasis on specialty distribution and additional revenue streams from MSO acquisitions contributed positively to the overall gross profit profile [68] Question: What are the utilization trends in the GMPD segment? - Management stated that utilization remains consistent, with ongoing efforts to increase penetration of Cardinal Health branded products [73] Question: Can you provide insights on the Solaris acquisition and its impact? - Management highlighted that Solaris Health adds significant capabilities and revenue streams, enhancing the company's position in the urology market [81][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 19% increase in operating earnings for Q4 and a 15% increase for the year [9] - EPS grew by 13% in Q4 and over 9% for the year [9] - Adjusted free cash flow for the year was $2.5 billion, exceeding expectations by $500 million [10] - Total company revenue was $60.2 billion, relatively flat on a reported basis, but increased by 21% when adjusting for contract expiration [10][11] - Gross profit grew 17% to $2.2 billion, with a gross margin improvement of approximately 50 basis points [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharmaceutical segment revenue was flat at $55.4 billion, but increased by 22% excluding customer contract expiration, driven by brand and specialty pharmaceutical sales [14] - The GMPD segment saw a 3% revenue increase to $3.2 billion, with segment profit reaching $70 million, its highest profit quarter [16] - Other growth businesses reported a 37% revenue increase to $1.6 billion, with segment profit increasing 44% to $160 million [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong pharmaceutical demand across all business areas, including brand, specialty, generics, and consumer health [14] - The At Home Solutions segment, including the ADS acquisition, saw significant growth, contributing to the overall revenue increase [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving simplification and operational efficiencies while making strategic investments for growth [5] - The acquisition of Solaris Health is expected to enhance the company's position in the specialty market, particularly in urology [6][35] - The company aims to expand its distribution capabilities and modernize its technology platforms to support long-term growth [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for fiscal year 2026, expecting EPS growth of 13% to 15% [21] - The company remains confident in its resilient business model and ability to navigate regulatory changes [46] - Management highlighted strong demand across the business and a positive outlook for the upcoming fiscal year [62] Other Important Information - The company completed four strategic acquisitions during the year, including Green Specialty and At Home Solutions [10] - The ending cash balance for fiscal year 2025 was $3.9 billion, reflecting strong cash flow generation [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the updated guidance for the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions division? - Management confirmed that the guidance was raised by $0.20, with half attributed to liability classification and the other half to higher expectations for Pharma and other businesses [50] Question: What are the drivers of the SG&A increase quarter over quarter? - Management indicated that the increase in SG&A was primarily due to recent acquisitions, with ongoing efforts to simplify and optimize operating costs [55] Question: Can you elaborate on the gross profit performance in the quarter? - Management noted that the margin expansion was driven by a favorable mix, particularly from specialty distribution and MSO acquisitions [66] Question: What are the utilization trends across the GMPD segment? - Management stated that utilization remains consistent, with ongoing efforts to increase penetration of Cardinal Health branded products [72] Question: What capabilities does Solaris Health bring to the company? - Management highlighted that Solaris Health adds over 750 providers and diverse revenue streams, enhancing the company's MSO structure [81]

Financial Performance - Q4 FY25 - Revenue remained flat at $60.159 billion[9] - Gross margin increased by 17% to $2.202 billion[9] - Operating earnings increased by 7% to $428 million on a GAAP basis and 19% to $719 million on a non-GAAP basis[9] - Net earnings increased by 2% to $239 million on a GAAP basis and 11% to $501 million on a non-GAAP basis[9] - Diluted EPS increased by 4% to $1.00 on a GAAP basis and 13% to $2.08 on a non-GAAP basis[9] Segment Performance - Q4 FY25 - Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions revenue decreased by 0% to $55.372 billion, while segment profit increased by 11% to $535 million[11] - Global Medical Products and Distribution revenue increased by 3% to $3.199 billion, and segment profit increased significantly by 49% to $70 million[15] - Other (NPHS, at-Home Solutions, and OptiFreight) revenue increased by 37% to $1.609 billion, with segment profit increasing by 44% to $160 million[20] Financial Performance - FY25 - Revenue decreased by 2% to $222.578 billion[28] - Gross margin increased by 10% to $8.168 billion[28] - Operating earnings increased significantly by 83% to $2.275 billion on a GAAP basis and 15% to $2.786 billion on a non-GAAP basis[28] - Net earnings increased significantly by 83% to $1.561 billion on a GAAP basis and 7% to $1.995 billion on a non-GAAP basis[28] - Diluted EPS increased significantly by 87% to $6.45 on a GAAP basis and 9% to $8.24 on a non-GAAP basis[28] Segment Performance - FY25 - Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions revenue decreased by 3% to $204.644 billion, but segment profit increased by 12% to $2.258 billion[30] - Global Medical Products and Distribution revenue increased by 2% to $12.636 billion, with segment profit increasing significantly by 47% to $135 million[35] - Other (NPHS, at-Home Solutions, and OptiFreight) revenue increased by 19% to $5.382 billion, and segment profit increased by 22% to $516 million[40] FY26 Outlook - Non-GAAP EPS is expected to be in the range of $9.30 - $9.50, revised from the previous outlook of $9.10 to $9.30[48] - Interest and Other expenses are projected to be approximately $275 million[48] - Non-GAAP adjusted free cash flow is expected to be between $2.75 billion and $3.25 billion[48]

Core Insights - Cardinal Health reported fourth quarter fiscal year 2025 revenues of $60.2 billion, which is relatively flat compared to the same period in fiscal year 2024. Excluding the impact of a customer contract expiration, revenue increased by 21% [1][12] - The company achieved GAAP operating earnings of $428 million and GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.00 for the fourth quarter. Non-GAAP operating earnings rose by 19% to $719 million, with non-GAAP diluted EPS increasing by 13% to $2.08 [1][12] - For the full fiscal year 2025, revenues totaled $222.6 billion, a 2% decrease from fiscal year 2024. However, revenue increased by 18% when excluding the impact of the customer contract expiration [2][12] - Cardinal Health's CEO highlighted the operational strength across all five operating segments, which experienced double-digit profit growth, indicating effective execution of the company's growth strategy [3][12] Financial Performance - Fourth quarter fiscal year 2025 summary: - Revenue: $60.2 billion (Q4 FY24: $59.9 billion) - GAAP operating earnings: $428 million (Q4 FY24: $401 million, 7% increase) - Non-GAAP operating earnings: $719 million (Q4 FY24: $605 million, 19% increase) - Non-GAAP diluted EPS: $2.08 (Q4 FY24: $1.84, 13% increase) [4][12] - Full year fiscal year 2025 summary: - Revenue: $222.6 billion (FY24: $226.8 billion, 2% decrease) - GAAP operating earnings: $2.3 billion (FY24: $1.2 billion, 83% increase) - Non-GAAP operating earnings: $2.8 billion (FY24: $2.4 billion, 15% increase) - Non-GAAP diluted EPS: $8.24 (FY24: $7.53, 9% increase) [2][4] Segment Performance - Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment: - Q4 FY25 revenue: $55.4 billion (Q4 FY24: $55.6 billion) - Segment profit increased by 11% to $535 million in Q4 FY25 [5][6] - Global Medical Products and Distribution segment: - Q4 FY25 revenue: $3.2 billion (Q4 FY24: $3.1 billion, 3% increase) - Segment profit increased by 49% to $70 million in Q4 FY25 [7][8] - Other segment: - Q4 FY25 revenue: $1.6 billion (Q4 FY24: $1.2 billion, 37% increase) - Segment profit increased by 44% to $160 million in Q4 FY25 [9][10] Future Outlook - Cardinal Health raised its fiscal year 2026 outlook for non-GAAP diluted EPS to a range of $9.30 to $9.50, reflecting a growth of 13% to 15% [10][12] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 11% to 13% in the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment and 2% to 4% in the Global Medical Products and Distribution segment for fiscal year 2026 [11][12]

Group 1 - Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) is a distributor of pharmaceuticals and medical/laboratory products [1] - The company is investing in its distribution capabilities for fast-growing segments including autoimmune, urology, and oncology [1] - There has been a turnaround in its Global Medical Products segment [1]