Core Viewpoint - Cardinal Health (CAH) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Rising earnings estimates for Cardinal suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to an increase in stock price [5][10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [7][9]. - Cardinal's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10]. Earnings Estimate Revisions for Cardinal - Cardinal is expected to earn $9.37 per share for the fiscal year ending June 2026, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 4.6% over the past three months [8].

Group 1 - Cencora, Inc. (NYSE: COR), previously known as AmerisourceBergen, is identified as a leading U.S. pharmaceutical distributor [1] - The company is favored for its stable business model and strategic investments in digital platforms and specialty medications [1] - A Buy rating is initiated for the company based on its current positioning and future potential [1]

Financial Performance - Revenues reached $97.8 billion, a 23% increase year-over-year[11] - Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share increased by 5% to $8.26[11] - The company is raising its Fiscal 2026 Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share outlook to a range of $37.10 to $37.90[11] Segment Results - U.S Pharmaceutical revenues increased by 25% to $89.954 billion, with adjusted segment operating profit up by 17% to $950 million[15] - Prescription Technology Solutions revenues grew by 16% to $1.434 billion, and adjusted segment operating profit increased by 21% to $269 million[16] - Medical-Surgical Solutions revenues increased by 2% to $2.701 billion, with adjusted segment operating profit up by 22% to $244 million[17] Capital Allocation - The Board of Directors approved a 15% increase in the quarterly dividend[11] - Approximately $2.5 billion is anticipated for share repurchases in Fiscal Year 2026[27]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying the right ones can be challenging due to associated risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - McKesson (MCK) is highlighted as a recommended growth stock with a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 16%, with projected EPS growth of 12.7% this year, significantly higher than the industry average of 6.9% [5] Group 2: Financial Metrics - McKesson's asset utilization ratio (sales-to-total-assets ratio) is 4.95, indicating that the company generates $4.95 in sales for every dollar in assets, compared to the industry average of 0.72 [6] - The company's sales are expected to grow by 13.1% this year, outpacing the industry average growth of 4.5% [7] Group 3: Earnings Estimates - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for McKesson, with the current-year earnings estimates increasing by 0.1% over the past month [8] - McKesson has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of A, indicating strong potential for growth investors [10]

Core Viewpoint - Growth investors are increasingly focused on identifying stocks with above-average financial growth, which can lead to solid returns, but finding such stocks is challenging due to their inherent risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - McKesson is identified as a promising growth stock, supported by a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 16%, with projected EPS growth of 12.6% this year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 1.3% [5] - McKesson's sales are expected to grow by 13% this year, compared to the industry average of 1.1% [7] Group 2: Key Metrics - The asset utilization ratio for McKesson is 4.95, indicating that the company generates $4.95 in sales for every dollar in assets, which is substantially higher than the industry average of 0.72 [6] - The current-year earnings estimates for McKesson have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 0.1% over the past month [9] Group 3: Investment Potential - McKesson has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of A, indicating its potential as an outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [11]

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are appealing due to their potential for above-average financial growth, but identifying strong candidates can be challenging due to associated risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - McKesson (MCK) is highlighted as a recommended growth stock, possessing a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 16%, with projected EPS growth of 12.5% this year, surpassing the industry average of 8.2% [4] Group 2: Key Growth Metrics - The asset utilization ratio for McKesson is 4.95, indicating that the company generates $4.95 in sales for every dollar in assets, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.77 [5] - McKesson's sales are expected to grow by 13% this year, compared to the industry average of 3.2% [6] Group 3: Earnings Estimate Revisions - There is a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for McKesson, with the current-year earnings estimates increasing by 1.7% over the past month [7] Group 4: Investment Positioning - McKesson has achieved a Growth Score of A and a Zacks Rank of 2, positioning it well for potential outperformance in the growth stock category [9]

Core Viewpoint - McKesson Corporation is expected to report significant revenue and earnings growth in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, driven by the adoption of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, demand for specialty pharmaceuticals, and investments in technology and distribution [1][3][16]. Revenue Growth Drivers - The rapid adoption of GLP-1 weight loss drugs and sustained demand for branded pharmaceuticals have significantly fueled McKesson's revenue growth [1][6]. - A rebound in primary care visits has also supported top-line growth in the last two reported quarters [2]. - Investments in expanding distribution centers and integrating artificial intelligence into services have bolstered revenues [2][20]. Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $9.81 per share, reflecting a 58.7% year-over-year improvement [3]. - The consensus revenue estimate is $93.7 billion, indicating a 22.7% year-over-year surge [3]. Segment Performance Insights - The U.S. Pharmaceutical segment is expected to show steady growth, driven by strong demand for specialty pharmaceuticals, particularly oncology treatments [4]. - The Prescription Technology Solutions segment is projected to see revenues of $1.33 billion, a 12.3% year-over-year improvement, supported by strong demand for technology services [9]. - The Medical Surgical Solutions segment is estimated to generate $2.8 billion, reflecting a 1.5% decline year-over-year due to less demand for illness season products [11]. Strategic Initiatives - McKesson has expanded its distribution network by opening new technologically advanced centers and acquiring stakes in oncology-related ventures, which are expected to enhance its service delivery and revenue growth [17][18]. - The company is leveraging advanced technologies, particularly AI, to improve service delivery and streamline operations [20]. Market Position and Performance - McKesson's shares have gained 24.1% this year, outperforming the industry, which has declined by 2.1% [21]. - The company is recognized for its extensive distribution network, which includes over 50,000 pharmacies and nearly 900,000 healthcare providers, enhancing its appeal to pharmaceutical manufacturers [19].

Core Viewpoint - Cencora (COR) is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues, with the actual results being a significant factor influencing its near-term stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The earnings report is scheduled for May 7, 2025, with expectations of quarterly earnings at $4.08 per share, reflecting a +7.4% change year-over-year, and revenues projected at $74.82 billion, up 9.4% from the previous year [3][2]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.22% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Cencora is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +0.82% [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model suggests that a positive Earnings ESP reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) [8]. - Cencora currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating a high likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [11]. Historical Performance - Cencora has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates, achieving this in the last four quarters, including a +6.57% surprise in the most recent quarter [12][13]. Conclusion - Cencora is positioned as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider other influencing factors beyond earnings expectations [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reliability of brokerage recommendations, particularly focusing on McKesson (MCK), and highlights the potential misalignment of interests between brokerage firms and retail investors [1][4][9]. Group 1: Brokerage Recommendations for McKesson - McKesson has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.38, indicating a consensus between Strong Buy and Buy, based on 16 brokerage firms [2]. - Out of the 16 recommendations, 13 are Strong Buy, accounting for 81.3% of all recommendations [2]. Group 2: Limitations of Brokerage Recommendations - Relying solely on brokerage recommendations may not be advisable, as studies suggest they often fail to guide investors toward stocks with the highest potential for price appreciation [4]. - Analysts from brokerage firms tend to exhibit a strong positive bias in their ratings, issuing five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" [5][9]. - The interests of brokerage firms may not align with those of retail investors, leading to a lack of insight into future stock price movements [6]. Group 3: Zacks Rank as an Alternative - The Zacks Rank is presented as a more reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, classifying stocks into five groups from Strong Buy to Strong Sell [7]. - Unlike the ABR, the Zacks Rank is based on earnings estimate revisions, which have shown a strong correlation with near-term stock price movements [10]. - The Zacks Rank is updated more frequently than the ABR, making it a timely tool for predicting future stock prices [11]. Group 4: Current Earnings Estimates for McKesson - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for McKesson's earnings for the current year remains unchanged at $32.76, indicating steady analyst views on the company's earnings prospects [12]. - The unchanged consensus estimate has resulted in a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) for McKesson, suggesting caution despite the Buy-equivalent ABR [13].