Cardinal Health beat first quarter 2027 estimates and raised guidance on strong pharmaceutical demand

Cardinal Health reported first quarter fiscal 2027 results that beat analyst expectations for both top and bottom-line growth, prompting an upward revision to its full-year earnings outlook. Growth was primarily powered by the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment, which benefited from brand price appreciation and specialty volume growth, offsetting continued profitability pressures in the Medical distribution segment.

Key Highlights

• Total revenue increased 5% to $67.5 billion, while non-GAAP EPS rose 28% to $3.26, significantly surpassing the consensus estimate of $2.92.
• Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions profit grew 17% to $783 million, supported by specialty drug demand and a positive generics program performance.
• Global Medical Products and Distribution profit declined 28% to $33 million due to distribution headwinds and unfavorable foreign exchange impacts.
• Management raised FY2027 non-GAAP EPS guidance to a range of $12.80–$13.00, up from the prior range of $12.40–$12.60.