Cardinal Health stock: Q1 EPS beats as fiscal guidance rises
Published on 11/05/2026 at 16:02 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSEarnings beat lifts fiscal outlook
- Cardinal Health reported fiscal first-quarter revenue of 67.513 billion US dollars and adjusted diluted EPS of 3.26 US dollars.
- Management raised fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS guidance to 12.80-13.00 US dollars from 12.40-12.60 US dollars.
- Pharma segment profit rose 17 percent, while specialty revenue increased 18 percent during the quarter.
Cardinal Health reported stronger-than-expected results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, and raised its fiscal 2027 adjusted earnings outlook. The company disclosed the results in a November 5 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Cardinal Health stock traded at 248.65 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 4:00 p.m. CET on Thursday, November 5. That was 8.32 percent above the 229.55 euro quote in the company's November 4 report, a separate comparison from the daily performance against an exchange closing price.
Earnings beat lifts fiscal outlook
Fiscal first-quarter revenue reached 67.513 billion US dollars, up 5 percent from the prior-year period, according to the Cardinal Health earnings transcript. Adjusted diluted earnings per share came to 3.26 US dollars, exceeding the 2.92 US dollar consensus estimate. Revenue also topped the 66.66898 billion US dollar estimate.
Management lifted fiscal 2027 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to 12.80-13.00 US dollars from 12.40-12.60 US dollars. The new range implies 17 to 19 percent growth from fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS excluding the tariff refund, while the company maintained adjusted free cash flow guidance of 3.5 billion to 4.0 billion US dollars.
Pharma drives operating momentum
Pharma revenue increased 6 percent to 62.6 billion US dollars, supported by brand and specialty sales. Specialty revenue grew 18 percent, while Pharma segment profit rose 17 percent to 783 million US dollars. Management raised its full-year Pharma profit growth outlook to 10 to 12 percent from 8 to 11 percent.
The Other segment delivered 7 percent revenue growth to 1.8 billion US dollars and 16 percent profit growth to 193 million US dollars. Cardinal Health raised its Other revenue growth outlook to 12 to 14 percent and its profit growth outlook to 17 to 20 percent. Higher petroleum costs are expected to keep Global Medical Products and Distribution profit toward the lower end of its 200 million to 220 million US dollar range.
Cardinal Health stock investors can follow the real-time quote of Cardinal Health stock for further trading updates.
Broader market sentiment remains relevant as investors assess healthcare and defensive growth shares through the S&P 500.
More news and analyses on Cardinal Health stock are available on the Cardinal Health stock topic page.
Cardinal Health company facts
- Company: Cardinal Health, Inc.
- ISIN: US14149Y1082
- Ticker: CAH
- Home exchange: New York Stock Exchange
- Lang & Schwarz quote: 248.65 euros on November 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CET
- Fiscal first-quarter revenue: 67.513 billion US dollars
- Adjusted diluted EPS: 3.26 US dollars
- Fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS guidance: 12.80-13.00 US dollars
