Cardinal Health stock lifts fiscal 2027 EPS outlook after strong Q1

Cardinal Health reported stronger first-quarter results for fiscal 2027 on Thursday, November 5, and raised its full-year adjusted earnings outlook. The company said revenue growth, pharmaceutical demand and specialty sales supported the quarter, while the Global Medical Products and Distribution segment remained under pressure.

Cardinal Health stock traded at 239.50 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 4:30 p.m. CET on Friday, November 6, 2026. This was 3.67 percent below the 248.65 euro quote in the company's November 5 report at 4:00 p.m. CET, a separate comparison from the daily performance against an exchange closing price. Investors can follow the real-time quote of Cardinal Health stock for further trading updates.

First-quarter earnings accelerate

According to Fidelity's report carrying the company's news release, fiscal first-quarter revenue rose 5 percent year over year to USD 67.5 billion. GAAP operating earnings increased 13 percent to USD 753 million, while GAAP diluted EPS rose 27 percent to USD 2.38.

Non-GAAP operating earnings increased 17 percent to USD 1.0 billion. Adjusted diluted EPS climbed 28 percent to USD 3.26, reflecting higher operating earnings, a lower share count and a lower effective tax rate.

Pharma leads the segment picture

Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions revenue increased 6 percent to USD 62.6 billion, and segment profit rose 17 percent to USD 783 million. Specialty revenue growth and contributions from brand and specialty products supported the result.

Global Medical Products and Distribution revenue was broadly flat at USD 3.2 billion, while segment profit fell 28 percent to USD 33 million. Other revenue rose 7 percent to USD 1.8 billion and profit increased 16 percent to USD 193 million.

Higher full-year targets

Cardinal Health lifted fiscal 2027 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to USD 12.80 to USD 13.00 from USD 12.40 to USD 12.60. The company said the new range represents 17 to 19 percent growth from the fiscal 2026 adjusted baseline excluding the tariff refund.

Management also raised its Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions profit-growth outlook to 10 to 12 percent from 8 to 11 percent. The Other segment revenue-growth range moved to 12 to 14 percent, while its profit-growth range increased to 17 to 20 percent. Adjusted free cash flow guidance remained USD 3.5 billion to USD 4.0 billion.

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.