Cardinal Health stock rises as Q1 strength lifts fiscal 2027 outlook
Published on 11/09/2026 at 16:11 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSWhat changed for investors
- Cardinal Health reported stronger fiscal first-quarter revenue and adjusted earnings.
- Management raised its full-year adjusted EPS range and lifted several segment assumptions.
- The pharmaceutical business led profit growth, while medical distribution profit declined.
Cardinal Health reported a stronger first quarter of fiscal 2027 on November 5 and raised its full-year adjusted earnings outlook. The company disclosed the results in its Cardinal Health newsroom release.
Strong start to fiscal 2027
First-quarter revenue increased 5% year over year to 67.5 billion US dollars. GAAP operating earnings rose 13% to 753 million US dollars, while non-GAAP operating earnings increased 17% to 1.0 billion US dollars. Diluted GAAP earnings per share reached 2.38 US dollars, compared with 1.88 US dollars a year earlier, and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share rose 28% to 3.26 US dollars.
The Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment was the main earnings driver. Its revenue increased 6% to 62.6 billion US dollars and segment profit rose 17% to 783 million US dollars. Global Medical Products and Distribution revenue was broadly flat at 3.2 billion US dollars, but segment profit fell 28% to 33 million US dollars.
Higher earnings outlook
Cardinal Health lifted its fiscal 2027 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to 12.80 to 13.00 US dollars from 12.40 to 12.60 US dollars. The company also raised its expected Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions profit growth to 10% to 12% from 8% to 11%, while the Other segment profit-growth range increased to 17% to 20% from 15% to 18%.
The guidance is based on adjusted fiscal 2026 EPS of 10.95 US dollars, excluding the prior year's IEEPA tariff refund benefit. The company also lowered its projected non-GAAP effective tax-rate range to 18.5% to 19.5% from 19.0% to 20.0%.
Share price context
Cardinal Health stock traded at 244.95 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 16:05 CET on Monday, November 9, 2.02 percent above the Xetra close of Friday, November 6. The quote was 229.55 euros in the latest relevant own report dated November 4, leaving the stock 6.71% higher since that report.
Cardinal Health market facts
- Company: Cardinal Health, Inc.
- ISIN: US14149Y1082
- US ticker: CAH
- Home exchange: NYSE
- Lang & Schwarz: 244.95 euros at 16:05 CET on November 9, 2026
- Xetra close: 240.10 euros on November 6, 2026
US investors will focus next on the pace of earnings through the second and third fiscal quarters, while Cardinal Health expects to complete its AdaptHealth Diabetes Health acquisition in the third quarter of fiscal 2027.
The S&P 500 provides the broader US equity backdrop for investors assessing Cardinal Health stock.
