Summary
Cardinal Health Inc. reported a net earnings of $303 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012, an increase from $262 million in the prior year period. Revenue for the quarter was $25.2 billion, a decrease of 7% compared to the prior year, primarily due to the expiration of a significant pharmaceutical distribution contract with Express Scripts and the impact of brand-to-generic pharmaceutical conversions. Despite the revenue decline, gross margin improved by 10% to $1.2 billion, driven by strong performance in generic pharmaceutical programs and favorable product mix in the Medical segment. Operating earnings also saw a healthy increase of 13% to $506 million. The company continued its focus on capital allocation, with $200 million in share repurchases and $165 million in dividends paid during the six-month period. Management reiterated confidence in the company's liquidity and ability to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and debt service requirements. However, the company faces ongoing litigation and investigations, including a significant proposed tax adjustment from the IRS related to transfer pricing, which is being contested. Additionally, the company announced a restructuring plan within its Medical segment, expected to incur approximately $79 million in pre-tax costs.
Financial Highlights
48 data points| Revenue | $25.23B |
| Cost of Revenue | $24.01B |
| Gross Profit | $1.22B |
| SG&A Expenses | $699.00M |
| Operating Income | $506.00M |
| Interest Expense | $27.00M |
| Net Income | $303.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $0.89 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.88 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 340.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 343.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Net earnings increased to $303 million for the three months ended December 31, 2012, up from $262 million in the prior year.
- 2Revenue declined 7% to $25.2 billion for the quarter, mainly impacted by the expiration of the Express Scripts contract and generic conversions.
- 3Gross margin improved by 10% to $1.2 billion, driven by strong performance in generic pharmaceutical programs and favorable medical segment mix.
- 4Operating earnings rose 13% to $506 million, demonstrating improved operational efficiency.
- 5The company repurchased $200 million of its common stock and increased its dividend by 16% during the period.
- 6Cardinal Health is facing a significant IRS proposed tax adjustment of $849 million (excluding penalties and interest), which it is contesting.
- 7A restructuring plan was announced for the Medical segment, expected to incur approximately $79 million in pre-tax costs.