Summary
Cardinal Health Inc. reported financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2013, showcasing a 5% decrease in total revenue to $24.5 billion, primarily driven by the expiration of key pharmaceutical distribution contracts with Walgreens and Express Scripts. Despite the revenue decline, the company demonstrated resilience with a 9% increase in gross margin to $1.3 billion and a 3% rise in operating earnings to $471 million. This performance was bolstered by strong generic pharmaceutical programs and the impact of recent acquisitions, alongside a significant positive impact from the settlement of federal and state tax controversies which boosted earnings from continuing operations by 25% to $340 million. The company's balance sheet shows a strengthened cash position, with cash and equivalents increasing to $2.8 billion from $1.9 billion at the prior quarter's end. This increase was largely attributable to improved operating cash flow, driven by working capital adjustments related to the aforementioned contract expirations. Management indicated confidence in current capital resources to fund ongoing operations, expenditures, and shareholder returns, while also acknowledging the potential need for additional capital for significant future acquisitions.
Financial Highlights
48 data points| Revenue | $24.52B |
| Cost of Revenue | $23.26B |
| Gross Profit | $1.26B |
| SG&A Expenses | $732.00M |
| Operating Income | $471.00M |
| Interest Expense | $33.00M |
| Net Income | $339.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.00 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $0.99 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 340.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 344.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenue decreased by 5% to $24.5 billion, largely due to the expiration of pharmaceutical distribution contracts with Walgreens and Express Scripts.
- 2Gross margin increased by 9% to $1.3 billion, driven by strong generic pharmaceutical programs and acquisitions, which helped offset pricing pressures.
- 3Operating earnings saw a 3% increase to $471 million, supported by improved segment profits in both Pharmaceutical and Medical divisions.
- 4Earnings from continuing operations surged by 25% to $340 million, significantly benefiting from a $63 million favorable tax settlement.
- 5Cash and equivalents increased substantially to $2.8 billion, reflecting strong operating cash flow generation primarily from working capital improvements post-contract expirations.
- 6The company repurchased $50 million of common stock during the quarter, and authorized an additional $1.0 billion share repurchase program.
- 7The Medical segment revenue grew by 13% to $2.7 billion, driven by acquisitions and increased net volume from existing customers.