Cardinal Health Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Cardinal Health (CAH) unveiled a new talent strategy aimed at enhancing diversity in leadership roles by 2030. Key goals include increasing the representation of African American and Black employees to 11% and Asian, Latinx, Indigenous, and other diverse groups to 23% among managers. Additionally, the global representation of women in leadership is set to rise to 48%. The strategy focuses on recruitment, development, and retention of diverse talent, including programs for underrepresented groups. The initiative is supported by enhanced DEI metrics in compensation plans, underscoring its significance for long-term growth.

Cardinal Health (CAH) announced an irrevocable early redemption of its outstanding 2.616% notes due June 2022, totaling $572,171,000. The redemption date is set for September 15, 2021. This measure aligns with the terms outlined in the June 2, 2008 indenture, allowing the redemption at greater of 100% principal or the present value of remaining scheduled payments. The company emphasizes this does not constitute a sale or solicitation of securities. Cardinal Health is a leading distributor of pharmaceuticals and medical products.

Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) has extended its partnerships with CVS Health for pharmaceutical distribution until June 30, 2027. CEO Mike Kaufmann emphasized the value of this long-standing collaboration, which enhances the delivery of healthcare products. The company maintains its fiscal year 2022 earnings guidance at a non-GAAP diluted EPS of $5.60 to $5.90. This agreement underscores Cardinal Health's critical role in the healthcare supply chain and its commitment to meeting customer needs through innovative solutions.

Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) has announced its collaboration with Abbott and Quidel to enhance access to over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. This initiative utilizes Cardinal Health's distribution network to provide consumers with Abbott's BinaxNOW™ and Quidel's QuickVue® antigen tests. According to company representatives, these rapid tests will support safe reopening efforts amid rising COVID-19 cases, especially the Delta variant. The company aims to expand its laboratory products portfolio, facilitating testing solutions for various sectors, including workplaces and schools.

Cardinal Health reported a 16% increase in fourth-quarter fiscal 2021 revenue to $42.6 billion, with full-year revenue at $162.5 billion, a 6% growth. However, operating earnings were adversely affected by a $197 million inventory reserve for PPE and $1.17 billion in opioid-related charges, leading to a 40% drop in GAAP operating earnings and diluted EPS of $0.40. Despite challenges, the company identified $250 million in cost savings and projects a non-GAAP EPS of $5.60 - $5.90 for fiscal 2022.

Cardinal Health has finalized the sale of its Cordis business to Hellman & Friedman for approximately $1 billion. This sale includes the assumption of certain liabilities and retention of specific working capital accounts. CEO Mike Kaufmann emphasized the company's strategic portfolio evaluation approach and commitment to growth, while H&F's CEO Shar Matin expressed excitement about Cordis's independent future and innovative product offerings. Cardinal Health will report its fiscal year 2021 results on August 5, prior to market opening.

AmerisourceBergen (ABC), Cardinal Health (CAH), and McKesson (MCK) announced a proposed settlement addressing the majority of opioid lawsuits from state and local entities. The settlement, contingent on participation from states and political subdivisions, could provide up to $21 billion over 18 years. Contributions include $6.4 billion from each AmerisourceBergen and Cardinal Health, and $7.9 billion from McKesson. The settlement is seen as a step towards resolving opioid claims, with strong legal defenses maintained in pending litigation if not finalized.

AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson have agreed to pay up to $1.179 billion to settle opioid-related claims with New York and its subdivisions, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties. This settlement is part of ongoing negotiations for a broader resolution concerning claims from various states. The distributors will receive claims dismissal in exchange for the settlement amount and associated legal fees. While disputing the allegations, the companies view this as a step toward focusing resources on safe medication delivery and supporting affected communities.

Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) has introduced two new solutions aimed at supporting independent pharmacies: NavixRx Compliance Packaging and an E-Commerce Storefront. The NavixRx solution enhances medication adherence by automating compliance packaging for patients taking multiple prescriptions. This service allows pharmacies to outsource packaging, saving time and costs associated with manual processes. The E-Commerce Storefront provides independent pharmacies with online shopping capabilities for over 11,000 products, meeting consumer demand for convenience while maintaining personal pharmacy relationships.