Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) lifts 2026 EPS outlook as non-GAAP Q3 profits surge
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Cardinal Health reported a strong third quarter of fiscal 2026, combining solid growth with a notable non-cash charge. Revenue rose 11% to $60.9 billion versus the prior-year quarter. Non-GAAP operating earnings increased 18% to $956 million and non-GAAP diluted EPS grew 35% to $3.17, helped by stronger segment performance, a lower non-GAAP tax rate and a lower share count.
GAAP results were weaker as operating earnings fell 30% to $509 million and diluted EPS declined 20% to $1.69, driven mainly by a $184 million goodwill impairment in the Navista & ION reporting unit. The Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment posted 11% revenue growth and 18% profit growth, while the Other segment grew revenue 31% and profit 34%. Cardinal Health raised its fiscal 2026 non-GAAP EPS outlook to $10.70–$10.80, implying 30%–31% growth, and lifted adjusted free cash flow guidance to $3.3–$3.7 billion. The company also reduced debt, brought its leverage ratio to 3.0x and completed $1.0 billion of share repurchases year-to-date.
Positive
- None.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Non-GAAP earnings and guidance are strong, despite a goodwill-driven GAAP hit.
Cardinal Health delivered 11% revenue growth to $60.9 billion, with non-GAAP diluted EPS up 35% to $3.17. Performance was led by Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions and the three growth businesses grouped under Other.
GAAP diluted EPS fell 20% to $1.69 because of a $184 million goodwill impairment in the Navista & ION reporting unit. That charge is non-cash but highlights management’s reassessment of that business’s risk profile and discount rate.
The company raised fiscal 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance to $10.70–$10.80 and increased adjusted free cash flow guidance to $3.3–$3.7 billion. Debt reduction, a 3.0x leverage ratio and $1.0 billion of year-to-date share repurchases underscore active capital deployment alongside earnings growth.
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 2.02, 7.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Q3 2026 revenue: $60.9 billion
Q3 2026 GAAP operating earnings: $509 million
Q3 2026 non-GAAP operating earnings: $956 million
+5 more
8 metrics
Q3 2026 revenue
$60.9 billion
Up 11% from Q3 2025
Q3 2026 GAAP operating earnings
$509 million
Down 30% year-over-year
Q3 2026 non-GAAP operating earnings
$956 million
Up 18% year-over-year
Q3 2026 GAAP diluted EPS
$1.69
Down 20% from $2.10 in Q3 2025
Q3 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS
$3.17
Up 35% from $2.35 in Q3 2025
Fiscal 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance
$10.70–$10.80
Implied 30%–31% growth
Goodwill impairment charge
$184 million
Pre-tax, Navista & ION reporting unit in Q3 2026
Adjusted free cash flow guidance
$3.3–$3.7 billion
Raised for fiscal year 2026
Key Terms
non-GAAP diluted EPS, goodwill impairment, adjusted free cash flow, segment profit, +2 more
6 terms
non-GAAP diluted EPS financial
"Non-GAAP diluted EPS increased 35% to $3.17, reflecting the increase in non-GAAP operating earnings"
Non-GAAP diluted EPS (Earnings Per Share) is a measure of a company's profit allocated to each share of stock, calculated using adjusted earnings that exclude certain items like one-time expenses or gains. It provides a view of ongoing performance by removing irregular or non-recurring factors. Investors use it to better understand the company's core profitability and compare performance across different periods or companies.
goodwill impairment financial
"reflecting a $184 million pre-tax goodwill impairment in the company's Navista & ION reporting unit"
Goodwill impairment occurs when a company’s valued reputation or brand strength, known as goodwill, is found to be worth less than previously recorded on its financial statements. This usually happens when the company's performance declines or market conditions change, signaling that the expected benefits from acquisitions or brand value are no longer as strong. It matters to investors because it can indicate that a company's assets are less valuable than initially thought, potentially affecting its overall financial health.
adjusted free cash flow financial
"Adjusted free cash flow raised and narrowed to $3.3 billion to $3.7 billion"
Adjusted free cash flow is the amount of money a company generates from its operations after accounting for essential expenses and investments, like maintaining or upgrading equipment. It shows how much cash is truly available to grow the business, pay debts, or return to shareholders, helping investors see the company's financial health more clearly.
segment profit financial
"Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment profit increased 18% to $784 million in the third quarter"
Segment profit is the portion of a company's earnings produced by a single business unit or division after subtracting the costs directly tied to that unit. It shows how much money that part of the company actually contributes, like checking which room in a house uses most of the electricity. Investors use it to identify strong or weak businesses inside a company, guide capital allocation, and make clearer comparisons between divisions.
non-GAAP effective tax rate financial
"Non-GAAP diluted EPS increased 35% to $3.17, reflecting the increase in non-GAAP operating earnings, a lower non-GAAP effective tax rate"
A non-GAAP effective tax rate is an estimate of the percentage of a company’s profit that it pays in taxes after removing certain one-time items or accounting adjustments from reported earnings. Think of it like calculating a household’s typical monthly tax bill after excluding an unusual windfall or expense; it helps investors see the company’s recurring tax burden and compare operating performance across periods, but it can differ from the official GAAP tax rate and should be checked against the standardized figure.
leveraged ratio financial
"lowered its leverage ratio5 to 3.0X, maintaining its targeted range of 2.75 - 3.25X"
Earnings Snapshot
Revenue: $60.9 billion · Guidance included
Q3 fiscal 2026
Revenue
$60.9 billion
11% growth year-over-year
GAAP diluted EPS
$1.69
20% decline year-over-year
Non-GAAP diluted EPS
$3.17
35% growth year-over-year
Non-GAAP operating earnings
$956 million
18% growth year-over-year
Guidance
Cardinal Health raised fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to a range of $10.70 to $10.80, representing 30% to 31% projected growth, and increased adjusted free cash flow guidance to $3.3 billion to $3.7 billion.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 30, 2026
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(614 ) 757-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instructions A.2. below):
| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) | |||||
| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) | |||||
| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) | |||||
| Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||||||
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
| Emerging growth company | |||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. p
Item 2.02: Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On April 30, 2026, Cardinal Health, Inc. (the "Company") issued a news release announcing its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. A copy of the news release is included as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.
Item 7.01: Regulation FD Disclosure
During a webcast scheduled to be held at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time on April 30, 2026, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer will discuss the Company's results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 and outlook for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The slide presentation for the webcast will be available on the Investors page at ir.cardinalhealth.com. An audio replay of the webcast also will be available on the Investors page at ir.cardinalhealth.com.
Item 9.01: Financial Statements and Exhibits
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit Number | Exhibit Description | ||||
| 99.1 | News release issued by the Company on April 30, 2026 announcing third-quarter results. | ||||
2
Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| Cardinal Health, Inc. | ||||||||||||||
| (Registrant) | ||||||||||||||
| Date: | April 30, 2026 | By: | /s/ AARON E. ALT | |||||||||||
| Aaron E. Alt | ||||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||||||||||||||
3
Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cardinal Health Reports Third Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Results and Raises Outlook
•Revenue increased 11% to $60.9 billion
•GAAP1 operating earnings decreased 30% to $509 million; GAAP diluted EPS decreased 20% to $1.69
•Non-GAAP operating earnings increased 18% to $956 million; non-GAAP diluted EPS increased 35% to $3.17
•Cardinal Health raises and narrows fiscal year 2026 non-GAAP EPS guidance2 to $10.70 to $10.80
•Cardinal Health reduces debt and completes additional $250 million share repurchase, bringing FY26 repurchase total to $1.0 billion
DUBLIN, Ohio, April 30, 2026 – Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) today reported third quarter fiscal year 2026 revenues of $60.9 billion, an increase of 11% from the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.
Third quarter GAAP operating earnings decreased 30% to $509 million and GAAP diluted earnings per share (EPS) decreased 20% to $1.69, reflecting a $184 million pre-tax goodwill impairment in the company's Navista & ION reporting unit primarily due to changes in the risk profile of the business plans resulting in an increase in the discount rate. These changes reflect business model updates and base operational performance.
Third quarter non-GAAP operating earnings increased 18% to $956 million. Non-GAAP diluted EPS increased 35% to $3.17, reflecting the increase in non-GAAP operating earnings, a lower non-GAAP effective tax rate and a lower share count, partially offset by an increase in interest and other expense.
“An excellent third quarter extends our FY26 momentum, due to the durability and resilience of our business,” said Jason Hollar, CEO of Cardinal Health. “We were pleased to see strong operating performance led by Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions and our three growth businesses, positioning us for long-term value creation and giving us the confidence to again raise our fiscal 2026 outlook.”
Q3 FY26 summary
| Q3 FY26 | Q3 FY25 | Y/Y | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $60.9 billion | $54.9 billion | 11% | ||||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | $509 million | $730 million | (30)% | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP operating earnings | $956 million | $807 million | 18% | ||||||||||||||
| Net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. | $399 million | $506 million | (21)% | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. | $750 million | $568 million | 32% | ||||||||||||||
Effective Tax Rate3 | 3.1% | 23.6% | |||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP Effective Tax Rate3 | 10.2% | 22.4% | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted EPS attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. | $1.69 | $2.10 | (20)% | ||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP diluted EPS attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. | $3.17 | $2.35 | 35% | ||||||||||||||
Cardinal Health
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Segment results
Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment
| Q3 FY26 | Q3 FY25 | Y/Y | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 56.1 | billion | $ | 50.4 | billion | 11% | ||||||||||
| Segment profit | $ | 784 | million | $ | 662 | million | 18% | ||||||||||
Third quarter revenue for the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment increased 11% to $56.1 billion, driven by brand and specialty pharmaceutical sales growth from existing customers.
Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment profit increased 18% to $784 million in the third quarter, driven by contributions from brand and specialty products and positive generics program performance.
Global Medical Products and Distribution segment
| Q3 FY26 | Q3 FY25 | Y/Y | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 3.1 | billion | $ | 3.2 | billion | —% | ||||||||||
Segment profit | $ | 25 | million | $ | 39 | million | (36)% | ||||||||||
Third quarter revenue for the Global Medical Products and Distribution segment was generally flat to the prior year. This reflected lower distribution volumes, offset by Cardinal Health brand growth.
Global Medical Products and Distribution segment profit decreased 36% to $25 million in the third quarter, primarily due to the adverse net impact of tariffs.
Other4
| Q3 FY26 | Q3 FY25 | Y/Y | |||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 1.7 | billion | $ | 1.3 | billion | 31% | ||||||||||
Segment profit | $ | 179 | million | $ | 134 | million | 34% | ||||||||||
Third quarter revenue for Other increased 31% to $1.7 billion, driven by growth across the three operating segments: at-Home Solutions (including the acquisition of Advanced Diabetes Supply), Nuclear and Precision Health Solutions and OptiFreight Logistics.
Other segment profit increased 34% to $179 million in the third quarter, driven by growth across the three operating segments: at-Home Solutions (including the acquisition of Advanced Diabetes Supply), OptiFreight Logistics and Nuclear and Precision Health Solutions.
Cardinal Health
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Fiscal year 2026 outlook2
Cardinal Health is raising and narrowing its fiscal year 2026 guidance for non-GAAP diluted EPS attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. to a range of $10.70 to $10.80 (+30% to +31% growth). This updated guidance reflects:
Improved operating segment performance:
•Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment profit growth of 22% to 23%, from the prior range of 20% to 22%
•Other segment profit growth of 36% to 38%, from the prior range of 33% to 35%
Net below-the-line improvements:
•Non-GAAP effective tax rate decreased to approximately 19%, from the prior range of 21% to 23%
•Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased to approximately 237 million, from the prior outlook of 237 million to 238 million
•Interest and Other expense updated to approximately $340 million, from the prior guidance of approximately $325 million
Improved free cash flow:
•Adjusted free cash flow raised and narrowed to $3.3 billion to $3.7 billion, from prior guidance of $3.0 billion to $3.5 billion
Recent highlights
•Cardinal Health announced a significant expansion of its Actinium-225 (Ac-225) production capabilities at its Nuclear and Precision Health Solutions Center for Theranostics Advancement (CTA) in Indianapolis, Indiana, substantially increasing supply for use in investigational therapeutic drug products and future commercial manufacturing novel therapies.
•Specialty Networks and The Specialty Alliance entered an arrangement to partner in supporting a pharma company on a multi-year study focused on understanding real world outcomes. Patients will receive care at community gastroenterology clinics across the country with Specialty Networks performing the analysis of the results.
•Cardinal Health reduced debt, completing $100M term loan payment ahead of schedule and lowered its leverage ratio5 to 3.0X, maintaining its targeted range of 2.75 - 3.25X and its investment grade rating.
•Cardinal Health recently completed an additional $250 million accelerated share repurchase program, bringing year-to-date share repurchases in fiscal year 2026 to $1.0 billion.
Cardinal Health
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Webcast
Cardinal Health will host a webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss third quarter results. To access the webcast and corresponding slide presentation, go to the Investor Relations page at ir.cardinalhealth.com. No access code is required.
Presentation slides and a webcast replay will be available on the Investor Relations page for 12 months.
About Cardinal Health
Cardinal Health is a distributor of pharmaceuticals and specialty products; a global manufacturer and distributor of medical and laboratory products; a supplier of home-health and direct-to-patient products and services; an operator of nuclear pharmacies and manufacturing facilities; and a provider of performance and data solutions. Our company’s customer-centric focus drives continuous improvement and leads to innovative solutions that improve people’s lives every day. Learn more about Cardinal Health at cardinalhealth.com and in our Newsroom.
Contacts
Media: Erich Timmerman, Erich.Timmerman@cardinalhealth.com and 614.757.8231
Investors: Matt Sims, Matt.Sims@cardinalhealth.com and 614.553.3661
1GAAP refers to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. This news release includes GAAP financial measures as well as non-GAAP financial measures, which are financial measures not calculated in accordance with GAAP. See "Use of Non-GAAP Measures" following the attached schedules for definitions of the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this news release and see the attached schedules for reconciliations of the differences between the non-GAAP financial measures and their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.
2The company does not provide forward-looking guidance on a GAAP basis as certain financial information, the probable significance of which cannot be determined, is not available and cannot be reasonably estimated. See "Use of Non-GAAP Measures" following the attached schedules for additional explanation.
3The company achieved a GAAP effective tax rate of 3.1% and non-GAAP effective tax rate of 10.2% during the third quarter primarily as a result of discrete planning benefits.
4Other includes the following three operating segments: Nuclear and Precision Health Solutions (NPHS), at-Home Solutions and OptiFreight Logistics, which are not significant enough individually to require reportable segment disclosure.
5The company maintains a targeted leverage range of 2.75x to 3.25x Adjusted Debt to EBITDA as defined by Moody’s Ratings. The company achieved 3.0x leverage as of March 31, 2026 per internal estimates.
Cardinal Health uses its website as a channel of distribution for material company information. Important information, including news releases, financial information, earnings and analyst presentations, and information about upcoming presentations and events is routinely posted and accessible on the Investor Relations page at ir.cardinalhealth.com. In addition, the website allows investors and other interested persons to sign up automatically to receive email alerts when the company posts news releases, SEC filings and certain other information on its website.
Cardinal Health
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Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements addressing expectations, prospects, estimates and other matters that are dependent upon future events or developments. These statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," “will," "should," "could," "would," "project," "continue,” "likely," and similar expressions, and include statements reflecting future results or guidance, statements of outlook and various accruals and estimates. These matters are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated or implied. These risks and uncertainties include our ability to manage uncertainties associated with the pricing of branded pharmaceuticals including those arising from proposed or final regulatory changes, the risk that we may fail to achieve our strategic objectives, including the operation of recently acquired entities and the continued execution of the GMPD Improvement Plan initiatives; risks and uncertainties related to tariffs, including the risk that we may not be able to offset increased costs or that we will lose customers if our competitors do not increase price on impacted products to the same extent that we do, competitive pressures in Cardinal Health's various lines of business, including the risk that customers may reduce purchases made under their contracts with us or terminate or not renew their contracts, whether due to price increases or otherwise; risks associated with litigation matters, including Department of Justice investigations focused on potential violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act; the risk that events outside of our control, such as weather or geopolitical events, including the recent conflict with Iran, may impact costs for our products or may cause supply delays or shortages or manufacturing delays that impact our cost and ability to fulfill customer demand; and the performance of our generics program, including the amount or rate of generic deflation and our ability to offset generic deflation and maintain other financial and strategic benefits through our generic sourcing venture or other components of our generics programs. Cardinal Health is subject to additional risks and uncertainties described in Cardinal Health's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8K reports and exhibits to those reports. This release reflects management’s views as of April 30, 2026. Except to the extent required by applicable law, Cardinal Health undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that goals, targets or projections will be met, and no assurance can be given that any commitment, expectation, initiative or plan in this report can or will be achieved or completed. Cardinal Health provides definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures and their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures at ir.cardinalhealth.com
Schedule 1
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited)
Third Quarter | Year-to-Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per common share amounts) | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 60,940 | $ | 54,878 | 11 | % | $ | 190,576 | $ | 162,419 | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost of products sold | 58,442 | 52,755 | 11 | % | 183,362 | 156,453 | 17 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross margin | 2,498 | 2,123 | 18 | % | 7,214 | 5,966 | 21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distribution, selling, general and administrative expenses | 1,542 | 1,315 | 17 | % | 4,507 | 3,898 | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and employee severance | 25 | 28 | 66 | 61 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization and other acquisition-related costs | 114 | 152 | 348 | 331 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition-related cash and share-based compensation costs | 112 | 20 | 243 | 20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net | 185 | (17) | 173 | (15) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Litigation (recoveries)/charges, net | 11 | (105) | (7) | (176) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating earnings | 509 | 730 | (30) | % | 1,884 | 1,847 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other (income)/expense, net | 16 | (9) | (5) | (11) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 101 | 74 | 36 | % | 269 | 141 | 91 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes | 392 | 665 | (41) | % | 1,620 | 1,717 | (6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 12 | 157 | (92) | % | 315 | 391 | (19) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | 380 | 508 | (25) | % | 1,305 | 1,326 | (2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Net (earnings)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | 19 | (2) | 11 | (4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. | $ | 399 | $ | 506 | (21) | % | $ | 1,316 | $ | 1,322 | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings per common share attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc.: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 1.69 | $ | 2.11 | (20) | % | $ | 5.56 | $ | 5.47 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 1.69 | 2.10 | (20) | % | 5.54 | 5.44 | 2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 235 | 240 | 237 | 242 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 236 | 241 | 238 | 243 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Schedule 2
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
| (in millions) | March 31, 2026 | June 30, 2025 | |||||||||
| Assets | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and equivalents | $ | 3,937 | $ | 3,874 | |||||||
| Trade receivables, net | 13,648 | 13,242 | |||||||||
| Inventories, net | 18,007 | 16,831 | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other | 2,472 | 2,414 | |||||||||
| Assets held for sale | — | 12 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 38,064 | 36,373 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 2,928 | 2,858 | |||||||||
| Goodwill and other intangibles, net | 13,698 | 12,177 | |||||||||
| Other assets | 1,999 | 1,714 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 56,689 | $ | 53,122 | |||||||
| Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 37,834 | $ | 34,713 | |||||||
| Current portion of long-term obligations and other short-term borrowings | 671 | 550 | |||||||||
| Other accrued liabilities | 3,484 | 3,634 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 41,989 | 38,897 | |||||||||
| Long-term obligations, less current portion | 8,245 | 7,977 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes and other liabilities | 9,127 | 8,882 | |||||||||
| Total shareholders’ deficit | (2,672) | (2,634) | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit | $ | 56,689 | $ | 53,122 | |||||||
Schedule 3
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
| Third Quarter | Year-to-Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings | $ | 380 | $ | 508 | $ | 1,305 | $ | 1,326 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 248 | 207 | 715 | 581 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and loss on sale of other investments | 15 | — | 20 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net | 185 | (17) | 173 | (15) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 129 | 31 | 309 | 91 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Provision for bad debts | 20 | 13 | 47 | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and divestitures: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase in trade receivables | (17) | (114) | (215) | (367) | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Increase)/decrease in inventories | 2,094 | 758 | (1,185) | (1,209) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable | (1,163) | 1,424 | 3,013 | 954 | |||||||||||||||||||
Repurchases of liability-classified Specialty Alliance Units | (5) | — | (27) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other accrued liabilities and operating items, net | (63) | 114 | (673) | (527) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,823 | 2,924 | 3,482 | 877 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired | (42) | (2,779) | (1,967) | (3,855) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Additions to property and equipment | (146) | (126) | (385) | (315) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from the disposal of property and equipment | — | 3 | 31 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from investments | 27 | 5 | 27 | 7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from short-term investment in time deposit | — | — | — | 200 | |||||||||||||||||||
Other investing items, net | (20) | (2) | (9) | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (181) | (2,898) | (2,303) | (3,962) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term obligations, net of issuance costs | 2 | — | 991 | 2,869 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reduction of long-term obligations | (113) | (11) | (637) | (434) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Payments to noncontrolling interests, net | (4) | (7) | (8) | (7) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net tax proceeds/(withholding) from share-based compensation | 2 | 3 | (79) | (12) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Dividends on common shares | (120) | (124) | (371) | (374) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase of treasury shares, net | (250) | (375) | (1,008) | (765) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities | (483) | (514) | (1,112) | 1,277 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents | 1 | 4 | (4) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and equivalents | 1,160 | (484) | 63 | (1,807) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and equivalents at beginning of period | 2,777 | 3,810 | 3,874 | 5,133 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and equivalents at end of period | $ | 3,937 | $ | 3,326 | $ | 3,937 | $ | 3,326 | |||||||||||||||
Schedule 4
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Segment Information
| Third Quarter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions | Global Medical Products and Distribution | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | $ | 56,111 | $ | 50,433 | $ | 3,148 | $ | 3,160 | $ | 1,706 | $ | 1,304 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth rate | 11 | % | — | % | — | % | 2 | % | 31 | % | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | $ | 784 | $ | 662 | $ | 25 | $ | 39 | $ | 179 | $ | 134 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth rate | 18 | % | 14 | % | (36) | % | 77 | % | 34 | % | 22 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit margin | 1.40 | % | 1.31 | % | 0.79 | % | 1.23 | % | 10.49 | % | 10.28 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year-to-Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions | Global Medical Products and Distribution | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | $ | 175,985 | $ | 149,272 | $ | 9,591 | $ | 9,437 | $ | 5,071 | $ | 3,773 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth rate | 18 | % | (3) | % | 2 | % | 2 | % | 34 | % | 13 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | $ | 2,138 | $ | 1,723 | $ | 108 | $ | 65 | $ | 524 | $ | 356 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth rate | 24 | % | 12 | % | 66 | % | 44 | % | 47 | % | 14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Segment profit margin | 1.21 | % | 1.15 | % | 1.13 | % | 0.69 | % | 10.33 | % | 9.44 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The sum of the components and certain computations may reflect rounding adjustments.
Schedule 5
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
GAAP / Non-GAAP Reconciliation1
| Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Earnings)/Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Operating | Earnings | Provision | Attributable | Net | Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Margin | SG&A2 | Earnings | Before | for | to Non- | Earnings3 | Effective | EPS 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per common share amounts) | Gross | Growth | Growth | Operating | Growth | Income | Income | controlling | Net | Growth | Tax | Diluted | Growth | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Margin | Rate | SG&A2 | Rate | Earnings | Rate | Taxes | Taxes | Interests | Earnings3 | Rate | Rate | EPS 3 | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third Quarter 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 2,498 | 18 | % | $ | 1,542 | 17 | % | $ | 509 | (30) | % | $ | 392 | $ | 12 | $ | 19 | $ | 399 | (21) | % | 3.1 | % | $ | 1.69 | (20) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and employee severance | — | — | 25 | 25 | 6 | — | 19 | 0.08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization and other acquisition-related costs | — | — | 114 | 114 | 43 | — | 71 | 0.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition-related cash & share-based compensation costs | — | — | 112 | 112 | 4 | — | 108 | 0.46 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net 4 | — | — | 185 | 185 | 22 | (23) | 140 | 0.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Litigation (recoveries)/charges, net | — | — | 11 | 11 | (2) | — | 13 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP | $ | 2,498 | 18 | % | $ | 1,542 | 17 | % | $ | 956 | 18 | % | $ | 840 | $ | 86 | $ | (4) | $ | 750 | 32 | % | 10.2 | % | $ | 3.17 | 35 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Third Quarter 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 2,123 | 10 | % | $ | 1,315 | 4 | % | $ | 730 | 98 | % | $ | 665 | $ | 157 | $ | (2) | $ | 506 | 94 | % | 23.6 | % | $ | 2.10 | 96 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and employee severance | — | — | 28 | 28 | 7 | — | 21 | 0.09 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization and other acquisition-related costs | — | — | 152 | 152 | 34 | (2) | 116 | 0.48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition-related cash & share-based compensation costs | — | — | 20 | 20 | 1 | (4) | 15 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net | — | — | (17) | (17) | (4) | — | (13) | (0.06) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Litigation (recoveries)/charges, net | — | — | (105) | (105) | (27) | — | (78) | (0.32) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP | $ | 2,122 | 10 | % | $ | 1,315 | 4 | % | $ | 807 | 21 | % | $ | 741 | $ | 166 | $ | (7) | $ | 568 | 11 | % | 22.4 | % | $ | 2.35 | 13 | % | ||||||||||||||||
1 For more information on these measures, refer to the Use of Non-GAAP Measures and Definitions schedules.
2 Distribution, selling, general and administrative expenses.
3 Attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc.
4 For the three months ended March 31, 2026, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposals of assets, net includes pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $184 million related to the Navista & ION reporting unit within the Pharma segment. For fiscal 2026, the estimated net tax benefit related to the impairments is $23 million and is included in the annual effective tax rate. The portion of the goodwill impairment charge attributable to noncontrolling interests is $23 million.
The sum of the components and certain computations may reflect rounding adjustments.
We generally apply varying tax rates depending on the item's nature and tax jurisdiction where it is incurred.
Schedule 5
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
GAAP / Non-GAAP Reconciliation1
| Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Earnings)/Loss | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Operating | Earnings | Provision | Attributable | Net | Diluted | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Margin | SG&A2 | Earnings | Before | for | to Non- | Earnings3 | Effective | EPS 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions, except per common share amounts) | Gross | Growth | Growth | Operating | Growth | Income | Income | controlling | Net | Growth | Tax | Diluted | Growth | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Margin | Rate | SG&A2 | Rate | Earnings | Rate | Taxes | Taxes | Interests | Earnings3 | Rate | Rate | EPS 3 | Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year-to-Date 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 7,214 | 21 | % | $ | 4,507 | 16 | % | $ | 1,884 | 2 | % | $ | 1,620 | $ | 315 | $ | 11 | $ | 1,316 | — | % | 19.4 | % | $ | 5.54 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| State opioid assessments related to prior fiscal years | — | 17 | (17) | (17) | (4) | — | (13) | (0.05) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and employee severance | — | — | 66 | 66 | 15 | — | 51 | 0.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization and other acquisition-related costs | — | — | 348 | 348 | 92 | — | 256 | 1.08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition-related cash & share-based compensation costs | — | — | 243 | 243 | 9 | — | 234 | 0.98 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net 4 | — | — | 173 | 173 | 19 | (23) | 131 | 0.56 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Litigation (recoveries)/charges, net | — | — | (7) | (7) | (16) | — | 9 | 0.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP | $ | 7,214 | 21 | % | $ | 4,524 | 16 | % | $ | 2,690 | 30 | % | $ | 2,426 | $ | 430 | $ | (12) | $ | 1,984 | 33 | % | 17.7 | % | $ | 8.35 | 36 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Year-to-Date 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP | $ | 5,966 | 8 | % | $ | 3,898 | 5 | % | $ | 1,847 | N.M. | $ | 1,717 | $ | 391 | $ | (4) | $ | 1,322 | N.M. | 22.8 | % | $ | 5.44 | N.M. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Restructuring and employee severance | — | — | 61 | 61 | 15 | — | 46 | 0.19 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortization and other acquisition-related costs | — | — | 331 | 331 | 81 | (2) | 248 | 1.02 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Acquisition-related cash & share-based compensation costs | — | — | 20 | 20 | 1 | (4) | 15 | 0.06 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net | — | — | (15) | (15) | (4) | — | (11) | (0.04) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Litigation (recoveries)/charges, net | — | — | (176) | (176) | (51) | — | (125) | (0.51) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP | $ | 5,966 | 8 | % | $ | 3,898 | 5 | % | $ | 2,067 | 14 | % | $ | 1,937 | $ | 431 | $ | (10) | $ | 1,495 | 6 | % | 22.3 | % | $ | 6.16 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
1 For more information on these measures, refer to the Use of Non-GAAP Measures and Definitions schedules.
2 Distribution, selling, general and administrative expenses.
3 Attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc.
4 For the nine months ended March 31, 2026, impairments and (gain)/loss on disposals of assets, net includes pre-tax goodwill impairment charges of $184 million related to the Navista & ION reporting unit within the Pharma segment. For fiscal 2026, the estimated net tax benefit related to the impairments is $23 million and is included in the annual effective tax rate. The portion of the goodwill impairment charge attributable to noncontrolling interests is $23 million.
The sum of the components and certain computations may reflect rounding adjustments.
We generally apply varying tax rates depending on the item's nature and tax jurisdiction where it is incurred.
Schedule 6
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
GAAP / Non-GAAP Reconciliation - GAAP Cash Flow to Non-GAAP Adjusted Free Cash Flow
| Third Quarter | Year-to-Date | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||
| GAAP - Cash Flow Categories | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,823 | $ | 2,924 | $ | 3,482 | $ | 877 | |||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (181) | (2,898) | (2,303) | (3,962) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities | (483) | (514) | (1,112) | 1,277 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of exchange rates changes on cash and equivalents | 1 | 4 | (4) | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and equivalents | $ | 1,160 | $ | (484) | $ | 63 | $ | (1,807) | |||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Adjusted Free Cash Flow | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,823 | $ | 2,924 | $ | 3,482 | $ | 877 | |||||||||||||||
| Repurchases of liability-classified Specialty Alliance Units | 5 | — | 27 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Additions to property and equipment | (146) | (126) | (385) | (315) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Payments related to matters included in litigation (recoveries)/charges, net | 15 | 1 | 401 | 622 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP Adjusted Free Cash Flow | $ | 1,697 | $ | 2,799 | $ | 3,525 | $ | 1,184 | |||||||||||||||
For more information on these measures, refer to the Use of Non-GAAP Measures and Definitions schedules.
Schedule 7
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Distribution, Selling, General and Administrative ("SG&A") Expenses, excluding Acquisitions
| Third Quarter | Year-to-Date | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | (in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | % Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A expenses | $ | 1,542 | $ | 1,315 | 17 | % | SG&A expenses | $ | 4,507 | $ | 3,898 | 16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Recent acquisitions1 | 216 | 80 | N.M. | Less: Recent acquisitions1 | 569 | 97 | N.M. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SG&A expenses, excluding recent acquisitions | $ | 1,326 | $ | 1,235 | 7 | % | SG&A expenses, excluding recent acquisitions | $ | 3,938 | $ | 3,801 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
1Recent acquisitions include Integrated Oncology Network (December 2024), GI Alliance (January 2025), Advanced Diabetes Supply Group (April 2025), Urology America (May 2025), and Solaris Health (November 2025).
Cardinal Health, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Use of Non-GAAP Measures
This earnings release contains financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP").
In addition to analyzing our business based on financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use these non-GAAP financial measures internally to evaluate our performance, engage in financial and operational planning, and determine incentive compensation because we believe that these measures provide additional perspective on and, in some circumstances are more closely correlated to, the performance of our underlying, ongoing business. We provide these non-GAAP financial measures to investors as supplemental metrics to assist readers in assessing the effects of items and events on our financial and operating results on a year-over-year basis and in comparing our performance to that of our competitors. However, the non-GAAP financial measures that we use may be calculated differently from, and therefore may not be comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by us should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP and reconciliations to those financial statements set forth below should be carefully evaluated.
Exclusions from Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management believes it is useful to exclude the following items from the non-GAAP measures presented in this report for its own and for investors’ assessment of the business for the reasons identified below:
•LIFO charges and credits are excluded because the factors that drive last-in first-out ("LIFO") inventory charges or credits, such as pharmaceutical manufacturer price appreciation or deflation and year-end inventory levels (which can be meaningfully influenced by customer buying behavior immediately preceding our fiscal year-end), are largely out of our control and cannot be accurately predicted. The exclusion of LIFO charges and credits from non-GAAP metrics facilitates comparison of our current financial results to our historical financial results and to our peer group companies’ financial results. We did not recognize any LIFO charges or credits during the periods presented.
•State opioid assessments related to prior fiscal years is the portion of state assessments for prescription opioid medications that were sold or distributed in periods prior to the period in which the expense is incurred. This portion is excluded from non-GAAP financial measures because it is retrospectively applied to sales in prior fiscal years and inclusion would obscure analysis of the current fiscal year results of our underlying, ongoing business. Additionally, while states' laws may require us to make payments on an ongoing basis, the portion of the assessment related to sales in prior periods are contemplated to be one-time, nonrecurring items. Income from state opioid assessments related to prior fiscal years represents reversals of accruals due to changes in estimates or when the underlying assessments were invalidated by a Court or reimbursed by manufacturers.
•Restructuring and employee severance costs are excluded because they are not part of the ongoing operations of our underlying business and include, but are not limited to, costs related to divestitures, closing and consolidating facilities, changing the way we manufacture or distribute our products, moving manufacturing of a product to another location, changes in production or business process outsourcing or insourcing, employee severance, and realigning operations.
•Amortization and other acquisition-related costs, which include transaction costs, integration costs, and changes in the fair value of contingent consideration obligations, are excluded because they are not part of the ongoing operations of our underlying business and to facilitate comparison of our current financial results to our historical financial results and to our peer group companies' financial results. Additionally, costs for amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets and amortization as a result of basis differences in equity method investments are non-cash amounts, which are variable in amount and frequency and are significantly impacted by the timing and size of acquisitions, so their exclusion facilitates comparison of historical, current, and forecasted financial results. We also exclude other acquisition-related costs, which are directly related to an acquisition but do not meet the criteria to be recognized on the acquired entity’s initial balance sheet as part of the purchase price allocation. These costs are also significantly impacted by the timing, complexity, and size of acquisitions.
•Acquisition-related cash and share-based compensation costs are incurred in connection with contingent cash payments or the issuance of share-based payment awards, which include service requirements, as a part of certain physician practice acquisitions. These costs include fair value adjustments for liability-classified awards. These costs are excluded because they are unrelated to the underlying operating results of our business and to facilitate comparison of our current financial results to our historical financial results and to our peer group companies’ financial results. In addition, the magnitude of these expenses is significantly impacted by the timing and size of the acquisitions of physician practices.
•Impairments and gain or loss on disposal of assets, net are excluded because they do not occur in or reflect the ordinary course of our ongoing business operations and are inherently unpredictable in timing and amount, and in the case of impairments, are non-cash amounts, so their exclusion facilitates comparison of historical, current, and forecasted financial results.
•Litigation recoveries or charges, net are excluded because they often relate to events that may have occurred in prior or multiple periods, do not occur in or reflect the ordinary course of our business and are inherently unpredictable in timing and amount.
The tax effect for each of the items listed above is determined using the tax rate and other tax attributes applicable to the item and the jurisdiction(s) in which the item is recorded. The gross, tax and net impact of each item are presented with our GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliations.
Non-GAAP adjusted free cash flow: We provide this non-GAAP financial measure as a supplemental metric to assist readers in assessing the effects of items and events on our cash flow on a year-over-year basis and in comparing our performance to that of our peer group companies. In calculating this non-GAAP metric, certain items are excluded from net cash provided by operating activities because they relate to significant and unusual or non-recurring events and are inherently unpredictable in timing and amount. We believe adjusted free cash flow is important to management and useful to investors as a supplemental measure as it indicates the cash flow available for working capital needs, debt repayments, dividend payments, share repurchases, strategic acquisitions, or other strategic uses of cash. A reconciliation of our GAAP financial results to Non-GAAP adjusted free cash flow is provided in Schedule 6 of the financial statement tables included with this release.
Forward Looking Non-GAAP Measures
In this document, the Company presents certain forward-looking non-GAAP metrics. The Company does not provide outlook on a GAAP basis because the items that the Company excludes from GAAP to calculate the comparable non-GAAP measure can be dependent on future events that are less capable of being controlled or reliably predicted by management and are not part of the Company’s routine operating activities. Additionally, management does not forecast many of the excluded items for internal use and therefore cannot create or rely on outlook done on a GAAP basis.
The occurrence, timing and amount of any of the items excluded from GAAP to calculate non-GAAP could significantly impact the Company’s fiscal 2026 GAAP results. Over the past five fiscal years, the excluded items have impacted the Company’s EPS from $1.79 to $8.44, which includes a $6.97 charge related to the goodwill impairment charge for the GMPD segment in fiscal 2022.
Definitions
Growth rate calculation: growth rates in this report are determined by dividing the difference between current-period results and prior-period results by prior-period results.
Interest and Other, net: other (income)/expense, net plus interest expense, net.
Segment Profit: segment revenue minus (segment cost of products sold and segment distribution, selling, general and administrative expenses).
Segment Profit margin: segment profit divided by segment revenue.
Non-GAAP gross margin: gross margin, excluding LIFO charges/(credits).
Non-GAAP distribution, selling, general and administrative expenses or Non-GAAP SG&A: distribution, selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years and shareholder cooperation agreement costs.
Non-GAAP operating earnings: operating earnings excluding (1) LIFO charges/(credits), (2) state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years, (3) restructuring and employee severance, (4) amortization and other acquisition-related costs, (5) acquisition-related cash and share-based compensation costs, (6) impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net, and (7) litigation (recoveries)/charges, net.
Non-GAAP earnings before income taxes: earnings before income taxes excluding (1) LIFO charges/(credits), (2) state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years, (3) restructuring and employee severance, (4) amortization and other acquisition-related costs, (5) acquisition-related cash and share-based compensation costs, (6) impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net, and (7) litigation (recoveries)/charges, net.
Non-GAAP net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests: net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests excluding (1) LIFO charges/(credits), (2) state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years, (3) restructuring and employee severance, (4) amortization and other acquisition-related costs, (5) acquisition-related cash and share-based compensation costs, (6) impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net, and (7) litigation (recoveries)/charges, net, each net of tax.
Non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc.: net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. excluding (1) LIFO charges/(credits), (2) state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years, (3) restructuring and employee severance, (4) amortization and other acquisition-related costs, (5) acquisition-related cash and share-based compensation costs, (6) impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net, and (7) litigation (recoveries)/charges, net, each net of tax.
Non-GAAP effective tax rate: provision for income taxes adjusted for the tax impacts of (1) LIFO charges/(credits), (2) state opioid assessment related to prior fiscal years, (3) restructuring and employee severance, (4) amortization and other acquisition-related costs, (5) acquisition-related cash and share-based compensation costs, (6) impairments and (gain)/loss on disposal of assets, net, and (7) litigation (recoveries)/charges, net, divided by (earnings before income taxes adjusted for the items above).
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc.: non-GAAP net earnings attributable to Cardinal Health, Inc. divided by diluted weighted-average shares outstanding.
Non-GAAP adjusted free cash flow: net cash provided by operating activities plus repurchases of liability-classified Specialty Alliance Units, less payments related to additions to property and equipment, excluding settlement payments and receipts related to matters included in litigation (recoveries)/charges, net, as defined above, or other significant and unusual or non-recurring cash payments or receipts.
FAQ
How did Cardinal Health (CAH) perform in Q3 fiscal 2026?
Cardinal Health delivered strong non-GAAP results in Q3 fiscal 2026. Revenue rose 11% to $60.9 billion, non-GAAP operating earnings increased 18% to $956 million, and non-GAAP diluted EPS climbed 35% to $3.17, reflecting stronger operations and tax benefits.
Why did Cardinal Health’s GAAP EPS decline while non-GAAP EPS increased?
GAAP diluted EPS fell 20% to $1.69 mainly due to a $184 million goodwill impairment in the Navista & ION unit. Excluding this and other specified items, non-GAAP diluted EPS rose 35% to $3.17, highlighting underlying earnings growth despite the non-cash charge.
What guidance did Cardinal Health (CAH) provide for fiscal year 2026?
Cardinal Health raised its fiscal 2026 non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to $10.70–$10.80, implying 30%–31% growth. It also lifted adjusted free cash flow guidance to $3.3–$3.7 billion, supported by stronger segment profit expectations and a lower projected non-GAAP effective tax rate.
How did Cardinal Health’s main segments perform in Q3 2026?
Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions revenue grew 11% to $56.1 billion, with segment profit up 18% to $784 million. Global Medical Products and Distribution revenue was about flat at $3.1 billion, while profit declined 36% to $25 million due to adverse net tariff effects.
What is driving Cardinal Health’s improved outlook for 2026?
The improved outlook reflects stronger operating segment performance, including forecast profit growth of 22%–23% in Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions and 36%–38% in Other. It also incorporates a lower expected non-GAAP effective tax rate and reduced diluted share count.
What capital allocation steps did Cardinal Health take in fiscal 2026 so far?
Cardinal Health reduced debt, including a $100 million term loan payment completed early, and estimates its leverage ratio at 3.0x. It also executed $1.0 billion of share repurchases year-to-date, most recently an additional $250 million accelerated repurchase program.