• Revenue: $81.5 billion, up 13% year-over-year.
• Adjusted Diluted EPS: Increased 14% to $3.73.
• Gross Profit: $2.5 billion, up 6%.
• Gross Profit Margin: 3.11%, a decrease of 20 basis points.
• Operating Expenses: $1.6 billion, up approximately 6%.
• Operating Income: $949 million, an increase of 7%.
• Net Interest Expense: $28 million, down 31%.
• Effective Tax Rate: 20%, down from 21% in the prior year quarter.
• Diluted Share Count: 195.2 million shares, a 3% decline.
• Adjusted Free Cash Flow: Negative $2.8 billion.
• US Healthcare Solutions Revenue: $74 billion, up 14%.
• GLP-1 Products Sales: $3.2 billion, a 53% increase year-over-year.
• International Healthcare Solutions Revenue: $7.5 billion, up approximately 6%.
• International Healthcare Solutions Operating Income: $182 million, down 3% on an as-reported basis.
• Full Year Adjusted EPS Guidance: Raised to $15.25 to $15.55.
• Full Year Revenue Growth Guidance: 8% to 10%.
• Full Year Operating Income Growth Guidance: 11.5% to 13.5%.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Sign with COR.

Release Date: February 05, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• Cencora Inc (NYSE:COR) reported a strong start to fiscal year 2025 with a 13% increase in revenue and a 14% growth in adjusted EPS.
• The company raised its full-year guidance due to strong execution in its US business, highlighting its leadership in healthcare solutions.
• Cencora Inc (NYSE:COR) completed the acquisition of Retina Consultants of America, enhancing its position in the specialty market.
• The company is driving efficiency and productivity through advanced technology and expert teams, aligning with its digital transformation strategy.
• Cencora Inc (NYSE:COR) is focusing on a customer-centric approach, collaborating with customers to innovate and meet evolving needs, demonstrated by its inaugural product showcase.

Negative Points

• Consolidated gross profit margin decreased by 20 basis points due to increased sales of low-margin GLP-1 products and lower sales of COVID-19 vaccines.
• The International Healthcare Solutions segment saw a 3% decline in operating income on an as-reported basis, attributed to subdued clinical trial activity.
• Cencora Inc (NYSE:COR) faces a significant headwind from lower sales of COVID-19 vaccines, with no expected contribution in the second quarter of fiscal 2025.
• The company anticipates higher net interest expenses due to the financing of the RCA acquisition, impacting fiscal year 2025.
• The International Healthcare Solutions segment's revenue growth guidance was lowered due to updated foreign currency translation rates.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Bob, as you think about your specialty business, especially after the OneOncology investment and RCA acquisition, where do you see the company best positioned to outgrow the market? A: Robert Mauch, President and CEO: We are focused on a pharmaceutical-centered strategy, building on our portfolio of services to support manufacturers and providers. Our strong customer portfolio is a key differentiator, and we are confident in our MSO services as a logical next step in our strategy.

Q: Can you explain the revenue growth guidance for the US segment, given the strong Q1 performance? A: James Cleary, CFO: We increased our revenue growth guidance to 9%-11% for the fiscal year, acknowledging that Q1 growth was higher. Our assumptions include a deceleration in GLP-1 growth and Humira biosimilar conversion, which impact revenue but not significantly operating income.

Q: Could you provide more detail on the World Courier business and its outlook for FY25? A: James Cleary, CFO: The global specialty logistics business faced challenges due to subdued clinical trial activity. We expect performance to improve later in FY25 as demand for premium services increases. Our team is focused on pipeline and regional growth opportunities.

Q: Regarding Walgreens, are there any updates on contract discussions, and does your guidance reflect potential changes? A: Robert Mauch, CEO: We are actively engaged with Walgreens to create win-win value. They are a strategic customer, and our guidance includes assumptions for all aspects of our business, including Walgreens.

Q: How do you view the competitive environment in the MSO space, particularly in ophthalmology and retina? A: Robert Mauch, CEO: We are confident in our position with Retina Consultants of America, which is a leading retina MSO. Our focus is on clinical excellence and robust clinical research, which we believe will continue to attract physicians and practices.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.