Cencora (COR) Raised Guidance and Bought Back $1B. What’s the Catch?
Cencora (NYSE: COR) reported a strong fiscal third quarter with revenue rising 5.1% to $84.8 billion and adjusted earnings per share climbing 12.0% to $4.48. Management raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to between $17.75 and $17.95, while the company accelerated its capital return program...
Bullish Signals
- EPS guidance raised to $17.75-$17.95.
- Completed $1B stock buyback in one quarter.
- Gross margin expanded 61 bps to 4.16%.
- International operating income up 20.8%.
- US operating income grew 15.9%.
Bearish Signals
- Operating expenses rose 26.8% amid OneOncology integration costs.
- Net interest expense increased $58.9M, weighing on profitability.
- Sales mix shift to lower-margin GLP-1 drugs reduces profit.
- Lost oncology customer in 2025 impacted US revenue.
- Lower manufacturer prices suppress domestic revenue growth.