Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) shares surged 9.44% in pre-market trading on Thursday following the release of its impressive first-quarter fiscal year 2026 results and an upgraded full-year outlook. The healthcare services and products company significantly outperformed analyst expectations, demonstrating robust growth across its business segments.

The company reported first-quarter revenue of $64 billion, a substantial 22% increase from the previous year and well above the consensus estimate of $59.347 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $2.55, surpassing the analyst expectations of $2.19 and marking a 36% year-over-year growth. The strong performance was primarily driven by the Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment, which saw a 23% revenue increase and a 26% profit growth.

In light of the strong results, Cardinal Health raised its fiscal year 2026 guidance. The company now expects non-GAAP EPS in the range of $9.65 to $9.85, up from previous estimates and surpassing the FactSet consensus of $9.44. Additionally, Cardinal Health increased its fiscal year 2026 non-GAAP adjusted free cash flow outlook to $3.0 to $3.5 billion. The company also announced the initiation of a $375 million accelerated share repurchase program in Q1, further boosting investor confidence. With the anticipated completion of the Solaris Health acquisition in early November, Cardinal Health appears well-positioned for continued growth and expansion in the healthcare sector.