Cardinal Health issued a current fiscal-year profit outlook that comfortably beat Wall Street projections on Tuesday, overshadowing mixed fiscal fourth-quarter results across its business segments.

Shares climbed 3.6% to $245.64 after the report, pacing toward their highest close on record, according to Dow Jones Market Data. The benchmark S&P 500 index gained 0.1%.

Management guided for adjusted earnings of $12.40 to $12.60 a share for the current fiscal year, representing 13% to 15% growth. The midpoint of the range was comfortably ahead of the FactSet consensus estimate of $12.08.

The outlook anticipates 3% to 5% revenue growth in pharmaceuticals revenue, and 2% to 4% growth in its medical products and distribution unit, Cardinal Health said. The guidance also reflects the company's expansion into home care, fueled by its recent acquisition of medical supplier Strive Medical and its pending deal for AdaptHealth's diabetes business.

The upbeat forecast came on the back of a mixed fourth quarter. Cardinal Health posted adjusted earnings of $2.91 a share in the period, ahead of analysts' calls for $2.42. Stripping away a 31-cent impact from tariff refunds, adjusted earnings were $2.60 a share.

Revenue in the period grew 6% to $63.7 billion, though the figure was a touch below Wall Street's forecast for $65 billion.

Performance was split across business divisions. Higher volume from existing customers alongside strong generic performance lifted pharmaceutical revenue by 6%. However, global medical products and distribution revenue fell 2%, impacted by reduced distribution volumes and the recognition of anticipated tariff refund repayments to customers.