Cardinal Health expands with $1.115B ION acquisition By Investing.com

DUBLIN, Ohio – Cardinal Health (NYSE: NYSE:) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Integrated Oncology Network (ION), a prominent independent community oncology network, for $1.115 billion in cash. The announcement made today indicates that the transaction will integrate ION’s more than 50 practice sites and over 100 providers across 10 states into Cardinal Health’s network.

This acquisition is a strategic move by Cardinal Health to invest in specialty and oncology services and reinforces its commitment to supporting the independence of community healthcare providers. With the inclusion of ION, Cardinal Health aims to accelerate the growth of its Navista oncology practice alliance, which offers advanced analytics and technology solutions to its members.

Jason Hollar, CEO of Cardinal Health, emphasized the importance of the acquisition in driving growth in specialty services and expanding offerings through Navista. He expressed confidence that ION’s model will enhance Cardinal Health’s oncology strategy and create value for both providers and patients.

ION provides a comprehensive range of services, including medical and radiation oncology, urology, diagnostic testing, and ancillary services. Its flexible business model and support services, such as revenue cycle management and physician recruitment, will be complemented by Navista’s technology platform and value-based care services.

Barry Tanner, CEO of Integrated Oncology Network, shared that the partnership with Cardinal Health aligns with ION’s mission to deliver exceptional patient care and experience. Similarly, Jedidiah Monson, MD, a founding partner of ION member practice cCARE, highlighted the benefits of the merger, allowing practices to access advanced services while retaining their independence.

Cardinal Health’s Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment is one of the largest pharmaceutical supply chains in the U.S., and through its Specialty business, it provides distribution and technology solutions to community-based practices nationwide.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and required regulatory approvals. It is expected to be accretive to Cardinal Health’s non-GAAP earnings per share after 12 months following the close of the deal.

The information in this article is based on a press release statement.

In other recent news, Cardinal Health has been the subject of significant developments. Argus raised the company’s stock target to $125.00, citing its resilient earnings growth outlook despite challenges, such as the impact of a significant client loss. The company’s earnings per share rose by 29% in fiscal year 2024, and its revenue increased by 11% to $227 billion, prompting upgrades from Deutsche Bank, TD Cowen, and Mizuho.

Cardinal Health also revised its fiscal year 2025 EPS guidance upwards to between $7.55 and $7.70, indicating confidence in its strategic progress. The company plans to generate at least $500 million in cash over the next two years and has increased its share repurchase expectation to $750 million for FY2025.

In terms of company news, Cardinal Health announced the departure of board members Steven K. Barg and Sujatha Chandrasekaran, who opted not to stand for re-election. The company also revealed plans to open a new distribution center in Walton Hills, Ohio, aiming to enhance infrastructure and supply chain resiliency. These improvements are expected to contribute to Cardinal Health’s robust growth strategy, focusing on higher-margin products.

InvestingPro Insights

As Cardinal Health (NYSE: CAH) moves to strengthen its foothold in the oncology sector with the acquisition of Integrated Oncology Network, the company’s financial health and strategic maneuvers are of interest to investors. Cardinal Health’s commitment to growth in specialty services is underscored by its recent financial metrics and management actions.

InvestingPro data reveals that Cardinal Health has a market capitalization of $26.8 billion, reflecting a significant presence in the healthcare industry. The company’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 31.91, suggesting investors are willing to pay a premium for its earnings. However, when adjusted for the last twelve months as of Q4 2024, the P/E ratio becomes more attractive at 16.65, indicating a better value proposition relative to near-term earnings growth. Additionally, the company’s revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q4 2024 is robust at 10.66%, showcasing its ability to expand its top-line effectively.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that Cardinal Health is not just a prominent player in the Healthcare Providers & Services industry; it has raised its dividend for 36 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders. This is further supported by the fact that the company has maintained dividend payments for an impressive 42 consecutive years. Such a track record of consistent dividend growth can be particularly appealing to income-focused investors.

For investors seeking more in-depth analysis, additional InvestingPro Tips for Cardinal Health can be found at InvestingPro Cardinal Health, including insights on share buybacks, earnings predictions, and stock volatility.

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