McKesson's drug-distribution business aids Q2 growth

SAN FRANCISCO Healthcare and distribution company McKesson reported Wednesday that the Distribution Solutions segment of its business drove second-quarter growth.

Revenues for McKesson rose nearly 1.5% to $27.5 billion for the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared with the year-ago period. Similarly, the company's second-quarter earnings rose from $1.11 per share in second quarter 2009 to $1.25 per share.

For its Distribution Solutions business, McKesson said revenues were up 2% in the second quarter, with gross profit rising to $1.09 billion from $960 million in second quarter 2009. The company attributed the increased gross profit margin to an improved mix of higher-margin products and services, including sales of OneStop Generics.

“I’m pleased with the outstanding performance in our Distribution Solutions and the ability of our team to consistently provide higher-value products and services to our customers,” said John Hammergren, McKesson chairman and CEO. “In particular, the market-leading generics programs that we have across all of our distribution businesses continue to play a significant role in our margin expansion.”

McKesson also saw additional increases across its U.S. pharmaceutical distribution, where revenues were up 1% for the quarter, as well as its medical-surgical distribution revenues, which rose 5%. The company also noted, however, that revenues were down 3% for its Technology Solutions segment.

Hammergren said that the company continues to expect to earn between $4.72 and $4.92 per diluted share for its fiscal guidance.