McKesson profit up 37%, helped by generic drugs
Drug distributor McKesson Corp. said its fiscal second-quarter profit rose 37% as generic drugs helped cut costs and the company sold more computer systems. A gain on income-tax expense boosted earnings.
Net income for the quarter ended Sept. 30 rose to $229 million, or 75 cents a share, from $167 million, or 53 cents, a year earlier, San Francisco-based McKesson said. Revenue rose 5% to $22.4 billion. Profit beat analyst estimates.
Increased sales of generic versions of drugs such as the blood thinner Plavix and the Medicare Part D prescription benefit for people 65 and older fueled demand at retail pharmacies, adding sales for drug distributors.
Sales of computers and information technology helped the company’s performance, said Lisa Gill, a JPMorgan Securities Inc. analyst in New York.
More to Read
Inside the business of entertainment
The Wide Shot brings you news, analysis and insights on everything from streaming wars to production — and what it all means for the future.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.