Feb 5 (Reuters) - Drug distributor Cencora ( COR )

raised its fiscal 2025 profit forecast on Wednesday, driven by

robust demand for expensive specialty medicines.

The Conshohocken, Pennsylvania-based company now expects its

2025 adjusted profit to range between $15.25 and $15.55 per

share, up from the previous estimate of $15.15 to $15.45 per

share.

Analysts, on average, were expecting a forecast of $15.28

per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Cencora ( COR ) beat first-quarter profit estimates due to strong

sales in its U.S. healthcare solutions segment, which rose 13.6%

to $74.0 billion, helped by increased sales of GLP-1 drugs and

specialty medicines.

Growing U.S. demand for medicines treating complex

conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer has

encouraged Cencora ( COR ) and peers Cardinal Health ( CAH ) and

McKesson to expand into the high-margin sector.

Cencora ( COR ) recently completed its $4.6 billion takeover of

Retina Consultants of America (RCA), adding nearly 300 retina

specialists who treat diseases such as macular degeneration and

diabetic retinopathy.

In 2023, Cencora ( COR ) picked up a minority stake in OneOncology

for around $685 million to gain access to a network of cancer

specialists.

Peer Cardinal Health ( CAH ) also raised its fiscal 2025 adjusted

profit forecast as strong demand for costly specialty medicines

and branded drugs drove sales at its pharmaceuticals unit.

On an adjusted basis, Cencora ( COR ), formerly known as

AmerisourceBergen, reported first-quarter profit of $3.73 per

share, compared to analysts' estimates of $3.50 per share.