The healthcare and animal care products company EBOS has posted another record half year profit, driven by strong growth in its community pharmacy division.
Revenue for the community pharmacy business for the six months ended December was A$3.15 billion (NZ$3.4b). File image. Photo: 123RF
Key numbers in Australian dollars (Six months to 31 December 2021 vs 12 months ago)
- Net profit A$101.9 million vs A$92.9m
- Underlying profit A$109.3m vs A$94.3m
- Revenue A$5.25b vs A$4.65b
- Interim dividend NZ$47 cents per share vs NZ$42.5 cps
Its chief executive John Cullity said the performance of its community pharmacy business was "particularly pleasing".
Revenue for the community pharmacy business for the six months ended December was A$3.15 billion, up from A$2.73b.
"The commitment to our communities by all pharmacists and their teams during the pandemic has been nothing short of extraordinary. From day one of the pandemic pharmacists have remained open, providing guidance, care and comfort for their patients and customers," Cullity said.
EBOS' TerryWhite Chemmart network was at the forefront of Australia's vaccination drive, he said.
"The TWC pharmacy network has been responsible for delivering 23 percent of all pharmacy delivered Covid-19 vaccinations in Australia and we are proud of our efforts to support the health of our communities during the pandemic."
The company's animal care division, which included brands such as Animates and Vitapet, was also continuing its upward trajectory, it said.
"We continue to benefit from strong market dynamics as well as the strength of our leading brands and market positions.
"Construction of our new state of the art pet food manufacturing facility in Parkes, New South Wales has been completed and the project has now progressed through to the commissioning phase with the full commercial benefits of this investment expected in FY24."
Cullity said the growth of EBOS' health and animal care divisions reinforced the value of its diverse portfolio of businesses.
EBOS said it was comfortable with current trading conditions, but was uncertain about the effects of Covid-19 disruption on the company.
Capital expenditure for the remainder of the 2022 financial year was expected to remain elevated as a result of ongoing investment into its operational infrastructure to support growth, it said.
EBOS was also expecting its A$1.17b acquisition of LifeHealthcare to be completed before the end of the financial year.
The deal is before the Commerce Commission for clearance.