Ebos profit surges on strong growth

CHRISTCHURCH: Medical supplies and animal healthcare company Ebos Group said strong firsthalf growth was replicated in the second, driving underlying net profit up 21.3% to a record $A228.2 million ($NZ254.6 million) in the June year, its 100th year of operation.

The company’s statutory net profit came to $A202.6 million, up 9.3%.

Revenue hit $A10.6 billion — breaking through the A$10 billion mark for the first time.

Duallisted Ebos declared a final dividend of NZ49c per share, bringing the total to NZ96c per share — up 8.5%.

Ebos said there had been continued strong performances from both its healthcare and animal care segments.

The company said it kept investing in its infrastructure to support growth in the business.

It completed five acquisitions in a further expansion of its institutional healthcare division, including the acquisition of LifeHealthcare.

LifeHealthcare performed in line with expectations during June 2022, the first month under Ebos’ ownership, contributing $9.5 million of ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation).

Chief executive John Cullity said the doubledigit revenue and earnings growth reflected a continuation of the strong first half announced in February 2022.

The company said it made investments throughout the year to position itself for future growth.

‘‘The strength and diversity of our portfolio of businesses is reflected as both our healthcare and animal care segments contributed strongly to the overall result and successfully executed our strategy of pursuing both organic and inorganic growth,’’ Mr Cullity said.

Each of the company’s healthcare divisions capitalised on strong market growth opportunities, he said.

Mr Cullity said the animal care segment continued a strong firsthalf performance with key brands and divisions — Black Hawk, Vitapet and Lyppard — recording robust growth.

Ebos shares closed yesterday at $38.50, up 1.26%. —