2024 Interim Results

Uniphar plc

2024 Interim Results

Uniphar plc, an international diversified healthcare services business, announces its half year results for the six months ending 30 June 2024 delivering EBITDA growth of 6.3% and gross profit growth in each of its three divisions.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

·  Gross profit growth of 9.9% (7.4% organic³) reflecting growth across all divisions with Uniphar Pharma achieving organic gross profit growth of 20.2%.

·     Continued strong gross profit margin of 15.1%.

·     EBITDA growth of 6.3%, from €52.6m to €55.9m, reflecting the execution of our strategy in each division and continued innovation across the Group.

·     Adjusted EPS of 8.1 cent (2023: 8.0 cent) reflective of strong EBITDA growth offset by higher financing costs in the period.

·    Continuing strong free cash flow conversion of 144% with adjusted free cash flow conversion in line with our medium-term target.

·    Robust liquidity with net bank debt of €143.6m at 30 June 2024 (December 2023: €149.9m) and leverage at 1.5x.

·    The Board have declared an interim dividend of €0.0067 per ordinary share for the period to 30 June 2024 representing growth of 5% in the period (June 2023: €0.0064 per ordinary share).

·    For the full year 2024, Uniphar expects organic gross profit growth across all divisions in line with medium-term targets and is well positioned to deliver on market expectations for the full year.

1.    Additional information is set out in Alternative Performance Measures (APMs) section.

2.    Constant currency growth is calculated by applying the prior period's actual exchange rate to the current period's result.

3.  Organic growth is calculated as the gross profit growth of the underlying business in the period adjusting for the contribution from prior period acquisitions and divestments to ensure a like-for-like comparison.

4.   The definition of this APM was changed in 2023 to add back share-based payment expense as it is a non-cash expense with prior year comparatives updated accordingly.

STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

·   Strong performance in the period delivering gross profit growth across all divisions with continued progress towards our strategic objectives.

·   Organic gross profit growth of 7.4% with growth achieved across all divisions:

§ Uniphar Pharma: 20.5% gross profit growth of which 20.2% is organic. This strong performance highlights our operational capabilities in the On Demand business coupled with an excellent performance in Pharma Services.

§ Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail: 8.1% gross profit growth of which 3.0% is organic. The division continues to perform well capitalising on robust market demand and our strong customer service offering.

§ Uniphar Medtech: 3.4% gross profit growth, all of which is delivered organically. This growth is delivered on the back of a very strong comparator in 2023 with full year growth for 2024 expected to be in line with medium-term targets.

·  Robust cash flow performance with reported free cash flow conversion of 144%. When adjusted for temporary working capital benefits in June 2024, the adjusted free cash flow is within our target range of 60% - 70%. The favourable working capital timing benefits arise from the growth in the Pharma Services business unit that has led to an increase in prepayments on certain programmes.

·   Net bank debt fell in the period to €143.6m from €149.9m in December 2023 representing a leverage multiple of 1.5x. The Group's strong Balance Sheet provides long-term strategic and financial flexibility with a revolving credit facility of €400m together with an additional uncommitted accordion facility of €150m.

·    The new divisional structure announced in 2023 has enabled the divisions to capitalise on the attractive growth opportunities in our target markets and better align with our customers and stakeholders during this next phase of growth.

·   M&A remains an objective of the Group in delivering its medium-term growth targets with the Group continuing to maintain an active pipeline of opportunities. The acquisition of the McCauleys Pharmacy Group was completed in 2023 and is now integrated into the Group, delivering expected synergies and elevating our retail pharmacy offering.

·    The Group's strategic capital expenditure in a state-of-the-art distribution facility in Ireland in addition to the technology investment programme continue to progress well. Once completed, the investment will provide the infrastructure to meet growing market demands by doubling existing capacity levels and future proofing the market leading Supply Chain & Retail division whilst also enabling us to scale our global pharma platform.

·   Sustainability remains a key focus for the Group and progress continues to be made across the five sustainability pillars that define our approach. SBTi targets have been validated in 2024 with our climate ambition of at least a 50% reduction in our absolute Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2030.

Ger Rabbette, Uniphar Group Chief Executive Officer said:

"Uniphar has delivered a strong first half, with gross profit growth of almost 10% year on year. We are seeing the benefit of the hard work we have put in recently to build the foundations for the next stage of growth. The strategic investments we are making in infrastructure and IT will further improve our ability to generate organic growth and give us a stronger platform for integrating and achieving synergies from new acquisitions. We are confident that we will achieve our ambitious target of €200m EBITDA in the medium-term."

Analyst presentation

A conference call for investors and analysts will be held at 9am (BST), today, 3 September 2024. Analysts and investors who wish to participate should visit www.uniphar.ie to register.

A copy of the presentation and announcement will be available on our website at the time of the call.

Contact details

Cautionary statement

This announcement contains certain projections and other forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, businesses, and prospects of the Uniphar Group. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these projections and forward-looking statements. Any of the assumptions underlying these projections and forward-looking statements could prove inaccurate or incorrect and therefore any results contemplated in the projections and forward-looking statements may not actually be achieved. Recipients are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any projections and forward-looking statements contained herein. Except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority, the Uniphar Group undertakes no obligation to update or revise (publicly or otherwise) any projection or forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or other circumstances.

About Uniphar plc

Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Uniphar is an international diversified healthcare services business servicing the requirements of more than 200 multinational pharmaceutical and medical technology manufacturers across three divisions - Uniphar Pharma, Uniphar Medtech and Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail. The Group is active in Europe, North America, APAC and MENA and delivers to 160+ countries.

The Company's vision is to improve patient access to pharmaco-medical products and treatments by enhancing connectivity between manufacturers and healthcare stakeholders. Uniphar represents a strong combination of scale, growth, and profitability.

Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail

Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail is the leading pharmaceutical wholesaler in Ireland with a growing symbol group offering of retail pharmacies. The Group's strategy for Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail is to grow our wholesale market share, our symbol group network and our own brand, in-licenced and consumer products portfolio. 

Uniphar Medtech

Uniphar Medtech is a leading pan-European medical device distributor and solutions partner. The Group's strategy for Uniphar Medtech is to grow our service offering across Europe and expand our addressable market by serving new specialities and new manufacturers.

Uniphar Pharma

Uniphar Pharma operates a global business with high value services across the lifecycle of a pharmaceutical product. We enable pharma and biotech companies to bring innovative medicines to global markets and provide healthcare professionals with access to medicines they can't source through traditional channels. Our strategy is to build a leading platform to provide the specialist support and expertise needed to improve access to these medicines.

Overview

Uniphar Group has delivered another strong performance in the first six months of 2024 achieving growth in gross profit and EBITDA. The Group grew gross profit by 9.9% which translated into EBITDA growth of 6.3%. The majority of the gross profit growth was achieved organically at 7.4% with the remainder due to acquisitions completed in the prior year. Importantly, the growth was achieved right across the Group with each division delivering organic gross profit growth.

Uniphar Pharma delivered an excellent performance with gross profit growth of 20.5% with both the On Demand and Pharma Services business units driving that growth. Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail achieved another robust performance with 8.1% gross profit growth. Excluding the impact of the McCauley Pharmacy Group acquisition, organic growth of 3.0% represents consistent growth across the division. Uniphar Medtech achieved 3.4% gross profit growth against a very strong comparator in the prior period and is confident of delivering growth in line with its medium-term target over the full year.

EBITDA has increased by 6.3% (€3.3m) to €55.9m (June 2023: €52.6m) reflecting primarily the organic growth achieved across all divisions in addition to the impact of the 2023 acquisitions. This growth at the gross profit level is partially offset with the continued investment in our teams, technology and new business opportunities which will support the delivery of the Group's medium-term objectives. Adjusted EPS of 8.1 cent is 0.1 cent (1.3%) ahead of June 2023 reflecting the increased operating profits arising from organic growth and acquisitions in the prior period partially offset by increased financing costs in the period.

Return on capital employed (ROCE) for the rolling 12-month period closed at 14.7% (June 2023: 14.7%) and is at the upper end of the Group's medium-term target of 12-15%. The reported ROCE is reflective of the investment in strategic capital expenditure that will deliver improved growth and returns in the medium term.

Technology and innovation have enabled the Group to achieve the strong market positions it has attained over recent years. Ongoing investment in technology is critical for the Group to remain the leader in our markets and deliver on our medium-term objectives. The previously announced investments in a new distribution facility in Ireland and technology upgrade programme will future proof our market leading Supply Chain and Retail division whilst enabling us to scale our Pharma platform. The project is progressing to plan with implementation scheduled to be delivered initially in a non-live environment which significantly reduces the risk on the programme.

The Group's Balance Sheet remains robust with net bank debt of €143.6m and leverage of 1.5x being well below the Group's medium-term target of not exceeding 2.5x. This strong cash performance includes the impact of favourable temporary cash flow timing movements arising from the growth in the Pharma Services business unit that has led to an increase in prepayments on certain programmes. The cash performance is notwithstanding the significant investment the Group made in strategic capital expenditure in the period. The Group's banking facility consists of a €400m revolving credit facility and €150m of an uncommitted accordion facility that supports a robust Balance Sheet to provide the Group with long-term strategic and financial flexibility.

The Group remains focused on delivering its medium-term targets outlined in 2023, specifically the ambition to double EBITDA to €200m over the period. These interim results represent progress towards that target and demonstrate the confidence and commitment of our people in achieving our medium-term objectives. Our management team have the track record of delivering on commitments and we are confident we have the right strategy, the best people and the market opportunity to continue to deliver for our stakeholders.

Sustainability

Sustainability remains a key focus for the Group and a core principle of how we operate day-to-day. The Group has identified five sustainability pillars that define our approach and we continue to make progress against each of the pillars.

In April 2024 SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative) validated the science-based greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets submitted by Uniphar plc to reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 emissions by at least 50% by 2030. Furthermore, as part of our commitment to SBTi we have also submitted a target that over 70% of our suppliers (by emissions) covering purchased goods and services will have science-based targets for emissions by 2027. In order to achieve this, we have commenced an active supplier engagement programme in the period.

The Group's commitment to sustainability is reflected in our ongoing support of the 100 Million Trees project for the 2023/2024 planting season throughout Ireland. The Group also continues to focus on maintaining strong ratings from external rating agencies with our most recent ratings with CDP being "B" and MSCI being "AAA".

Current trading

Uniphar enters the second half of this year with strong trading momentum remaining confident of delivering on current year EPS expectations with the Group continuing to perform in line with the Board's expectations.

Outlook

Uniphar remains well positioned to achieve continued gross profit growth in each division in line with our medium-term targets and is confident of delivering on current market expectations for the full year.

The Group announced an ambitious target in 2023 to grow Group EBITDA to €200m over the medium-term. This target will be achieved through a combination of strong organic growth across each division complemented by earnings accretive M&A.

The medium-term targets for gross profit growth announced in 2023 also remain unchanged:

·      Uniphar Pharma: Double digit

·      Uniphar Medtech: High-single digit

·      Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail: Low-single digit

Disciplined capital allocation remains a focus for the Group and M&A is expected to continue to play an important role in Uniphar's growth strategy. The Group has an active pipeline of acquisition opportunities to add further capability to our existing platform.

In addition to the headline EBITDA growth target, the Group's broader medium-term guidance is as follows:

·      Target ROCE of 12% - 15%

·      Adjusted free cash flow conversion of 60% - 70%

·      Progressive dividend policy

·      Net bank debt / EBITDA not to exceed 2.5x

Acquisitions and integration update

Uniphar continues to evaluate potential acquisition opportunities and maintains an active pipeline of opportunities to further expand our capability and geographic reach. The Group maintains a disciplined approach to capital allocation and remains committed to ensuring capital is deployed in investments that deliver a Return on Capital Employed within our target range of 12% - 15% within three years.

Strategic capital expenditure

Uniphar's track record of investment in technology has been a critical enabler of the Group's transformational growth journey to date. As previously announced, the Group has commenced a multi-year strategic investment programme in an Irish-based distribution facility together with the IT platform to maximise the efficiency of the facility. This facility will incorporate the latest technologies to enable the business to drive operational efficiencies and provide the infrastructure to double current capacity levels in the Supply Chain & Retail division. The IT investment will provide the foundation to future proof this market-leading division whilst enabling us to scale our global pharma platforms and is a key component in achieving our medium-term target of €200m EBITDA. The investment programme is progressing in line with plan.

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Group's Risk Management Policy provides the framework to identify, assess, monitor, and manage the risks associated with the Group's business. It is designed to enable the Group to meet its business objectives by appropriately managing, rather than eliminating, these risks. The principal risks & uncertainties faced by the Group can be found in the 2023 Annual Report on pages 66 to 70. A copy of the Annual Report can be downloaded from our website www.uniphar.ie.

2024 Highlights

The Group continues to ensure that the risk management framework is integrated in the day-to-day activities across the business. During the period ended 30 June 2024, the Group carried out the following:

·      Reviewed the Group Risk Register, updating for all the key risks facing the Group at this time; and

·      Performed a review of emerging and new risks, in particular economic and geopolitical risk.

The key principal risks and uncertainties faced by the Group are summarised as follows:

Strategic Risks

·    Economic and geopolitical risk - The global macroeconomic, regulatory, political, and legal environment may impact the markets in which we operate and in turn our client and supplier base. This may adversely affect the financial and operational results of the Group.

·    M&A & strategic growth - Growth through acquisition and organic growth into both existing and new markets continues to remain a key strategy for the Group. Failure to integrate acquisitions successfully along with increased operational complexity in new markets may directly impact the Group's projected growth.

·   Key personnel & succession planning - Failure to attract, retain and develop the skills and expertise of its people may adversely impact the Group's performance especially in constrained labour markets.

·   Market perception & reputational risk - Failure to deliver in line with market expectations may result in reputational damage, impacting the Group's ability to achieve its strategic targets.

·    Loss of competitive position - Failure of the Group to respond to any changes in the environment in which it operates may result in loss of market share, which may put pressure on profitability and margins.

·    Environment & sustainability - The increasing global focus on environmental and sustainability governance is recognised by the Group, and by its stakeholders. Failure to appropriately assess, monitor and manage the Group's impact on the environment and the communities in which it operates may result in reputational damage, impacting the Group's ability to deliver results. Furthermore, failure to comply with mandatory reporting obligations may impact the Group's financial and operational results.

·   Transformational project execution - The Group has embarked on several transformational projects that will provide the platform and capacity to grow over the coming years. Failure of the Group to effectively deliver such projects may result in cost overruns or reputational damage impacting the Group's ability to deliver strategic targets.

Operational Risks

·    Cybercrime - Failure to protect against the ongoing threat of a cyber-attack could lead to a breach in security, impacting operations, financial transactions, and sensitive information. The knock-on impact from an attack on one of our business partners is also an area of risk for the Group.

·    IT systems - Digital capabilities are a specific strategic offering of Uniphar. Any interruption or downtime may have a negative impact on the Group's operations, financial, and competitive positions.

·    Business interruption - External factors such as natural disasters, environmental hazard or industrial disputes may result in potential lost sales and loss of customer loyalty.

·   Health & safety - Failure to implement and follow proper health and safety procedures may have adverse effects on employees or patients.

·     Laws, regulations & compliance - Failure to operate under any of the stringent laws and regulations the Group is subject to could result in financial penalties, reputational damage and a risk to business operations.

Financial Risks

·   Foreign currency - The Group's reporting currency is Euro. Exposure to foreign currency is present in the normal course of business in respect of the Group's operations in jurisdictions outside of the Eurozone.

·    Treasury - The Group is exposed to liquidity, interest rate and credit risks. The Group is exposed to increases in interest rates and credit risks arising from changes to economic conditions.

Business Reviews

Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail

Overview

The Supply Chain & Retail division comprises of our pre-wholesale and wholesale pharmaceutical distribution business, with approximately 1,900 community pharmacy customers and a vertically integrated model with 430 owned, franchised or supported pharmacies. Uniphar holds c.54% of the current wholesale market share and is an essential part of the national health infrastructure in Ireland.

H1 2024 performance

The Supply Chain & Retail division provides a market-leading service offering and product range to our customers which is demonstrated by another period of growth. Each of the three components of the vertically integrated business grew in the period and continues to deliver on their objectives.

Key highlights from the period include:

·      8.1% growth in gross profit of which 3.0% is organic growth.

·      Continued growth in gross profit margin to 10.7% (June 2023: 10.6%).

·      Good category growth in high tech and GLP-1 medicines capitalising on product category trends.

·      Continued strong growth across the retail estate as the largest retail operator in Ireland.

·      First year of a multi-year strategic investment programme to expand capacity in the division progressing to plan.

Supply Chain

The Wholesale business supplies critical medicines to pharmacies and hospitals in Ireland efficiently, reliably and securely to positively impact the health of patients and their families. The business performed well in the period, growing gross profit as a result of volume growth in the market combined with market share growth. Medicine shortages continue to be a feature of the market but have stabilised compared to the challenges seen in recent years. The pre-wholesale business supports pharmaceutical manufacturers with tailored and innovative distribution solutions to bring their products to the Irish market. This business performed well in the period driven by the underlying patient demand for innovative products especially high tech and GLP-1 medicines.

Retail

Our Retail pharmacy business comprises 430 pharmacies that are owned, franchised or supported by the Group. The business operates across four brands - Hickeys, McCauleys, Allcare and Life Pharmacy - and together form the largest pharmacy group in Ireland. As a vertically integrated business the Group is focused on leveraging its supplier relationships to continue to deliver market leading product offerings to meet its patient and consumer needs. The retail pharmacy business performed well in the period against the backdrop of challenging consumer sentiment. The retail business continues its digital journal with a key focus on enabling customers to fulfil their evolving healthcare needs online in a simple and easy to use manner.

Outlook

Supply Chain & Retail has consistently delivered sustained growth and innovation in recent years. The division is well positioned to deliver on its medium-term objective of low single-digit organic gross profit growth both in the current year and over the medium-term.

Uniphar Medtech

Overview

Uniphar Medtech is the partner of choice for manufacturers seeking to bring innovative Medtech products to market. The division provides full end-to-end expertise across sales, service, marketing, quality, compliance, regulatory and market access across a pan-European platform. Our business represents the majority of the world's top medical device manufacturers where over half our employees are clinically trained professionals. The business is headquartered in Ireland with a presence in 16 markets primarily across Europe together with a bespoke offering in the US.

H1 2024 Performance

Uniphar Medtech delivered gross profit growth of 3.4% in H1 2024, all of which was organic. This growth builds on a strong comparative in the prior period which was driven by the timing of some significant capital equipment sales in the period.

Key highlights from the period include:

·      Gross profit growth of 3.4% all of which was delivered organically.

·      Consistent gross profit margin of 40.4% (June 2023: 40.2%).

·      Increase in number of manufacturers represented in more than one geography to 73 (June 2023: 72).

·      Continued growth driven through the integration of our wider European platform.

·      Division currently operating across 16 countries primarily in Europe (June 23: 15 countries).

Division review

Uniphar Medtech has expertise across a wide range of specialisms with market leading positions in interventional cardiology/radiology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, minimally invasive surgery, diagnostic imaging and critical care. Uniphar Medtech holds long-standing exclusive distribution agreements with some of the world's pre-eminent manufacturers of medical devices.

The Medtech business continues to execute on its strategic growth objective by leveraging existing manufacturer relationships into new clinical specialities, markets and geographies. The division now operates under the common Uniphar Medtech brand and platform across Europe providing the structure to support our customers across the continent. The division recently established a presence in the US with a bespoke offering to support our customers who wish to expand into that market.

Outlook

The outlook for the Medtech division is strong as the business is well positioned to capitalise on the structural growth drivers in the industry. The first half of 2024 witnessed a number of key new deals being signed along with continued investment to drive future growth across all key markets. The division is confident of achieving its medium-term target of high-single digit organic gross profit growth and of delivering such growth in the current year.

Uniphar Pharma

Overview

Uniphar Pharma is a global business that provides integrated high value services across the lifecycle of a pharmaceutical product. The business works with pharma and biotech companies to meet the challenges of today's healthcare market, whether it is bringing innovative medicines to global markets or providing healthcare professionals with access to medicines they cannot source through traditional channels.

H1 2024 Performance

Uniphar Pharma delivered very strong gross profit growth of 20.5%, with strong performances in both the On Demand and Pharma Services business units driven by market demand in addition to new business wins.

Key highlights from the period include:

·     Strong gross profit growth of 20.5% of which 20.2% is organic growth.

·    Expanded Access Programs (EAPs) continue to be a source of growth with 9 new EAPs awarded in the period and 98 in total.

·    Growth in the On Demand business has been strong driven by demand for unlicenced, difficult to source and short supply medicines.

·    The division continues to expand internationally with 70% of the division's gross profit generated outside of Ireland.

On Demand

The On Demand business is a leading supplier of unlicenced, difficult to source and short supply medicines to healthcare professionals globally. The business delivered a very strong performance in the period by effectively servicing customer demand for medicines that they were unable to source through traditional service channels. The business continues to expand its global platform and leverage its global sourcing capabilities. A focus for the business for the remainder of 2024 is to continue to expand its footprint into new European markets through the platform provided by the BModesto acquisition and the deep logistics knowledge from our Supply Chain & Retail division.

Pharma Services

Pharma Services focuses on meeting the needs of global pharma and biotech companies in bringing their innovative products to markets and patients around the world. Expanded Access Programs (EAPs) continue to demonstrate growth in both the number of EAPs and the scale and scope of existing programmes. The Pharma Services business also saw a number of new contracts awarded to provide bespoke service solutions to clients with the division continuing to gain good momentum in its commercialisation services pipeline. The Group's new purpose-built facility in North Carolina is now operational offering a range of services including clinical trial product sourcing and supply.

Outlook

Uniphar Pharma was reorganised and rebranded in 2023 and the integrated service offering has been well received by customers. The division's target over the medium-term is to deliver double digit organic gross profit growth and the performance in H1 2024 highlights the opportunity for the division. The division is confident of delivering organic gross profit growth for the full year in line with its medium-term target.

Financial Review

Summary financial performance

Revenue and Gross Profit

Revenue increased by 10.3% which was achieved through organic growth across the three divisions complemented by the full period impact of acquisitions completed in the prior year. Gross profit grew by 9.9% in the period with Gross profit margin remaining broadly consistent at 15.1%.

Divisional gross profit

EBITDA

EBITDA has increased by €3.3m (6.3%) to €55.9m. This is driven by the organic growth in revenue and gross profit together with the impact of the acquisitions completed in the past year. Overheads have increased as a result of increased investment in people, technology and new business streams building the platform for the Group's next phase of growth.

Exceptional items

Exceptional costs amounted to €3.9m for the period and primarily relate to redundancy and restructuring costs (€2.0m), professional fees associated with acquisitions (€1.2m), loss on disposal of businesses and assets (€0.4m), strategic business transformation costs (€0.3m), acquisition integration costs (€0.3m) and other costs (€0.1m). These costs are offset by an exceptional income tax expense credit (€0.4m). Further details are provided in note 3.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share increased from 5.5 cent to 5.6 cent. The increase in earnings is primarily due to an increase in the profit attributable to owners of €0.4m in the period. The weighted average number of shares in the period is 273,015,000 (June 2023: 272,815,000). The weighted average number of ordinary shares in 2023 includes the effect of shares granted under the LTIP arrangement that have met the share price performance conditions but will not vest until 31 December 2024.

Adjusted earnings per share has increased from 8.0 cent to 8.1 cent reflecting the increased operating profits arising from organic growth and acquisitions in the prior period partially offset by increased financing costs in the period.

On a like for like basis, adjusted earnings per share increased from 8.0 cent to 8.1 cent by applying the weighted average number of shares as at June 2024 to both periods.

Cash flow and net bank debt

Reported free cash flow conversion in the six months to 30 June 2024 was 143.8% (June 2023: 25.1%) reflecting temporary favourable working capital positions in 2024 arising from the timings of prepayments in the Uniphar Pharma division. The Group's net bank debt amounted to €143.6m at June 2024 reflecting a decrease from December 2023 of €6.3m primarily driven by favourable working capital movements offset by investments in strategic capital expenditure programmes in the period. During 2023, the Group exercised an option to purchase a property it leases in Citywest, Dublin which will result in an outflow of €31.2m once it proceeds to completion later in the year.

The cash inflow from operating activities of €64.5m in 2024 is reflective of the underlying profitability of the business supported by significant temporary favourable working capital movements as outlined above partly offset by higher levels of interest payments compared to 2023. When adjusted for the temporary timing positions, the adjusted free cash flow is within our target range of 60-70%.

The net cash outflow from investing activities of €44.1m primarily consists of capital investments (€35.4m) and payment of deferred contingent consideration (€8.6m). Of the capital investments, €28.7m is strategic in nature primarily relating to the strategic investment in a new distribution facility and ERP system.

The net cash outflow from financing activities of €10.8m is primarily due to outflows of lease principal payments (€9.6m) and dividend payments (€3.2m) offset by net inflows from borrowings and invoice discounting facilities of €2.5m.

Taxation

The tax expense excluding exceptional items in the period is €4.2m and equates to an effective tax rate of 17.8%. This compares to an expense of €4.0m in the same period last year with an effective tax rate of 17.5%. The increase in the effective tax rate of 0.3% is reflective of the mix of financial performance in different tax jurisdictions. The effective tax rate is calculated as the income tax charge for the period as a percentage of the profit before tax and exceptional items.

Foreign exchange

The Group's expansion into new geographies, and the continued growth in existing geographies operating outside of the Eurozone, results in the primary foreign exchange exposure for the Group being the translation of local Income Statements and Balance Sheets into Euro for Group reporting purposes.

On a constant currency basis, revenue increased by 10.1% (vs 10.3% reported growth), gross profit increased 9.7% (vs reported growth 9.9%) and operating profit increased by 15.2% (vs 15.1% reported growth).

Return on capital employed

Return on capital employed for the rolling 12-month period closed at 14.7% (June 2023: 14.7%) performing in line with the Group's medium-term target. The reduction of 0.5% since December 2023 (15.2%) reflects the increased investment by the Group in strategic capital expenditure that will deliver growth to the Group in the medium term.

Dividends

A final dividend of €3.2m relating to 2023 was paid in May 2024. The Board has committed to a progressive dividend policy and, reflective of this, a 2024 interim dividend of €0.0067 per ordinary share has been declared. It is proposed to pay the dividend on 4 October 2024 to ordinary shareholders on the Company's register on 13 September 2024.

In accordance with company law and IFRS, these dividends have not been provided for in the Balance Sheet at 30 June 2024.

Statement of Directors' responsibilities

The Directors confirm to the best of their knowledge that the condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the EU, and to the best of their knowledge and belief:

a)   the condensed consolidated interim financial statements comprising the Condensed Consolidated Group Income Statement, the Condensed Consolidated Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Condensed Consolidated Group Balance Sheet, the Condensed Consolidated Group Statement of Changes in Equity and the Condensed Consolidated Group Cash Flow Statement and related notes have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the EU, and are prepared in order to comply with the Euronext Growth Market Rule Book and AIM Rules for Companies;

b)   the interim results include a fair review of the important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the half year ended 30 June 2024.

On behalf of the Board

M. Pratt                                     G. Rabbette

2 September 2024

We have reviewed Uniphar plc's condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the "interim financial statements") in the 2024 Interim results of Uniphar plc for the six month period ended 30 June 2024 (the "period").

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union.

The interim financial statements, comprise:

the Condensed Consolidated Group Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2024;

the Condensed Consolidated Group Income Statement for the period then ended;

the Condensed Consolidated Group Statement of Comprehensive Income for the period then ended;

the Condensed Consolidated Group Cash Flow Statement for the period then ended;

the Condensed Consolidated Group Statement of Changes in Equity for the period then ended; and

(a)  the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.

The interim financial statements included in the 2024 Interim results have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union.

As disclosed in note 1 to the interim financial statements, the financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the full annual financial statements of the group is applicable law and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (Ireland) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' ("ISRE (Ireland) 2410") issued for use in Ireland. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (Ireland) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

We have read the other information contained in the 2024 Interim results and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed.

This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (Ireland) 2410. However future events or conditions may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern.

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The 2024 Interim results, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the 2024 Interim results in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting', as adopted by the European Union. In preparing the 2024 Interim results including the interim financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the 2024 Interim results based on our review. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions relating to going concern, is based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion paragraph of this report. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for management purposes and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Chartered Accountants

2 September 2024

Dublin

Notes:

The maintenance and integrity of the Uniphar plc's website is the responsibility of the directors; the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.

(b)   Legislation in the Republic of Ireland governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Condensed Consolidated Group Income Statement

for the six months ended 30 June 2024

Condensed Consolidated Group Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the six months ended 30 June 2024

Condensed Consolidated Group Balance Sheet

as at 30 June 2024

Condensed Consolidated Group Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 30 June 2024

Condensed Consolidated Group Cash Flow Statement

for the six months ended 30 June 2024

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1. General information

Basis of preparation

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Uniphar plc and its subsidiaries (the 'Group') have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as endorsed by the European Union. 

The financial information in the condensed interim consolidated financial statements has been prepared on a basis consistent with that adopted for the year ended 31 December 2023. The accounting policies applied in the interim financial statements are the same as those applied in the 2023 Annual Report.

The Group's auditors have reviewed, not audited, the condensed consolidated interim financial statements contained in this report. These interim financial statements are prepared in order to comply with the Euronext Growth Market Rule Book and AIM Rules for Companies and are not statutory financial statements as they do not include all of the information required for full annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Uniphar Group Annual Report (statutory financial statements) for the year ended 31 December 2023. The audit report on those statutory financial statements was unqualified and did not contain any matters to which attention was drawn by way of emphasis.

The preparation of interim financial statements in compliance with IAS 34 requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the interim financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The areas involving a high degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed in the Group's Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023 in note 1 on pages 148 to 149.

The Group's interim financial statements are prepared for the six-month period ended 30 June 2024. The interim financial statements incorporate the Company and all of its subsidiary undertakings. A subsidiary undertaking is consolidated by reference to whether the Group has control over the subsidiary undertaking. The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power to direct the activities of the entity.

Uniphar plc is incorporated in the Republic of Ireland under registration number 224324 with a registered office at 4045 Kingswood Road, Citywest Business Park, Co. Dublin, D24 V06K.

Going Concern

The Group Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements have been prepared on the going concern basis of accounting. The Directors have made appropriate enquiries and carried out a thorough review of the Group's forecasts, projections, and available banking facilities taking account of committed outflows including deferred contingent consideration and committed capital expenditure. Consideration was also given to possible changes in trading performance and potential business risk. The forecasts indicate significant liquidity headroom will be maintained above the Group's borrowing facilities and applicable financial covenants will be met throughout the period.

The Group has a robust capital structure with strong liquidity, supported into the future by the banking facility, with a remaining term extending to August 2027 (with an option to extend by a further one year). The Group renewed and expanded its banking facility during 2022, to provide it with the platform to fund continued growth.

Having regard to the factors outlined above, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future, being a period of 12 months from the date of approval of these interim financial statements. As a result, the Directors consider that it is appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the interim financial statements.

New Standards, Amendments, and Interpretations

The following standards and interpretations are effective for the Group from 1 January 2024 but do not have a material effect on the results or financial position of the Group:

-  Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current and Non-current liabilities with covenants - Amendments to IAS 1

-     Supplier finance arrangements - Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7

-     Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback - Amendments to IFRS 16

New Standards and Interpretations not yet adopted

Certain new accounting standards and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 30 June 2024 reporting periods and have not been adopted by the Group. These standards are not expected to have a material effect on the results or financial position of the Group.

2. Revenue

Segmental information

Segmental information is presented in respect of the Group's geographical regions and operating segments. The operating segments are based on the Group's management and internal reporting structures.

Geographical analysis

The Group operates in three principal geographical regions being the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands and the UK. The Group also operates in several other European countries, the US and Asia Pacific region which are not material for separate identification.

The following is a geographical analysis presented in accordance with IFRS 8 "Operating Segments" which requires disclosure of information about the country of domicile (Ireland) and countries with material revenue.

Operating segments

IFRS 8 "Operating Segments" requires the reporting information for operating segments to reflect the Group's management structure and the way the financial information is regularly reviewed by the Group's Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), which the Group has defined as the Board of Directors.

The Group operates with three divisions: Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail, Uniphar Medtech and Uniphar Pharma. These divisions align to the Group's operational and financial management structures:

·   Uniphar Supply Chain & Retail provides both pre-wholesale and wholesale distribution of pharmaceutical, healthcare and animal health products to pharmacies, hospitals and veterinary surgeons in Ireland. Uniphar operates a network of pharmacies under the Life, Allcare, Hickey's and McCauleys brands. Additionally, through the extended Uniphar symbol group, the business provides services and supports that help independent community pharmacies to compete more effectively;

·     Uniphar Medtech provides outsourced services, specifically sales, distribution and support services to medical device manufacturers. The business is headquartered in Ireland with a presence in 16 markets primarily across Europe; and

·     Uniphar Pharma operates a global business with high value services across the lifecycle of a pharmaceutical product. The business enables pharma and biotech companies to bring innovative medicines to global markets and provide healthcare professionals with access to medicines they cannot source through traditional channels. Our strategy is to build a leading platform to provide the specialist support and expertise needed to improve access to these medicines. The division operates through its On Demand and Pharma Services business units.

Operating segments results

The Group evaluates performance of the operational segments on the basis of gross profit from operations.

Assets and liabilities are reported to the Board at a Group level and are not reported on a segmental basis.

3. Exceptional charge

Professional fees including acquisition costs

Professional fees including acquisition costs are primarily costs relating to recent acquisitions together with costs incurred on transactions under consideration in the period.

Acquisition integration costs 

Acquisition integration costs primarily relate to costs incurred on the integration of recent acquisitions into the expanded Group. They also include professional fees relating to specialist industry and market insights to optimise the integration of recent acquisitions.

Redundancy and restructuring costs

Redundancy and restructuring costs include redundancy, ex-gratia and termination costs and other costs arising on reorganisations and recent acquisitions.

Strategic business transformation

Strategic business transformation are costs incurred associated with reorganising and establishing a strategic presence in the US market. The costs include initial setup costs, relocation costs and a long-term incentive plan associated with building a strategically significant business in the US market.

Loss on disposal of businesses and assets

On 1 March 2024 the Group disposed of 100% of the share capital of Duffy's Medical Hall Limited which traded as a retail pharmacy resulting in a loss on disposal of €379,000. In the period to 30 June 2023, the Group disposed of three retail pharmacy businesses along with a property asset resulting in a combined loss on disposal of €1,420,000.

Exceptional credit recognised in income tax

The tax credit recognised in the tax expense is the tax impact of the components of the Exceptional charge listed above.

4. Finance cost and Finance income

Finance costs do not include capitalised borrowing costs of €1,096,000 (2023: €187,000) on qualifying assets (Notes 8 and 9). Interest is capitalised at the Group's weighted average interest rate for the period.

5. Taxation

Income tax expense

Income tax expense is recognised based on management's estimate of the weighted average effective income tax rate expected for the full financial year taking into account financial performance in the various tax jurisdictions that the Group operates in. The effective income tax rate before exceptional items for the period ended 30 June 2024 is 17.8% (2023: 17.5%).

OECD Pillar Two model

The Group is within the scope of the OECD Pillar Two model rules which was enacted into Irish law on 18 December 2023 applying to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. The Group will fall within the scope of Pillar Two legislation for the year ended 31 December 2024.  Under the new legislation, groups will be liable to assess their effective tax rate (according to complex new rules) in each jurisdiction that they operate. If the effective tax rate in any jurisdiction is less than the 15% minimum rate, top-up taxes will be payable although they may be mitigated by certain safe harbour exemptions. Calculated effective tax rates can exceed a tax jurisdiction's statutory tax rate on account of items of accounting expenditure that do not qualify for tax deduction. The Group continues to monitor changes in tax law and is not expecting to pay top up taxes in the period ending 31 December 2024. The IASB issued amendments to IAS 12 in "International Tax Reform - Pillar Two Model Rules" in May 2023, providing an exception to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes. The Group continues to apply the exception to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes.

Deferred tax asset

The movement in the deferred tax asset primarily reflects the Group's expected utilisation of tax losses associated with the parent company, Retail pharmacy and Pharma division businesses in Ireland and overseas. Carried forward tax losses can be used to shelter future taxable profits in the same business. In certain tax jurisdictions, current year tax losses can be surrendered to other tax profitable Group companies in the same tax jurisdiction at the time of tax return filing. The Directors expect that the Group's net deferred tax asset will be recoverable against future taxable income over the medium term.

6. Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended 30 June have been calculated by reference to the following:

Adjusted earnings per share has been calculated by reference to the following:

The weighted average number of ordinary shares in 2023 includes the effect of shares granted under the LTIP arrangement that have met the share price performance conditions during the period but will not vest until 31 December 2024.

7. Dividends

A final dividend of €3.2m (€0.0119 per ordinary share) relating to 2023 was declared and paid in May 2024 (May 2023: €3.1m). Continuing with the Board's commitment to a progressive dividend policy, the Board declared a 2024 interim dividend of €0.0067 per ordinary share. It is proposed to pay the dividend on 4 October 2024 to ordinary shareholders on the Company's register on 13 September 2024.

In accordance with company law and IFRS, these dividends have not been provided for in the Balance Sheet at 30 June 2024.

8. Intangible assets