Patrick Davies says Ebos is well placed to pursue further acquisitions. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Ebos Group, the healthcare and animal care products company, posted a 15 per cent gain in full-year profit, led by increased sales and an improved margin from its Australian healthcare businesses.
Profit rose to $105.9 million in the 12 months ended June 30, from $92 million a year earlier, the
Christchurch-based company said.
Sales climbed 5.4 per cent to $6.1 billion, the first time revenue has exceeded $6 billion. Profit exceeded the $99.5 million forecast from brokerage Forsyth Barr.
Ebos transformed itself with the June 2013 purchase of Australian pharmaceutical wholesaler and distributor Symbion and the latest results "reflect the weight of that investment", said chief executive Patrick Davies.
The company will pay a final dividend of 25c a share, making 47c for the year, a 15 per cent gain on the previous year, and Davies said Ebos has the balance sheet strength to continue making acquisitions.
