Pharmacy Daily | TWC fuels EBOS growth

STRONG performances by EBOS Group's community pharmacy retail brands, including TerryWhite Chemmart (TWC), are key factors driving revenue growth in recent months, the company says.

Releasing its financial results for the first half of the 2022 financial year, EBOS reported revenue growth of 12.8% compared with the same period in 2021, with the company's healthcare division delivering a 17% bump in earnings before interest and tax.

EBOS CEO, John Cullity, said the sector's success had been driven by its community pharmacy wholesale and TWC businesses, with Pfizer's decision to rollback from its direct distribution model also providing a boost.

In its investor presentation, EBOS noted that the TWC network has grown to more than 480 stores, with 16 new pharmacies joining the group in the six months to 31 Dec 2021.

EBOS added that TWC had seen "above market growth in network sales, with total sales up 7.4% and like-for-like sales up 5.6%" in the first half of the financial year.

The TWC network also saw a 9.9% increase in dispensary sales in the latest reporting period, while script volumes grew by 6.5%.

Commenting on the success of the company's healthcare segment, Cullity acknowledged the "tireless efforts" of community pharmacists over the last two years.

"The commitment to our communities by all pharmacists and their teams during the pandemic has been nothing short of extraordinary," he said.

"From day one of the pandemic pharmacists have remained open, providing guidance, care and comfort to their patients and customers."

Cullity also noted the role the TWC network has played in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination and booster shots, with the group administering 23% of all pharmacy delivered doses in Australia as of 12 Jan.

Over the last 12 months TWC pharmacists have administered more than one million vaccines - including COVID-19, flu and pertussis shots.

EBOS also noted that TWC has cemented its place as Australia's second largest pharmacy advertiser.