Sigma Healthcare has revised its merger synergy target with Chemist Warehouse, following a significant increase in both its top and bottom line results last year.
New Merger Synergy Targets
Sigma Healthcare has now set its synergy target for the merger at $100 million per annum, a substantial increase from the previous target of $60 million. The company aims to attain this goal within a span of four years.
The last fiscal year ending June 30 saw an 82.2 per cent surge in revenue to $6 billion. Chemist Warehouse reported a 14 per cent increase in retail network sales, and a notable 11.3 per cent rise in like-for-like sales across the Australian network.
Brand Expansion and Financial Performance
Over the past year, Sigma increased its portfolio of proprietary and exclusive brand products, with a notable release of 269 products in the Wagner generics range last November. The sales of proprietary and exclusive label products saw an increase of over 20 per cent.
When it comes to the bottom line, statutory earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 33.6 per cent to $824 million, while the net profit after tax (NPAT) reported a slight decline of 2.1 per cent to $530 million. However, normalized EBITDA saw a rise of 41.4 per cent to $884 million, and NPAT also increased by 40.1 per cent to $579 million.
By June 30, the net debt stood at $752 million, significantly lower than the initial net debt range of $1 billion to $1.3 billion as indicated in the merger prospectus.
Anticipated Growth and Future Plans
Sigma CEO and MD, Vikesh Ramsunder, stated that the merger with Chemist Warehouse has resulted in a more robust, integrated healthcare business with enhanced scale, capability, and market reach. He emphasized that the FY25 results highlight the group’s momentum and potential for sustained growth.
As part of its plan for the new fiscal year, Sigma intends to continue the expansion of Chemist Warehouse stores both domestically and internationally at a steady pace. It also plans to introduce new proprietary and exclusive label products to enhance margins.
Sigma also announced the closure of distribution centres in South Guildford, WA, and Port Adelaide, SA, with services being moved to existing centres in Canning Vale and Pooraka. The company also plans to gradually close brick-and-mortar Chemist Warehouse stores in China over the next few years, focusing on achieving profitable growth, with the Chinese market being serviced through online channels thereafter.
Questions & Answers
What is the new merger synergy target set by Sigma Healthcare?
The new merger synergy target set by Sigma Healthcare is $100 million per annum, up from the previous target of $60 million.
What are Sigma Healthcare’s plans for the new fiscal year?
Sigma plans to expand Chemist Warehouse stores in Australia and internationally, launch new proprietary and exclusive label products, and shift services from closing distribution centres to existing ones.
What is Sigma Healthcare’s strategy for the Chinese market?
Sigma Healthcare plans to gradually close Chemist Warehouse physical stores in China over the next few years, focusing on servicing the Chinese market through online channels.
