United Drug has reported pre-tax profits of €29m for its first half to the end of March, up 16% on the same period last year. Revenue was up 9% at €770m.
Adjusted earnings per share rose 15% to 10.73 cent and a 15% higher final dividend off 1.97 cent will be paid.
The company said turnover and profits in its pharmaceutical wholesale division increased. It said a Government review of drug prices, which came into effect on March 1, led to a slowdown in growth ahead of the implementation date, but activity returned to more normal levels in March.
United's other three divisions are supply chain services, medical and scientific and contract sales outsourcing. It said all three traded successfully in the period.
United Drug shares closed down five cent at €4.10 in Dublin this evening.
