United Drug is a healthcare services provider. The Company has four segments: Pharma Wholesale, Supply Chain Services, Medical and Scientific, and Contract Sales and Marketing Services.United Drug provides commercialisation solutions to international healthcare companies. We specialise in supply chain, packaging, sales and marketing, medical and regulatory services. We operate in five major international markets, and employ over 7,000 people around the world

http://www.united-drug.com/home/

14 May Berenberg 515.00 Hold
14 May Investec N/A Hold
14 May N+1 Singer 550.00 Hold

Questor-share-tip-UDG-Healthcare-changes-profit-gears.

31 Jul Davy Research N/A Outperform

Q3 Trading Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 2312V
UDG Healthcare Public Limited Co.
06 August 2015





UDG HEALTHCARE PLC



THIRD QUARTER TRADING UPDATE



Strong Trading in the Third Quarter and Full Year Guidance Reiterated





6 August 2015:

UDG Healthcare plc ("the Group"), a leading international provider of healthcare services issues the following trading update covering the period from 1 April 2015 to 30 June 2015.





Nine months to 30 June 2015



Group revenues and adjusted operating profits1 for the nine months to 30 June 2015 are significantly ahead of the same period last year. Profit growth in the nine months to June has been driven by the strong performance of both the Sharp Packaging Services division (Sharp) and the Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services division (Ashfield). In addition, reported Group profitability has benefited from currency movements.



Quarter to 30 June 2015



Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services



Trading continues to be strong, with operating profit well ahead of the same quarter last year. The trading performance across Ashfield in the quarter was consistent with the first six months of the year, with robust profit growth in Healthcare Communications and the European commercial businesses.



During the quarter we sold the non-core Speakers Bureau business which we acquired as part of the KnowledgePoint360 acquisition in 2014.



Sharp Packaging Services



Divisional operating profits in the third quarter are significantly ahead of the prior year. The strong Sharp US performance in the first half of 2015 continued into the third quarter as we continue to benefit from increased demand in bottling, biotech and new packaging formats. The expansion of the Allentown campus in Pennsylvania is proceeding on plan, with the first phase of packaging suites due to become operational in the second half of 2016.



Sharp Europe improved on the prior year and made a small trading loss in the period. We continue to re-align the Sharp Europe cost base with current business activity, while maintaining appropriate capacity for expected business growth.

The dispute in respect of the September 2013 demand for $15m under a purported guarantee by Sharp Clinical Services (UK) Limited in relation to a bond issued in 2010 by its previous owner Bilcare Limited, is no longer being pursued by the bondholders, bringing the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

Supply Chain Services



United Drug performed in line with expectations in the quarter. Aquilant performed well in the period with operating profit ahead of 2015. Overall divisional operating profits were behind the same quarter last year due to the disposal of our interest in the UniDrug joint venture in 2014.





Outlook



We are reiterating our guidance for constant currency adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS)2 for the year to 30 September 2015 of between 7% and 9% ahead of last year.



The average 2014 financial year exchange rates were €1 = £0.8194 and $1.3574. Based on the average exchange rates for the first nine months of fiscal year 2015 of €1 = £0.7518 and $1.1615, the reported EPS growth is expected to be in the range of 18% to 20%, up from the previously guided range of 16% to 18%.



We expect an exceptional charge of approximately €15m in 2015 (€11m of which is a cash charge), at the upper end of our previously guided range of €13m to €15m. The charge primarily relates to the integration of the 2014 acquired healthcare communications business, the closure of Aquilant's UK laboratory distribution business and the re-aligning of Sharp Europe.



The Group also expects to deliver a good underlying cashflow performance for the year. When combined with modest debt levels relative to earnings and significant financing facilities, this continues to leave the Group well positioned to support its future growth objectives both organically and through acquisition.



1 before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, acquisition costs and exceptional items

2 before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, acquisition costs and exceptional items (net of tax).

6 Aug N+1 Singer 550.00 Hold
6 Aug Jefferies... 600.00 Buy
6 Aug Goodbody N/A Buy

IC - UDG shares don't boast a cheap rating , but the company does boast enticing prospects . As regulatory change comes closer , it should become increasingly apparent that this is a company in the right place at the right time and share price should benefit.

Proposed sale and leadership transition
RNS
RNS Number : 4779Z
UDG Healthcare Public Limited Co.
18 September 2015



NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION (IN WHOLE OR IN PART) IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

18 September 2015




UDG Healthcare PLC

Proposed Sale of United Drug Supply Chain Businesses and MASTA to McKesson Corporation

Leadership Transition Announced



Key highlights

n UDG Healthcare PLC, a leading international healthcare services provider, announces that it has entered into a conditional agreement for the sale of certain assets, including:

- United Drug Supply Chain Services businesses[1] that form part of UDG Healthcare's Supply Chain Services Division; and

- MASTA Business, which forms part of the Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services Division,

to McKesson, for an aggregate cash consideration of €407.5 million on a cash and debt free basis.

n The Disposal is consistent with Group strategy to focus on its higher growth, higher margin international healthcare services businesses and progresses the Group's transformation to a more focused international healthcare services business

n The Disposed Businesses will be better positioned to prosper under the ownership of McKesson, a leading international wholesale and retail group

n The Continuing Group is extremely well positioned to develop and strengthen existing market positions in Ashfield, Aquilant and Sharp, and capitalise on the increasing demand for their services

n The net proceeds from the Disposal will facilitate increased investment in higher growth areas both organically and via acquisition. A portion of the net proceeds will be used to repay part of the Group's outstanding debt

n Leadership Transition as CEO, Liam FitzGerald, announces plans to retire in March 2016 and Board nominates COO, Brendan McAtamney, as his successor.



Commenting on the Disposal, Peter Gray, Chairman of UDG Healthcare said:

"Today's announcement is the culmination of 15 years of strategic development by the Group. It gives us the resources to continue building our higher margin, higher growth divisions, while placing our legacy United Drug Supply Chain Services business in the ownership of a global leader who will bring new opportunities and strengths to that business, its staff and its customers, to whom we extend our thanks for their long standing loyalty."

The Disposal constitutes a Class 1 transaction for the purpose of the Listing Rules and is conditional upon, inter alia, the approval of Shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting and, the approval from the applicable regulatory authorities. The transaction is anticipated to complete by 31 March 2016.

A circular containing further details of the Disposal, including the notice of the Extraordinary General Meeting to seek Shareholders' approval for the Disposal, is expected to be sent to Shareholders shortly. The General Meeting is to be held at 12 noon on 13 October 2015 at The Clyde Court Hotel, Lansdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland.

CEO Transition

Following the negotiation of this transaction, Liam FitzGerald, the Group Chief Executive Officer since 2000, has informed the Board that he plans to retire on March 31 2016 after 23 years with Company. Having been aware over the last number of years of Mr. FitzGerald's early retirement aspirations, the Board has been actively involved in succession planning and has nominated Brendan McAtamney, Group Chief Operating Officer since 2013, as his successor.

"It has been my privilege to lead this company for 15 exciting years," said Mr FitzGerald, "and I believe now is the right time for new leadership to take the Company forward. Since 2000 we have been on a journey to transform the Group and move into new higher-growth outsourced pharmaceutical service areas and geographies. Today's announcement marks the completion of that transformation, albeit subject to shareholder approval. It's a good time to pass of the baton to Brendan, and to move to a different phase in my career."

The Board has asked Mr FitzGerald, and he has agreed, after 31 March 2016 to remain as a consultant and a director until 30 September 2016 to support the transition, and to continue to provide his experience to the Company as it invests further in its key services.

"Liam has achieved what very few CEOs have successfully done, and transitioned the Company over a long period and through difficult times from its original core business into new and growing service areas and geographies," said Chairman, Peter Gray. "He has been very transparent with the Board regarding his aspirations, and has ensured we have a strong succession plan in place. Brendan McAtamney, who joined us in 2013 with broad pharmaceutical and international market experience, has been a great addition to the team, and we are delighted to have him ready to step forward for a seamless transition".

Director Deals - UDG Healthcare PLC (UDG)
BFN
Linda Wilding, Non Executive Director, bought 19,304 shares in the company on the 28th September 2015 at a price of 508.00p. The Director now holds 19,304 shares.

Story provided by StockMarketWire.com
Director deals data provided by www.directorsholdings.com

16 Oct Berenberg 515.00 Hold

Trading Statement
RNS
RNS Number : 7010N
UDG Healthcare Public Limited Co.
02 February 2016

UDG HEALTHCARE PLC



FIRST QUARTER TRADING UPDATE



Strong Start to the Year and Full Year Guidance Issued





2 February 2016: UDG Healthcare plc ("the Group"), a leading international provider of healthcare services, issues the following trading update covering the period from 1 October to 31 December 2015. The company will hold its Annual General Meeting in Dublin at 12.00pm today.



Quarter to 31 December 2015



Group



The Group has made a strong start to the financial year with trading for the quarter to 31 December 2015 well ahead of the prior year.



Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services



Trading across the Ashfield division has again been strong, resulting in operating profit for the division being ahead of the same period last year.



Operating profit growth was particularly positive within the US and European commercial businesses, whilst the UK commercial business demonstrated a lower growth profile in its more mature market. The healthcare communications business has again delivered good profit growth in the period.



Sharp Packaging Services



The positive trading momentum in the Sharp US business has continued during the first quarter with operating profits significantly ahead of the prior year. Progress in Sharp Europe continues to be incremental as we re-align the business for future profitability.

The capacity expansion programme at our Allentown facility in Pennsylvania remains on target to open in April 2016, with the first phase of packaging suites becoming operational in the second half of 2016.



Aquilant



Operating profits in Aquilant were slightly ahead of the same quarter last year.



Disposal Update



The disposal of the United Drug Supply Chain and MASTA businesses was approved by shareholders on 13 October 2015. The actual timing of disposal remains subject to competition authority clearance which we continue to expect by June 2016.



United Drug has traded satisfactorily during the quarter.



CEO Transition



Further to our CEO transition announcement on 18 September 2015, the Group announces that the handover has been brought forward and that Liam FitzGerald will now step down as CEO at the AGM to be held later today and Brendan McAtamney will take over as CEO. Mr FitzGerald will continue as a non-executive director as planned until September 2016 and will continue to support the transition of CEO responsibilities and our strategic development efforts on a consulting basis.



Outlook



Based on the underlying trading performance to date, we expect constant currency adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS)1 for the continuing Group2 for the year to 30 September 2016 to be between 6% and 8% ahead of last year's continuing Group EPS of 27.4c.



The Group currently reports in euro and its profits benefit from any strengthening of the US dollar and pound sterling exchange rates as over 90% of the continuing Group's profits are now in these currencies. The average FY15 exchange rates were €1 = £0.74 and $1.15.



The Group also reiterates its dividend guidance for FY16, whereby we expect to continue our long history of dividend growth. As a result, the dividend per share for FY16 should increase over the FY15 dividend of 11c per share.



The Group expects to deliver a good underlying cashflow performance for the year. Modest debt levels and the net proceeds from the United Drug disposal leave the Group in a strong position to support its ongoing growth and expansion, both organically and through acquisition.





1 Before the amortisation of acquired intangible assets, exceptional items and non-recurring costs associated with acquisition and divestment activity.

2 All Group businesses excluding the United Drug Supply Chain and MASTA businesses whose disposal was announced on 18 September 2015.

2 Feb Goodbody N/A Buy
2 Feb Jefferies... 630.00 Buy

Broker Forecast - Berenberg issues a broker note on UDG Healthcare PLC
Berenberg today upgrades its investment rating on UDG Healthcare PLC (LON:UDG) to buy (from hold) and raised its price target to 585p (from 550p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

questor-share-tip-udg-healthcare-war-chest-can-accelerate-growth/

3 Jun Berenberg 655.00 Buy

Q3 trading statement

4 Aug Davy Research N/A Outperform
4 Aug Goodbody N/A Buy
4 Aug Numis 675.00 Add

10:30 27/10/2016
Broker Forecast - Liberum Capital issues a broker note on UDG Healthcare PLC
Liberum Capital today initiates coverage of UDG Healthcare PLC (LON:UDG) with a buy investment rating and price target of 750p. Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

Broker Forecast - Berenberg issues a broker note on UDG Healthcare PLC
BFN
Berenberg today reaffirms its buy investment rating on UDG Healthcare PLC (LON:UDG) and raised its price target to 720p (from 700p).

Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

Final results

Financial highlights (continuing Group only)
·    Diluted earnings per share1 (EPS) from continuing operations increased by 8% (9% on a constant currency basis).
·    Revenue growth of 3% to €943.1m. Underlying revenue2 up 7%.
·    Operating profit1 growth of 8% (9% on a constant currency basis) to €104.2 million.
·    Operating margin1 increased from 10.5% to 11.1%. Net operating margin3 increased from 12.2% to 12.6%.
·    Profit before tax1 up 10% (11% on a constant currency basis).
·    Proposed 5% increase in final dividend to 8.50c per share, yielding a full year dividend of 11.55c per share.
·    The Group has net cash of €128.3m at 30 September 2016.
·    Return on capital employed (ROCE) for 2016 was 13.7%, up from 13.5% in 2015.
 
Strategic & operating highlights
·    Disposal of the United Drug Supply Chain businesses and MASTA completed on 1 April 2016 resulting in a net profit on disposal of €132.1m.  
·     Completed the acquisition of Pegasus in April 2016, and STEM post year end. Both acquisitions are an excellent strategic fit for Ashfield, with good growth prospects and a higher margin profile.
·     Ashfield's operating profit increased by 7% (underlying growth2 of 9%), driven by positive underlying growth2 in both Ashfield Commercial & Clinical and Ashfield Communications.
·    Sharp's operating profit increased by 16% (underlying growth2 of 12%) driven by continued growth in the US commercial packaging business.
·   Sharp completed the build and fit out of its new packaging facility in Allentown, Pennsylvania increasing US commercial packaging capacity by approximately 30%. 
·     Aquilant's performance negatively impacted by adverse currency movements with underlying2 operating profit €0.2 million down.

13:20 15/12/2016
Broker Forecast - Jefferies International issues a broker note on UDG Healthcare PLC
Jefferies International today reaffirms its buy investment rating on UDG Healthcare PLC (LON:UDG) and raised its price target to 750p (from 745p). Story provided by StockMarketWire.com