Omega Pharma's 2008 net profit jumps 19%

Belgian company Omega Pharma says its 2008 net profit grew 19% year-on-year to 50.8 million euros ($66.0 million), rising to 66.4  million euros after addition of 24% of the net income of its health care  supplies affiliate Arseus.

The firm, which is one of the few major players in its sector that deals  exclusively in over-the-counter products, says net turnover rose 3% to  811.2 million euros, as its operating cash flow jumped 4% to 130.1  million euros.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in its  home market soared 26% to 29.7 million euros on the back of a 3% rise in  turnover to 205.0 million euros. This corresponds to a 14.5% EBITDA  margin versus 11.9% in 2007, thanks to restructurings and the increase  efficiency of its domestic operations. However, EBITDA in France fell 8%  to 19.4 million euros, as revenues dropped 2% to 187.4 million euros.