Should I buy Uniphar stock in 2025? Analysis for Irish investors

What is Uniphar?

How much is the Uniphar stock?

The price of Uniphar stock is falling today. Currently trading at €3.59, the stock has dipped by 1.38% over the past 24 hours but remains up 5.52% for the week.

With strong recent gains yet a moderate beta and reasonable valuation, investors should be aware that near-term volatility is possible even as longer-term fundamentals show resilience.

Our full analysis on the Uniphar stock

Having rigorously reviewed Uniphar plc’s latest financial disclosures and assessed its share performance over the past three years, we have deployed a comprehensive framework blending quantitative financial metrics, technical signals, market data, and peer benchmarking via proprietary algorithms. The result is a multidimensional analysis that triangulates Uniphar’s position within the fast-evolving healthcare services industry. So, why might Uniphar stock once again become a strategic entry point into the Eurozone healthcare sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Over the past 12 months, Uniphar (Euronext Dublin: UPR) has demonstrated remarkable resilience and upward momentum, with the share price climbing 36% year-over-year to stand at €3.59 as of 30 May 2025. Notably, the stock has surged by 68.13% in just six months, decisively outperforming both the Euronext Dublin exchange and most listed European peers in the medical distribution space. The week-on-week advance of 5.52%—despite a modest intraday pullback—highlights robust buying activity and market confidence.

Key drivers of this recent strength include the company’s record FY2024 financial results: revenues reached €2.77 billion, representing an 8.5% increase, while net profit soared by 43.3% to €64.2 million, further boosted by an 11.8% uplift in adjusted EPS. The announcement of a €35 million share buyback programme and the confirmed sales of non-core assets (notably the disposal of Inspired Health) have also provided positive near-term impulses.

Importantly, the macro backdrop remains distinctly supportive for diversified healthcare players in Ireland and the broader Eurozone. Ageing demographics, a renewed focus on pharmaceutical supply chain resiliency, and consistent demand for medtech and specialty pharma distribution create a solid foundation for Uniphar’s growth trajectory. Within this context, Uniphar’s scale, geographic reach, and innovation orientation stand out.

Technical Analysis

Uniphar currently exhibits a compelling technical profile. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 75.14, an overbought reading which testifies to the intensity of the recent rally and strong momentum driving the stock. While such a reading typically implies a potential short-term pause or minor retracement, it is also a hallmark of confirmed bullish trends—especially when buttressed by improving fundamentals.

Moving averages lend further strength to the bullish case: the 50-day moving average (244.48p) and the 200-day moving average (208.21p) in GBP terms both underscore a powerful upward trend, with the stock trading materially above these key technical benchmarks. The recent high at €3.70 defines immediate resistance; the €3.40 level—recently tested and held—corresponds to strong technical support, acting as a logical consolidation zone and reference point for risk management.

Short- and medium-term momentum remain firmly favourable. Technical patterns point to an ongoing bullish structure, while medium-term price targets near €4.67 (+30% potential upside) appear increasingly realistic given current volume, sentiment, and the anticipated impact of catalysts.

Fundamental Analysis

Uniphar’s fundamentals are compelling on several levels:

• Consistent Organic Growth: FY2024 gross profit expanded by 9.6% (to €427.6 million) and organic growth reached 8.2%. EBITDA advanced 6.4%, underlining both operational leverage and disciplined cost control.
• Profit Acceleration: Net profit leapt to €64.2 million (+43.3%), while adjusted EPS rose by 11.8%, reflecting both top-line momentum and margin improvement.
• Attractive Valuation: The current P/E ratio of 15.47 is justified, if not modest, for a fast-growing pan-European healthcare distributor delivering industry-leading returns on capital (ROCE at 15.2%) and forecasting sustained double-digit organic growth. The PEG ratio, while not explicitly disclosed, is comfortably below sector averages when normalised for growth.
• Structural Advantages: Uniphar holds a 54% share of the Irish wholesale pharma market—an exceptional position signalling pricing power, supply chain efficiency, and strong brand reputation. The company collaborates with 9 out of the world’s top 10 pharmaceutical firms, underpinning long-term revenue visibility and client stickiness.
• Strategic Expansion: The recently completed investments in advanced distribution facilities, plus ongoing expansion in medtech across the UK and Continental Europe, underpin management’s articulated goal of achieving an EBITDA of €200 million by 2028.

Put simply, Uniphar is evolving from a dominant domestic force into a multi-market operator with growing exposure to high-potential geographies and end-markets—all while retaining operating discipline and shareholder-friendly capital allocation.

Volume and Liquidity

The liquidity profile of Uniphar stock enhances its appeal for institutional and sophisticated retail investors alike. Average three-month trading volumes are consistently near 953,000 shares per day—a healthy figure which ensures tight bid-offer spreads and capacity for large orders without undue market impact.

Such sustained volumes typically denote robust institutional engagement and capitalize on index participation. The current float is readily absorbable yet significant enough to maintain price discovery and mitigate the risk of excessive volatility. Recent heightened trading activity aligns with major company events and signals renewed market confidence in the group’s long-term investment case.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Several tangible catalysts underpin further upside potential for Uniphar:

• Buyback Programme: The €35 million share repurchase scheme signals both confidence in intrinsic value and a willingness to enhance capital returns. Such programmes have historically provided durable share price support.
• Organic & Strategic Growth: The Pharma division posted organic expansion of 17.6% last year and continues to pursue robust double-digit targets, while Medtech is in a clear phase of geographic and operational scaling.
• Operational Investments: New, state-of-the-art distribution centres in Ireland are set to deliver both margin and service-level enhancements—a clear competitive differentiator.
• ESG & Compliance Leadership: Uniphar’s continued investments in sustainable operations, technology-driven traceability, and regulatory compliance position the group to benefit from evolving global healthcare and ESG standards.
• Medium-Term Targets: Management’s reaffirmed commitment to doubling EBITDA (to €200 million by 2028) and maintaining high organic growth rates (with at least 80% organic mix) provides investors with rare visibility and accountability.
• Portfolio Optimisation: The divestment of Inspired Health and integration of 17 new Expanded Access Programmes (EAPs) underscore disciplined asset allocation and portfolio management.
• Secular Tailwinds: Healthcare distribution remains a non-discretionary, volume-driven business with secular growth underpinnings, insulated from most economic cycles and uniquely positioned in a tightening global regulatory environment.

Investment Strategies

Given the current technical and fundamental configuration, several distinct entry strategies merit consideration:

• Short-Term: Momentum-driven investors may identify minor pullbacks towards the €3.40–€3.50 support range as attractive tactical windows, with a view to quick recoveries or surges toward the €3.70 resistance and beyond.
• Medium-Term: Investors with a 6-18 month horizon could see the present consolidation phase as an appealing entry, particularly ahead of potential catalysts (upcoming results, further buyback execution, regulatory milestones) that could provide accelerated price rerating.
• Long-Term: Portfolio builders focused on sector rotation or healthcare allocation may find Uniphar’s robust medium-term guidance (targeted EBITDA doubling, ongoing pipeline development, expansion into new geographies and service verticals) compelling. The current valuation appears undemanding relative to both growth and sector benchmarks, while the modest but growing dividend (0.53% yield, rising) provides a further layer of risk mitigation.

Across all horizons, accumulating shares near major technical supports or ahead of identified catalysts appears to represent an excellent risk-reward proposition in the present environment.

Is it the Right Time to Buy Uniphar?

In summary, Uniphar today combines:

• Outstanding, defendable market positioning in a critical sector;
• Proven and accelerating organic growth;
• Ambitious but attainable medium-term financial targets;
• Structural advantages spanning technology, scale, and industry partnerships;
• Disciplined capital returns and liquidity further boosted by an ongoing buyback;
• A supportive macro and sector backdrop fostering structural growth.

While the current RSI reading signals technically overbought conditions, the underlying momentum, resilient volume, and favourable multi-year valuation reset point to a stock that may be entering a new bullish phase, well-supported by both operational delivery and strategic ambition. For investors seeking an anchor position in the dynamic European healthcare distribution space, the fundamentals, technicals, and imminent catalysts of Uniphar stock justify renewed interest at current levels.

In a sector rich in opportunity yet marked by intensifying competition, Uniphar stands out as a disciplined growth leader transparently executing on a clear roadmap. The current market environment therefore seems to represent an excellent entry point for those seeking resilient long-term exposure to the healthcare sector through an established, innovative, and well-governed Irish leader poised for further value creation.

How to buy Uniphar stock in Ireland?

Buying Uniphar stock online has never been simpler or more secure for Irish investors. Thanks to regulated online brokers, you can invest in Uniphar shares in just a few clicks, fully compliant with Irish and EU investor protection laws. Investors typically choose between two main methods: spot buying (owning the shares directly) or trading contracts for difference (CFDs) for leveraged exposure. Each method has its own advantages and fits different investor profiles. For a full comparison of trusted brokers and their fees, you’ll find a detailed broker comparator further down the page.

Cash Buying

With a cash purchase, you’re buying Uniphar shares outright—becoming a direct shareholder in the company. This means you’ll own the shares in your name, receive dividends, and benefit fully from any movement in the share price. Most Irish brokers charge a fixed commission per order, often between €5 and €10.

Example: Cash Buying

If Uniphar is trading at €3.59 per share and you invest €1,000, you can purchase approximately 276 shares (€1,000 - €5 fee = €995 / €3.59 = ~276 shares, rounding down).
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the price climbs 10% to €3.95, your stake is now worth €1,100.
Result: That’s a gross gain of €100, or +10% on your initial investment—excluding taxes and minor exchange fees.

Trading via CFD

CFD trading allows you to speculate on Uniphar’s share price movements without physically owning the shares. With CFDs, you can use leverage—amplifying both gains and potential losses. Here, fees come in the form of a spread (difference between buy and sell prices) and daily overnight financing costs if you hold positions open beyond the trading day.

Example: CFD Trading

Suppose you open a CFD on Uniphar with €1,000 and 5x leverage. This gives you exposure to €5,000 worth of Uniphar shares.
✔️ Gain scenario:
If the share price rises by 8%, your CFD position appreciates by 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: You’d gain €400 on your €1,000 stake (excluding spread and funding fees).

Final Advice

Before you start investing in Uniphar shares, it’s crucial to compare brokers’ fees, trading platforms, and customer support. Carefully consider factors such as minimum deposit, order commissions, and whether you prefer direct share ownership or leveraged trading via CFDs. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your investment objectives and risk tolerance. For detailed comparisons and up-to-date broker reviews, make sure to consult the broker comparator available further down this page.

Our 7 tips for buying Uniphar stock

The latest news about Uniphar

Uniphar shares have gained 5.52% over the past week, continuing a remarkable 6-month rally of 68.13%. This upward momentum is supported by strong investor confidence following robust financial results and the company’s clear strategy for organic and acquisition-driven growth. With its current share price at €3.59, Uniphar trades near its 52-week high of €3.70, underlining positive sentiment in the Irish market.

Uniphar reported impressive 2024 financials, with revenue up 8.5% and net profit jumping 43.3% year-on-year. These results, published just days ago, confirm Uniphar’s market dominance in Ireland where it controls 54% of the pharmaceutical wholesale sector. The latest figures highlight organic gross profit growth of 8.2%, and an adjusted EPS rise of 11.8%, both signaling healthy, sustainable expansion and prudent cost management.

A €35 million share buyback program was announced, boosting signals of management’s confidence and shareholder value creation. The buyback, set in motion in 2025, follows a series of strong quarters and demonstrates the company’s commitment to returning capital to investors. Combined with an increased dividend proposal for 2024 (+5% to €0.0192 per share), this move helps reinforce Uniphar’s attractiveness for Irish shareholders seeking consistent yield and capital appreciation.

Uniphar invested in a new advanced distribution facility in Dublin, strengthening its logistics and scale within Ireland. This significant local investment aligns with the company’s declared strategy to leverage technology and infrastructure to drive efficiency and capacity. It further anchors Uniphar’s market leadership while creating region-specific resilience—an especially positive signal for the Irish business environment and healthcare supply chain stakeholders.

The Pharma division recorded 17.6% organic growth in 2024, with continued double-digit targets reaffirmed for the Irish and broader European market. The group’s midterm ambition—doubling EBITDA by 2028—remains on track, with at least 80% of future growth expected to be organic. Collaboration with 9 of the 10 largest global pharmaceutical firms and ongoing expansion in high-value medtech highlights Uniphar’s robust, scalable model with clear local and international relevance for Irish investors.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.