Durrant Pate/Contributor

Pharmaceuticals distributor, RA Williams Distributors encountered significant challenges during the October 2024 quarter—navigating despite losses climbing to J$13.9 million, up from the J$792,000 posted for the same period a year prior.

At the same time, the company’s gross profit increased by 14 per cent, mainly driven by the introduction of new products across several of its product lines. Operating expenses ratio for this quarter under review stands at 45 per cent, up from 38 per cent in the prior year. 

This increase is primarily attributed to the right-of-use costs related to its new location at New Brunswick Village in Spanish Town, St. Catherine as well as higher technology, staffing and distribution expenses. RA Williams achieved revenues of $367 million, which represents a marginal 0.95 per cent increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. 

Among the significant challenges encountered during the quarter include supply constraints in certain product categories and the effects of Hurricane Beryl, which disrupted operations for many of the key customers, particularly along the south coast. On the positive side, there was an increase in total assets of J$1.4 billion.

The increase in assets reflects its strategic investments in infrastructure, including the opening of a new office and warehouse at the beginning of the quarter. These investments position RA Williams to expand its partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers and further strengthen the business.

Enhanced product portfolio and new distribution channels 

RA Williams’ ongoing efforts to enhance distribution channels, collaborate with stakeholders to manage supply and demand and fortify its position in a competitive market have allowed the company to navigate the challenges encountered effectively. Looking ahead, the management anticipates revenue growth driven by the reintroduction of key products under our newly added Fourrts line, expected early in the current quarter. 

During the last quarter, the Spanish Town-based company added several new products to its portfolio—steady momentum on its late August junior market listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, having gone public weeks before. 

Notably, RA Williams introduced ColdStop (an over-the-counter day & night cold and flu pack), GasStop (an over-the-counter antacid), and DandZap Plus (a prescription shampoo for dandruff and seborrheic conditions), in partnership with Canadian-based Ryvis Pharma. These additions reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to expanding its market offerings and increasing its market share. 

RA Williams also hosted a soft launch for Iracet, the first generic Levetiracetam available in Jamaica. This was done in collaboration with its long-time pharmaceutical partner, Square Pharmaceuticals, as part of a workshop on epilepsy. 

Positive future outlook 

The management is reporting that it is encouraged by the company’s continued revenue growth and the expansion of its product portfolio. RA Williams’ focus remains on expanding its offerings and improving the customer experience. 

The management is confident in the company’s ability to continue improving access to high-quality, affordable medications in the months ahead.