Pharmacy Profit Ratios: There are various components that are considered when deriving a pharmacy’s realistic business value. Two of those components are the sales and profit ratios. We know that due to the aging population and new drugs being introduced that in general most pharmacies are seeing an increase in sales. However, due to federal regulations and other market conditions, net profit ratios are typically declining although sales are increasing.
Reimbursements: Reimbursements have been reduced and that is negatively impacting the pharmacy owner’s income. Additional cuts in pharmacy reimbursements are anticipated. In addition, some states have become slower in making payment on the reimbursements. With many different states stepping into financial difficulties themselves, pharmacy owners will need to plan for the potential of slower cash flow, or even an interruption of the reimbursement payments.
Medicare/Medicaid: When a pharmacy business has a larger portion of prescription sales in Medicare/Medicaid then the cuts in reimbursements, and slower payments, will have an even more profound influence on the pharmacy owner’s net profits. Some owners, out of necessity, will demand the use of funds from accounts receivable financing, or some other type of financing.
Taxes: Higher, or new taxes, for personal income, business revenue, capital gains, consumption (VAT), and others are being considered by the government. Fewer dollars in the hands of the consumer will mean fewer purchases at their local pharmacy, yet still time business expenses increases. Because of higher expected taxes, pharmacy buyers will adjust their purchase offers to meet Return on Investments needs.
The above mentions shouldn’t scare you if you are thinking of starting a pharmacy business. Instead it’s point is to make you aware of some difficulties that you might encounter and maybe you will try to think at a solution before you actually need it.