API Holdings, the parent company of India's largest online pharmacy PharmEasy, has filed for a Rs 6,250-crore IPO, offering insights into its operations and the rapidly growing online pharmacy market in India.
API Holdings Ltd., the owner of PharmEasy, is aiming to be the first online pharmacy platform to list on the Indian stock exchanges.
Business Overview:
Founded in 2012, PharmEasy offers a range of services beyond online medicine orders, including teleconsultation, diagnostic tests, and software services. It has expanded through acquisitions, including Ascent Health & Wellness Solutions, Thyrocare Technologies, and Medlife. In addition, it holds a 49.17% stake in Marg ERP Ltd, a pharma software and solutions provider.
PharmEasy's revenue is generated from:
- Sale of Products: Pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products, private label medical products, surgical products, and consumables.
- Sale of Services: Diagnostics, advertisement, lead generation for doctors via Retailio, Redbook software sales to pharmacies, and platform fees.
- Other Operating Revenue: Last-mile delivery services and lease of electronic medical records software to doctors.
The company's revenue is significantly driven by gross merchandise value, with gross sales increasing over 54% to Rs 7,865 crore by the end of FY21.
Key Metrics:
- Active Pharmacies: 87,159
- Prescribing doctors: 4,617
- E-consultations (FY21): 34 lakh
- Digital prescriptions generated: 1.07 crore
- Active wholesalers: 3,261
- Registered users: 2.5 crore
Market Opportunity:
According to the draft prospectus, the target market is expected to reach $100 billion (Rs 7.5 lakh crore) by 2025. This includes pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, OTC products, consultations, and hospital supplies. Online pharmacy penetration in India is currently at 2.3%, with significant growth potential compared to China (10-15%) and the U.S. (30-35%).
Financial Performance:
API Holdings' consolidated revenue tripled to Rs 2,335 crore in FY21, but losses also widened to Rs 636 crore. Pro forma consolidated revenue for 2020-21 reached Rs 4,363 crore, with pro forma losses of Rs 1,549 crore.
Risks:
The online healthcare industry is subject to extensive government regulation, intense competition, and changing regulatory requirements. These factors could impact PharmEasy's business and financial performance.
