UK investors looking to diversify into the US healthcare sector may see Owens & Minor (OMI) as a compelling option. Based in Virginia, the company supplies essential medical products and logistics services to hospitals and clinics across the United States. Recent share price swings and strategic moves in its supply chain business have attracted renewed international interest.
For beginners, the challenge lies in navigating the process of buying US-listed shares, understanding Owens & Minor’s role in the healthcare sector, and deciding whether it fits with long-term investment goals. This guide explains how to buy OMI stock from the UK and what to consider before adding it to your portfolio.
In this guide
How to Buy OMI?
How to Buy OMI Stocks
Owens & Minor shares aren’t listed on the London Stock Exchange, so UK investors must use a broker that offers access to US markets. The stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OMI.
Buying US shares is straightforward, though there are a few key differences compared to UK stocks.
Here’s what to do:
Not all UK platforms offer US stocks, so check this before opening an account.
You’ll need to provide ID and proof of address. Most brokers also ask about your investing experience.
Most platforms accept bank transfers or debit cards. If you deposit in pounds, the funds will be converted into US dollars.
Look for “Owens & Minor” or the ticker “OMI” on your broker’s platform.
You can buy at the market price or set a limit if you prefer to wait for a specific entry point.
You’ll face currency exchange risk and US dividend withholding tax. Completing a W-8BEN form usually reduces the tax from 30% to 15%.
Buying Owens & Minor is no more complex than purchasing other US stocks. The main considerations are currency costs and some added tax paperwork.
Best Brokers to Invest in OMI in the UK
If you’re based in the UK and want to invest in Owens & Minor shares, choosing the right stock broker is essential. While many platforms offer access to US stocks, their features, fees, and user experience can vary widely. Here are three trusted options, each with its own strengths depending on your trading style and experience.
1. IG Markets
IG is one of the UK’s most established brokers, known for its strong reputation, wide market access, and professional-grade tools. It offers direct access to US stocks for UK investors, including OMI, along with CFD trading for those interested in more advanced strategies.
Your capital is at risk
✔ Leading broker with low fees
- FCA-regulated and well-respected in the industry
- Excellent charting tools and research resources
- Access to a wide range of global markets
- A demo account available for practice
- Minimum deposit of £300
- The platform may feel complex for beginners
- Inactivity fees apply after 2 years of no use
| Type | Fee |
| Minimum account | £0 |
| Opening an account | £0 |
| Overnight funding | yes (depends on market) |
| Withdrawal fee | £0 |
| Inactivity fee | £18 monthly after 24 consecutive months of inactivity |
| Advanced graphs (ProRealTime) | £30 per months |
2. eToro
eToro is popular with beginner investors thanks to its simple layout, commission-free share dealing, and strong social trading features. You can buy fractional shares of Owens & Minor, making it easier to invest small amounts.
Disclaimer: eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.
Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. {etoroCFDrisk}% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Zero commission means that no broker fee will be charged when opening or closing the position and does not apply to short or leveraged positions. Other fees apply including FX fees on non-USD deposits and withdrawals. Your capital is at risk. For more information, click here.
✔Low minimum to fund an account and begin investing
- No commission on US stock trades
- £100 minimum deposit
- Fractional share investing is available
- Copy trading lets you follow more experienced investors
- A currency conversion fee applies when funding in GBP
- Limited research tools compared to more advanced platforms
- £5 withdrawal fee
| Types | Fee |
| Minimum Deposit | $50 |
| Conversion Fee | depends on your payment method, currency, and eToro Club level. |
| Overnight Fee | vary according to the value and direction (BUY or SELL) of your position |
| Withdrawal Fee | all withdrawal requests are subject to a $5 USD fee |
| Inactivity Fee | monthly inactivity fee of $10 USD (charged after 12 months) |
3. Plus500
Plus500 is a CFD-only broker, meaning you won’t be buying shares directly but speculating on their price movements. While this isn’t suitable for everyone, it may appeal to more active traders seeking flexible short-term exposure to stocks like OMI.
✔ Regulated in many countries
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Low minimum deposit (£100)
- Tight spreads and no commission on trades
- Regulated by the FCA
- Only offers CFDs, not direct share dealing
- No long-term ownership of the asset
- Limited educational resources
| Type | Fee |
| Overnight Funding | yes |
| Currency Conversion Fee | 0.7% |
| Guaranteed Stop Order | spread applies |
| Inactivity Fee | $10 per month |
| Withdrawls/Deposits | $0 |
Note: 76% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
When choosing a broker to invest in Owens & Minor, consider your goals and experience. If you’re aiming to hold the stock long term, a platform like IG or eToro may be more suitable. For shorter-term trades or leveraged strategies, Plus500 offers an alternative approach. Always check for FCA regulation and read the fee structure before opening an account.
About OMI (Owens & Minor) Inc
Owens & Minor is a US-based healthcare logistics and distribution company headquartered in Virginia. It supplies hospitals and clinics with essential products like surgical kits, gloves, and personal protective equipment. Beyond distribution, it also provides supply chain services to help medical providers reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Its role is similar to a wholesaler like Booker in the UK but focused entirely on critical medical supplies. While demand in this sector is steady, margins are tight, and the company faces constant pressure from both suppliers and buyers.
Founded in 1882, Owens & Minor has grown from a local pharmaceutical supplier into a global operator with thousands of employees. Its long history adds credibility, but staying competitive requires ongoing innovation, especially as larger rivals continue to expand.
If OMI shares have caught your attention, you might also want to explore the investment potential of Industrial Sector EFT and Zomedica shares to further diversify your portfolio.
Owens & Minor Price Today
The share price of OMI has experienced significant fluctuations over the past few years, reflecting both sector trends and company-specific developments. Like many healthcare suppliers, Owens & Minor saw its valuation climb during the pandemic as demand for protective gear and medical equipment surged. However, that momentum faded once emergency conditions eased, and the company had to adapt to more typical market dynamics.
Several factors continue to influence its price performance:
- Pandemic-driven highs and normalisation: The spike in revenue during COVID-19 proved difficult to maintain once healthcare systems stabilised. This led to a gradual revaluation of the stock.
- Debt pressure: Owens & Minor has taken on significant debt in recent years, which weighs on its valuation, particularly when interest rates are high.
- Reliance on major contracts: The company’s earnings can swing depending on whether it secures or loses large hospital supply agreements. This makes its quarterly results more volatile than some larger, diversified peers.
Tracking the Owens & Minor stock price provides useful context, but it’s only one part of a wider investment case. Investors should also keep an eye on debt management, earnings updates, and any strategic partnerships or acquisitions that may affect future performance. See the live Owens & Minor price chart below for the most up-to-date market data.
Is OMI a Good Investment?
Whether Owens & Minor is a suitable investment depends on both the company’s fundamentals and the individual investor’s goals. For UK beginners, it’s important to look at several key factors before making a decision.
- Stable demand in the sector: Healthcare logistics is seen as a relatively defensive industry. Hospitals and clinics need constant access to supplies, which helps support steady revenue in normal market conditions.
- Financial strain from debt: Owens & Minor carries a sizable debt load. In a high-interest-rate environment, this puts pressure on profits and can affect investor confidence.
- Strong competition: The company operates in a crowded field with much larger global distributors. Holding on to contracts and market share is an ongoing challenge.
- Dividend history: Owens & Minor has paid dividends in the past, though not consistently. Payouts may vary depending on financial results, so income-focused investors should monitor future updates closely.
- Currency risk for UK investors: Any gains from the stock are also affected by the exchange rate between the pound and the US dollar. This can increase or reduce returns depending on market conditions.
Compared to more stable UK healthcare names like Smith & Nephew or GSK, Owens & Minor tends to show more volatility. But for investors looking to diversify into US healthcare infrastructure, it offers exposure to a different segment of the market. It may suit those with a higher risk tolerance and a long-term view, especially when held as part of a broader, balanced portfolio.
FAQs
No. You just need a broker that offers access to US stocks. Most FCA-regulated platforms now include this. To reduce dividend withholding tax from 30% to 15%, you’ll usually need to complete a W-8BEN form with your broker.
Owens & Minor operates on tighter margins and is more affected by contract wins or losses, as well as debt servicing costs. These factors make its earnings and share price more reactive to quarterly results.
Yes, many brokers support US shares within ISAs and SIPPs. However, dividends are still subject to US withholding tax, though this can be reduced by submitting a W-8BEN form.
The main risks include high debt levels, currency movements between GBP and USD, and strong competition in the healthcare logistics market. These can all impact the stock’s performance and should be factored into any investment decision.
Conclusion
Owens & Minor offers UK investors targeted exposure to the US healthcare supply chain, a sector with steady demand but notable financial pressures. Its long history and essential role in logistics give it relevance, yet debt levels, competition, and currency risk make it a more volatile option than UK-listed healthcare firms. For those building a diversified portfolio and comfortable with short-term swings, OMI can provide meaningful long-term potential, but only with a clear view of its risks and fundamentals.
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