RNS Number : 4621Z
  Hikma Pharmaceuticals Plc
  21 July 2008
   
    Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC

    Trading statement


    London, 19 July 2008: Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC ("Hikma") (LSE:HIK)(DIFX:HIK) today comments on trading in the six months to 30 June
2008.

    In the first half of 2008, our Branded business performed ahead of our expectations, with strong sales growth boosted by the smooth
integration of the acquisitions made in the second half of 2007.  Our Injectables business also performed well, delivering strong sales
growth for the period.

    In the US Generics business, where we were already expecting significant margin erosion, trading was below these expectations due to
deteriorating market conditions.  The performance of this business has been further impacted by the need to take one off provisions totaling
approximately $5 million, largely related to a change in our estimates for chargebacks, returns and rebates.   We expect the Generics
business to realise an operating loss of approximately $6 million in the first half and a further slight loss in the second half of the
year.

    We expect the Group to deliver sales growth in the 30% to 35% range and gross margin of approximately 45% for the full year.  We expect
our effective tax rate for the full year will be approximately 15%.

    We will announce our results for the six months to 30 June 2008 on 28 August 2008.


    -- ENDS --


    Enquiries:
    
 Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC                   Tel: +44 (0)20 7399 2760
 Susan Ringdal, Investor Relations Director                          
                                                                     
 Brunswick Group                             Tel: +44 (0)20 7404 5959
 Jon Coles/ Justine McIlroy                                          


    About Hikma
    Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC is a fast growing multinational group focused on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of both
branded and non-branded generic and in-licensed pharmaceutical products. Hikma's operations are conducted through three businesses:
"Branded", "Injectables" and "Generics". Hikma's operations are based principally in the Middle East and North Africa ("MENA") region, where
it is a market leader and sells across 17 countries, the United States and Europe. In 2007, the Group achieved revenues of $449 million
(2006 $317 million) and profit attributable to shareholders was $63 million (2006 $55 million). For news and other information, please visit
www.hikma.com.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
 
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