Hikma reaffirms positive outlook for 2025 after strong start

JORDAN—Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC, a leading multinational pharmaceutical group headquartered in Jordan, has reaffirmed its positive outlook for 2025, following a strong start to the year.

This update comes as the company prepares for its Annual General Meeting, with CEO Riad Mishlawi highlighting Hikma’s ongoing momentum and resilience despite broader geopolitical challenges.

Mishlawi emphasized that Hikma’s global reach, combined with deep local expertise, enables the company to leverage advanced manufacturing technologies and R&D investments to address the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers.

He noted that the group’s strategic focus on enhancing local manufacturing, increasing R&D spending, and forming new partnerships is expected to further strengthen Hikma’s diverse product portfolio and pipeline, ensuring long-term success.

Hikma’s Injectables business continues to perform robustly across all three of its geographical regions.

The company is experiencing strong demand in both European and MENA markets, where it has been actively launching new products.

In North America, the recently introduced liraglutide injection and the addition of the Xellia portfolio have contributed significantly to revenue, helping to offset increased competition in some of the company’s higher-margin products.

Looking ahead, Hikma expects momentum to accelerate in the second half of the year, driven by further product launches and expanded contract manufacturing.

Notably, enhancements to the Bedford, Ohio facility are on track to substantially boost US-based injectables manufacturing capacity.

For 2025, Hikma anticipates Injectables revenue growth in the range of 7% to 9%, with core operating margins expected to remain in the mid-30% range.

The Branded segment is also performing well, with continued progress in building a diversified portfolio focused on treatments for chronic illnesses, particularly oncology and lifestyle diseases.

Hikma’s strong presence in the MENA region, coupled with robust commercial capabilities, positions it as a partner of choice for global pharmaceutical collaborations.

 Recently, the company signed an exclusive licensing agreement with pharmaand GmbH to commercialize rucaparib, an innovative oral oncology therapy, across the MENA region.

This aligns with Hikma’s strategy to become a leading provider of oncology medicines in the area.

 For 2025, Branded revenue is expected to grow by 6% to 7% in constant currency, with core EBIT margins close to 25%.

In the Generics division, Hikma is seeing solid demand, particularly for its differentiated nasal and inhalation products.

By focusing on supply reliability and leveraging its US manufacturing base, the company is securing longer-term customer contracts.

 Investments in R&D, including a new center in Zagreb, Croatia, are supporting key development projects to further strengthen the product pipeline.

The Columbus facility is also being prepared for a new contract manufacturing partnership, reflecting growing demand for US-based manufacturing services.

For 2025, Generics revenue is projected to remain broadly flat, with a core operating margin of around 16%.

Hikma remains confident in its ability to navigate international trade complexities. Its expanding US manufacturing footprint, focus on quality, and diversified global supply chain underpin its resilience.

For 2025, the company expects overall Group revenue to grow between 4% and 6%, with core operating profit forecasted in the range of US$730 million to US$770 million.

Growth in core operating profit, estimated at around 4% at the midpoint, is expected to be weighted toward the second half of the year.

While the company is closely monitoring potential tariff impacts, no such effects have been factored into the full-year outlook.

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