Investing.com -- Shares of Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (LON:HIK) ticked up 0.6% on Thursday following the release of the company’s first quarter trading update for the fiscal year 2025.
The pharmaceutical company reaffirmed its full-year guidance across all business segments, indicating that operations are progressing as planned.
In its first quarter update, Hikma reported robust performance in its global Injectables business, particularly in European and Middle Eastern markets, and noted strong demand for the liraglutide injection and Xellia portfolio in North America.
The company anticipates an uptick in momentum in the second half of 2025 with upcoming product launches and increased contract manufacturing. The expansion of the Bedford, Ohio facility is set to significantly enhance the company’s manufacturing capacity in the United States.
The Generics segment is experiencing strong demand, especially for nasal and inhalation products. Hikma’s focus on supply reliability and high service levels, coupled with the use of its US manufacturing facility, is securing long-term customer contracts.
The company is also investing in research and development, with progress being made at the new R&D center in Zagreb, Croatia, and preparations for a new contract manufacturing partnership at the Columbus (WA:CLC) facility moving forward.
In the Branded segment, Hikma continues to perform well, with an emphasis on oncology and lifestyle diseases. The company has recently signed an exclusive licensing agreement to commercialize rucaparib, an oral oncology therapy, in the MENA region, which aligns with its strategy to be a leader in oncology medicines.
Hikma also highlighted its expanding U.S. manufacturing footprint, which is a key supplier for its U.S. sales, and the maintenance of a diversified global supply chain for raw and packaging materials, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
For the fiscal year 2025, Hikma has reiterated its guidance, expecting group revenue to grow between 4% and 6%, with core operating profit projected to be in the range of $730 million to $770 million.
Despite the overall positive trading update, Hikma noted that sales mix and phasing will impact margins in the first half of the year.