Hikma shares rise 10% after encouraging first-half performance
Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC on Thursday said it is "encouraged by the positive momentum" shown by its interim results, confirming its outlook for 2026.
Shares in the London-based pharmaceutical maker were up 10% to 1,733.00 pence each in London early Thursday afternoon.
Pretax profit fell 2.7% to USD287 million in the six months that ended June 30 from USD295 million a year earlier.
The decline was due to a USD84 million swing in net financing costs, to a net expense of USD49 million in the recent period from a net gain of USD35 million a year before, as well as a USD71 million impact from "amendments to royalty payment arrangements and remeasurement of contingent consideration payment liabilities", the company said.
Revenue rose 4.2% to USD1.73 billion from USD1.66 billion. The increase was driven by 15% growth in branded revenue, supported by strong performance in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, the company's focus on medications used to treat chronic illnesses, and improved capacity to respond to market opportunities, it said.
Hikma declared an interim dividend of 38 cents per share, up 5.6% from 36 cents per share a year earlier. The company also continued its USD250 million share buyback programme launched in February 2026.
In February, Hikma restructured its senior leadership team, with Said Darwazah moving to chief executive officer from executive chair. The company also made a number of other senior management changes.
Darwazah said: "I am pleased to report a solid first half with performance in line with our expectations, including 9% growth in core operating profit, and I am encouraged by the positive momentum we are seeing across the organisation.
"We have made good progress against our strategic priorities in the first half of 2026, launching new products, strengthening our pipeline, signing new partnerships and optimising our manufacturing operations. All these initiatives will support long-term growth.
"With strong fundamentals, disciplined execution and clear strategic priorities, we remain confident in our outlook and are reiterating our full-year guidance."
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