Full-year results aren't expected from healthcare behemoth Hikma Pharmaceuticals (HIK) until March but the group has already announced strong sales from its injectables and generics businesses in 2013.
Group revenues are now expected to grow as much as 23 per cent, with particular credit going to the injectables division. It pushed sales up by 14 per cent last year and also improved profitability after a strong performance in the US, where higher-value products and a better pricing strategy has paid off.
Meanwhile, sales from generics are expected to reach $270m (£162m) for the full year. But Hikma warns this figure will face pressure in 2014 as competition to produce the antibiotic doxycycline ramps up in the US.
Aside from injectables and generics, the group has high hopes for its branded business. Reported sales growth of 5 per cent is expected for 2013 - 8 per cent at constant currency - with an adjusted operating margin of 24 per cent, up 50 basis points from 2012.
The improved revenue guidance followed initial forecasts by Hikma's management in November 2013, which projected sales growth of approximately 20 per cent for the full year.
