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Mon 21 Feb 2005, 15:42 Interim financial results for the six months ende
Aspen - Interim financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2004     
Interim financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2004             
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (`Aspen`)                                     
(Registration number 1985/002935/06)                                            
Share code: APN                                                                 
ISIN: ZAE000023586                                                              
32% increase in revenue                                                         
35% growth in headline earnings                                                 
Net cash from operating activities increased from R186,5m to R323,3m            
World first for aspen to produce generic AIDS drugs                             
Group income statement                                                          
Unaudited    Unaudited           Audited              
                          Six months   Six months          Year                 
                          ended        ended               ended                
                          31 December  31 December         30 June              
2004         2003        %       2004                 
                          Rm           Rm          Change  Rm                   
Revenue                   1 390,8      1 055,6     32      2 201,7              
Cost of sales             (730,4)      (545,9)**           (1 143,6)            
Gross profit              660,4        509,7       30      1 058,1              
Other operating income    0,9          0,9                 4,2                  
Selling and distribution                                                        
costs                     (172,6)      (127,9)             (285,9)              
Administrative expenses   (99,2)       (79,2)              (149,7)              
Other operating expenses  (34,7)       (36,7)              (73,0)               
Operating profit          354,7        266,6       33      553,8                
Net financing costs       (32,9)       (28,5)**            (25,3)               
Net profit before                                                               
taxation                  321,8        238,2       35      528,5                
Taxation                  (104,6)      (78,6)              (172,9)              
Net profit attributable                                                         
to shareholders           217,1        159,6       36      355,6                
Weighted average number                                                         
of shares in issue (`000) 340 817      355 773             356 223              
Earnings per share -                                                            
basic (cents)             63,7         44,9        42      99,8                 
Earnings per share -                                                            
diluted (cents)           61,6         43,4        42      97,2                 
Headline earnings per                                                           
share (cents)             63,7         47,2        35      103,7                
Headline earnings per                                                           
share - diluted (cents)   61,6         45,6        35      101,0                
Dividends per share                                                             
(cents)*                  -            -                   30,0                 
Reconciliation of                                                               
headline earnings                                                               
Net profit attributable                                                         
to ordinary shareholders  217,1        159,6               355,6                
Adjusted for:                                                                   
- Amortisation of                                                               
goodwill                  -            8,3                 13,8                 
- Profit on disposal                                                            
of property, plant                                                              
and equipment                                                                   
(net of taxation)         (0,1)        (0,1)               (0,1)                
Headline earnings   217,0   167,8      369,3                                    
*Relates to dividend declared after year-end. The policy of Aspen is to declare 
a final dividend when the preliminary results for each financial year are       
released.                                                                       
**Net financing costs for the six months ended 31 December 2003 have been       
restated to exclude the profit of R11,3 million in respect of embedded          
derivatives which is now included in cost of sales. This is consistent with     
disclosure for both the current reporting period and the year ended 30 June     
2004.                                                                           
Group balance sheet                                                             
                               Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited              
                               31 December   31 December   30 June              
2004          2003          2004                 
                               Rm            Rm            Rm                   
ASSETS                                                                          
Non-current assets                                                              
Property, plant and equipment  436,9         265,1         313,0                
Investment property            4,6           4,0           4,6                  
Goodwill                       283,9         100,8         86,2                 
Intangible assets              471,2         409,0         437,2                
Non-current receivables        1,3           19,5          7,5                  
Deferred taxation assets       114,6         138,1         124,5                
Total non-current assets       1 312,5       936,6         972,9                
Current assets                                                                  
Inventories                    325,0         264,8         245,7                
Receivables and prepayments    455,0         372,0         425,6                
Cash and cash equivalents      236,8         174,3         465,5                
Total current assets           1 016,8       811,0         1 136,7              
Total assets                   2 329,3       1 747,7       2 109,7              
SHAREHOLDERS` EQUITY                                                            
Share capital and share                                                         
premium                        56,6          73,3          81,5                 
Treasury shares                (281,6)       (75,8)        (75,8)               
Non-distributable reserves     96,1          147,5         111,8                
Retained income                1 080,8       741,4         949,0                
Total shareholders` equity     951,9         886,3         1 066,5              
LIABILITIES                                                                     
Non-current liabilities                                                         
Interest-bearing borrowings    66,9          177,2         156,2                
Interest-bearing                                                                
deferred-payables              41,1          74,5          39,7                 
Deferred taxation liabilities  90,6          43,1          61,6                 
Retirement benefit                                                              
obligations                    12,3          11,2          10,8                 
Total non-current liabilities  210,9         305,9         268,4                
Current liabilities                                                             
Trade and other payables       432,4         333,5         353,4                
Interest-bearing borrowings    569,8         141,3         290,0                
Interest-bearing                                                                
deferred-payables              58,2          56,8          55,2                 
Current taxation liabilities   106,1         21,5          76,2                 
Provisions   -   2,2   -                                                        
Total current liabilities      1 166,5       555,5         774,8                
Total liabilities              1 377,5       861,3         1 043,2              
Total equity and liabilities   2 329,3       1 747,7       2 109,7              
Number of shares in issue                                                       
(net of treasury shares)                                                        
(`000)                         338 028       356 309       358 208              
Net asset value per share                                                       
(cents)                        281,6         248,8         297,7                
Supplementary information                                                       
                               Unaudited     Unaudited     Audited              
                               Six months    Six months    Year                 
                               ended         ended         ended                
31 December   31 December   30 June              
                               2004          2003          2004                 
                               Rm            Rm            Rm                   
Capital expenditure                                                             
Incurred                                                                        
- tangible                     39,2          95,9          158,1                
- intangible assets            22,5          12,0          90,6                 
Contracted                     14,6          53,9          10,1                 
Authorised but not contracted                                                   
for                            2,8           7,7           18,6                 
Operating profit has been                                                       
arrived at after charging:                                                      
Depreciation of tangible                                                        
assets                         20,3          13,9          27,5                 
Amortisation of goodwill       -             8,3           13,8                 
Amortisation of intangible                                                      
assets                         34,6          28,5          59,1                 
Net financing costs                                                             
Interest received              16,2          14,0          27,3                 
Net foreign exchange loss      (1,3)         (11,4)        (10,2)               
Fair value (losses)/gains on                                                    
financial instruments          (8,1)         (5,3)         6,6                  
Interest paid                  (35,3)        (19,0)        (37,0)               
Net finance costs on                                                            
interest-bearing deferred -                                                     
payables and financial assets  (4,4)         (6,8)         (12,0)               
Net financing costs            (32,9)        (28,5)        (25,3)               
Operating lease commitments                                                     
- payable in one year          10,6          4,3           8,3                  
- payable thereafter           30,3          27,3          27,2                 
                               41,0          31,6         35,5                  
Finance lease commitments                                                       
- payable in one year          1,3           2,7           1,2                  
- payable thereafter           0,5           0,5           0,7                  
                               1,8           3,2           1,9                  
Other commitments                                                               
During the 2003 financial year                                                  
Aspen entered into a 12-year                                                    
agreement with GSK South Africa                                                 
to distribute and market a                                                      
range of their products.                                                        
In terms of this agreement                                                      
Aspen is committed to pay the                                                   
following amounts to GSK                                                        
South Africa:                                                                   
- payable within one year      36,0          41,6          39,5                 
- payable thereafter           114,5         140,1         129,0                
                               150,5         181,7         168,5                
Contingent liabilities                                                          
There are contingent                                                            
liabilities in respect of:                                                      
Additional payments in respect                                                  
of the Quit worldwide                                                           
intellectual property rights   5,5           6,1           5,7                  
Guarantee covering potential                                                    
rental default relating                                                         
to sale of discontinued                                                         
operations                     4,0           6,1           5,0                  
Guarantees covering loan and                                                    
other obligations                                                               
to third parties               4,6           1,5           1,8                  
Tibbett and Britten Africa (Proprietary) Limited have instituted a claim of     
approximately R39 million for additional distribution fees. This claim has been 
disputed and is being defended on the basis of the distribution agreement with  
Tibbett and Britten. No further developments have taken place since 30 June     
2004. Aspen`s advisors continue to hold the view that this claim is unlikely to 
have a material adverse impact on Aspen`s business in the future.               
Acquisition by Aspen of Fine Chemicals Corporation (Pty) Limited (`FCC`) and    
Nutricia (Pty) Limited (`Nutricia`)                                             
The Aspen Group has acquired with effect from 9 July 2004:                      
- 100% of the shares and shareholder claims against FCC for approximately R277  
million of which R253 million has been paid out of existing cash resources. The 
balance is due after the results for the year ending 30 June 2007 are finalised;
and                                                                             
- 100% of the shares of and shareholder claims against Nutricia for R17,4       
million, which has been paid from existing cash resources.                      
Specific share repurchase                                                       
With effect from 30 July 2004, 21,3 million Aspen shares were acquired by Aspen 
from Peu Health (Pty) Limited in terms of a specific share repurchase for a     
purchase consideration of R235,3 million (1 100 cents per Aspen share).         
2 677 450 ordinary shares have been cancelled and reverted to authorised but    
unissued share capital, while 18 622 550 shares have been repurchased by        
Pharmacare Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspen, and are held as treasury
shares.                                                                         
The purchase consideration has been paid from existing cash resources.          
Statement of changes in group equity                                            
                      Share    Non-                                             
                      capital  distri-                                          
and      butable   Retained  Treasury                     
                      premium  reserves  income    shares   Total               
                      Rm       Rm        Rm        Rm       Rm                  
Balance as at                                                                   
1 July 2003           67,6     153,7     642,1     (75,8)   787,6               
Currency translation                                                            
differences           -        (23,3)    -         -        (23,3)              
Net profit for                                                                  
the year              -        -         355,6     -        355,6               
Dividend declared     -        -         (71,9)    -        (71,9)              
Proportional release                                                            
of deferred taxation                                                            
asset                 -        (23,2)    23,2      -        -                   
Cash flow hedges                                                                
realised              -        7,0       -         -        7,0                 
Cash flow hedges                                                                
recognised            -        (2,4)     -         -        (2,4)               
Issue of share capital                                                          
(share options                                                                  
exercised)            13,9     -         -         -        13,9                
Balance as at                                                                   
30 June 2004          81,5     111,8     949,0     (75,8)   1 066,5             
Negative goodwill                                                               
adjustment in terms                                                             
of IFRS 3             -        -         4,4       -        4,4                 
Restated opening                                                                
balance               81,5     111,8     953,3     (75,8)   1 070,9             
Currency translation                                                            
differences           -        (5,3)     -          -       (5,3)               
Net profit for the                                                              
six months            -        -         217,1      -       217,1               
Dividend declared     -        -         (101,2)    -       (101,2)             
Proportional release                                                            
of deferred taxation                                                            
asset                 -        (11,6)    11,6       -       -                   
Cash flow hedges                                                                
realised              -        2,4       -          -       2,4                 
Cash flow hedges                                                                
recognised            -        (1,3)     -          -       (1,3)               
Issue of share capital                                                          
(share options                                                                  
exercised)            4,5      -         -          -       4,5                 
Share repurchase -                                                              
cancellation of                                                                 
shares                (29,5)   -         -          -       (29,5)              
Share repurchase -                                                              
acquisition of                                                                  
treasury shares       -        -         -         (205,8)  (205,8)             
Balance as at                                                                   
31 December 2004      56,6     96,1      1 080,8   (281,6)  951,9               
Group cash flow statement                                                       
                                 Unaudited    Unaudited    Audited              
Six months   Six months   Year                 
                                 ended        ended        ended                
                                 31 December  31 December  30 June              
                                 2004         2003         2004                 
Rm           Rm           Rm                   
Cash flows from operating                                                       
activities                                                                      
Cash operating profit            432,5        318,9        670,6                
Changes in working capital                                                      
(excluding the effects                                                          
of acquisition and disposal                                                     
of subsidiaries)                 (23,0)       (11,1)       (44,2)               
Cash generated from operations   409,5        307,8        626,4                
Net financing costs paid         (32,9)       (28,5)       (25,3)               
Taxation paid                    (53,3)       (92,8)       (102,3)              
Net cash from operating                                                         
activities                       323,3        186,5        498,7                
Cash flows from investing                                                       
activities                                                                      
Replacement capital expenditure  (6,5)        (12,0)       (16,2)               
Expansion capital expenditure -                                                 
tangible assets                  (32,7)       (83,9)       (141,9)              
Proceeds on disposal of property,                                               
plant and equipment              0,1          0,2          0,5                  
Expansion capital expenditure -                                                 
intangible assets                (22,5)       (12,0)       (90,6)               
Acquisition of subsidiaries                                                     
and businesses, net of                                                          
cash acquired                    (262,2)      (48,9)       (45,3)               
Decrease in long-term                                                           
receivables                      6,4          -            10,8                 
Net cash used in investing                                                      
activities                       (317,4)      (156,7)      (282,7)              
Cash flows from financing                                                       
activities                                                                      
Proceeds from interest-bearing                                                  
borrowings                       358,9        83,2         234,1                
Repayment of interest-bearing                                                   
borrowings                       (237,0)      (62,3)       (73,6)               
Repayment of interest-bearing                                                   
deferred payables                (20,5)       (23,5)       (58,2)               
Proceeds from interest-bearing                                                  
deferred payables                0,8          6,9          10,0                 
Dividends paid                   (101,2)      (71,9)       (71,9)               
Proceeds from issue of                                                          
ordinary shares                  4,5          5,7          13,9                 
Share repurchase - cancellation                                                 
of shares                        (29,5)       -            -                    
Share repurchase - acquisition                                                  
of treasury shares               (205,8)      -            -                    
Net cash from financing                                                         
activities                       (229,7)      (61,8)       54,4                 
Effects of exchange rate                                                        
changes                          (4,8)        5,9          (5,3)                
Cash and cash equivalents                                                       
Movement in cash and cash                                                       
equivalents                      (228,7)      (26,0)       265,2                
Cash and cash equivalents at                                                    
the beginning of the year        465,5        200,3        200,3                
Cash and cash equivalents at                                                    
the end of the period/year       236,8        174,3        465,5                
Segmental analysis                                                              
South Africal                                                                   
                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited                     
Six months       Six months       Year                        
                  ended            ended            ended                       
                  31 December      31 December      30 June                     
                  2004     % of    2003     % of    2004     % of               
Rm       total   Rm       total   Rm       total              
Primary segments:                                                               
Geographical                                                                    
Revenue           1 155,5  83,1    840,0    79,6    1 763,6  80,1               
Operating profit                                                                
before                                                                          
amortisation      342,8    88,1    265,2    87,4    548,9    87,6               
Amortisation -                                                                  
Goodwill          -        0,0    (1,4)     16,5    (2,0)    14,3               
Amortisation -                                                                  
Intangible                                                                      
assets            (21,1)   60,9   (17,6)    61,8    (35,3)   59,7               
Operating profit  321,7    90,7    246,2    92,3    511,6    92,4               
Segmental analysis (continued)                                                  
Australia                                                                       
                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited                     
Six months       Six months       Year                        
                  ended            ended            ended                       
                  31 December      31 December      30 June                     
                  2004     % of    2003     % of    2004     % of               
Rm       total   Rm       total   Rm       total              
Primary segments:                                                               
Geographical                                                                    
Revenue           147,8    10,6    110,8    10,5    234,7    10,7               
Operating profit                                                                
before                                                                          
amortisation      24,7     6,3     19,9     6,5     37,7     6,0                
Amortisation -                                                                  
Goodwill          -        0,0     (0,2)    2,4     (0,4)    2,9                
Amortisation -                                                                  
Intangible                                                                      
assets            (4,4)    12,6    (4,3)    15,0    (8,9)    15,1               
Operating profit  20,3     5,7     15,4     5,8     28,4     5,1                
Segmental analysis (continued)                                                  
United Kingdom                                                                  
                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited                     
Six months       Six months       Year                        
                  ended            ended            ended                       
                  31 December      31 December      30 June                     
                  2004     % of    2003     % of    2004     % of               
Rm       total   Rm       total   Rm       total              
Primary segments:                                                               
Geographical                                                                    
Revenue           87,5*    6,3     104,7*   9,9     203,5*   9,2                
Operating profit                                                                
before a                                                                        
mortisation       21,8     5,6     18,3     6,0     40,1     6,4                
Amortisation -                                                                  
Goodwill          -        0,0     (6,7)    81,1    (11,4)   82,7               
Amortisation -                                                                  
Intangible                                                                      
assets            (9,1)    26,4    (6,6)    23,2    (14,9)   25,1               
Operating profit  12,7     3,6     5,0      1,9     13,8     2,5                
Segmental analysis (continued)                                                  
Total                                                                           
                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited                     
Six months       Six months       Year                        
                  ended            ended            ended                       
                  31 December      31 December      30 June                     
                  2004     % of    2003     % of    2004     % of               
Rm       total   Rm       total   Rm       total              
Primary segments:                                                               
Geographical                                                                    
Revenue           1 390,8  100,0   1 055,6  100,0   2 201,7  100,0              
Operating profit                                                                
before                                                                          
amortisation      389,3    100,0   303,4    100,0   626,6    100,0              
Amortisation -                                                                  
Goodwill          -        0,0     (8,3)    100,0   (13,8)   100,0              
Amortisation -                                                                  
Intangible                                                                      
assets            (34,6)   100,0   (28,5)   100,0   (59,1)   100,0              
Operating profit  354,7    100,0   266,6    100,0   553,8    100,0              
Segmental analysis (continued)                                                  
Pharmaceutical                                                                  
                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited                     
Six months       Six months       Year                        
                  ended            ended            ended                       
                  31 December      31 December      30 June                     
                  2004     % of    2003     % of    2004     % of               
Rm       total   Rm       total   Rm       total              
Secondary segments:                                                             
Business                                                                        
Revenue           1 024,9  73,7    811,2    76,9    1 702,7  77,3               
Operating profit                                                                
before                                                                          
amortisation      332,0    85,3    265,7    87,6    544,8    86,9               
Amortisation -                                                                  
Goodwill          -        0,0     (7,3)    88,7    (12,2)   88,7               
Amortisation -                                                                  
Intangible                                                                      
assets            (30,3)   87,4    (25,5)   89,4    (52,9)   89,4               
Operating profit  301,7    85,1    233,0    87,4    479,7    86,6               
Segmental analysis (continued)                                                  
Consumer                                                                        
                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited                     
Six months       Six months       Year                        
                  ended            ended            ended                       
                  31 December      31 December      30 June                     
                  2004     % of    2003     % of    2004     % of               
Rm       total   Rm       total   Rm       total              
Secondary segments:                                                             
Business                                                                        
Revenue           365,9    26,3    244,3    23,1    499,0    22,7               
Operating profit                                                                
before                                                                          
amortisation      57,3     14,7    37,6     12,4    81,9     13,1               
Amortisation -                                                                  
Goodwill          -        0,0     (0,9)    11,3    (1,6)    11,3               
Amortisation -                                                                  
Intangible                                                                      
assets            (4,3)    12,6    (3,0)    10,6    (6,3)    10,6               
Operating profit  53,0     14,9    33,7     12,6    74,0     13,4               
Segmental analysis (continued)                                                  
Total                                                                           
                  Unaudited        Unaudited        Audited                     
Six months       Six months       Year                        
                  ended            ended            ended                       
                  31 December      31 December      30 June                     
                  2004     % of    2003     % of    2004     % of               
Rm       total   Rm       total   Rm       total              
Secondary segments:                                                             
Business                                                                        
Revenue           1 390,8  100,0   1 055,6  100,0   2 201,7  100,0              
Operating profit                                                                
before                                                                          
amortisation      389,3    100,0   303,4    100,0   626,6    100,0              
Amortisation -                                                                  
Goodwill          -        0,0     (8,3)    100,0   (13,8)   100,0              
Amortisation -                                                                  
Intangible                                                                      
assets            (34,6)   100,0   (28,5)   100,0   (59,1)   100,0              
Operating profit  354,7    100,0   266,6    100,0   553,8    100,0              
The secondary segment reporting for the June 2004 and December 2003 periods has 
been restated after a re-evaluation of the composition of the Pharmaceutical and
Consumer segments, in terms of which Schedule 2 medicines have been transferred 
from the Consumer segment to the Pharmaceutical segment. This re-categorisation 
has taken place as a consequence of the introduction of legislation restricting 
the advertising of Schedule 2 medicines.                                        
*Net of inter-segment sales to Aspen Australia of R40,8 million (December 2003: 
R22,5 million; June 2004: R54,1 million).                                       
Commentary                                                                      
Group                                                                           
Aspen has recorded excellent results for the six months ended 31 December 2004. 
Headline earnings per share (`HEPS`) of 63,7 cents represents growth of 35% on  
the prior year interim results (47,2 cents). Reported HEPS benefited by 1,7     
cents from the buy-back by Aspen of 21,3 million shares from Peu Health (Pty)   
Limited at 1 100 cents per share with effect from 30 July 2004. Earnings growth 
was underpinned by an increase in revenue of 32% to R1,4 billion and by an      
increase in operating profit of 33% to R355 million.                            
South African operations                                                        
The South African business turned in a sound performance. Revenue growth of 38% 
was complemented by the acquisition of Fine Chemicals Corporation (Pty) Limited 
(`FCC`) and Nutricia (Pty) Limited during the period. Earnings before interest, 
tax and amortisation (`EBITA`) increased by 29%.                                
The Pharmaceutical Division recorded an increase in revenue of 30%. Finished    
dosage form (`FDF`) revenue was up 17% whilst revenue from active pharmaceutical
ingredients (`APIs`) amounted to R82 million after eliminating intra Group      
sales. The increase in FDF revenue was largely volume driven despite a          
contraction in pharmacy stockholdings in response to the legislative changes.   
The private market remains subject to persistent pricing pressure arising from  
robust competition and the regulated freeze in prices as a consequence of the   
introduction of the single exit pricing legislation. The sustained strength of  
the rand on imported raw materials, effective procurement and further production
efficiencies mitigated pricing pressure on the margin line.                     
Revenue growth of 62% in the Consumer Division was buoyed by the contribution of
the infant milk formula (`IMF`) products which are an addition to this division.
Performance was also positively influenced by the improved trading conditions in
the fast moving consumer goods market where Aspen has achieved strong market    
penetration with its leading personal care brands.                              
Aspen retained its first position in the Campbell Belman Confidence Standing    
Survey, underlining once again the excellence of Aspen`s sales personnel. This  
survey of retail pharmacies and buying groups assessed the 39 leading over-the- 
counter companies in South Africa.                                              
The newly commissioned Oral Solid Dosage (`OSD`) facility has received          
accreditation by the South African Medicines Control Council and the United     
States Food and Drug Administration (`FDA`). Inspections by other international 
regulatory bodies, including the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory
Agency and the World Health Organisation will take place in the forthcoming     
months. Increasing volume demand has maintained pressure on production          
capacities. This is expected to be relieved by the end of the financial year as 
the OSD facility takes on an increased share of production. API revenue         
benefited from improved volumes, but the enduring strength of the rand curtailed
overall performance as a primary market for these products is the United States.
Settlement has been reached in respect of the previously reported complaint by a
number of pharmaceutical wholesalers against a number of pharmaceutical         
manufacturers, including Pharmacare Limited, lodged with the Competition        
authorities. The wholesalers concerned have withdrawn their complaint and Aspen 
is not required to make any payment in terms of the settlement, other than      
previously incurred costs relating to defending the complaint.                  
International operations                                                        
The international businesses contributed revenue of R235 million, a 9% increase 
over the prior year. EBITA rose by 22% as the higher margin businesses of Aspen 
Australia and Aspen Resources increased their relative contribution. Performance
of the international businesses was muted by the stronger rand.                 
Aspen Australia increased revenue by 33% to R148 million. Operating margins     
reduced as a consequence of the addition of lower margin products distributed on
behalf of Aspen Resources which were introduced in the last quarter of the      
previous financial year. EBITA was up by 24% at R25 million.                    
Aspen Resources, with its expanded product range, contributed R19 million to    
EBITA, an increase of 31%.                                                      
The Co-pharma business in the UK commodity generics market showed a 16% decline 
in revenue and a 20% decline in EBITA to R3 million.                            
Cash flows and finance costs                                                    
Net financing costs increased to R33 million from R29 million in the previous   
year. The utilisation of cash generated for the funding of acquisitions and the 
Peu share buy back necessitated additional borrowings to meet working capital   
requirements resulting in an increase in interest paid. This was partially      
offset by a decrease in foreign exchange losses.                                
Net cash flows from operating activities of R323 million substantially          
outstripped earnings of R217 million, once again proving the strong cash        
generating capabilities of the Group. Working capital remained well managed,    
increasing by only R23 million despite the higher level of business activity.   
However, stock levels are below optimum as a consequence of recent demand       
exceeding production output. A build up of stockholding is planned as increased 
utilisation of the OSD facility improves overall production capacity.           
Anti-retrovirals (`ARVs`)                                                       
Aspen confirmed its global leadership status as a manufacturer capable of       
supplying generic ARVs to those most in need when it became the first generic   
ARV manufacturer in the world to receive tentative approval from the FDA for the
supply of a generic triple combination ARV therapy in a co-packed form. The     
approval is classified as `tentative` as there are still patents over the       
originator products in the United States. This approval qualifies Aspen as the  
first generic supplier under President Bush`s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief    
(`PEPFAR`) programme to which funding of US$15 billion has been committed. Aspen
was also one of the only three ARV manufacturers worldwide to be initially      
recognised by the Clinton Foundation initiative for combating HIV/AIDS. This    
international recognition endorses Aspen`s world class development and          
production capabilities.                                                        
The award of the ARV tender for the South African market has been delayed, but  
an announcement in this regard is expected shortly.                             
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) transaction                                    
Aspen is firmly committed to increasing broad based BEE ownership. Shareholders 
are referred to the cautionary announcement dated 15 February 2005, in terms of 
which shareholders were advised that negotiations have been resumed in respect  
of a proposed BEE transaction, which takes into account the principles set out  
in the draft Codes of Good Practice of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment.  
Prospects                                                                       
Legal challenges to recently implemented legislation in the South African       
healthcare environment have caused an extension of the period of uncertainty for
the market. Aspen`s exceptional generic product pipeline and commitment to the  
low cost manufacture of quality generics has nevertheless enabled the Group to  
continue to achieve excellent results.                                          
Aspen anticipates a substantial increase in the number of products it launches  
into the South African market over the period to 30 June 2006. Legislated       
generic substitution should also favour the Group`s leadership status in the    
South African generics market.                                                  
The Group`s investment in the OSD facility will drive production efficiencies   
flowing from technological advances, will allow access to lower cost production 
for the Group`s international businesses and will also open up new offshore     
markets.                                                                        
Aspen remains well positioned for real growth.                                  
By order of the board                                                           
S B Saad                                                                        
(Group Chief Executive)                                                         
M G Attridge                                                                    
(Deputy Group Chief Executive)                                                  
H A Shapiro                                                                     
(Company Secretary)                                                             
Woodmead                                                                        
21 February 2005                                                                
Basis of accounting                                                             
The interim results have been prepared in accordance with AC 127, the Listings  
Requirements of the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa and Schedule 4 of the  
South African Companies Act.                                                    
The accounting policies used in the preparation of the interim financial        
statements conform with South African Statements of Generally Accepted          
Accounting Practice, and are consistent with those used in the annual financial 
statements for the year ended 30 June 2004, except for the adoption of the      
following revised South African Statements of GAAP: IAS 36 (AC 128) - Impairment
of Assets and IAS 38 (AC 129) - Intangible Assets as well as IFRS 3 (AC 140) -  
Business Combinations, which replaced AC 131.                                   
The above statements are applicable to all business combinations for which the  
agreement date is on or after 31 March 2004, as well as financial years         
commencing on or after 31 March 2004.                                           
In addition, the amortisation of goodwill was discontinued as from 1 July 2004. 
The carrying amount of goodwill will now be tested annually for impairment in   
accordance with the requirements of AC 128.                                     
www.aspenpharma.com                                                             
Directors: A J Aaron (Chairman)*, M G Attridge, M K Bagus*, L Boyd*, J F        
Buchanan*, M E Buthelezi*, M Krok*, C N Mortimer*, D M Nurek*, S B Saad, W van  
Rensburg.                                                                       
*Non-executive directors                                                        
Transfer secretary: Computershare Investor Services 2004 (Pty) Limited          
(Registration number 1987/003382/06)   70 Marshall Street, Johannesburg, 2001   
(PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107)                                              
Registered office: Building number 8, Healthcare Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead
Date: 21/02/2005 01:00:12 PM       
Produced by the JSE SENS Department                                             
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