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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>
</FONT>Washington, D.C. 20549</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<FONT SIZE=5><P ALIGN="CENTER">FORM  8-K</P>
</FONT><P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<FONT SIZE=5><P ALIGN="CENTER">CURRENT REPORT</FONT><BR>
</B>__________________________________________</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of<BR>
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">April 20, 2004</B><BR>
Date of report (date of earliest event reported)</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<B><U><FONT SIZE=5><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FOREST LABORATORIES, INC.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>
</B></U></FONT>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><CENTER><TABLE CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 WIDTH=562>
<TR><TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">Delaware<BR>
</B><I>(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
incorporation or organization)</I></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">1-5438<BR>
</B>(Commission<BR>
   File Number)</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">11-1798614<BR>
</B><I>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification Number)</I></TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="44%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
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<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">909 Third Avenue<BR>
New York, New York <BR>
</B><I>(Address of principal executive offices)</I></TD>
<TD WIDTH="18%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P ALIGN="CENTER">10022-4731<BR>
</B><I>(Zip code)</I></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER></P>

<FONT SIZE=1><P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
</FONT><B><P ALIGN="CENTER">(212) 421-7850<BR>
</B><I>(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)<BR>
</P>
</I><P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&nbsp;</P>
<P>Item 12. <U>Results of Operations and Financial Condition</P>

</U><P>    On April 20, 2004, the Registrant issued a press release announcing its results of operations for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2004. A copy of the press release is included with this report as Exhibit 99(1).</P>

<P>Item 7. <U>Financial Statements, Pro-Forma Financial Information and Exhibits</P>

</U><P>    (c) Exhibit 99(1). Press release of Forest Laboratories, Inc. dated April 20, 2004.</P>

<P>&nbsp;</P>
<FONT FACE="Courier,Courier New"><P ALIGN="CENTER"><A NAME="Quick_Links"></A></P>
</FONT><P ALIGN="CENTER"><A NAME="STATEMENTS_OF_INCOME"></A> SIGNATURES</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Date:  April 20, 2004</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
<BR>
</P><DIR>
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<U><P>Forest Laboratories, Inc.</U><BR>
(Registrant)</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
</P>
<U><P>/s/ John E. Eggers&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>
</U>John E. Eggers<BR>
Vice President - Finance and<BR>
Chief Financial Officer</P>

<P>&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;</P>
<B><P>&nbsp;</P></DIR>
</DIR>
</DIR>
</DIR>
</DIR>
</DIR>

</B><P><A NAME="STATEMENTS_OF_COMPREHENSIVE_INCOME"></A> Exhibit 99(1)</P>

<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Company Contact:</B><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHARLES E. TRIANO<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<I>Vice President-Investor Relations<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Forest Laboratories, Inc.<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;909 Third Avenue<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New York, NY 10022<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(212) 224-6714<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;charles.triano@frx.com</P>
</I><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">&nbsp;</P>
<B><FONT SIZE=4><P ALIGN="CENTER">FOREST LABORATORIES REPORTS EARNINGS PER SHARE OF $0.38 FOR FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
</B></FONT><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">NEW YORK, April 20, 2004 ---- Forest Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: FRX), an international pharmaceutical manufacturer and marketer, today reported revenues and earnings for its fiscal fourth quarter and twelve months ended March 31, 2004.</P>
<B><FONT FACE="Courier,Courier New"><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
</FONT><U><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Fourth Quarter Results</P>
</B></U><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Net sales for the quarter increased 17% to $725,080,000 from $621,114,000 in the prior year.  Sales in the quarter included $597,493,000 for Forest's antidepressant franchise which was comprised of $351,838,000 of Lexapro&reg; (escitalopram oxalate) and $245,655,000 of Celexa&reg; (citalopram HBr), both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  Antidepressant sales in last year's fourth quarter were $484,933,000. Namenda&trade;, our recently introduced NMDA receptor antagonist for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease, recorded sales of $34,295,000 during its first full quarter in the marketplace.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Net income in the current quarter decreased 20% to $145,482,000.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 50% to $298,112,000 due to salesforce expansion and launch expenses for Namenda and Lexapro for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder indication.  Research and development spending increased 57% to $80,713,000 during the quarter.  Research and development spending included upfront payments to both Cypress Biosciences, Inc. and ChemoCentryx, Inc. in conjunction with product in-licensing programs announced during the quarter.  Diluted earnings per share equaled $0.38 in the current quarter as compared to $0.48 in last year's fourth quarter. </P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<B><U><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Twelve Months Results</P>
</B></U><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 increased to $2,650,432,000 a 20% increase over reported sales for fiscal year 2003 of $2,206,706,000.  For the fiscal year, total antidepressant franchise sales were $2,176,238,000 which was comprised of $1,088,957,000 of Lexapro and $1,087,281,000 of Celexa.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Net income for the twelve months ended March 31, 2004 increased 18% to $735,874,000 from net income of $621,988,000 reported in the prior year.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 24% to $888,517,000, while research and development spending increased 20% to $246,461,000 during the year.  Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2004 equaled $1.95 compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.66 in fiscal 2003.</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Howard Solomon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Forest, said:  "The just completed fiscal year was highlighted by strong performance from our antidepressant category led by our SSRI Lexapro and by the recent launch of Namenda, an NMDA receptor antagonist for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.  For the year Lexapro sales surpassed the $1 billion mark and now account for more than two-thirds of the new prescription market share for our franchise.  We anticipate further significant growth for this product and our franchise, which currently has the leading market share in the category, as physicians continue to gain experience with and upgrade patients to Lexapro."</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"The launch of Namenda this past quarter for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease has been notable for the rapid early adoption of the product by physicians and resulting significant market share gains.  Namenda's distinct mechanism of action, favorable side effect profile and unique indication in the moderate to severe disease category will continue to drive use both as monotherapy and in combination with other currently approved products."</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">Mr Solomon continued: "Our successful co-promotion program with Sankyo Pharma for the marketing of the anti-hypertensive Benicar&reg;* has significantly increased the market share of Benicar and Benicar HCT&trade; in the Angiotensin Receptor Blocker category, the fastest growing anti-hypertensive category, and we  remain on track to begin recognizing income from the partnership around the middle of this calendar year.  Also during this past quarter we announced two additional in-licensing agreements: one with Cypress Biosciences, Inc. for the development of milnacipran for Fibromyalgia Syndrome, which is currently in Phase III testing, and other possible indications, and another with ChemoCentryx, Inc. for an early stage program in inflammation and autoimmune disease. </P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY">"During our fiscal year ending in March 2005 we will focus on the continued implementation of marketing plans to support Lexapro, Namenda and Benicar designed to enable these products to achieve their peak potential.  We will also be investing in research and development behind memantine for the treatment of neuropathic pain, neramexane for Alzheimer's disease and other CNS indications, lercanidipine for hypertension and for the two recently announced in-license programs.  We anticipate that Aerospan&reg; for the treatment of asthma and Combunox for the treatment of pain could be launched late in fiscal 2005.  At this time, we expect that our projected spending levels in support of both currently promoted and development products, continued market share gains for our key products and the entry of generic versions of Celexa are likely to result in earnings per share for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 in the range of $2.35 to $2.50."</P>
<P> <FONT FACE="Courier,Courier New"> </P>
</FONT><P>Forest will host a conference call at 10:00 AM EDT today to discuss the results.  The conference call will be webcast live on the Company's website at www.frx.com and also on the website www.streetevents.com. Please log on to either website at least fifteen minutes prior to the conference call as it may be necessary to download software to access the call.  A replay of the conference call will be available until April 30, 2004 at both websites and also by dialing 1 800 642 1687 (US investors) or +1 706 645 9291 (international investors) passcode 6806082.</P>
<FONT FACE="Courier,Courier New"><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
</FONT><I><P>Except for historical information contained herein, this release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that affect our business, including risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 and subsequent  quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.   Actual results may differ from those projected.</P>
</I><P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<P>*Benicar is a registered trademark of Sankyo Pharma.</P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"></P>
<P ALIGN="CENTER">* * * * *</P>
<P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"></P>
<FONT FACE="Courier,Courier New"><P ALIGN="CENTER">&nbsp;</P>
</FONT><B><P ALIGN="CENTER">FOREST LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES<BR>
Consolidated Statement of Income<BR>
(Unaudited)</P>
</B>
<TABLE CELLSPACING=0 BORDER=0 WIDTH=666>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<I><P ALIGN="JUSTIFY"><BR>
(In thousands, except&nbsp;per share amounts)</I></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">Three Months Ended&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>
<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;March 31,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="TOP" COLSPAN=2>
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;Twelve Months Ended&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<BR>
<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;March 31,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2004</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2003</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2004</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2003</U>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>Revenues:</B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;Net sales</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$725,080&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$621,114&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$2,650,432&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$2,206,706&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income </TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8,059</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7,397</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;29,842</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;39,100</U>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Net revenues</B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;733,139</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;628,511</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;2,680,274</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;2,245,806</U>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>Costs and expenses:</B><BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of goods sold</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><BR>
169,105&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><BR>
140,053&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><BR>
608,474&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><BR>
504,922&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Selling, general and administrative</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">298,112&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">198,449&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">888,517&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">715,432&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Research and development</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;80,713</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;51,412</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;246,461</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;204,883</U>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;547,930</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;389,914</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;1,743,452</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;1,425,237</U>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>Income before income tax expense</B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">185,209&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">238,597&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">936,822&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">820,569&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>Income tax expense</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;39,727</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;57,860</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;200,948</U>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<U><P ALIGN="RIGHT">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;198,581</U>&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>Net income</B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$145,482&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$180,737&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$&nbsp;&nbsp;735,874&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$&nbsp;&nbsp;621,988&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">=======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">=======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">=======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">=======&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>Net income per common and common</B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>equivalent share:</B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$0.39&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$0.50&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$2.01&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$1.72&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">====&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">====&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">====&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">====&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$0.38&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$0.48&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$1.95&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">$1.66&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">====&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">====&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">====&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">====&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<B><P>Weighted average number of common and<BR>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;common equivalent shares outstanding:</B></TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">368,537&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">363,089&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">365,447&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">360,874&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">======&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">381,088&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">376,135&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">376,779&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">373,702&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR><TD WIDTH="46%" VALIGN="TOP">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="13%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">======&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="14%" VALIGN="TOP">
<P ALIGN="RIGHT">======&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<I></I></BODY>
</HTML>
[{"type": "8-K", "sequence": "1", "filename": "forest8kapr2004.htm", "description": "FOREST LABORATORIES, INC. 8-K APRIL 20, 2004", "secsgml_size_bytes": 27153}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "FOREST LABORATORIES INC", "cik": "0000038074", "assigned-sic": "2834", "irs-number": "111798614", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "0331"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-05438", "film-number": "04742731"}, "business-address": {"street1": "909 THIRD AVENUE", "city": "NEW YORK", "state": "NY", "zip": "10022", "phone": "2124217850"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "909 THIRD AVENUE", "city": "NEW YORK", "state": "NY", "zip": "10022"}}
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM  8-K
CURRENT REPORT
__________________________________________
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
April 20, 2004
Date of report (date of earliest event reported)
FOREST LABORATORIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
1-5438
(Commission
File Number)
11-1798614
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
909 Third Avenue
New York, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
10022-4731
(Zip code)
(212) 421-7850
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Item 12.
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On April 20, 2004, the Registrant issued a press release announcing its results of operations for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2004. A copy of the press release is included with this report as Exhibit 99(1).
Item 7.
Financial Statements, Pro-Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
(c) Exhibit 99(1). Press release of Forest Laboratories, Inc. dated April 20, 2004.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date:  April 20, 2004
Forest Laboratories, Inc.
(Registrant)
/s/ John E. Eggers
John E. Eggers
Vice President - Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
Exhibit 99(1)
Company Contact:
CHARLES E. TRIANO
Vice President-Investor Relations
Forest Laboratories, Inc.
909 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 224-6714
charles.triano@frx.com
FOREST LABORATORIES REPORTS EARNINGS PER SHARE OF $0.38 FOR FISCAL FOURTH QUARTER
NEW YORK, April 20, 2004 ---- Forest Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: FRX), an international pharmaceutical manufacturer and marketer, today reported revenues and earnings for its fiscal fourth quarter and twelve months ended March 31, 2004.
Fourth Quarter Results
Net sales for the quarter increased 17% to $725,080,000 from $621,114,000 in the prior year.  Sales in the quarter included $597,493,000 for Forest's antidepressant franchise which was comprised of $351,838,000 of Lexapro® (escitalopram oxalate) and $245,655,000 of Celexa® (citalopram HBr), both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  Antidepressant sales in last year's fourth quarter were $484,933,000. Namenda™, our recently introduced NMDA receptor antagonist for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease, recorded sales of $34,295,000 during its first full quarter in the marketplace.
Net income in the current quarter decreased 20% to $145,482,000.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 50% to $298,112,000 due to salesforce expansion and launch expenses for Namenda and Lexapro for the Generalized Anxiety Disorder indication.  Research and development spending increased 57% to $80,713,000 during the quarter.  Research and development spending included upfront payments to both Cypress Biosciences, Inc. and ChemoCentryx, Inc. in conjunction with product in-licensing programs announced during the quarter.  Diluted earnings per share equaled $0.38 in the current quarter as compared to $0.48 in last year's fourth quarter.
Twelve Months Results
Net sales for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004 increased to $2,650,432,000 a 20% increase over reported sales for fiscal year 2003 of $2,206,706,000.  For the fiscal year, total antidepressant franchise sales were $2,176,238,000 which was comprised of $1,088,957,000 of Lexapro and $1,087,281,000 of Celexa.
Net income for the twelve months ended March 31, 2004 increased 18% to $735,874,000 from net income of $621,988,000 reported in the prior year.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 24% to $888,517,000, while research and development spending increased 20% to $246,461,000 during the year.  Diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2004 equaled $1.95 compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.66 in fiscal 2003.
Howard Solomon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Forest, said:  "The just completed fiscal year was highlighted by strong performance from our antidepressant category led by our SSRI Lexapro and by the recent launch of Namenda, an NMDA receptor antagonist for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease.  For the year Lexapro sales surpassed the $1 billion mark and now account for more than two-thirds of the new prescription market share for our franchise.  We anticipate further significant growth for this product and our franchise, which currently has the leading market share in the category, as physicians continue to gain experience with and upgrade patients to Lexapro."
"The launch of Namenda this past quarter for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease has been notable for the rapid early adoption of the product by physicians and resulting significant market share gains.  Namenda's distinct mechanism of action, favorable side effect profile and unique indication in the moderate to severe disease category will continue to drive use both as monotherapy and in combination with other currently approved products."
Mr Solomon continued: "Our successful co-promotion program with Sankyo Pharma for the marketing of the anti-hypertensive Benicar®* has significantly increased the market share of Benicar and Benicar HCT™ in the Angiotensin Receptor Blocker category, the fastest growing anti-hypertensive category, and we  remain on track to begin recognizing income from the partnership around the middle of this calendar year.  Also during this past quarter we announced two additional in-licensing agreements: one with Cypress Biosciences, Inc. for the development of milnacipran for Fibromyalgia Syndrome, which is currently in Phase III testing, and other possible indications, and another with ChemoCentryx, Inc. for an early stage program in inflammation and autoimmune disease.
"During our fiscal year ending in March 2005 we will focus on the continued implementation of marketing plans to support Lexapro, Namenda and Benicar designed to enable these products to achieve their peak potential.  We will also be investing in research and development behind memantine for the treatment of neuropathic pain, neramexane for Alzheimer's disease and other CNS indications, lercanidipine for hypertension and for the two recently announced in-license programs.  We anticipate that Aerospan® for the treatment of asthma and Combunox for the treatment of pain could be launched late in fiscal 2005.  At this time, we expect that our projected spending levels in support of both currently promoted and development products, continued market share gains for our key products and the entry of generic versions of Celexa are likely to result in earnings per share for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005 in the range of $2.35 to $2.50."
Forest will host a conference call at 10:00 AM EDT today to discuss the results.  The conference call will be webcast live on the Company's website at www.frx.com and also on the website www.streetevents.com. Please log on to either website at least fifteen minutes prior to the conference call as it may be necessary to download software to access the call.  A replay of the conference call will be available until April 30, 2004 at both websites and also by dialing 1 800 642 1687 (US investors) or +1 706 645 9291 (international investors) passcode 6806082.
Except for historical information contained herein, this release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that affect our business, including risk factors listed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2003 and subsequent  quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.   Actual results may differ from those projected.
*Benicar is a registered trademark of Sankyo Pharma.
* * * * *
FOREST LABORATORIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Income
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
Twelve Months Ended
March 31,
2004
2003
2004
2003
Revenues:
Net sales
$725,080
$621,114
$2,650,432
$2,206,706
Other income
8,059
7,397
29,842
39,100
Net revenues
733,139
628,511
2,680,274
2,245,806
Costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold
169,105
140,053
608,474
504,922
Selling, general and administrative
298,112
198,449
888,517
715,432
Research and development
80,713
51,412
246,461
204,883
547,930
389,914
1,743,452
1,425,237
Income before income tax expense
185,209
238,597
936,822
820,569
Income tax expense
39,727
57,860
200,948
198,581
Net income
$145,482
$180,737
$  735,874
$  621,988
=======
=======
=======
=======
Net income per common and common
equivalent share:
Basic
$0.39
$0.50
$2.01
$1.72
====
====
====
====
Diluted
$0.38
$0.48
$1.95
$1.66
====
====
====
====
Weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic
368,537
363,089
365,447
360,874
======
======
======
======
Diluted
381,088
376,135
376,779
373,702
======
======
======
======