** Shares of Australia's Sigma Healthcare SIG.AX rise 5% to A$2.97, their highest level since January 30

** SIG among top 3 gainers in the ASX200 benchmark index .AXJO, which is trading flat as of 0013 GMT

** SIG hikes its full-year normalised operating earnings outlook to between A$64 million ($40.21 million) and A$70 million, above the prior view of between A$50 million-A$60 million

** Says hike follows improved performance including strong execution of the new Chemist Warehouse supply contract

** SIG's merger with Chemist Warehouse will be effective next week

** SIG shares up 12.2% this year, including day's move

($1 = 1.5916 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru)

((Sameer.Manekar@thomsonreuters.com;))