Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA Annual General Meeting: 2015 guidance confirmed, 22nd consecutive dividend increase approved

Fresenius expects to set new sales and earnings records in 2015. Ulf Mark Schneider, CEO of Fresenius, confirmed the company’s growth targets at the Annual General Meeting in Frankfurt today. The global healthcare group forecasts sales growth of 7 to 10 percent and an increase in net income of 13 to 16 percent this year, both in constant currency. After a strong first quarter, Fresenius had raised its earnings guidance in April.

“We are very confident that our steady, strong growth will continue,” Schneider said. “The demand for healthcare continues to rise around the world. In industrialized countries, it is driven primarily by increasing life expectancies and health awareness. Globally, more people are gaining access to high-quality healthcare. Many of the biggest emerging market countries are rolling out comprehensive, nationwide healthcare coverage.”

Shareholders voted with a majority of 88.67% to approve the 22nd consecutive dividend increase proposed by the general partner and the Supervisory Board. The dividend was raised by 6% to €0.44 per share.

The Annual General Meeting, with a majority of 98.23%, elected Michael Diekmann as a new member of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA. Diekmann, who was CEO of Allianz SE from 2003 until this year, will seek election as Deputy Chairman. The new election was necessary following the death of Dr. Gerhard Rupprecht, Supervisory Board’s Deputy Chairman, in 2014.

Shareholder majorities of 99.61 and 97.99%, respectively, approved the actions of the Management and Supervisory Boards in 2014.

At the Annual General Meeting, 73.97% of the subscribed capital was represented.