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  • Improving Fresenius Helios outlook for FY/24 – Expecting mid-single-digit revenue growth and an EBIT margin of 10% to 11% in FY/24
  • Raising ambition level for Fresenius Helios within Fresenius Financial Framework – Targeting organic revenue growth of 4% to 6% p.a. as well as structural EBIT margin band of 10% to 12%
  • System-critical and stable businesses – Helios Germany’s and Quirónsalud’s patient-centric, reliable and market-leading provider network driving steady capital-efficient organic growth and consistent cash-flow generation
  • Digital and data strategy – Bringing new tools and technologies, such as AI, to clinical practice and tapping opportunities to leverage proprietary data to boost treatment outcomes 
  • Key value drivers – Clustering and specialization, outpatient integration, and emergency care provision in Germany; technology-focused improvements, enhanced physician value proposition, and selective network expansion in Spain

At its Capital Markets Day in London, global healthcare company Fresenius today presented a strategy update for its Care Provision Platform and improved the outlook for its Operating Company Fresenius Helios. For FY/24, Fresenius Helios now expects organic revenue to grow in a mid-single digit percentage range (previous: low-to-mid-single-digit percentage range) and targets an EBIT margin of 10 to 11% (previous: within structural margin band of 9% to 11%). Furthermore, Fresenius raised its ambition level for Fresenius Helios within the Fresenius Financial Framework, and now targets an annual organic revenue growth of 4% to 6% (previous: 3% to 5%) as well as a structural margin band of 10% to 12% (previous: 9% to 11%). The ambition is to grow EBIT stronger than revenue, hence, underlining accelerated profitable growth. Fresenius Helios further sharpens its focus on optimizing net working capital to improve its sustainable cash flow generation. The expected acceleration of organic revenue growth, targeted productivity improvements, enhanced profitability and rigorous capital allocation measures are contributing to Fresenius Group’s ambition to improve its Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) and its deleveraging efforts.

The improved expectations follow a strong start into 2024 and are based on the key elements and drivers of Fresenius Helios’ growth strategy, which Fresenius outlined to analysts and investors today. The main growth drivers at Helios in Germany are an extended medical cluster & specialization strategy, further improved outpatient integration and a boost of the emergency care provision. At Quirónsalud, the main growth drivers are technology-focused improvements, various physician support initiatives, as well as a selective network expansion. Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private healthcare provider. It operates around 140 hospitals and more than 400 outpatient facilities under its brands Helios in Germany and Quirónsalud in Spain and Colombia. 

Fresenius CEO Michael Sen said: “As a leading therapy-focused company, we are shaping the future of healthcare, which will be digital, data-driven, personalized and human.  And this is where our strength lies. We are close to the patients. We are Committed to Life. That is the promise we have made with #FutureFresenius. And we are a simpler and stronger company today. Our sharpened focus on our Operating Companies is paying off. The strong and reliable growth momentum of our Care Provision Platform gives us confidence which is why we are improving the outlook for Fresenius Helios for the full year.”

Hospital markets growing
Hospital markets in Germany and Spain are growing steadily and reliably. In Germany, the total hospital market in 2023 was around €120 billion. It is expected to grow by 3% to 4% per year until 2027, driven by supportive demographic trends including an aging population and inflation-related base rate adjustments. Furthermore, Helios Germany sees itself well positioned to benefit from the planned hospital reform, which fosters hospital network concentration, specialization and a stronger integration of inpatient and outpatient care. 

In Spain, where there are distinct public and private healthcare systems, the private provider segment accounted for 20% (€21 billion) of total provider expenditures in 2023 and is expected to grow at an average rate of 4% to 5% annually until 2027. This growth is – like in Germany – also driven by demographic factors, and price adjustments, but also by a continued uptake of private health insurances due to public system pressure, resulting in a growing demand for private provider offerings.

Robert Möller, member of the Fresenius Management Board and CEO of Fresenius Helios, said: “Providing world-class care and high-quality medical outcomes is key to our success. We lead in two steadily growing and highly attractive markets, representing roughly 30% of the EU's total population. It makes us number one in European healthcare provision, and it makes us critical for the systems we serve. With our proven focus on superior medical outcome quality, highly efficient care provision and strong digital and data capabilities, we are well positioned in both countries to drive steady, value-accretive growth.”

Growth strategies for Germany and Spain
In Germany, Helios will further drive its strategy of grouping its hospitals into highly specialized clusters, whereby two to five hospitals in geographic proximity form one multi-site hospital system. Experience shows that these clusters deliver higher medical quality, efficiency and growth by consolidating and better aligning medical and administrative activities as well as promoting specialization among the locations.  The cluster and specialization strategy therefore is also well aligned with current and expected future regulatory changes in Germany. This also applies to the stronger integration of inpatient and outpatient care, which Helios expects to support with its own network of around 230 outpatient centers and strong relationships with external partners. These allow for seamless patient journeys and a closer collaboration between physicians resulting in improved patient experience and medical outcome quality. 

Quirónsalud in Spain focuses on its core hospital operations and continued value creation based on its leadership position and solid market fundamentals. The Spanish hospital market is highly attractive with a growing private healthcare segment, providing tailwinds to Quirónsalud’s steady and resilient growth going forward. Focus of Quirónsalud will be on further improving clinical pathways, leveraging digital capabilities to optimize processes and performance as well as to boost patient care quality. Already today, Quirónsalud has an outstanding positioning in digitalization in Spain with more than 6 million registered patient portal users and large parts of the patient journey being already fully digitalized. In addition, Quirónsalud will drive value from strengthening its value proposition to attract and retain best-in-market talents as well as in engaging selective network expansion.

Digitalization as enabler to boost medical outcome quality
Given their commitment to highest medical quality, Helios Germany and Quirónsalud highly focus on outcome quality and its continuous further improvement by measurement against internal and external benchmarks. Helios in Germany, for example, delivers better quality performance versus the market average in 89% of its cases and has a patient satisfaction rate of 96%. Meanwhile Quirónsalud is the first private group worldwide to earn the JCI accreditation for healthcare quality at the corporate level and has a 90% patient satisfaction rate. Both Helios Germany and Quirónsalud are currently rolling out a structured benchmarking program to intensify cross company comparison and best practice sharing from best performing hospitals, setting the benchmark for all hospitals in the group.

Leveraging medical data, analytics and AI will further promote improved medical outcomes as well as personalized care and better patient experience. Fresenius Helios aims to systematically utilize medical and clinical data to improve treatment quality and outcomes, as well as unlock experience and efficiency gains for its patients, its people, and its performance at the same time. The clear aim is to have all relevant clinical decision-making supported by digital assistance in the mid-term. 

ESG: Zero CO2 emissions by 2040
Fresenius Helios reiterates its ambitious ESG targets across its business activities with clearly defined tracking and connection to management remuneration. Its ESG strategy holistically aims to serve patients, people and the planet and is reflected in respective KPIs. Initiatives focused on patients include the Inpatient Quality Indicator and ISO certifications of Helios hospitals, for instance. The efforts for its people are, for example, captured with the People Engagement Index, reflecting initiatives like employee training. With regard to its planet commitment, Fresenius Helios’ key ambition is to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and to zero by 2040.

Webcast 
Presentations will be held on June 5, 2024, starting at 11:30 a.m. CEDT. You are cordially invited to follow the Capital Markets Day in a live webcast at https://www.fresenius.com/capital-markets-day. After the event, a replay will be available on our website.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

  • Excellent start to 2024: Group outlook raised for FY/24 due to the excellent first quarter and a better than originally expected operating performance for the remainder of the financial year 2024: Group organic revenue growth 4 to 7%, EBIT growth in constant currency 6 to 10%.
  • Strategic portfolio measures concluded: Structured exit from Investment Company Vamed initiated.
  • Strong organic growth in Group revenue of 6%1 to € 5.7 billion in Q1/24; Group EBIT increase in constant currency by 15% to € 633 million reflects the excellent performance of Operating Companies and the group-wide cost savings progressing ahead of plan.
  • EPS increases: 11% in constant currency.
  • Strong operating cash flow development at Fresenius Kabi driven by working capital efficiencies; Fresenius Helios expects catch-up of outstanding receivables in Germany in the course of the year.
  • Fresenius Kabi shows excellent organic revenue growth of 9%1 and an improved EBIT margin at 15.1% in particular driven by the positive development of the Biopharma business.
  • Biopharma business picking up: EBIT break-even in Q1/24 driven by licensing business at mAbxience; Tyenne with good progress.
  • Fresenius Helios with solid organic revenue growth of 5%2 and EBIT margin of 11.1%; supported by phasing of energy related government relief funding in Germany and strong operating performance.

 1 Organic growth rate adjusted for the accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation.
 2 Organic growth rate adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru.


If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q1/2024.

An overview of the results for Q1/2024 - before and after special items – is available on our website.
Following the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care, Group financial figures are presented in accordance with IAS 28 (at equity method) since December 1, 2023. The proportionate share of 32% of Fresenius Medical Care is presented as a separate line in Fresenius Group’s P&L and balance sheet. Dividends received from Fresenius Medical Care will also be reported as a separate line as part of the cash flow statement. Moreover, IAS 28 requires a full purchase price allocation (PPA). The accounting for the PPA is treated as special item. For reasons of simplification and comparability, Fresenius presents net income with and without Fresenius Medical Care`s equity result.

Information on the performance indicators are available on our website at https://www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.

Consolidated results for Q1/24 as well as for Q1/24 include special items. These concern: revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities, expenses associated with the Fresenius cost and efficiency program, transaction costs for mAbxience and Ivenix, costs in relation to the change of legal form of Fresenius Medical Care, the transformation of Fresenius Vamed, legacy portfolio adjustments, special items at Fresenius Medical Care, and impact of PPA equity method Fresenius Medical Care. The special items shown within the reconciliation tables are reported in the Corporate/Other segment.

Growth rates of Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios are adjusted. Adjustsments relate to the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru at Fresenius Helios and Helios Spain as well as to hyperinflation in Argentina at Fresenius Kabi. Accordingly, growth rates of the Fresenius Group are also adjusted.
Conference call and Audio webcast
As part of the publication of the results for Q1/24, a conference call will be held on May 8, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CET (7:30 a.m. EST). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live audio webcast at https://www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.

 

Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius: “Fresenius has made an excellent start into the year and our focus on Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios is paying off. We are confident to maintain our growth momentum and raise our outlook for the full year. With the exit from Vamed, our strategic portfolio restructuring is completed as planned. Fresenius is already a simpler, stronger, and more innovative company due to the consistent implementation of #FutureFresenius. We now have even more opportunities to offer world-class therapies and improve people’s health.”

#FutureFresenius: Exit from Investment Company Vamed concludes strategic portfolio measures
The exit from the Investment Company Vamed completes the strategic portfolio restructuring as part of #FutureFresenius. The exit is carried out in three parts: 1) The already announced sale of 67 % of Vamed’s rehabilitation business to the private equity company PAI. Closing of this transaction is expected in the second half of 2024 2) Vamed’s operations in Austria to be sold to an Austrian consortium of the construction companies Porr and Strabag for a total purchase price of €90 million. 3) The Health Tech Engineering (HTE) segment, which is responsible for the international project business and accounts for around 15% of Vamed's revenue, will gradually be scaled back in an orderly manner. The process should largely be completed by 2026. Until then, the business will be reported as a special item outside Fresenius' core business. Current project contracts will be fulfilled.

Vamed’s High-End-Services (HES) which offers services for Fresenius Helios and other hospitals, will be transferred to Fresenius. HES is a stable business with good growth prospects and accounts for around 30% of Vamed's revenues. The profitability of HES is in the mid-single-digit percentage range.

The divestments of the rehabilitation business and the operations in Austria lead to non-cash special items of around €0.6 billion.

Due to the exit from the project business, a high triple-digit-million euro amount of special items are expected, which are spread over the next few years and mostly cash-effective.

As of Q2 2024, Vamed will no longer be a reporting segment of Fresenius. In addition to reducing complexity, this step is expected to improve the Group's profitability by more than 50 basis points. It will also reduce net debt and increase the Group's return on invested capital (ROIC). Last but not least, the transparency and quality of earnings will be significantly enhanced.

After exiting from Vamed, Fresenius will consist of the two Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios (each with 100% ownership share) and the Investment Company Fresenius Medical Care (32% ownership share).

Cost savings program fully on track
The groupwide cost savings program progressed is fully on track. Under the program, Fresenius realized ~€25 million incremental structural cost savings at EBIT level in Q1/24. In the same period, one-time costs of ~€15 million incurred to achieve these savings.

Fresenius expects to achieve annual sustainable cost savings of ~€400 million at EBIT level by 2025. So far, Fresenius reached ~€305 million of cumulative structural cost savings. To reach this target, one-time costs between ~€80 and €100 million are anticipated between 2024 and 2025.

For 2024, total cost savings of ~€330 to €350 million are expected. This corresponds to incremental cost savings of ~€50 to €70 million in 2024 compared to 2023.

The programs continue to target all business segments and the Corporate Center. Key elements include measures to optimize sales and administrative costs, fostering digitalization as well as improve procurement processes.

 

Group sales and earnings development

Group revenue increased by 4% (6% in constant currency) to €5,704 million (Q1/23: €5,546 million). Organic growth was 6%1 driven by an ongoing strong performance of our Operating Companies. Currency translation had a negative effect of 2% on revenue growth.

In Q1/24, revenue of the Operating Companies increased by 5% (7% in constant currency) to €5,216 million (Q1/23: €5,039 million).

Group EBITDA before special items increased by 13% (13% in constant currency) to €924 million (Q1/232: €828 million).

Group EBIT before special items increased by 15% (15% in constant currency) to €633 million (Q1/232: €554 million) mainly driven by the good earnings development at the Operating Companies and the continued progress of the groupwide cost savings program. The EBIT margin before special items was 11.1% (Q1/231: 10.0%). Reported Group EBIT was €559 million (Q1/23: €526 million).

The Operating Companies showed an 9% increase of EBIT before special items (9% in constant currency) to €631 million (Q1/232: €581 million) with an EBIT margin of 12.1% (Q1/232: 11.5%).

1 Organic growth rate adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin, the hospital stake in Peru, and accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation.
2 Before special items
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA 

 

Group net interest before special items increased to -€115 million (Q1/231: -€87 million) mainly due to financing activities in a higher interest rate environment.

Group tax rate before special items was 24.5% (Q1/231: 24.4%).

Net income1 from deconsolidated Fresenius Medical Care operations before special items increased by 25% (33% in constant currency) to €60 million (Q1/232: €48 million).

Group net income2 before special items increased by 10% (11% in constant currency) to €429 million (Q1/232: €389 million). The increase was driven by the operating strength which outpaces higher interest.

Group net income1 before special items excluding Medical Care increased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €369 million (Q1/232: €341 million).

Reported Group net income2 decreased to €278 million (Q1/232: €346 million).
Negative effects from the Purchase Price Allocation (PPA) and other negative special items at Fresenius Medical Care as well as the Vamed transformation had a negative impact on the Group net income income1.

Earnings per share2 before special items increased by 10% (11% in constant currency) to €0.76 (Q1/232: €0.69). Reported earnings per share2 were €0.49 (Q1/23: €0.61).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at Financial Results.

 

Group Cash flow development
Group operating cash flow was €2 million (Q1/23: €32 million). The first quarter is usually the softest in the course of the year. In Q1/24 the soft operating cash flow was mainly driven by temporarily higher working capital, in particular due to nursing budget related receivables built ups at Helios Germany. Group operating cash flow margin was 0.0% (Q1/23: 0.6%). Free cash flow before acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities decreased to -€194 million (Q1/23: -€180 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities improved to -€103 million (Q1/23: -€258 million).

Fresenius Kabi’s operating cash flow increased to €157 million (Q1/23: €21 million) with a margin of 7.7% (Q1/23: 1.1%) mainly driven by an improved working capital management.

Fresenius Helios’ operating cash flow decreased to -€117 million (Q1/23: €108 million) and was impacted by higher working capital in particular driven by temporary nursing budget related receivables built-ups at Helios Germany. The operating cash flow margin was -3.7% (Q1/23: 3.5%).

Fresenius Vamed’s operating cash flow improved to -€10 million (Q1/23: -€68 million) with a margin of -1.8% (Q1/23: -11.7%).

The cash conversion rate (CCR), which is defined as the ratio of adjusted free cash flow1 to EBIT before special items was 1.0 in Q1/24 (LTM) (Q1/23: 0.9 LTM). This positive development is due to the increased cash flow focus across the Group.

1 Cash flow before acquisitions and dividends; before interest, tax, and special items

 

Group leverage
Group debt decreased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €14,504 million (Dec. 31, 2023: € 15,830 million) mainly related to the repayment of debt. Group net debt increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to € 13,485 million (Dec. 31, 2023: € 13,268 million) which is mainly related to the cash flow development at Fresenius Helios, particularly driven by temporary receivables built ups related to the nursing budget at Helios in Germany.

As of March 31, 2024, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.75x1,2 (Dec. 31, 2023: 3.76x1,2), a further reduction compared to Q4/23 and mainly driven by the good EBITDA development. Compared to Q1/23 (3.96x1,2) this is a 21 bps reduction.

Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA3 ratio to be within the self-imposed corridor of 3.0 to 3.5x by the end of 2024. This is expected to be driven by reducing net debt and by the operational performance at the Operating Companies.

ROIC increased to 5.5% in Q1/24 (Q1/23: 5.2%) mainly due to the EBIT improvement. The Operating Companies improved ROIC to 5.8% (Q1/23: 5.5%).

1 At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures, including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
2 Before special items
3 At expected average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at Financial Results.

 

Operating Company Fresenius Kabi

Revenue increased by 9% in constant currency (3% reported) to €2,051 million (Q1/23: €1,991 million). The reported revenue growth is mainly driven by negative currency translation effects related to the US dollar and the hyperinflation in Argentina. Organic growth was 9%1. This strong performance was driven in particular by the Biopharma business as well as by Nutrition.

Revenue of the Growth Vectors (MedTech, Nutrition and Biopharma) increased by 4% (14% in constant currency) to €1,089 million (Q1/23: €1,051 million). Organic growth was outstanding at 13%. In Nutrition, organic growth of 8% benefited from the good development in the US and was driven by many other international markets. Whereas China continued to be impacted by indirect effects of the government’s countrywide anti-corruption campaign and direct effects of the soft economy. Biopharma showed excellent organic growth of 117% driven by successful product launches in Europe and the US, as well as licensing agreements. MedTech showed organic growth of 1% given the high prior-year level.

1 Organic growth rate adjusted for accounting effects related to Argentina hyperinflation.
2 Before special items

Growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation.

 

Revenue in the Pharma (IV Drugs & Fluids) business increased by 2% (4% in constant currency; organic growth: 5%) and amounted to €962 million (Q1/23: €940 million). The solid organic growth was mainly driven by the positive development across many regions including the US.

EBIT1 of Fresenius Kabi increased by 7% (8% in constant currency) to €310 million (Q1/23: €289 million) mainly due to the good revenue development, the EBIT break-even result of the Biopharma business, and ongoing progress of the cost saving initiatives. EBIT margin1 was 15.1% (Q1/23: 14.5%) and thus within the structural EBIT margin band.

EBIT1 of the Growth Vectors increased by 29% (constant currency: 17%) to €124 million (Q1/23: €96 million) due to the EBIT break-even result of the Biopharma business and the good revenue development. EBIT1 margin was 11.4% (Q1/23: 9.2%).

EBIT1 in the Pharma business increased 4% (constant currency: 6%) to €206 million (Q1/23: €197 million) due to the very well-progressing cost saving initiatives and the good revenue development. EBIT1 margin was 21.4% (Q1/23: 21.0%).

1 Before special items

Growth rates adjusted for Argentina hyperinflation.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at Financial Results.

 

 

Operating Company Fresenius Helios

Revenue increased by 6% (5% in constant currency) to €3,184 million (Q1/23: €3,066 million). Organic growth was 5%.

Revenue of Helios Germany increased by 4% (in constant currency: 4%) to €1,903 million (Q1/23: €1,828 million), mainly driven by solid admissions numbers and favourable price effects. Organic growth was 4%.

Revenue of Helios Spain increased by 10% (8% in constant currency) to €1,281 million (Q1/23: €1,170 million) driven by ongoing strong activity levels and positive price effects. Organic growth was 7%1. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance.

EBIT2 of Fresenius Helios increased by 14% (14% in constant currency) to €353 million (Q1/23: €311 million) with an EBIT margin2 of 11.1% (Q1/23: 10.1%).

EBIT of Helios Germany increased by 32% to €205 million (Q1/23: €155 million) with an EBIT margin of 10.8% (Q1/23: 8.5%) in particular driven by the phasing of the Government relief funding for higher energy costs as well as the good revenue development and the progressing cost savings program.

1 Before special items

Growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables at Financial Results.

 

EBIT1 of Helios Spain decreased by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €149 million (Q1/23: €157 million). EBIT1 was impacted by the phasing due to the calendar variation related to the Easter week and related lower activities and mix effects as well as a high prior-year level. Despite the Easter effect, the EBIT margin1 was 11.6% (Q1/23: 13.4%).

As part of the portfolio optimization, the sale of the fertility services group Eugin was completed on January 31, 2024. The divestment of the majority stake in the hospital Clínica Ricardo Palma hospital in Lima, Peru, was completed on April 23, 2024. The sale marks Fresenius’ exit from the Peruvian hospital market.

 

Fresenius Vamed
Further progress was made in Q1/24 with the far-reaching restructuring program to increase Fresenius Vamed’s profitability which was initiated in 2023.

Revenue from continued business was €514 million in Q1/24. Organic growth of the continued business increased 1% driven by the positive development of the Services business offsetting the negative effects of the Project business. Total revenue of Fresenius Vamed was €561 million (Q1/23: €583 million) and declined by 4% (-4% in constant currency).

EBIT1 was at €2 million in Q1/24 (Q1/231: -€27 million), thus showing a significant year-over-year improvement and making it the third consecutive quarter of positive EBIT. The EBIT margin1 in Q1/24 was 0.4% (Q1/231: -4.6%).

The ongoing transformation resulted in negative special items of €47 million in Q1/24 mainly related to cessation of activities, asset re-evaluations and restructuring costs resulting in write-downs and provisions. The negative special items were predominantly booked as non-cash items.

1 Before special items

Growth rates adjusted for the divestment of the fertility services group Eugin and the hospital stake in Peru

 

Group and segment outlook for 20241
Fresenius raises its outlook for FY/24 based on the excellent first quarter and improved prospects for the ramainder of the year.

For 2024, Group organic revenue growth2 is now expected to grow between 4% to 7% (previous: 3% to 6%). Group constant currency EBIT3,4 is expected to grow in the rage of 6% to 10% (previous: 4% to 8%).

Fresenius Kabi now expects organic revenue growth in a mid-to high-single-digit percentage range in 2024 (previous: mid-single-digit percentage range). The EBIT margin4 is now expected to be in a range of 15% to 16% (previously: around 15%) (structural margin band: 14% to 17%).

Fresenius Helios expects organic revenue to grow in a low to mid-single digit percentage range in 2024. The EBIT margin4 is expected to be within the structural margin band of 9% to 11%.

The adjustment of the Group outlook also reflects the fact that the forecast is now given without Fresenius Vamed, i.e. exclusively for the Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios. Following the announcement of the planned divestment of Fresenius Vamed's rehabilitation business, Fresenius has initiated its structured exit from its Investment Company Fresenius Vamed.

1 For the prior-year basis please see table “Basis for Guidance for 2024”
2 2023 base: €20,307 million
3 2023 base: €2,266 million
4 Before special items

 

Basis for Guidance for 2024

 

 

 

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

  • Fresenius achieves the raised outlook for FY/23. Strong fourth quarter with continued good development of the Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios and progress in the turnaround of the Investment Company Fresenius Vamed.
  • Group 2024 outlook: Organic revenue growth expected between 3% and 6%; EBIT expected to grow between 4% and 8%. 
  • Improvement leverage ratio: expected to be within the target corridor of 3.0x to 3.5x by the end of 2024.
     
  • Revenue of €22.3 billion in FY/23: Strong organic Group revenue growth of 6%; Group EBIT increased 2% in constant currency to €2.3 billion; excellent Group operating cashflow totaled €2.1 billion.
  • Group cost savings target significantly exceeded by ~40% in 2023 – FY/25 structural productivity savings target raised to ~€400 million at EBIT level (before: ~€350 million).
     
  • Group revenue increased organically by 5% in Q4; Group EBIT increased by 8% in constant currency.
  • Fresenius Kabi with excellent organic revenue growth of 7% in Q4 at top-end of structural growth band and EBIT margin of 14.1% within structural band.
  • Fresenius Helios with strong organic revenue growth of 5% in Q4 at top-end of structural growth band and excellent EBIT margin of 11.6 % well above structural margin band.
  • Fresenius Vamed’s transformation progressing well; ongoing operational improvement with positive EBIT in second consecutive quarter.
  • Ongoing divestments: Sale of fertility services group Eugin successfully completed in January 2024.

 

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q4/2023.

An overview of the results for Q4/2023 and the 2023 financial year - before and after special items – is available on our website.

Following the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care, Group financial figures are presented in accordance with IAS 28 (at equity method) since December 1, 2023. Prior-year figures have been adjusted due to the application of IFRS 5 to the deconsolidated operations of Fresenius Medical Care.

Information on the performance indicators are available on our website at https://www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.

Consolidated results for FY/23 as well as for FY/22 in-clude special items. These concern: revaluations of biosimilars contingent purchase price liabilities, expenses associated with the Fresenius cost and efficiency program, impacts related to the war in Ukraine, transaction costs for mAbxience and Ivenix, hyperinflation in Türkiye, retroactive duties, costs in relation to the change of legal form of Fresenius Medical Care, the transformation of Fresenius Vamed, legacy portfolio adjustment, effects from the valua-tion of the investment in Fresenius Medical Care in ac-cordance with IFRS 5, and expenses PPA equity method Fresenius Medical Care. The special items shown within the reconciliation tables are reported in the Corpo-rate/Other segment.

 

Conference call and Audio webcast
As part of the publication of the results for FY/23, a conference call will be held on February 21, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. CET (7:30 a.m. EST). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live audio webcast at https://www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.



Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius: “We took decisive actions in fiscal year 2023 and put Fresenius back on track. #FutureFresenius is driving improvements throughout the company and creating value. We added focus, simplified the structure, and delivered better financial performance. We will build on that momentum to further grow our businesses and accelerate earnings growth driven by the Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios. Fresenius is uniquely positioned to address the rising demand for healthcare leveraging innovations also in digitalization and AI. We are deepening our purpose of Advancing Patient Care.”


 

2024 Strategic priorities
After a year of significant structural progression in the Group and improved operating performance, Fresenius’ priorities in 2024 will focus on financial progression. This includes driving down leverage, execute on raised cost savings target and a rigorous focus on capital efficiency and returns. This bundle of measures is expected to translate into accelerated earnings growth in 2024 and beyond.

Fresenius is uniquely positioned to benefit from the mega trends of the healthcare sector, including growing and ageing populations, and digitalization. With its leading position in the European private hospital market and at a vast number of ambulatory clinics, the company has direct access to about 26 million patients. In addition, innovative MedTech devices and an integrated end-to-end Biopharma platform enable crucial therapies for the future. These strong platforms form a highly robust, earnings-enhancing business model in attractive growth areas.

 


Deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care successfully completed
Fresenius successfully completed the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care. This was a historic step and a landmark on the way forward to #FutureFresenius. The complexity of the Group structure was significantly reduced, and the governance structure simplified, enabling more targeted, faster, and agile decisions at both, Fresenius and Fresenius Medical Care. Fresenius remains the largest shareholder of Fresenius Medical Care with an unchanged 32% stake.

The change in legal form took effect on November 30, 2023. Fresenius Medical Care now operates as Fresenius Medical Care AG. As a result of the deconsolidation, the investment in Fresenius Medical Care is now classified in accordance with IAS 28 (at equity method).

As part of the subsequent IFRS 5 remeasurements as of September 30, 2023 and November 30, 2023, a non-cash special item of €1,115 million attributable to the shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA was recognized in the consolidated financial statements of Fresenius as of December 31, 2023.

Going forward, the proportionate share of 32% of Fresenius Medical Care will be presented as a separate line in Fresenius Group’s P&L and balance sheet. Dividends received from Fresenius Medical Care will also be reported as a separate line as part of the cash flow statement.

IAS 28 requires a full purchase price allocation (PPA) from the date on which the investment in Fresenius Medical Care was recognized as an associated company. The accounting for the PPA will be treated as special item.

For reasons of simplification and comparability, Fresenius will present net income with and without the equity result in the future.

 

Transformation Fresenius Vamed progressing well
Further good progress was made in Q4/23 with the far-reaching restructuring program toincrease Fresenius Vamed’s profitability which was initiated during 2023. After €10 million in Q3/23, Fresenius Vamed has for the second consecutive quarter shown a positive EBIT1 with €21 million in Q4/23 (FY/23: -€16 million). The EBIT margin1 in Q4/23 was 3.5% and -0.7% in 2023 (20221: 0.8%).

Revenue from continued business was €589 million in Q4/23. Organic growth of the continued business declined by5 % mainly due to some contract timing issues as well as more rigorous vetting in the Project Business. In 2023, revenue from continued businesses was €2,201 million.

Total revenue of Fresenius Vamed amounted to €595 million (Q4 2022: €712 million) and declined by 16% (-17% in constant currency). The decline is primarily related to discontinued businesses as part of the transformation and the associated adjustments and postponements in the Project business. In 2023, total revenue of Fresenius Vamed remained flat at €2,356 million (2022: €2,359 million).

The ongoing transformation resulted in negative special items of €113 million in Q4/23 mainly related to cessation of activities, asset re-evaluations and restructuring costs resulting in write-downs and provisions. The negative special items were predominantly booked as non-cash items. In 2023, a total of negative special items of €554 million were incurred.

The positive development is expected to continue in 2024. Fresenius Vamed reiterates its targets and expects to reach the structural EBIT margin band of 4% to 6% by 2025 as set out in the #FutureFresenius Financial Framework.


1 Before special items
 

Structural productivity targets significantly exceeded – 2025 target raised
The groupwide cost savings program progressed well ahead of plan. Under the program, Fresenius realized ~€280 million of structural cost savings at EBIT level in FY/23. With that, the originally anticipated saving of ~€200 million for FY/23 were significantly exceeded. In the same period, one-time costs of ~€220 million incurred to achieve these savings.

Due to the excellent progress of the measures implemented across the entire Group, Fresenius raises its target for the second time. Fresenius now expects to achieve annual sustainable cost savings of ~€400 million at EBIT level by 2025 (before: ~€350 million). To reach this new target, one-time costs between ~€80 and €100 million are anticipated between 2024 and 2025. For 2024, total cost savings of ~€330 to €350 million are expected. This corresponds to incremental cost savings of ~€50 to €70 million compared to 2023.

The targeted programs involve all business segments and the Corporate Center. Key elements include measures to optimize procurement, processes, sales and administrative costs, as well as fostering digitalization.

 

 

Group sales and earnings development

 Group revenue remained nearly unchanged (increased by 4% in constant currency) at €5,678 million (Q4/22: €5,670 million). Organic growth was 5% driven by an ongoing strong performance of our Operating Companies. Divestitures reduced revenue growth by 1%. Currency translation had a negative effect of 4% on revenue growth. In FY/23, Group revenue increased by 4% (6% in constant currency) to €22,299 million (2022: €21,532 million). Organic growth was 6%. Currency translation decreased revenue growth by 2%.

In Q4/23, revenue of the Operating Companies increased by 2% (7% in constant currency) to €5,165 million (Q4/22: €5,047 million). In FY/23, revenue of the Operating Companies increased by 4% (7% in constant currency) to €20,255 million (2022: €19,494 million).

Group EBITDA before special items increased by 6% (4% in constant currency) to €942 million (Q4/221: €890 million). In FY/23, Group EBITDA before special items increased by 3% (3% in constant currency) to €3,422 million (20221: €3,315 million).

Group EBIT before special items increased by 13% (8% in constant currency) to €634 million (Q4/221: €559 million) mainly driven by the good earnings development at the Operating Companies and the progress of the operational turnaround at Fresenius Vamed. The EBIT margin before special items was 11.2% (Q4/221: 9.9%). Reported Group EBIT was €85 million (Q4/22: €337 million). In FY/23 Group EBIT before special items increased by 3% (2% in constant currency) at €2,262 million (20221: €2,190 million). The EBIT margin before special items was 10.1% (20221: 10.2%). Reported Group EBIT was €1,143 million (2022: €1,812 million).

The Operating Companies showed an 8% increase of EBIT before special items (2% in constant currency) to €613 million (Q4/221: € 568 million) with an EBIT margin of 11.9% (Q4/221: 11.3%). In FY/23, EBIT before special items of the Operating Companies increased by 5% (4% in constant currency) to €2,278 million (20221: €2,170 million) with an EBIT margin of 11.2% (20221: 11.1%).

Group net interest before special items increased to -€118 million (Q4/221: -€80 million) mainly due to financing activities in a higher interest rate environment. In FY/23, Group net interest before special items increased to -€418 million (20221: -€241 million).

Group tax rate before special items was 36.4% (Q4/221: 23.2%). The higher tax rate in Q4/23 is mainly due to the closing of tax audit procedures as well as a valuation adjustment of a deferred tax asset in Germany. In FY/23, Group tax rate before special items was 28.3% (20221: 22.4%).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA  

 

Net income1 from deconsolidated Fresenius Medical Care operations before special items remained unchanged (4% increase in constant currency) at €83 million (Q4/222: €83 million). In FY/23 net income1 from deconsolidated Fresenius Medical Care operations before special items decreased by 18% (-16% in constant currency) to €243 million (20222: €295 million).

Group net income1 before special items decreased by 11% (-17% in constant currency) to €397 million (Q4/222: €445 million). The decrease was mainly driven by rising interest expenses and a higher tax rate. Reported Group net income1 decreased to -€614 million (Q4/22: €255 million) and mainly results from the valuation effect of Fresenius Medical Care in accordance with IFRS 5 in the amount of €521 million (see “Deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care” on page 4). The effect has no cash impact. Furthermore, legacy portfolio adjustments and expenses for the cost and efficiency program, and the Vamed transformation had a negative impact on the Group net income income1. Group net income1 before special items excluding Medical Care decreased by 13% (-22% in constant currency) to €314 million (Q4/222: €362 million).

In FY/23, Group net income1 before special items decreased by 13% (-14% in constant currency) to €1,505 million (20222: €1,729 million). The decrease was driven by rising interest costs and a higher tax rate. Reported Group net income1 decreased to -€594 million (2022: €1,372 million) and was negative mainly due to the Fresenius Medical Care’s valuation effects according to IFRS 5 of €1,115 million (see chapter “Deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care” on page 4). These effects have no cash impact. Furthermore, expenses in connection with the Vamed transformation, legacy portfolio adjustments as well as expenses for the cost and efficiency program had a negative impact on the Group net income1. Group net income1 before special items excluding Medical Care decreased by 12% (-14% in constant currency) to €1,262 million (20222: €1,434 million).

Earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 11% (-17% in constant currency) to €0.70 (Q4/222: €0.79). Reported earnings per share1 were -€1.09 (Q4/22: €0.45).

In FY/23, earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 13% (-15% in constant currency) to €2.67 (20222: €3.08). Reported earnings per share1 were -€1.05 (2022: €2.44).

 

Group Cash flow development
Group operating cash flow increased by 4% to €1,272 million (Q4/22: €1,225 million) mainly driven by the strong cash flow development across the Group. Group operating cash flow margin was 22.4% (Q4/22: 21.6%). Free cash flow before acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities increased to €888 million (Q4/22: €822 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities increased to €814 million (Q4/22: €742 million).

In FY/23, Group operating cash flow increased by 5% to €2,131 million (2022: €2,031 million) with a margin of 9.6% (2022: 9.4%). Free cash flow before acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities increased to €1,024 million (2022: €942 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities improved to €115 million (2022: -€317 million).

Fresenius Kabi’s operating cash flow increased by 46% to €434 million (Q4/22: €298 million) with a margin of 21.7% (Q4/22: 14.6%) mainly driven by an improved working capital management. In FY/23, operating cash flow increased by 21% to €1,015 million (2022: €841 million) with a margin of 12.7% (2022: 10.7%).

1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
2 Before special items

 

Fresenius Helios’ operating cash flow decreased by 9% to €867 million (Q4/22: €956 million) mainly due to phasing effects of receivables in Spain and the very strong cash flow in the prior year. The operating cash flow margin was 27.2% (Q4/22: 31.5%). In FY/23, operating cash flow decreased by 9% to €1.244 million (2022: €1.367 million) with a margin of 10.1% (2022: 11.7%).

Fresenius Vamed’s operating cash flow increased to €36 million (Q4/22: €12 million) with a margin of 6.1% (Q4/22: 1.7%) due to positive phasing effects. In FY/23, operating cash flow improved to €20 million (2022: -€44 million) with a margin of 0.8% (2022: -1.9%).

The cash conversion rate (CCR), which is defined as the ratio of adjusted free cash flow1 to EBIT before special items was 1.0 in FY/23 (2022: 0.9). This positive development is due to the increased cash flow focus across the Group including inventory management, working capital management and cash collection.

 

Group leverage
Group debt increased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €15,830 million (Dec. 31, 20222: € 14,708 million). Group net debt remained broadly flat at € 13,268 million (Dec. 31, 20222: € 13,307 million). In constant currency, Group net debt decreased by 1%.

As of December 31, 2023, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.76x3,4 (Dec. 31, 2022: 3.80x2,3,4). This is a strong 27 bps reduction compared to Q3/23 (4.03x3,4) and is mainly driven by the good cash flow development in Q4/23.

1 Cash flow before acquisitions and dividends; before interest, tax, and special items
2 Proforma deconsolidation Fresenius Medical Care
3 At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures, including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
4 Before special items

 

Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA1 ratio to be within the self-imposed corridor of 3.0 to 3.5x by the end of 2024. This is expected to be driven by reducing net debt and by the operational performance at the Operating Companies.

This assumption does not include further potential divestment activities, however, includes the fact that due to legal restrictions as a result of the use of government compensation and reimbursement payments for increased energy costs provided for in the Hospital Financing Act, however, Fresenius will not propose to the 2024 Annual General Meeting to distribute a dividend for the 2023 fiscal year. Irrespective of the legally required suspension of dividend payments for the 2023 fiscal year, Fresenius will maintain its progressive dividend policy in the future and continues to aim to increase the dividend in line with growth in earnings per share (in constant currency, before special items), or at least maintain the dividend at the previous year's level.

ROIC was 5.2% in FY/23 (FY/22: 5.6%) mainly due to the higher tax rate. The Operating Companies showed a ROIC of 5.6%.

1 At average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend

 

Operating Company Fresenius Kabi 

Revenue decreased by 2% (increased 9% in constant currency) to €1,996 million (Q4/22: €2,036 million) mainly driven by negative currency translation effects related to the US dollar and the hyperinflation in Argentina. Organic growth was 7%1. This strong performance was mainly driven by the strong business development of all Growth Vectors. In FY/23, revenue increased by 2% (9% in constant currency) to €8,009 million (2022: €7,850 million). Organic growth was 7%1.

Revenue of the Growth Vectors (MedTech, Nutrition and Biopharma) decreased by 3% to €997 million (Q4/22: €1,026 million) driven by negative currency exchange effects (increased 14% in constant currency). Organic growth was outstanding at 11%. In Nutrition, organic growth of 6% was driven by the good development in the US and Latin America whereas China was impacted by indirect effects of the government’s countrywide anti-corruption campaign. Biopharma showed very strong organic growth of 66% driven by successful product launches in Europe and the US, as well as licensing agreements. MedTech had an excellent organic growth of 8% driven by a broad-based positive development across most regions and many product groups. In FY/23, revenue of the Growth Vectors increased by 4% (14% in constant currency; organic growth: 10%) to €4,177 million (2022: €4,005 million).

1 To show the underlying business development, the organic growth definition was adjusted to fully exclude the significant inflation accounting effects in Argentina. According to the previous methodology, organic growth for Fresenius Kabi would have been Q1: 7%, Q2: 8%, Q3:7%, Q4: 14% and FY/23: 9%
2 Before special items

 

Revenue in the Pharma (IV Drugs & Fluids) business decreased by 1% (increased 3% in constant currency; organic growth: 3%) and amounted to €1,000 million (Q4/22: €1,010 million). The solid organic growth was mainly driven by a positive development across many regions. In FY/23, revenue in the Pharma business remained broadly stable (increased 3% in constant currency; organic growth: 3%) and amounted to €3,832 million (2022: €3,845 million).

EBIT1 of Fresenius Kabi increased by 19% (6% in constant currency) to €282 million (Q4/22: €236 million) due to the good revenue development and the well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT margin1 was 14.1% (Q4/22: 11.6%) and thus within the structural EBIT margin band. In FY/23, EBIT1 increased by 6% (constant currency: 3%) to €1,145 million (2022: €1,080 million). EBIT margin1 was 14.3% (2022: 13.8%).

EBIT1 of the Growth Vectors increased by 69% (constant currency: 12%) to €102 million (Q4/22: €60 million) due to the excellent revenue development and the very well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT1 margin was 10.2% (Q4/22: 5.9%). In FY/23, EBIT1 of the Growth Vectors increased by 15% (constant currency: 6%) to €390 million (2022: €339 million) with a margin1 of 9.3% (2022: 8.5%).

EBIT1 in the Pharma business remained nearly stable (increased in constant currency: 2%) to €189 million (Q4/22: €190 million) due to the very well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT1 margin was 18.9% (Q4/22: 18.8%). In FY/23, EBIT1 in the Pharma business increased by 3% (constant currency: 6%) to €792 million (2022: €769 million) with a margin1 of 20.7% (2022: 20.0%).

1 Before special items

 

Operating Company Fresenius Helios

Revenue increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €3,188 million (Q4/23: €3,031 million) Organic growth was 5%. In FY/23, revenue increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €12,320 million (2022: €11,716 million). Organic growth was 5%.

Revenue of Helios Germany increased by 5% (organic growth: 5%) to €1,828 million (Q4/22: €1,749 million), mainly driven by solid admissions numbers. In FY/23, revenue of Helios Germany increased by 4% (organic growth: 4%) to €7,279 million (2022: €7,021 million).

Revenue of Helios Spain increased despite the already strong prior year quarter by 6% (5% in constant currency) to €1,289 million (Q4/22: €1,214 million) driven by ongoing strong activity levels. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance. Organic growth was 5%. In FY/23, revenue of Helios Spain increased by 7% (8% in constant currency, organic growth: 8%) to €4,770 million (2022: €4,441 million).

Revenue of Helios Fertility increased by 8% (17% in constant currency) to €71 million (Q4/22: €66 million) driven by favorable price and mix effects as well as the positive development of activity levels, especially in the US. Organic growth was 22%. In FY/23, revenue of Helios Fertility increased by 8% (14% in constant currency) to €269 million (2022: €250 million).

EBIT1 of Fresenius Helios increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €371 million (Q4/22: €354 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 11.6% (Q4/22: 11.7%).
In FY/23, EBIT1 increased by 4% (increased 4% in constant currency) to €1,232 million (2022: €1,185 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 10.0% (2022: 10.1%).

EBIT1 of Helios Germany decreased by 6% to €164 million (Q4/22: €174 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 9.0% (Q4/22: 9.9%) in particular due to the high prior-year basis. The prior-year quarter was not affected by any major negative inflation effects, which, however, had a significant negative impact on Q4/23. This could not be fully compensated despite the good revenue development as well as the progressing cost savings program and the Government compensation for higher energy costs. In FY/23, EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 1% to €630 million (2022: €623 million) with an EBIT margin1 at 8.7% (2022: 8.9%).

EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 9% due to the strong revenue development as well as the progressing cost savings program (8% in constant currency) to €188 million (Q4/22: €172 million). The EBIT margin1 was 14.6% (Q4/22: 14.2%). In FY/23, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 4% (5% in constant currency) to €580 million (2022: €556 million). The EBIT margin1 was 12.2% (2022: 12.5%).

EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €10 million (Q4/22: €6 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 14.1% (Q4/22: 9.1%). In FY/23, EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €26 million (2022: €21 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 9.7% (2022: 8.4%).

Further milestone in the implementation of #FutureFresenius were the divestments of the fertility services group Eugin (Helios Fertility) and the sale of the stake in the hospital Clínica Ricardo Palma in Lima, Peru. Both transactions are line with Fresenius’s commitment to simplify the structure, sharpen the focus and accelerate performance. Furthermore, the sale proceeds will benefit the company’s financial flexibility. The sale of Eugin closed on January 31, 2024. In 2022, the company generated sales of €227 million. The divestment of the stake in the hospital in Peru is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.2

1 Before special items

 

Group and segment outlook for 20241
Fresenius expects general cost inflation to continue at a slightly lower level in the 2024 financial year and the current geopolitical tensions to persist. Fresenius also expects interest rates to remain at a similar level to 2023. Irrespective of this, the Management Board considers the business outlook for the Group to be positive and expects a successful financial year 2024.

For 2024, Group organic revenue is expected to grow between 3% to 6%. Group constant currency EBIT2 is expected to grow in the rage of 4% to 8%.

Fresenius Kabi expects organic revenue growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range in 2024. The EBIT margin2 is expected to be around 15% (structural margin band: 14% to 17%). Fresenius Helios expects organic revenue to grow in a low to mid-single digit percentage range in 2024. The EBIT margin2 is expected to be within the structural margin band of 9% to 11%. Fresenius Vamed expects organic revenue to grow (Continued Business) in a mid-single-digit percentage range in 2024. The EBIT margin2 is expected to be 1 to 2 percentage points below the structural margin band of 4% to 6%.

 

Basis for Guidance for 2024

1 For the prior-year basis please see table “Basis for Guidance for 2024”
2 Before special items

 

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

  • Application of IFRS 5: Fresenius Group financials for the first time presented excluding Fresenius Medical Care 
  • Excellent Group revenue growth of 6% in constant currency to €5.5 billion driven by Operating Companies and Fresenius Vamed
  • Group EBIT increased 10% in constant currency reflecting strong performance of Operating Companies; Fresenius Vamed with operational improvement 
  • Fresenius Kabi with strong organic revenue growth of 7% at top-end of structural growth band; EBIT margin remains within structural band at 14.3%
  • Fresenius Helios with strong organic revenue growth of 5% at top-end of structural growth band despite usual summer effect in Spain 
  • Fresenius Vamed’s transformation progressing 
  • Deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care effective by December 2023
  • Divestments advancing: exit of hospital operations in Peru 
  • FY/23 structural productivity savings target of ~€200 million excluding Fresenius Medical Care already achieved in first nine months
  • Group revenue outlook confirmed, Group EBIT outlook improved

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q3/2023.

The financial figures are presented in accordance with IFRS 5 excluding Fresenius Medical Care. However, this does not apply to net income and earnings per share. In the balance sheet and the cash flow statement, Fresenius Medical Care is presented separately. 
 

 Before special items
 2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
 
 

Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius: “Fresenius had a great 3rd Quarter 2023. We made progress on every part of our #FutureFresenius program, including simplification of our corporate structure, and achieved cost savings well ahead of our targets for the full year 2023. At the same time, we are moving ahead with the divestment of non-core businesses. The focus on our two Operating Companies, Kabi and Helios, is paying off, with strong revenue and earnings development. Both businesses again announced important innovations, new products and strong partnerships to improve patient outcomes. And this gets a lot of recognition even beyond the industry. Given our strong performance throughout the first three quarters of the year, we are improving our operating earnings outlook for 2023 and expect constant currency Group EBIT to remain broadly flat year on year. This momentum will allow us to continue to build trust, deliver consistent performance, and stay focused on our purpose: Advancing Patient Care.”

 

New presentation of financial information
As a result of the approval of the change of legal form by the Extraordinary General Meeting on July 14, 2023, Fresenius Medical Care is for the first time in Q3/23 presented as a single item in the financial statements of the Fresenius Group. Fresenius Medical Care is now classified in accordance with IFRS 5 as "Operations to be deconsolidated” and presented in a single line item in Fresenius’s balance sheet, the P&L and the cash flow statement.
IFRS 5 requires the valuation of Fresenius Medical Care at Fair Value. As of September 30, 2023, the market capitalization of about €12 billion was below the consolidated shareholders‘ equity of Fresenius Medical Care of about €14 billion. This results in a valuation effect of €2 billion, of which ~€0.6 billion are attributable to the shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA. This effect is reported as a special item without any cash impact.


Simplification advancing: Deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care
The deconsolidation process of Fresenius Medical Care is on track. The competent Higher Regional Court in Bamberg has fully approved the application for release that Fresenius Medical Care had filed with regard to the legal actions brought against the change of the legal form into a stock corporation. Accordingly, the change of the legal form can be registered with the commercial register. Fresenius expects the deconsolidation to become effective by December 2023. From then on, Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA will operate as Fresenius Medical Care AG.


Sharpening of focus: Exit from hospital market in Peru
Fresenius sells its 70 percent stake in IDCQ CRP, a co-holding entity of the hospital Clínica Ricardo Palma in Lima, Peru. The stake is acquired by entities of the Verme family which already hold a stake in the hospital, together with other local investors. This exit from the hospital market in Peru is a further step to strengthening #FutureFresenius and is in line with the company's intention to divest certain assets announced earlier this year. Subject to antitrust review, the all-cash transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.

 

Transformation Fresenius Vamed
In Q3/23, further progress in the transformation of Fresenius Vamed was achieved. The company is undergoing a comprehensive strategic assessment of its business activities and initiated a far-reaching restructuring program to increase the company’s profitability. With a positive EBIT of €10 million in Q3/23 (Q2/23: -€20 million), Fresenius Vamed is ahead of its originally expected target for Q3/23. The encouraging development was especially driven by the High-End Services (HES) and Health Facility Operations (HFO) businesses. For Q4/23, a further solid development is expected.
In Q3/23, negative special items mainly related to closing down activities, asset re-evaluations and restructuring costs resulted in write-downs and provisions of €109 million. The negative special items were predominantly booked as non-cash items. In Q1-3/23, negative special items of €441 million were incurred.


By 2025, Fresenius Vamed is expected to reach the structural EBIT margin band of 4% to 6% set out in the #FutureFresenius Financial Framework.


Structural productivity improvements significantly ahead of plan
The groupwide cost savings program progresses significantly ahead of plan. Under the program, Fresenius realized ~€200 million of structural cost savings at EBIT level in Q1-3/23. With that, all savings originally expected for 2023 are already realized. In the same period, one-time costs of around €90 million incurred to achieve these savings. This is well below what the Company initially accounted for and testament that our one-time costs are tightly managed.


On Group level including Fresenius Medical Care, the savings in Q1-3/23 amount to ~€430 million. In the same period, one-time costs of ~€190 million incurred to achieve these savings.


FY/23 Group earnings outlook improved
Based on the consistent performance of the Operating Companies through the year, Fresenius improves the 2023 earnings outlook and now expects constant currency Group EBIT1 to remain broadly flat compared to FY/2022 (previous: EBIT1 expected to remain broadly flat to decline up to a mid-single-digit percentage rate). Group organic revenue2 continues to be expected to grow in a mid-single-digit percentage range.


Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA3 ratio excluding Fresenius Medical Care to be below 4.0x by the end of 2023, therefore further improving from 4.03x4 as of September 30, 2023 (December 31, 2022: 3.80x4). This assumption does not include potential divestment activities. The self-imposed target corridor for the leverage ratio remains unchanged at 3.0x to 3.5x.


Assumptions for guidance FY/23
For the remaining of 2023, Fresenius assumes no further escalations of geopolitical tensions. Fresenius expects moreover that the increased cost inflation will have a corresponding impact on its business. The company will continue to closely monitor the potential further consequences of the ongoing challenging macroeconomic environment, including balance sheet valuations. All of these assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.


1 FY/22 base: €2,190 million, before special items; FY/23: before special items
2 FY/22 base: €21,532 million
3 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
4 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

6% revenue increase in constant currency
Group revenue increased by 2% (6% in constant currency) to €5,518 million (Q3/22: €5,386 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 0% to growth. In total, currency translation had a negative effect of 4% on revenue growth. The Operating Companies increased revenue by 1% (5% in constant currency).


In Q1-3/23, Group revenue increased by 5% (7% in constant currency) to €16,621 million (Q1-3/22: €15,862 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation decreased revenue growth by 2%. The Operating Companies increased revenue by 4% (7% in constant currency) in Q1-3/23.


10% EBIT1 increase in constant currency
Group EBITDA before special items increased by 9% (11% in constant currency) to €821 million (Q3/221: €755 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €661 million (Q3/22: €691 million). In Q1-3/23, Group EBITDA before special items increased by 2% (3% in constant currency) to €2,480 million (Q1-3/221: €2,425 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,923, million (Q1-3/22: €2,296 million).

Group EBIT before special items increased by 8% (10% in constant currency) to €519 million (Q3/221: €480 million) mainly driven by the good earnings development at the Operating Companies. The EBIT margin before special items was 9.4% (Q3/221: 8.9%). Reported Group EBIT was €346 million (Q3/22: €416 million). The Operating Companies showed an EBIT increase of 8% (10% in constant currency) and an EBIT margin of 10.3%.

In Q1-3/23 Group EBIT before special items remained nearly unchanged (0% in constant currency) at €1,628 million (Q1-3/221: €1,631 million). The EBIT margin before special items was 9.8% (Q1-3/221: 10.3%). Reported Group EBIT was €1,058 million (Q1-3/22: €1,475 million).

Group net interest before special items increased to -€109 million (Q3/221: -€67 million) mainly due to financing activities in a higher interest rate environment. Reported Group net interest was -€100 million (Q3/22: -€67 million).
In Q1-3/23, Group net interest before special items increased to -€300 million (Q1-3/221: -€161 million). Reported Group net interest was -€291 million (Q1-3/22: -€160 million).

Group tax rate before special items was 24.1% (Q3/221: 22.5%). Reported Group tax rate was 37.0% (Q3/22: 23.5%). The higher tax rate in Q3/23 is mainly due to the negative net income at Fresenius Vamed for which deferred tax assets could not be recognized. In Q1-3/23, Group tax rate before special items was 25.2% (Q1-3/221: 22.2%). Reported Group tax rate was 40.7%. The higher tax rate is also mainly due to the negative net income at Fresenius Vamed for which deferred tax assets could not be recognized (Q1-3/22: 23.0%).

Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€22 million (Q3/221: -€24 million). Reported noncontrolling interests were €6 million (Q3/22: -€21 million). In Q1-3/23, Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€46 million (Q1-3/221: -€72 million). Reported noncontrolling interests were €59 million (Q1-3/22: -€68 million).

Net income2 from operations to be deconsolidated decreased by 27% (-24% in constant currency) to €55 million (Q3/222: €75 million). In Q1-3/23 net income1 from operations to be deconsolidated before special items decreased by 25% (-24% in constant currency) to €160 million (Q3/222: €212 million).

Group net income2 before special items decreased by 7% (-5% in constant currency) to €344 million (Q3/221: €371 million). The decrease was driven by rising interest costs and a higher tax rate as well as lower net income from operations to be deconsolidated (Fresenius Medical Care). Reported Group net income2 decreased to -€406 million (Q3/22: €321 million). The negative net income is due to the Fresenius Medical Care valuation effect according to IFRS 5 of €594 million. This effect has no cash impact. In Q1-3/23, Group net income2 before special items decreased by 14% (-13% in constant currency) to €1,108 million (Q1-3/221: €1,284 million). Reported Group net income2 decreased to €20 million (Q1-3/22: €1,117 million). The decrease is due to the Fresenius Medical Care valuation effect according to IFRS 5 of €594 million. This effect has no cash impact.


Earnings per share2 before special items decreased by 8% (-6% in constant currency) to €0.61 (Q3/221: €0.66). Reported earnings per share2 were -€0.72 (Q3/22: €0.57). The negative net income is due to the Fresenius Medical Care valuation effect according to IFRS 5 of €594 million. This effect is without any cash impact. In Q1-3/23, earnings per share2 before special items decreased by 14% (-14% in constant currency) to €1.97 (Q1-3/221: €2.29). Reported earnings per share2 were €0.04 (Q1-3/22: €1.99). The decrease is due to the Fresenius Medical Care valuation effect according to IFRS 5 of €594 million. This effect is without any cash impact.


Investments
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €274 million corresponding to 5% of revenue (Q3/22: €255 million; 5% of revenue). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of production facilities as well as hospitals.


1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

In Q1-3/23, spending on property, plant and equipment was €725 million corresponding to 4% of revenue (Q1-3/22: €678 million; 4% of revenue).


Total acquisition spending was €179 million (Q3/22: €516 million) mainly for milestone payments in the biosimilars business at Fresenius Kabi.
In Q1-3/23, total acquisition spending was €197 million (Q1-3/22: €819 million).


Cash flow development
Group operating cash flow increased to €648 million (Q3/22: €598 million) mainly driven by the good cash flow development at Fresenius Kabi. Group operating cash flow margin was 11.7% (Q3/22: 11.1%). Operating cash flow from operations to be deconsolidated increased to €760 million (Q3/22: €658 million). Free cash flow before acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities remained broadly stable at €376 million (Q3/22: €375 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities increased to €121 million (Q3/22: -€155 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities from operations to be deconsolidated increased to €358 million (Q3/22: €301 million).


In Q1-3/23, Group operating cash flow increased to €859 million (Q1-3/22: €806 million) with a margin of 5.2% (Q1-3/22: 5.1%). Operating cash flow from operations to be deconsolidated increased to €1,910 million (Q1-3/22: €1,568 million). Free cash flow before acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities increased to €136 million (Q1-3/22: €120 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities improved to -€699 million (Q1-3/22: -€1,059 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions, dividends and lease liabilities from operations to be deconsolidated increased to €396 million (Q1-3/22: -€63 million).


The cash conversion rate (CCR), which is defined as the ratio of adjusted free cash flow1 to EBIT before special items, was 0.9 (LTM) in Q1-3/23.


1 Cash flow before acquisitions and dividends; before interest, tax, and special items

 

Solid balance sheet structure
Total assets including Fresenius Medical Care decreased by 1% (-1% in constant currency) to €75,328 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €76,400 million).

Assets related to Fresenius Medical Care to be deconsolidated under IFRS 5 were at €33,520 million (Dec. 31, 2022: n.a.). Liabilities related to Fresenius Medical Care to be deconsolidated under IFRS 5 €20,111 million (Dec. 31, 2022: n.a.).


Total shareholders’ equity including Fresenius Medical Care decreased by 6% (-6% in constant currency) to €30,282 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €32,218 million). The equity ratio was 40.2% (Dec. 31, 2022: 42.2%).

Group debt1 increased by 3% (3% in constant currency) to €15,116 million (Dec. 31, 2022: € 14,708 million). Group net debt1 increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to € 14,021 million (Dec. 31, 2022: € 13,307 million).

As of September 30, 2023, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 4.03x2,3 (Dec. 31, 2022: 3.80x2,3). This is a 15 bps reduction compared to Q2/23.


In Q3/23, ROIC was 5.0% (Q4/22: 5.6%).


1 Value as of December 31, 2022 adjusted (excluding Fresenius Medical Care)
2 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures, including lease liabilities, including Fresenius Medical Care dividend
3 Before special items

 

Business Segments


Operating Company Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi specializes in products for the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients. The portfolio includes biopharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition, MedTech products, intravenously administered generic drugs (generic IV drugs), and IV fluids. 

  • Growth Vectors combined contributing strong 12% organic revenue growth
  • Pharma business with robust development
  • EBIT margin1 strong above 14% driven by operating improvements and cost savings significantly ahead of plan

Revenue decreased by 2% to €2,021 million (Q3/22: €2,071 million) driven by negative currency exchange effects (increased 7 % in constant currency). Organic growth was 7%. The good performance was mainly driven by the strong business development of all growth vectors.

In Q1-3/23, revenue increased by 3% (8% in constant currency) to €6,013 million (Q1-3/22: €5,814 million). Organic growth was 7%.

Revenue of the Growth Vectors (MedTech, Nutrition and Biopharma) decreased by 1% to €1,067 million (Q3/22: €1,075million) driven by negative currency exchange effects (increased 11% in constant currency, organic growth: 12%). In Q1-3/23, revenue of the Growth Vectors increased by 7% (14% in constant currency; organic growth: 11%) to €3,180 million (Q1-3/22: €2,978 million).


1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

Revenue in MedTech remained broadly stable due to negative currency exchange effects (increased 7% in constant currency) and amounted to €369 million (Q3/22: €368 million). Organic growth was 8% and driven by a broad-based positive development across most regions and many product groups. In Q1-3/23, revenue in MedTech increased by 5% (8% in constant currency; organic growth: 9%) to €1,113 million (Q1-3/22: €1,055 million).


Revenue in Nutrition decreased by 9% (increased 5% in constant currency, organic growth: 9%) to €587 million (Q3/22: €644 million). Organic growth was driven by the good business development in the U.S. and Latin America. In Q1-3/23, revenue in Nutrition remained broadly stable (increased 9% in constant currency; organic growth: 10%) at €1,803 million (Q1-3/22: €1,808 million).


Revenue in Biopharma increased by 74% (99% in constant currency; organic growth: 71%) to €111 million (Q3/22: €64 million) mainly driven by the successful product launches in Europe and the U.S. as well as by licensing agreements. In Q1-3/23, revenue in Biopharma increased by 129% (154% in constant currency; organic growth: 59%) to €264 million (Q1-3/22: €116 million).


Revenue in the Pharma (IV Drugs & Fluids) business decreased by 5% (0% in constant currency; organic growth: 1%) and amounted to €941 million (Q3/22: €995 million). Organic growth was mainly driven by a robust development across many regions. In Q1-3/23, revenue in the Pharma business remained broadly stable (increased 2% in constant currency; organic growth: 3%) and amounted to €2,833 million (Q1-3/22: €2,836 million).

EBIT1 of Fresenius Kabi increased by 3% (6% in constant currency) to €289 million (Q3/22: €280 million) due to the good operating performance and the well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT margin1 was 14.3% (Q3/22: 13.5%) and thus within the structural EBIT margin band.
In Q1-3/23, EBIT1 increased by 2% (constant currency: 2%) to €863 million (Q1-3/22: €844 million) EBIT margin1 was 14.4% (Q1-3/22: 14.5%).

EBIT1 of the Growth Vectors increased by 21% (constant currency: 25%) to €104 million (Q3/22: €86 million) due to the strong revenue development and the well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT1 margin was 9.8% (Q3/22: 8.0%).
In Q1-3/23, EBIT1 of the Growth Vectors increased by 3% (constant currency: 4%) to €288 million (Q1-3/22: €279 million) with a margin1 of 9.1% (Q1-3/22: 9.4%).

EBIT1 in the Pharma business increased by 2% (constant currency: 9%) to €200 million (Q3/22: €197 million) due to the well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT1 margin was 21.3% (Q3/22: 19.8%). In Q1-3/23, EBIT1 in the Pharma business increased by 4% (constant currency: 7%) to €603 million (Q1-3/22: €579 million) with a margin1 of 21.3% (Q1-3/22: 20.4%).

Net income1,2 increased by 3% (constant currency: 7%) to €189 million (Q3/22: €184 million). In Q1-3/23, net income1,2 decreased by 3% (constant currency: -3%) to €559 million (Q1-3/22: €574 million).


1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA.
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

Operating cash flow increased to €380 million (Q3/22: €301 million) with a margin of 18.8% (Q3/22: 14.5%) mainly driven by the business performance and an improved working capital management. In Q1-3/23, operating cash flow increased to €581 million (Q1-3/22: €543 million) with a margin of 9.7% (Q1-3/22: 9.3%).

For FY/23, Fresenius Kabi expects organic revenue1 growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin2 is expected to be around 14% (structural margin band: 14% to 17%).


1 FY/22 base: €7,850 million
2 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 13.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

Operating Company Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe’s leading private health care provider. The company comprises Helios Germany, Helios Spain and Helios Fertility. Helios Germany operates 86 hospitals, around 240 outpatient centers, 27 occupational health centers and 6 prevention centers. Helios Spain operates 50 hospitals, around 100 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 8 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics. Helios Fertility offers a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art services in the field of fertility treatments.

  • Strong organic revenue growth driven by healthy activity levels in Germany and Spain
  • Despite usual summer effect in Spain, solid 8% EBIT1 margin supported by ongoing cost saving initiatives and Government relief funds in Germany
  • Helios Fertility with strong improvement

Revenue increased by 4% (5% in constant currency) to 2,953 million (Q3/22: €2,829 million). Organic growth was 5%. Acquisitions contributed 0% to revenue growth.
In Q1-3/23, revenue increased by 5% (6% in constant currency) to €9,132 million (Q1-3/22: €8,685 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions contributed 0% to revenue growth.

Revenue of Helios Germany increased by 4% (organic growth: 4%) to €1,800 million (Q3/22: €1,731 million), mainly driven by increasing admissions and positive price mix effects. In Q1-3/23, revenue of Helios Germany increased by 3% (organic growth: 3%) to €5,451 million (Q1-3/22: €5,272 million).


1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

Revenue of Helios Spain increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €1,088 million (Q3/22: €1,037 million) driven by ongoing good activity levels despite the usual summer effect in Spain. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance. Organic growth was 5%. In Q1-3/23, revenue of Helios Spain increased by 8% (9% in constant currency) to €3,481 million (Q1-3/21: €3,227 million).

Revenue of Helios Fertility increased by 3% (11% in constant currency) to €64 million (Q3/22: €62 million) driven by positive mix effects. Organic growth was 10%. In Q1-3/23, revenue of Helios Fertility increased by 8% (13% in constant currency) to €198 million (Q1-3/22: €184 million).

EBIT1 of Fresenius Helios increased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €239 million (Q3/22: €222 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.1% (Q3/22: 7.8%).
In Q1-3/23, EBIT1 increased by 4% (4% in constant currency) to €861 million (Q1-3/22: €831 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 9.4% (Q1-3/22: 9.6%).

EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 11% to €157 million (Q3/22: €141 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.7% (Q3/22: 8.1%). The EBIT development was supported by the well progressing cost savings program and the Government compensation for higher energy costs. In Q1-3/23, EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 4% to €466 million (Q1-3/22: €449 million) with an unchanged EBIT margin1 at 8.5%.

EBIT1 of Helios Spain decreased by 2% due to the usual summer effect (-2% in constant currency) to €81 million (Q3/22: €83 million). The EBIT margin1 was 7.4% (Q3/22: 8.0%). In Q1-3/23, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 2% (3% in constant currency) to €392 million (Q1-3/22: €384 million). The EBIT margin1 was 11.3% (Q1-3/22: 11.9%).


1 Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €5 million (Q3/22: €4 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 7.8% (Q3/22: 6.5%). In Q1-3/23, EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €16 million (Q1-3/22: €15 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.1% (Q1-3/22: 8.2%).

Net income1,2 decreased by 4% (-4% in constant currency) to €132 million (Q3/22: €138 million).
In Q1-3/23, net income1,2 decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €505 million (Q1-3/22: €530 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €208 million (Q3/22: €353 million) mainly due to phasing effects of receivables in Spain and the very good cashflow in the prior year. The operating cash flow margin was 7.0% (Q3/22: 12.5%).
In Q1-3/23, operating cash flow decreased to €377 million (Q1-3/22: €411 million) with a margin of 4.1% (Q1-3/22: 4.7%).

For FY/23, Fresenius Helios expects organic revenue3 growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin4 is expected to be within the structural margin band of 9% to 11%.


1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/22 base: €11,716 million
4 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 10.1%, before special items, FY/23 before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

Investment Company Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed internationally manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities and is a leading post-acute care provider in Central Europe. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, design planning, medical and hospital engineering as well as construction, via maintenance and technical management to total operational management and high-end services.

  • Fresenius Vamed’s transformation with good progress
  • Revenue growth driven by Service and Project business
  • EBIT1 back to positive driven by the positive development at the Service business

Revenue increased by 13% (13% in constant currency) to €647 million (Q3/22: €572 million). Organic growth was 13%.
In Q1-3/23, revenue increased by 7% (7% in constant currency) to €1,761 million (Q1-3/22: €1,647 million). Organic growth was 6%.

Revenue in the service business increased by 9% (9% in constant currency) to €456 million (Q3/22: €418 million) due to the positive development of High-End Services (HES) and Health Facility Operations (HFO) business.
In Q1-3/23, revenue in the service business increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €1,335 million (Q1-3/22: €1,240 million).


1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

Revenue in the project business increased by 24% (24% in constant currency) to €191 million (Q3/22: €154 million). In Q1-3/23, revenue in the project business increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €426 million (Q1-3/22: €407 million).

EBIT1 reflected the first results of the restructuring measures and was with €10 million back to positive (Q3/22: €10 million) driven by the good revenue development of the High-End Services and Health Facility Operations businesses. The EBIT margin1 was 1.5% (Q3/22: 1.7%). In Q1-3/23, EBIT1 decreased to -€37 million (Q1-3/22: €29 million) with an EBIT margin1 of -2.1% (Q1-3/22: 1.8%).

Net income1,2 decreased to -€7 million (Q3/22: €5 million).
In Q1-3/23, net income1,2 decreased to -€74 million (Q1-3/22: €15 million).

Order intake was €40 million (Q3/22: €153 million). As of September 30, 2023, order backlog was at €2,908 million3 (December 31, 2022: €3,689 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €50 million (Q3/22: -€18 million) with a margin of 7.7% (Q3/22: -3.1%) due to positive phasing effects. In Q1-3/23, operating cash flow improved to -€16 million (Q1-3/22: -€56 million) with a margin of -0.9% (Q1-3/22: -3.4%).

In Q3/23, further progress in the transformation of Fresenius Vamed was achieved. With a positive EBIT of €10 million in Q3/23, Fresenius Vamed is ahead of its originally expected target for Q3/23. For Q4/23, a further solid development is expected. For FY/2023, Fresenius Vamed confirms the outlook and expects organic revenue4 to grow in a low-to mid-single digit percentage range. The EBIT margin5 is expected to be clearly below the structural margin band of 4% to 6%.


1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
3 Thereof conditionally agreed order backlog of €839 million
4 FY/22 base: €2,359 million
5 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 0.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 24 of the PDF.

 

Conference Call and Webcast
As part of the publication of the results for Q3/23, a conference call will be held on November 2, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. CET (8:30 a.m. EDT). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.


For additional information on the performance indicators used please refer to our website https://www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.

 

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

  • Excellent Group revenue growth of 7% in constant currency to €10.4 billion; Operating Companies with very strong 8% organic growth
  • Group EBIT increased 15%1 in constant currency reflecting strong performance of Operating Companies and operational turnaround at Fresenius Medical Care
  • Fresenius Kabi’s EBIT margin within structural band at 14.2% driven by operating leverage and well progressing cost savings 
  • Fresenius Helios with very strong organic revenue growth of 7% driven primarily by excellent activity levels in Spain
  • Structural productivity savings ramping up, ~€280 million already achieved in H1/23
  • Deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care on track with overwhelmingly positive votes at Extraordinary General Meeting
  • Fresenius Vamed’s transformation initiated
  • Group revenue outlook excluding Fresenius Medical Care improved, Group EBIT outlook excluding Fresenius Medical Care confirmed

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q2/2023.

According to FY/23 guidance, excluding Provider Relief Fund (PRF) at Fresenius Medical Care. In 2022, Fresenius Medical Care’s EBIT was supported by €277 million (H1/22: €177 million and Q2/22: €161 million) of Provider Relief Funding from the U.S. government (at current currency). Accordingly, the 2022 basis was adjusted. There is no additional U.S. governmental support assumed for 2023.

1 Before special items, Q1/22 and H1/22 restated following remeasurement Humacyte investment
2 According to FY/23 guidance, excluding Provider Relief Fund (PRF) at Fresenius Medical Care
3 Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.

Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius: “We are keeping a quick and consistent pace in implementing our #FutureFresenius program. And the effects are becoming tangible. Our Operating Companies, Fresenius Helios and Fresenius Kabi, have top market positions, and are bringing innovations to patients every day. Both delivered solid second quarter results, including stronger than expected revenue growth. Both are within their respective margin bands, which we established earlier this year as part of our new financial framework. At Fresenius Medical Care, we also saw a positive business development in the second quarter. On July 14, at the Extraordinary General Meeting, shareholders overwhelmingly approved the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care, paving the way for a new chapter. The challenges at our Investment Company, Vamed, are being dealt with rapidly, and we have initiated a comprehensive transformation to realign the company.”

 

Group simplification progresses well

The deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care is moving ahead as planned. At the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on July 14, 2023, more than 99% of Fresenius Medical Care’s shareholders voted in favor for the conversion of Fresenius Medical Care from the legal form of a partnership limited by shares (Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien, KGaA) into a German stock corporation (Aktiengesellschaft, AG). In its constituting meeting following the EGM, the new Supervisory Board elected Fresenius Group CEO Michael Sen as its Chair, as well as Fresenius Group CFO Sara Hennicken as its Deputy Chair. This is a testament to Fresenius’ close relationship with Fresenius Medical Care and its continued commitment to the Company. The simplified structure will lead, among others, to a more efficient and faster decision-making as it allows for a clearer focus on the interests of the Fresenius Medical Care group and frees up management resources. Fresenius Medical Care will also have greater flexibility concerning its financial strategy. Subject to the registration with the commercial register, the conversion is expected to become effective by the end of the 2023.

 

Transformation Fresenius Vamed
Following the continued negative business performance, Fresenius announced as part of the presentation of the Q1/23 results, plans for an in-depth analysis of Fresenius Vamed’s business model, its governance and relevant processes. At the same time, a comprehensive and far-reaching restructuring program has been initiated with the clear goal to increase the company’s profitability. Also, a comprehensive reassessment of the company organization was initiated which led to the reorganization of the VAMED management already at the end of June. The new Fresenius Management Board member Dr. Michael Moser will be responsible for Fresenius Vamed. The control function of the VAMED Supervisory Board was strengthened through new appointments and the establishment of an Audit Committee consisting of Sara Hennicken as Chair and Dr. Michael Moser as Deputy Chair, among others.

The restructuring program aims to adjust Fresenius Vamed’s project business, especially in Germany. Moreover, the withdrawal of non-core service businesses in main markets outside Europe is intended. This includes the redimensioning of activities, and associated with this, achieving a significantly lower risk profile. In the future, Fresenius Vamed will focus on attractive businesses comprising:

  • Health Facility Operations (HFO) centered on inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation and nursing
  • High-End Services (HES) for hospitals focused on the management of medical equipment, hospital operating technology and sterile supplies 
  • Health Tech Engineers (HTE) covering the project business for the healthcare sector

In Q2/23, negative one-time items for closing down activities resulting in write-downs and provisions of €332 million were booked which are predominantly non-cash items. For further potential asset re-valuations, charges for discontinued business activities as well as restructuring costs additional around €200 million to €250 million are anticipated as of today. Thereof, approximately €60 million to 80 million cash-effective restructuring costs are anticipated. 

The operational turnaround is expected for the second half of 2023, with sequential improvement in Q3/23 and a positive EBIT in Q4/23. This recovery is mainly driven by the service business HES and the HFO business. By 2025, Fresenius Vamed is expected to reach the structural EBIT margin band of 4% to 6% set out in the #FutureFresenius Financial Framework.


Structural productivity improvements well advancing
The groupwide cost savings program is well progressing with Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Kabi being the largest contributors. Under the program, ~€280 million of structural cost savings at EBIT level were already achieved in H1/23, that is around 55% of the planned savings for 2023. In the same period, one-time costs of ~€110 million incurred to achieve these savings. These are treated as special items. Fresenius Medical Care realized ~€75 million of cost savings in Q2/23 and invested €25 million in the same period.

FY/23 Group guidance excluding Fresenius Medical Care 
With the positive vote of Fresenius Medical Cares’ shareholders in favor of the change of legal form, the structural simplification of the Fresenius Group has passed a major milestone. In order to reflect the deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care already now, Fresenius will provide the Group guidance for the fiscal year 2023 from now on solely excluding Fresenius Medical Care. This is a further step towards the implementation of #FutureFresenius, where Fresenius Medical Care will no longer be part of Fresenius' fully consolidated subsidiaries.

For 2023, Fresenius expects Group organic revenue1 excluding Fresenius Medical care to grow in a mid-single-digit percentage range. Constant currency Group EBIT1 excluding Fresenius Medical Care is expected to remain broadly flat or decline up to a mid-single-digit percentage rate.

Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA3 ratio excluding Fresenius Medical Care to be below 4.0x by the end of 2023, therefore improving from 4.19x4 as of June 30, 2023 (December 31, 2022: 3.80x4). This assumption does not include potential divestment activities. The self-imposed target corridor for the leverage ratio remains unchanged at 3.0x to 3.5x.

FY/22 base: €21,532 millionFY/22 base: €2,187 million, before special items; FY/23: before special itemsAt LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilitiesAt LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.

Assumptions for guidance FY/23
For 2023, Fresenius assumes no further escalations of geopolitical tensions and challenges from COVID-19, and supply chain constraints continuing to ease. Fresenius expects that the general cost inflation will have a more negative effect on its business than in 2022 due to the annualization effect of cost increases occurred in H2/2022. 

Fresenius will continue to closely monitor the potential further consequences of the ongoing challenging macroeconomic environment, including balance sheet valuations. 

All of these assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.



7% revenue increase in constant currency 
Group revenue increased by 3% (7% in constant currency) to €10,359 million (Q2/22: €10,018 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. In total, currency translation had a negative effect of 4% on revenue growth. The Operating Companies increased revenue by 6% (9% in constant currency). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group revenue increased by 5% (7% in constant currency) to €5,557 million (Q2/22: €5,284 million).

In H1/23, Group revenue increased by 4% (6% in constant currency) to €20,584 million (H1/22: €19,738 million). Organic growth was 5%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation decreased revenue growth by 2%. The Operating Companies increased revenue by 6% (7% in constant currency) in H1/23. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group revenue increased by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €11,103 million (H1/22: €10,476 million).

15 %1 EBIT2 increase in constant currency 
Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €1,649 million (Q2/222: €1,682 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,247 million (Q2/22: €1,528 million). In H1/23, Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 3% (-3% in constant currency) to €3,234 million (H1/222: €3,344 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €2,738 million (H1/22: €3,123 million).

Group EBIT before special items and excluding Provider Relief Fund (PRF) increased by 15%1 in constant currency. The EBIT increase was driven by Fresenius Medical Care, and the Operating Companies compensating successfully inflationary headwinds. The Operating Companies showed an EBIT increase of 5% and an EBIT margin of 11.3%. Group EBIT before special items decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €956 million (Q2/222: €1,003 million) mainly driven by the negative earnings performance at Fresenius Vamed. The EBIT margin before special items was 9.2% (Q2/222: 10.0%). Reported Group EBIT was €543 million (Q2/22: €845 million). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €555 million (Q2/222: €558 million). The EBIT margin excluding Fresenius Medical Care before special items was 10.0% (Q2/222: 10.6%).

In H1/23, Group EBIT before special items excluding Provider Relief Fund (PRF) increased by 2%1 in constant currency. The Operating Companies increased EBIT by 2% with a margin of 11.4%. Group EBIT before special items decreased by 7% (-7% in constant currency) to €1,864 million (H1/222: €2,003 million). The EBIT margin before special items was 9.1% (H1/222: 10.1%). Reported Group EBIT was €1,330 million (H1/22: €1,747 million). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 4% (-4% in constant currency) to €1,109 million (H1/222: €1,151 million). The EBIT margin excluding Fresenius Medical Care before special items was 10.0% (H1/222: 11.0%).

Group net interest before special items increased to -€184 million (Q2/222: -€116 million) mainly due to financing activities in a higher interest rate environment. Reported Group net interest was -€184 million (Q2/22: -€116 million). In H1/23, Group net interest before special items increased to -€354 million (H1/222: -€235 million). Reported Group net interest was -€354 million (H1/22: -€234 million). 

Group tax rate before special items increased to 27.3% (Q2/222: 23.0%) mainly due to the increase in the proportionate share of non-tax-deductible expenses compared to taxable income at Fresenius Medical Care as well as to the non-recognition of increased tax loss carry forwards at Fresenius Vamed. Reported Group tax rate was 53.8% (Q2/22: 22.6%). In H1/23, Group tax rate before special items was 26.2% (H1/222: 22.9%) while the reported Group tax rate was 35.6% (H1/22: 23.1%).

1According to FY/23 guidance, excluding Provider Relief Fund (PRF) at Fresenius Medical Care
Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.
Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€186 million (Q2/222: -€233 million) of which 93% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€86 million (Q2/22: -€181 million). In H1/23, Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€351 million (H1/222: -€451 million) of which 93% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€203 million (H1/22: -€367 million).

Group net income1 before special items decreased by 17% (-17% in constant currency) to €375 million (Q2/222: €450 million). The decrease was driven by cost inflation and the negative earnings development at Fresenius Vamed. Moreover, rising interest costs and a higher tax rate weighed on the net income development. Reported Group net income1 decreased to €80 million (Q2/22: €383 million). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group net income1 before special items decreased by 17% (-17% in constant currency) to €375 million (Q2/222: €450 million). 
In H1/23, Group net income1 before special items decreased by 16% (-17% in constant currency) to €764 million (H1/222: €913 million). Reported Group net income2 decreased to €426 million (H1/22: €796 million). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group net income1 before special items decreased by 16% (-17% in constant currency) to €764 million (H1/222: €796 million).

Earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 17% (-17% in constant currency) to €0.67 (Q2/222: €0.80). Reported earnings per share1 were €0.15 (Q2/22: €0.68). 
In H1/23, earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 17% (-17% in constant currency) to €1.36 (H1/222: €1.63). Reported earnings per share1 were €0.76 (H1/22: €1.42).

Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.

Investments 
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €396 million corresponding to 4% of revenue (Q2/22: €419 million; 4% of revenue). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, spending on property, plant and equipment was €240 million corresponding to 4% of revenue (Q2/22: €247 million; 5% of revenue). 
In H1/23, spending on property, plant and equipment was €749 million corresponding to 4% of revenue (H1/22: €757 million; 4% of revenue). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, spending on property, plant and equipment was €451 million corresponding to 4% of revenue (H1/22: €423 million; 4% of revenue). 

Total acquisition spending was €27 million (Q2/22: €291 million) mainly for investments in debt instruments at Fresenius Medical Care. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, total acquisition spending was €0 million (Q2/22: €224 million). 
In H1/23, total acquisition spending was €95 million (H1/22: €453 million). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, total acquisition spending was €18 million (H1/22: €303 million). 

Cash flow development 
Group operating cash flow increased to €1,186 million (Q2/22: €1,017 million) driven by the good cash flow development at Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Kabi. This was partly offset by the negative earnings development at Fresenius Vamed. Group operating cash flow margin was 11.4% (Q2/22: 10.2%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased to €791 million (Q2/22: €581 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to -€30 million (Q2/22: -€391 million). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group operating cash flow decreased to €285 million (Q2/22: €393 million). 
In H1/23, Group operating cash flow increased to €1,361 million (H1/22: €1,118 million) with a margin of 6.6% (H1/22: 5.7%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased €614 million (H1/22: €326 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to -€311 million (H1/22: -€794 million). 
Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group operating cash flow decreased to €317 million (H1/22: €335 million).

The cash conversion rate (CCR), which is defined as the ratio of adjusted free cash flow1 to EBIT before special items, was 0.8 (LTM: 1.2) in H1/23. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, the cash conversion rate in H1/23 was 0.3 (LTM: 1.0).

Cash flow before acquisitions and dividends; before interest, tax, and special items


Solid balance sheet structure 
Group total assets remained nearly unchanged compared to FY/22 (1% in constant currency) at €76,413 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €76,415 million). Current assets increased by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €19,305 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €18,279 million), mainly driven by the business expansion related increase of trade account receivables and inventories. Non-current assets decreased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €57,108 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €58,136 million). 

Total shareholders’ equity decreased by 2% (0% in constant currency) to €31,430 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €32,218 million). The equity ratio was 41.1% (Dec. 31, 2022: 42.2%). 

Group debt increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to €28,183 million (Dec. 31, 2022: € 27,763 million). Group net debt increased by 3% (3% in constant currency) to € 25,712 million (Dec. 31, 2022: € 25,014 million). 

Group debt excluding Fresenius Medical Care increased by 4% (4% in constant currency) to €15,271 million (Dec. 31, 2022: € 14,708 million). Group net debt excluding Fresenius Medical Care increased by 6% (6% in constant currency) to € 14,162 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €13.307 million). 


As of June 30, 2023, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.88x1,2,3  (Dec. 31, 2022: 3.65x1,2) mainly driven by lower EBITDA contribution at Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Vamed, and higher net debt. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 4.19x1,2 (Dec. 31, 2022: 3.80x1,2).

In Q2/23, ROIC was 4.6% due to the lower EBIT (Q4/22: 5.1%). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, the ROIC was 5.0% (Q4/22: 5.6%). 

At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
Before special items
Fresenius Medical Care: Includes debt & lease liabilities included within the balance sheet line item “Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale” as well as cash & cash equivalents included within “Assets held for sale”. 

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.

Business Segments – Operating Companies

Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi specializes in products for the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients. The portfolio includes biopharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition, MedTech products, intravenously administered generic drugs (generic IV drugs), and IV fluids.    ,  

Q2 2023_en_2

  • Growth vectors with very strong double-digit organic revenue growth
  • Pharma showing accelerated sequential growth
  • EBIT margin1 in structural margin band

Revenue increased by 6% (11% in constant currency) to €2,001 million (Q2/22: €1,896 million) mainly driven by the strong business development of all growth vectors. Organic growth was 8%. 
In H1/23, revenue increased by 7% (10% in constant currency) to €3,992 million (H1/22: €3,743 million). Organic growth was 8%.

Revenue of the Growth Vectors (MedTech, Nutrition and Biopharma) increased by 10% (organic growth: 12%) to €1,062 million (Q2/22: €961 million). 
In H1/23, revenue of the Growth Vectors increased by 11% (organic growth: 11%) to €2,113 million (H1/22: €1,903 million).

Revenue in MedTech increased by 6% (organic growth: 9%) to €365million (Q2/22: €345 million) driven by, amongst others, the good business development in Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapies (TCT) as well as by successful product rollouts. In H1/23, revenue in MedTech increased by 8% (organic growth: 9%) to €744 million (H1/22: €687 million).

Before special items
Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA 

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.
Revenue in Nutrition increased by 5% (organic growth: 13%) to €614 million (Q2/22: €587 million) mainly driven by the good business development in Latin America and the further improving situation in China. 
In H1/23, revenue in Nutrition increased by 4% (organic growth: 11%) to €1,216 million (H1/22: €1,164 million). 

Revenue in Biopharma increased by 188% (organic growth: 34%) to €83 million (Q2/22: €29 million) mainly driven by successful product launches in Europe, the U.S., and Latin America. 
In H1/23, revenue in Biopharma increased by 196% (organic growth: 44%) to €153 million (H1/22: €52 million).

Revenue in the Pharma (IV Drugs & Fluids) business increased by 2% (organic growth: 6%) to €952 million (Q2/22: €935 million). The revenue increase is driven by the positive business development in both product segments.
In H1/23, revenue in the Pharma business increased by 3% (organic growth: 5%) to €1,892 million (H1/22: €1,840 million). 

EBIT1 of Fresenius Kabi increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €285 million (Q2/22: €271 million) due to the good operating performance and the well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT margin1 was 14.2% (Q2/22: 14.3%) and thus within the structural EBIT margin band. 
In H1/23, EBIT1 increased by 2% (1% in constant currency) to €574 million (H1/22: €564 million) EBIT margin1 was 14.4% (H1/22: 15.1%).

EBIT1 of the Growth Vectors increased by 9% (12% in constant currency) to €88 million (Q2/22: €81 million) due to the excellent revenue development and the well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT1 margin was 8.3% (Q2/22: 8.4%). 
In H1/23, EBIT1 of the Growth Vectors decreased by 5% (-5% in constant currency) to €184 million (H1/22: €193 million) with a margin1 of 8.7% (H1/22: 10.1%).

Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.
EBIT1 in the Pharma business increased by 4% (7% in constant currency) to €206 million (Q2/22: €198 million) due to the solid revenue development and the well-progressing cost saving initiatives. EBIT1 margin was 21.6% (Q2/22: 21.1%). 
In H1/23, EBIT1 in the Pharma business increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €403 million (H1/22: €383 million) with a margin1 of 21.3% (H1/22: 20.8%).

Net income1,2  decreased by 5% (-6% in constant currency) to €179 million (Q2/22: €189 million). 
In H1/23, net income1,2 decreased by 5% (-7% in constant currency) to €370 million (H1/22: €390 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €180 million (Q2/22: €109 million) with a margin of 9.0% (Q2/22: 5.7%) mainly driven by an improved working capital management.
In H1/23, operating cash flow decreased to €201 million (H1/22: €242 million) with a margin of 5.0% (H1/22: 6.5%).

For FY/23, Fresenius Kabi expects organic revenue3 growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin4  is expected to be around 14% (structural margin band: 14% to 17%).

Before special items
Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA. 
FY/22 base: €7,850 million
FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 13.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private health care provider. The company comprises Helios Germany, Helios Spain and Helios Fertility. Helios Germany operates 87 hospitals, around 240 outpatient centers, 27 occupational health centers and 6 prevention centers. Helios Spain operates 50 hospitals, around 100 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 8 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics. Helios Fertility offers a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art services in the field of fertility treatments. 

Q2 2023_en_3 

  • Fresenius Helios with excellent organic revenue growth driven by high activity levels at Helios Spain including Latin America 
  • Helios Germany with solid top-line development supported by more complex treatments
  • EBIT margin1 well in structural margin band due to ongoing successful measures to counter inflationary headwinds
  • Helios Fertility with solid operating performance

Revenue increased by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €3,113 million (Q2/22: €2,925 million). Organic growth was 7%. Acquisitions contributed 0% to revenue growth. 
In H1/23, revenue increased by 6% (6% in constant currency) to €6,179 million (H1/22: €5,856 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions contributed 0% to revenue growth. 

Revenue of Helios Germany increased by 4% (organic growth: 4%) to €1,823 million (Q2/22: €1,758 million), mainly driven by increasing admissions and positive mix effects supported by an increase of complex treatments. 
In H1/23, revenue of Helios Germany increased by 3% (organic growth: 3%) to €3,651 million (H1/22: €3,541 million). 

Before special items
Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.

Revenue of Helios Spain increased by 11% (12% in constant currency) to €1,223 million (Q2/22: €1,101 million). Organic growth of 12% was driven by ongoing high activity levels. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance. 
In H1/23, revenue of Helios Spain increased by 9% (11% in constant currency) to €2,393 million (H1/21: €2,190 million).

Revenue of Helios Fertility increased by 5% (11% in constant currency) to €68 million (Q2/22: €65 million) driven by mix effects. 
In H1/23, revenue of the Helios Fertility were €134 million (H1/22: €122 million). 

EBIT1 of Fresenius Helios increased by 3% (3% in constant currency) to €311 million (Q2/22: €303 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 10.0% (Q2/22: 10.4%). 
In H1/23, EBIT1 increased by 2% (3% in constant currency) to €622 million (H1/22: €609 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 10.1% (H1/22: 10.4%). 

EBIT1 of Helios Germany remained stable at €154 million (Q2/22: €154 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.4% (Q2/22: 8.8%). 
In H1/23, EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased to €309 million (H1/22: €308 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.5% (H1/22: 8.7%).

EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased due to the strong revenue growth and despite cost inflation by 4% (5% in constant currency) to €154 million (Q2/22: €148 million). The EBIT margin1 was 12.6% (Q2/22: 13.4%). 
In H1/23, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 3% (5% in constant currency) to €311 million (H1/22: €301 million). The EBIT margin1 was 13.0% (H1/22: 13.7%).

EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €7 million (Q2/22: €7 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 10.3% (Q2/22: 10.8%). 
In H1/23, EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €11 million (H1/22: €11 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.2% (H1/22: 9.0%). 

Net income1,2 decreased by 7% (-7% in constant currency) to €183 million (Q2/22: €197 million). 
In H1/23, net income1,2 decreased by 5% (-4% in constant currency) to €373 million (H1/22: €392 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €61 million (Q2/22: €194 million) mainly due to delays in the budget negotiations in Germany leading to higher receivables at Helios Germany. The operating cash flow margin was 2.0% (Q2/22: 6.6%). 
In H1/23, operating cash flow increased to €169 million (H1/22: €58 million) with a margin of 2.7% (H1/22: 1.0%).

For FY/23, Fresenius Helios expects organic revenue3 growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin4 is expected to be within the structural margin band of 9% to 11%.

Before special items
Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
FY/22 base: €11,716 million
FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 10.1%, before special items, FY/23 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.

Business Segments – Investment Companies

Fresenius Medical Care 
(Financial data according to Fresenius Medical Care press release)
Fresenius Medical Care is the world's largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. As of June 30, 2023, Fresenius Medical Care was treating approximately 344,000 patients in 4,050 dialysis clinics. Dialyzers and dialysis machines are among the most important product lines. In addition, Fresenius Medical Care offers dialysis-related services.

Q2 2023_en_4

  • Fresenius Medical Care successfully executes strategic plan 
  • Organic growth accelerated in the second quarter in Care Enablement and Care Delivery
  • Savings resulting from FME25 transformation program fully on track
  • Legal form conversion to a German Stock Corporation approved by shareholders 
  • FY 2023 operating income guidance range narrowed 

Revenue increased by 1% to €4,825 million (+6% in constant currency, organic: +6%). In H1/23, revenue increased by 2% (4% in constant currency) to €9,529 million (H1/22: €9,305 million). 

EBIT increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €357 million (Q2/22: €341 million), resulting in a margin of 7.4% (Q2/22: 7.2%). EBIT excluding special items and U.S. Provider Relief Funding (PRF) increased by 41% to €401 million (44% in constant currency), resulting in a margin of 8.3% (Q2/22: 6.0%). 

1 Before special items2 According to FY/23 guidance, excluding Provider Relief Fund (PRF) at Fresenius Medical Care3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.
 

In H1/23, EBIT decreased by 10% (-11% in constant currency) to €618 million (H1/22: €688 million) resulting in a margin of 6.5% (H1/22: 7.4%). EBIT excluding special items and PRF increased by 12% (11% in constant currency) to €755 million (H1/22: €675 million), resulting in a margin of 7.9% (H1/22: 7.3%).

Net income1 decreased by 5% to €140 million (-4% in constant currency). Excluding special items and PRF, net income1 increased by 51% to €175 million (54% in constant currency). 
In H1/23, net income1 decreased by 26% (-26% in constant currency) to €227 million (H1/22: €305 million). Net income1 before special items and PRF increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €329 million (H1/22: €313 million). 

In the second quarter, Fresenius Medical Care generated €1,007 million of operating cash flow (Q2/22: €751 million), resulting in a margin of 20.9% (Q2/22: 15.8%). The increase was mainly driven by the recoupment of advanced payments during 2022, which had been received in the U.S. under the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program in 2020, as well as by seasonality of invoicing. In H1/23, operating cash flow was €1,150 million (H1/22: €910 million) with a margin of 12.1% (H1/22: 9.8%).

Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.
The Company continues to expect for 2023 revenue1  to grow at a low to mid-single digit percentage rate. Based on the earnings development for the first half of the year, Fresenius Medical Care narrows its EBIT target range for 2023. The Company now expects EBIT2 to remain flat or decline by up to a low-single digit percentage rate3 (previous target: remain flat or decline by up to a high-single digit percentage rate3). The Company’s target to achieve an operating income margin of 10 to 14% by 2025 remains unchanged.

For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com

FY/22 base: €19,398 millionFY/22 base: €1,540 millionRevenue and EBIT, as referred to in the outlook, are both on a constant currency basis and excluding special items. Special items will be provided as separate KPI (“Revenue excluding special items”, “EBIT excluding special items”) to capture effects that are unusual in nature and have not been foreseeable or not foreseeable in size or impact at the time of giving guidance. These items are excluded to ensure comparability of the figures presented with the Company’s financial targets which have been defined excluding special items.
For FY 2022, special items included costs related to the FME25 program, the impact of the war in Ukraine, the impact of hyperinflation in Turkiye, the Humacyte investment remeasurement, and the net gain related to InterWell Health. Additionally, FY 2022 basis for Outlook 2023 and 2025 was adjusted for Provider Relief Funding. 
For FY 2023, special items include costs related to the FME25 program, the Humacyte investment remeasurement, the costs associated with the legal form conversion and effects from legacy portfolio optimization.

 


Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide and is a leading post-acute care provider in Central Europe. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, planning, and turnkey construction, via maintenance and technical management to total operational management.

Q2 2023_en_5

  • Negative revenue growth driven by project delays and portfolio adjustments due to transformation measures
  • EBIT1 negatively impacted by lower top-line and nonrecurring items
  • Transformation program initiated

Revenue decreased by 6% (-6% in constant currency) to €531 million (Q2/22: €562 million). Organic growth was -7%. 
In H1/23, revenue increased by 4% (3% in constant currency) to €1,114 million (H1/22: €1,075 million). Organic growth was 3%.

Revenue in the service business increased by 6% (5% in constant currency) to €443 million (Q2/22: €417 million) due to positive development of High-End Services (HES). 
In H1/23, revenue in the service business increased by 7% (6% in constant currency) to €879 million (H1/22: €822 million).

Revenue in the project business decreased by 39% (-39% in constant currency) to €88 million (Q2/22: €145 million). In H1/23, revenue in the project business decreased by 7% (-7% in constant currency) to €235 million (H1/22: €253 million).

EBIT1 decreased to -€20 million (Q2/22: €11 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 
-3.8% (Q2/22: 2.0%). The weak development was related to lower revenues and negative nonrecurring items. To counteract the negative EBIT development, a major transformation program was initiated. 
In H1/23, EBIT1 decreased to -€47 million (H1/22: €19 million) with an EBIT margin1 of -4.2% (H1/22: 1.8%).

Net income1,2 decreased to -€31 million (Q2/22: €6 million). 
In H1/23, net income1,2 decreased to -€67 million (H1/22: €10 million).

Order intake was €179 million (Q2/22: €253 million). As of June 30, 2023, order backlog was at €3,280 million3 (December 31, 2022: €3,689 million). 

Operating cash flow decreased to €2 million (Q2/22: €7 million) with a margin of 0.4% (Q2/22: 1.2%) due to the negative earnings development. In H1/23, operating cash flow decreased to -€66 million (H1/22: -€38 million) with a margin of -5.9% (H1/22: -3.5%).

For FY/2023, Fresenius Vamed confirms the outlook and expects organic revenue4 to grow in a low-to mid-single digit percentage range. The EBIT margin5 is expected to be clearly below the structural margin band of 4% to 6%.

Before special items
Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
Thereof conditionally agreed order backlog of €1,017 million
FY/22 base: €2,359 million
FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 0.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables starting page 27 of the PDF.

Conference Call and Webcast 

As part of the publication of the results for Q2/23, a conference call will be held on August 2, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. CEDT (7:30 a.m. EDT). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com/events-and-roadshows. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

  • Advancing patient care – Providing world-class health care products and therapies for the benefit of patients around the world
  • Serving highly attractive markets – Unique platform of four leading and complementary businesses in large, growing markets positions Fresenius Kabi well to benefit from paradigm shifts in health care
  • Executing Vision 2026 – Fresenius Kabi’s framework essentially contributes to the Group’s #FutureFresenius strategy with focus on clear value drivers across four businesses
  • Raising Kabi outlook for 2023 – Expecting mid-single-digit organic sales growth1 (previously: growth1 in low-to mid-single-digit percentage range) and EBIT margin2 of around 14% (previously: around 1%-point below structural margin2 band of 14 to 17%)
  • Improving mid-term ambition level – Targeting upper end of structural EBIT margin band of 14 to 17% by 2026

1FY/22 base: €7,850 million
2FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 13.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items


Today, Fresenius SE is hosting a Capital Markets Day in London focused on Fresenius Kabi, a global health care company that specializes in essential health care products for critically and chronically ill patients. The Capital Markets Day is featuring Fresenius CEO Michael Sen, Fresenius Kabi CEO Pierluigi Antonelli, and Members of the Fresenius Kabi Executive Leadership Team. 

During the day, Fresenius Kabi will provide insights into the execution of its framework Vision 2026, the company’s growth and sustainable value creation pathway, and the outlook for its individual businesses.

Fresenius Kabi has implemented substantial changes to strengthen the position of its three growth vectors – Biopharma, MedTech, Nutrition, and to build resilience in its Pharma business. The company has leading positions in several highly attractive markets and is poised to benefit from major paradigm shifts in biology, technology, and data. Fresenius Kabi aims to leverage its market position to be an important player in meeting the consistently growing demand of high-quality, affordable treatments. 

Fresenius CEO Michael Sen opened the meeting: “Fresenius is moving ahead in its efforts to simplify, sharpen its focus and accelerate performance, all pointed at Advancing Patient Care. Fresenius Kabi – now streamlined into Pharma, Biopharma, Nutrition and MedTech activities – is key to our mission, and key to improved financial performance.”

Sen continued: “Greater transparency will enhance understanding and appreciation of Kabi’s strengths and ambitions. That is the purpose of the day. Kabi advances patient care every day, improving the treatment for the benefit of patients worldwide. It has outstanding formulations and products, a global customer and manufacturing footprint, and an exciting pipeline of new innovations. The new management team has the energy and know-how to bring all these strengths forward, and to deliver on the financial metrics we’ve set out for the Group.”

At the Capital Markets Day, the company will provide clarity on the value drivers that underpin its decision to raise Fresenius Kabi’s 2023 sales and EBIT guidance and improve its 2026 EBIT margin ambition level. For 2023, the company now expects Fresenius Kabi to grow organic sales  in the mid-single digits (previously: growth1 in low- to mid-single digits percentage range) and projects EBIT margin  of around 14% (previously: 1%-point below the structural 14 to 17% margin2 band). Fresenius Group guidance is unchanged. For 2026, Kabi now targets EBIT margins at the upper end of its 14 to 17% structural margin band. 

1FY/22 base: €7,850 million
2FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 13.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items


Fresenius Kabi CEO Pierluigi Antonelli said: “Fresenius Kabi is committed to the delivery of relevant and advanced treatments across our four segments. Fresenius Kabi embarked on a value creation pathway, and we have already made significant progress along that journey. Our focus across all four business units is disciplined execution and we are implementing initiatives aimed at securing sustainable and profitable long-term growth – for the good of patients, customers, and shareholders. We’ve made significant progress along that journey. 

We have a strong and experienced leadership team in place with a truly unique mix of competencies, clear accountability, and a performance-oriented focus.”

Highlights of the presentations 
Kabi’s new leadership team will discuss some of the organizational and operational changes being implemented and provide greater transparency on the three growth vectors (i.e., BioPharma, Nutrition and MedTech) as well as the Pharma business where the company further builds up resilience. 

Rollout Nutrition – Fresenius Kabi’s Nutrition business (2022 sales of €2.4bn) focuses on the fundamentally attractive market for Parenteral Nutrition (PN) and Enteral Nutrition (EN). Kabi’s Nutrition business holds leading positions in several key regions with a broad innovative portfolio of products including multi-chamber bags, lipids, amino acids, additives, sip and tube feeds, powders, and nutritional drugs. The portfolio offers robust potential from innovative products and an improved product and market mix. The company also sees significant geographic expansion opportunities, especially in China and the U.S. market.

Sales for Nutrition are expected to grow organically by 4 to 7% p.a. over the period 2022 to 2026. Fresenius Kabi targets stable EBIT margins at high level with upside potential. 

Expand on MedTech – Expecting enhanced performance and value. Kabi’s MedTech business (2022 sales of €1.4bn) comprises an Infusion & Nutrition Systems (INS) unit and a Transfusion Medicine & Cell Therapies (TCT) unit. Through INS, the company provides a range of infusion pumps, IV access systems, nutritional systems and feeding tubes. Through TCT, Kabi offers a broad portfolio of products for blood collection, apheresis, plasma processing, autotransfusions and cell therapies. MedTech holds leading TCT positions with strong growth segments such as plasma and Cell & Gene Therapies. Kabi plans to expand its INS presence in the US with the help of Ivenix, a company acquired in 2022 and is also targeting growth in the software solution business. 

Sales for MedTech are targeted to grow organically by 8 to 10% p.a. over the period 2022 to 2026. For EBIT margins a strong improvement is targeted. 

Broaden Biopharma – BioPharma (2022 sales €0.2bn) comprises of a rapidly growing Biosimilars business and a nascent CDMO1 unit. After a period of heavy investments in building capacity and the pipeline, Biopharma is poised for rapid growth. The company has a track record of successful market entries in Europe and countries around the world. Based on its portfolio and pipeline in Autoimmune and Anti-inflammatory Disorders (AIID) and Oncology, Kabi’s ambition is to outgrow the market. Scaling and driving vertical integration with mAbxience also offers a synergistic setup for margin improvements.

1Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization
Sales for this business are projected to triple to quadruple over the period 2022 to 2026. Fresenius Kabi expects significantly improving EBIT margins and is committed to deliver EBITDA breakeven in 2024. 

Build resilience in Pharma – Kabi’s Pharma unit (2022 sales of €3.8bn) is a supplier of system-critical generic IV Drugs and Fluids in a large global market growing in the low single digits. Kabi is a leading supplier of IV drugs in anesthetics & analgesics, anti-infectives, critical care and oncology, as well as IV Fluids such as crystalloids and colloids. Kabi’s Pharma business is built on a strong footprint in attractive markets with long-standing customers and contracting expertise. The broad launch pipeline with areas of product differentiation and new molecules, covers ~80% of relevant drugs losing exclusivity (LOE) in U.S. 

Sales for this business are projected to grow organically by 2 to 4% p.a. over the period 2022 to 2026. The focus for Pharma is on stable margin performance and growing earnings. 

Webcast of the event:
Fresenius Kabi Capital Markets Day will be available as a webcast on the Internet at: https://www.fresenius.com/capital-markets-day. After the event, a replay will be available on our website.

  • Deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care moving ahead as planned
  • Group Revenue increased by 5% to €10.2 billion driven by a broad-based positive performance across the Group
  • Group EBIT in constant currency decreased by 10%1 to €908 million in line with expectations. EBIT development of Operating Companies was broadly flat despite negative effects from inflation; Investment Companies clearly dilutive
  • Fresenius Kabi with EBIT margin of 14.5% already within structural band 
  • Enhanced transparency with change of Fresenius Kabi’s financial disclosure from a geographic to a product segment view
  • Fresenius Helios with healthy organic revenue growth driven by increasing admissions 
  • Structural productivity savings ramping up, ~€130 million already achieved in Q1/23
  • Group outlook confirmed

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q1/2023.

 

  1 According to FY/23 guidance, excluding Provider Relief Fund (PRF) at Fresenius Medical Care
  2 Before special items, Q1/22 restated following remeasurement Humacyte investment
  3 Before special items 
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.

 

“With a simplified Group structure, improved performance, and a clear focus, Fresenius’s course is set. Productivity measures are gaining traction and we’ve started the new year with good growth momentum,” said Michael Sen, Fresenius CEO. “Our Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios both had strong first quarter performance. The deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care is on track and the turnaround is also progressing. We want to accelerate this momentum. This requires contributions from all business segments.”

Deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care
The deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care is moving ahead as planned. The separation concept has been finalized and the relevant agreements are currently being drafted. The date of the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Fresenius Medical Care has been scheduled for July 14, 2023. Subject to the necessary shareholder approvals and the registration with the commercial register, the conversion is expected to become effective latest by the end of the 2023 financial year.

Moreover, starting in Q1/23, selected financials of the Fresenius Group are reported excluding Fresenius Medical Care to better reflect #FutureFresenius. 

Structural productivity improvements
Under the cost and efficiency program, ~€130 million of structural cost savings at EBIT level were already achieved in Q1/23, that is around 25% of the planned savings for 2023. In the same period, one-time costs of ~€50 million incurred to achieve these savings. These are treated as special items. Thereof, Fresenius Medical Care invested €26 million and realized ~€60 million of cost savings.

FY/23 Group guidance confirmed
For 2023, Fresenius expects Group organic revenue1 to grow in a low- to mid-single-digit percentage range. Group constant currency EBIT2 is expected to remain broadly flat or decline up to a high-single-digit percentage rate. 

Excluding Fresenius Medical Care constant currency EBIT3 is expected to remain broadly flat or decline up to a mid-single-digit percentage rate.

Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA4 ratio to be slightly above the 2023 level by the end of 2022 (December 31, 2022: 3.65x5), depending on divestment activities. The self-imposed target corridor for the leverage ratio remains unchanged at 3.0x to 3.5x.

 1 FY/22 base: €40,840 million
 2 FY/22 base: €3,727 million, before special items, excl. PRF; FY/23: before special items 
 3 FY/22 base: €2,187 million, before special items; FY/23: before special items
 4 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities
 5 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.

Assumptions for guidance FY/23
For 2023, Fresenius assumes no further escalations of geopolitical tensions and challenges from COVID-19, and supply chain constraints continuing to ease. Fresenius expects that the general cost inflation and labor shortages will have a more significant negative effect on its business than in 2022 due to the annualization effect of cost increases occurred in H2/2022. 

Fresenius will continue to closely monitor the potential further consequences of the overall heightened volatility and muted visibility, including balance sheet valuations. 

For Fresenius Medical Care’s contribution to the Group’s financial figures, the assumptions for Fresenius Medical Care’s FY/23 guidance are also fully applicable to Fresenius Group’s FY/23 guidance. In 2022, Fresenius Medical Care’s EBIT was supported by €277 million of Provider Relief Funding from the U.S. government (at current currency). There is no additional governmental support assumed for 2023. 

All of these assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.

5% revenue increase in constant currency 
Group revenue increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €10,225 million (Q1/22: €9,720 million). Organic growth was 5%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 0% to growth. In total, currency translation had no effect on revenue growth. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group revenue increased by 7% (7% in constant currency) to €5,546 million (Q1/22: €5,192 million).

10 %1  EBIT2 decline in constant currency – in line with expectations 
Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 5% (-6% in constant currency) to €1,585 million (Q1/222: €1,662 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,491 million (Q1/22: €1,595 million).

Group EBIT before special items decreased by 9% (-11%/-10%1 in constant currency) to €908 million (Q1/222: €1,000 million). The decrease was mainly driven by the expected annualization of inflationary effects such as cost increases for personnel, material, logistics, and energy. This is due to the fact that H2/2022 showed stronger cost inflation compared to H1/2022. Moreover, a very negative performance at Fresenius Vamed weighed on Group EBIT. The EBIT margin before special items was 8.9% (Q1/222: 10.3%). Reported Group EBIT was €787 million (Q1/22: €902 million). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 7% (-7% in constant currency) to €554 million (Q1/222: €593 million). The EBIT margin excluding Fresenius Medical Care before special items was 10.0% (Q1/222: 11.4%).

Group net interest before special items was -€170 million (Q1/222: -€119 million) mainly due to financing activities in a higher interest rate environment. Reported Group net interest was -€170 million (Q1/22: -€118 million). 

Group tax rate before special items increased to 24.9% (Q1/222: 22.7%) mainly due to an increase in the proportionate share of non-tax-deductible expenses compared to taxable income at Fresenius Medical Care as well as the non-recognition of increased tax loss carryforwards. Reported Group tax rate was 25.0% (Q1/22: 23.6%). 

Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€165 million (Q1/222: -€218 million) of which 93% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€117 million (Q1/22: -€186 million). 

 1 According to FY/23 guidance, excluding Provider Relief Fund (PRF) at Fresenius Medical Care
 2 Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.

Group net income1 before special items decreased by 16% (-17% in constant currency) to €389 million (Q1/222: €463 million). The decrease was driven by cost inflation and the negative earnings development at Fresenius Vamed. Moreover, rising interest costs and a higher tax rate weighed on the net income development. Reported Group net income1 before special items decreased to €346 million (Q1/22: €413 million). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, Group net income1 before special items decreased by 14% (-16% in constant currency) to €341 million (Q1/222: €397 million).

Earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 17% (-18% in constant currency) to €0.69 (Q1/222: €0.83). Reported earnings per share1 were €0.61 (Q1/22: €0.74).

 1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
 2 Before special items

Investments 
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €353 million corresponding to 3% of revenue (Q1/22: €338 million; 3% of revenue). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, spending on property, plant and equipment was €211 million corresponding to 4% of revenue (Q1/22: €176 million; 3% of revenue). 

Total acquisition spending was €68 million (Q1/22: €162 million) mainly for investments in debt instruments and the purchase of dialysis clinics.at Fresenius Medical Care. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, total acquisition spending was €18 million (Q1/22: €79 million).

Cash flow development 
Group operating cash flow increased to €175 million (Q1/22: €101 million) driven by the governmental support on energy costs at Fresenius Helios in Germany. Significantly higher working capital at Fresenius Kabi in particular receivables and inventory weighed on cash flow. Furthermore, the earnings development at Fresenius Vamed had a negative impact. The first quarter is traditionally a softer cash flow quarter due to phasing effects with catch-up effects over the course of the year. Group operating cash flow margin was 1.7% (Q1/22: 1.0%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased to -€177 million (Q1/22: -€255 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to -€281 million (Q1/22: -€403 million).

The cash conversion rate (CCR), which is defined as the ratio of adjusted free cash flow1 to EBIT before special items, was 0.3 (LTM: 1.1). As the first quarter is traditionally a softer cash flow quarter due to phasing effects a catch-up over the course of the year is expected.

 1 Cash flow before acquisitions and dividends; before interest, tax, and special items
Solid balance sheet structure 
Group total assets remained nearly unchanged compared to FY/22 (1% in constant currency) at €76,553 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €76,415 million) given the expansion of business activities which, however, was offset by currency translation effects. Current assets increased by 5% (6% in constant currency) to €19,102 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €18,279 million), mainly driven by the increase of trade account receivables. Non-current assets decreased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €57,451 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €58,136 million).

Total shareholders’ equity decreased by 0% (2% in constant currency) to €32,173 million (Dec. 31, 2022: €32,218 million). The equity ratio was 42.0% (Dec. 31, 2022: 42.2%). 

Group debt increased by 0% (1% in constant currency) to €27,765 million (Dec. 31, 2022: € 27,763 million). Group net debt increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to € 25,444 million (Dec. 31, 2022: € 25,014 million).

As of March 31, 2023, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.79x2,3 (Dec. 31, 2022: 3.65x1,2) mainly driven by lower EBITDA contribution and higher net debt. Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.96x1,2 (Dec. 31, 2022: 3.80x1,2).

In Q1/23, ROIC was 4.8% due to the lower EBIT (Q4/22: 5.1%). Excluding Fresenius Medical Care, the ROIC was 5.2% (Q4/22: 5.6%).

 1 Cash flow before acquisitions and dividends; before interest, tax, and special items
 2 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
 3 Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.


Business Segments – Operating Companies

Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi specializes in products for the therapy and care of critically and chronically ill patients. The portfolio includes biopharmaceuticals, clinical nutrition, MedTech products, intravenously administered generic drugs (generic IV drugs), and IV fluids. 

  • Strong organic revenue growth in all three growth vectors
  • Biopharma with ongoing strong momentum
  • EBIT margin1 within structural margin band despite significantly increased year-over-year inflationary headwinds
  • Enhanced transparency by change of financial disclosure from a geographic to a product segment view

 1 Before special items
 2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.

Revenue increased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €1,991 million (Q1/22: €1,847 million) mainly driven by the strong business development of all growth vectors. Organic growth was 7%. 

Revenue in MedTech increased by 11% (organic growth: 9%) to €378 million (Q1/22: €342 million) mainly driven by the good business development in Latin America.

Revenue in Nutrition increased by 4% (organic growth: 8%) to €602 million (Q1/22: €577 million) mainly driven by the good business development in Latin America and Europe.

Revenue in Biopharma increased by 207% (organic growth: 57%) to €71 million (Q1/22: €23 million) mainly driven by the good business development in Latin America.

Revenue of the Growth Vectors (MedTech, Nutrition and Biopharma) increased by 12% (organic growth: 10%) to €1,051 million (Q1/22: €942 million). 

Revenue in the Pharma (IV Drugs & Fluids) business increased by 4% (organic growth: 3%) to €940 million (Q1/22: €905 million). The good business development in Europe and North America was dampened by offsetting effects in China. 

EBIT1 decreased by 1% (-4% in constant currency) to €289 million (Q1/22: €293 million) due to the annualization of cost inflation effects. EBIT margin1 was 14.5% (Q1/22: 15.9%) and thus within the structural EBIT margin band. The positive sequential development is driven by the well progressing cost savings program as well as targeted pricing initiatives. 

EBIT1 of the Growth Vectors (MedTech, Nutrition and Biopharma) decreased by 14% (-17% in constant currency) to €96 million (Q1/22: €112 million) due to the annualization of cost inflation effects. EBIT1 margin was 9.2% (Q1/22: 11.9%).

EBIT1 in the Pharma (IV Drugs & Fluids) business increased by 7% (4% in constant currency) to €197 million (Q1/22: €185 million) due to positive development in the North American region. EBIT1 margin was 21.0% (Q1/22: 20.4%).

Net income1,2 decreased by 5% (-7% in constant currency) to €191 million (Q1/22: €201 million). 

Operating cash flow decreased to €21 million (Q1/22: €133 million) with a margin of 1.1% (Q1/22: 7.2%) mainly driven by phasing effects and working capital build-ups, in particular higher inventories. 

For FY/23, Fresenius Kabi expects organic revenue3 growth in a low- to mid-single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin4 is expected to be around one percentage point (pp) below the structural margin band of 14% to 17%. 

 1 Before special items
 2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA.
 3 FY/22 base: €7,850 million
 4 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 13.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items 
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.


Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private health care provider. The company comprises Helios Germany, Helios Spain and Helios Fertility. Helios Germany operates 87 hospitals, around 240 outpatient centers, 22 occupational health centers and 6 prevention centers. Helios Spain operates 50 hospitals, around 100 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 8 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics. Helios Fertility offers a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art services in the field of fertility treatments.

  • Fresenius Helios with healthy organic revenue growth driven by ongoing admissions increase across all areas
  • EBIT margin1 solid following successful measures to counter inflationary headwinds 
  • Helios Fertility recovering with increasing volumes 

 1 Before special items
 2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.


Revenue increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €3,066 million (Q1/22: €2,931 million). Organic growth was 5%. Acquisitions contributed 0% to revenue growth. 

Revenue of Helios Germany increased by 3% (organic growth: 3%) to €1,828 million (Q1/22: €1,783 million), mainly driven by increasing admissions and positive mix effects.

Revenue of Helios Spain increased by 7% (9% in constant currency) to €1,170 million (Q1/22: €1,089 million). Organic growth of 8% was driven by ongoing patient demand. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance. 

Revenue of Helios Fertility increased by 16% (18% in constant currency) to €66 million (Q1/22: €57 million) as patients are returning to demand fertility treatments.

EBIT1 increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to €311 million (Q1/22: €306 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 10.1% (Q1/22: 10.4%). 

EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased despite cost inflation by 1% to €155 million (Q1/22: €154 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.5% (Q1/22: 8.6%). 

EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased due to the strong revenue growth and despite cost inflation by 3% (4% in constant currency) to €157 million (Q1/22: €153 million). The EBIT margin1 was 13.4% (Q1/22: 14.0%). 

EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €4 million (Q1/22: €4 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 6.1% (Q1/22: 7.0%). 

Net income1,2 decreased by 3% (-2% in constant currency) to €190 million (Q1/22: €195 million). 

Operating cash flow increased to €108 million (Q1/22: -€136 million) mainly due to governmental support measures to mitigate higher energy costs in Germany and an improved working capital management. The operating cash flow margin was 3.5% (Q1/22: -4.6%). 

For FY/23, Fresenius Helios expects organic revenue3 growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin4 is expected to be within the structural margin band of 9% to 11%.

 1 Before special items
 2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
 3 FY/22 base: €11,716 million
 4 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 10.1%, before special items, FY/23 before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.


Business Segments – Investment Companies

Fresenius Medical Care
(Financial data according to Fresenius Medical Care press release)

Fresenius Medical Care is the world's largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. As of March 31, 2023, Fresenius Medical Care was treating approximately 343,000 patients in 4,060 dialysis clinics. Dialyzers and dialysis machines are among the most important product lines. In addition, Fresenius Medical Care offers dialysis-related services. 

  • Both segments contributed to organic growth with improving volume trends in Care Delivery and strong critical care business in Care Enablement 
  • More moderate decline in operating income due to phasing, continued improvement in organic growth in line with expectations, easing labor shortage in the U.S., and progressing FME25 transformation
  • First measures of legacy portfolio optimization delivered

Revenue increased by 3% to €4,704 million (+2% in constant currency, organic: +2%).

EBIT decreased by 25% to €261 million (-28% in constant currency), resulting in a margin of 5.5% (Q1/22: 7.6%). EBIT excluding special items and U.S. Provider Relief Funding (PRF) decreased by 9% to €354 million (-13% in constant currency), resulting in a margin of 7.5% (Q1/22: 8.6%).

Net income2 decreased by 45% to €86 million (-47% in constant currency). Excluding special items and PRF, net income decreased by 22% to €154 million ( 24% in constant currency). 

In the first quarter, Fresenius Medical Care generated €143 million of operating cash flow (Q1/22: €159 million), resulting in a margin of 3.0% (Q1/22: 3.5%). The reduction was mainly due to the decrease in net income.

 1 Before special items
 2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.


Based on the results for the first quarter, Fresenius Medical Care confirms its financial targets for 2023. Fresenius Medical Care expects for 2023 revenue1 to grow at a low to mid-single digit percentage rate and EBIT2  to remain flat or decline by up to a high-single digit percentage rate3

 1 FY/22 base: €19,398 million
 2 FY/22 base: €1,540 million
 3 Revenue and EBIT, as referred to in the outlook, are both on a constant currency basis and excluding special items. Special items will be provided as separate KPI (“Revenue excluding special items”, “EBIT excluding special items”) to capture effects that are unusual in nature and have not been foreseeable or not foreseeable in size or impact at the time of giving guidance. These items are excluded to ensure comparability of the figures presented with the Company’s financial targets which have been defined excluding special items.
For FY 2022, special items included costs related to the FME25 program, the impact of the war in Ukraine, the impact of hyperinflation in Turkiye, the Humacyte investment remeasurement, and the net gain related to InterWell Health. Additionally, FY 2022 basis for Outlook 2023 and 2025 was adjusted for Provider Relief Funding. 
For FY 2023, special items include costs related to the FME25 program, the Humacyte investment remeasurement, the costs associated with the legal conversion and effects from legacy portfolio optimization.

For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.
 

Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide and is a leading post-acute care provider in Central Europe. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, planning, and turnkey construction, via maintenance and technical management to total operational management.  

  • Revenue growth driven by the technical services business and the European project business
  • EBIT1 negatively impacted by project business and negative one-time effects
  • Major restructuring program initiated

Revenue increased by 14% (13% in constant currency) to €583 million (Q1/22: €513 million). Organic growth was 13%. 

Revenue in the service business increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €436 million (Q1/22: €405 million) due to better performance of technical services in Germany, Italy and United Kingdom. Revenue in the project business increased by 36% (36% in constant currency) to €147 million (Q1/22: €108 million). The good revenue performance is mainly attributable to higher revenue in European project business. 

EBIT1 decreased to -€27 million (Q1/22: €8 million) with an EBIT margin1 of -4.6% (Q1/22: 1.6%). The weak development was related to the project business that partially did not have a contribution margin. Moreover, certain international business initiations did not materialize as planned. Significant negative one-time effects in the service business also impacted the EBIT development. To counteract the negative EBIT development, a major restructuring program was initiated.

Net income1,2 decreased to -€36 million (Q1/22: €4 million).

Order intake was €43 million (Q1/22: €263 million). As of March 31, 2023, order backlog was at €3,580 million (December 31, 2022: €3,689 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to -€68 million (Q1/22: -€45 million) with a margin of
-11.7% (Q1/22: -8.8%)
, due to the negative earnings and higher working capital.

For FY/2023, Fresenius Vamed expects organic revenue3 to grow in a low-to mid-single digit percentage range. The EBIT margin4 is expected to be clearly below the structural margin band of 4% to 6%. 

 1 Before special items 
 2 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
 3 FY/22 base: €2,359 million
 4 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 0.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 18-23 in the PDF.

 

Conference Call and Webcast
As part of the publication of the results for Q1/23, a conference call will be held on May 9, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. CEDT (7:30 a.m. EDT). All investors are cordially invited to follow the conference call in a live broadcast over the Internet at www.fresenius.com/investors. Following the call, a replay will be available on our website.

 

For additional information on the performance indicators used please refer to our website www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

#FutureFresenius: Advancing patient care – Strategic course set to unlock full potential – Fresenius enters new era with simplified Group structure and therapy focus across 3 platforms – 2022 performance in line with expectations – 2023 outlook tough but realistic

 

  • Fresenius has hit RESET and is now moving towards #FutureFresenius with a simplified structure, sharper focus and acceleration of performance
  • Intention to deconsolidate Fresenius Medical Care by changing the legal form of FMC to a German Stock Corporation (“Aktiengesellschaft”) in simplified governance
  • Focus on Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios
  • Active portfolio management for assets where Fresenius lacks best ownership
  • New, more rigorous Fresenius Financial Framework with ambitious segment margin bands
  • ~€1bn annual structural productivity improvement by 2025
  • All initiatives pointed towards advancing patient care and becoming an industry-leading, therapy-focused healthcare company


If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q4/2022.

 

1 Before special items, Q1/22 restated following remeasurement Humacyte investment
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

 

Fresenius is moving ahead on its pathway to #FutureFresenius. Through the planned deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care, the company will simplify its governance and group structure. The company will have a clear focus on therapy to advance patient care across the three platforms (Bio)Pharma, MedTech and Care Provision. Programs are in place to enhance profitability and for active portfolio management. Fresenius will increase the pace of annual structural productivity improvement to approximately 1 billion euros by 2025.


Intention to deconsolidate Fresenius Medical Care
The company plans to deconsolidate Fresenius Medical Care by changing Fresenius Medical Care’s legal form to a German Stock Corporation (“Aktiengesellschaft”). Subject to the necessary shareholder approvals and the registration with the commercial register, the conversion is expected to become effective by the end of the 2023 financial year at the latest. To this end, an Extraordinary General Meeting of Fresenius Medical Care is expected to be held in July to decide on the proposal to change the company into the legal form of an Aktiengesellschaft (“AG”). Following the planned change in its legal form, Fresenius Medical Care will no longer be part of the fully consolidated subsidiaries of Fresenius. Fresenius’ will continue to hold a 32 percent stake in the share capital of Fresenius Medical Care.

“After careful consideration and very constructive discussions with the Group’s key stakeholders, we are confident that the planned deconsolidation of Fresenius Medical Care is the best way forward to benefit both companies.” said Wolfgang Kirsch, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Fresenius SE. “By converting Fresenius Medical Care to the legal form of an AG, both companies gain flexibility and can better advance their strategic priorities, positioning themselves in the best possible way for the future. Michael Sen and his management team, who have developed this new corporate structure, will lead Fresenius back to operational strength and sustainable growth. I am convinced that the new structure will enable Helen Giza as CEO to realize the full potential of Fresenius Medical Care, in which we continue to hold a significant stake.”

“This is an inflection point for Fresenius”, said Fresenius SE CEO Michael Sen. “I am pleased that our anchor shareholder, the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation, has expressed their support for our plans and I would like to thank them for their trust. The new structure will greatly benefit both companies: Fresenius Medical Care needs an operational turnaround, to improve its performance and focus on its core business. Fresenius needs to simplify its complex corporate structures and commit to its Operating Companies and to maximizing value from its investments.”

“Simplifying our governance structure is an important step towards more optionality for a successful future of Fresenius Medical Care”, said Helen Giza, CEO of Fresenius Medical Care. “The new legal form will give us the flexibility and autonomy to focus all our efforts to unlock value as the leading kidney care company.”

Focus on Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios
The Operating Companies Fresenius Kabi and Fresenius Helios are at the center of the Group’s ambitions under #FutureFresenius. They are both geared for significant value creation and catering to system-critical areas of healthcare. Building on a resilient global generics business, Fresenius Kabi will expand along the growth vectors Nutrition, Biopharma and MedTech. Helios Germany and Quirónsalud are already the leading private hospital providers in Germany and Spain, caring for more than 24 million patients every year. Fresenius Helios intends to leverage its market position to actively shape industry trends across digitalization and integrated care.

For the Investment Companies Fresenius Medical Care and Fresenius Vamed, there will be a strong focus on active financial value management. Across the Group, refining the company’s operating model and advancing its ESG agenda and roadmap for the best of patients will be central elements of the further journey towards #FutureFresenius.


~€1bn annual structural productivity improvement by 2025
Structural productivity improvements are moving forward. The new target is to achieve annual structural cost savings of around €1 billion at EBIT level by 2025. In order to reach this goal, Fresenius is running targeted programs across all business segments and the Corporate Center, with the oversight and steering of the Group. Key elements include measures to optimize procurement, processes, sales and administrative costs, as well as divesting from non-core assets.

Thanks to its cost and efficiency program, the company has already realized €152 million in savings after taxes and non-controlling interests in fiscal year 2022, offset by €260 million in one-time costs. In line with previous practice, these expenses are classified as special items.

Fresenius Medical Care has increased the savings target for its FME25 transformation program from €500 million to €650 million by 2025 and now expects to invest up to €650 million in the same period1. By the end of 2022, Fresenius Medical Care delivered €131 million (on EBIT level) of sustainable savings under the FME25 program, exceeding the original target of €40 to 70 million for the same period.

1 Costs related to the FME25 program will be treated as a special item


New, more rigorous Fresenius Financial Framework
To enable and accelerate performance, the Management Board set up a new, more rigorous Fresenius Financial Framework. The framework sets ambitious EBIT margin bands for the segments. They serve as a benchmark when reviewing businesses, measuring performance and planning for the future.

At group level, Fresenius will measure its future performance based on return on invested capital (ROIC), a leverage target band and the cash conversion rate (CCR), among others.


New progressive dividend policy – Stable dividend proposed
With the new Fresenius Financial Framework, Fresenius aims to generate attractive and predictable dividend yields. In line with its new progressive dividend policy, the Company aims to increase the dividend in line with constant currency earnings per share1 growth but at least maintain the dividend at the prior-year’s level. Therefore, the Management Board of Fresenius will propose to the Supervisory Board a stable dividend at the prior year level of €0.92 per share for FY/22 (FY/21: €0.92).

1 Before Special items


FY/23 Group guidance
For 2023, Fresenius expects Group organic revenue1 to grow in a low- to mid-single-digit percentage range. Group constant currency EBIT2 is expected to remain broadly flat or decline up to a high-single-digit percentage rate.

Excluding Fresenius Medical Care constant currency EBIT3 is expected to remain broadly flat or decline up to a mid-single-digit percentage rate.

Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA4 ratio to be slightly above the 2022 level by the end of 2023 (December 31, 2022: 3.65x5), depending on divestment activities. The self-imposed target corridor for the leverage ratio remains unchanged at 3.0x to 3.5x.

1 FY/22 base: €40,840 million
2 FY/22 base: €3,727 million, before special items, excl. PRF; FY/23: before special items
3 FY/22 base: €2,187 million, before special items; FY/23: before special items
4 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions; before special items; including lease liabilities
5 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; before special items; including lease liabilities

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

 

Assumptions for guidance FY/23
For 2023, Fresenius assumes no further escalations of geopolitical tensions and challenges from COVID-19, and supply chain constraints continuing to ease.

Fresenius expects that the general cost inflation and labor shortages will have a more significant negative effect on its business than in 2022. This is due to the fact that H2/2022 showed stronger headwinds compared to H1/2022. Thus, Fresenius expects a marked annualization effect.

Fresenius will continue to closely monitor the potential further consequences of the overall heightened volatility and muted visibility, including balance sheet valuations.
For Fresenius Medical Care’s contribution to the Group’s financial figures, the assumptions for Fresenius Medical Care’s FY/23 guidance are also fully applicable to Fresenius Group’s FY/23 guidance. In 2022, Fresenius Medical Care’s EBIT was supported by €277 million of Provider Relief Funding from the U.S. government (at current currency). There is no additional governmental support assumed for 2023.

All of these assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.

4% revenue increase in constant currency
Group revenue increased by 7% (4% in constant currency) to €10,643 million (Q4/21: €9,966 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation increased revenue growth by 3%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects1, Group revenue growth would have been 4% to 5% in constant currency (Q4/21: 5% to 6%).

In FY/22, Group revenue increased by 9% (4% in constant currency) to €40,840 million (FY/21: €37,520 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation increased revenue growth by 5%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects1, Group revenue growth would have been 4% to 5% in constant currency (FY/21: 5% to 6%).


16% net income2,3,4 decline in constant currency
Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 2% (-7% in constant currency) to €1,802 million (Q4/212: €1,846 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,513 million (Q4/21: €1,868 million).

In FY/22, Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 1% (-6% in constant currency) at €6,808 million (FY/212: €6,854 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €6,294 million (FY/21: €6,825 million).

Group EBIT before special items decreased by 10% (-14% in constant currency) to €1,052 million (Q4/212: €1,166 million). The decrease was mainly driven by ongoing inflation leading to cost increases including personnel costs, material prices, logistics, and energy costs as well as negative one-offs at Fresenius Vamed and Fresenius Kabi. The EBIT margin before special items was 9.9% (Q4/212: 11.7%). Reported Group EBIT was €687 million (Q4/21: €1,123 million).

In FY/22, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 6% (-11% in constant currency) to €4,004 million (FY/212: €4,252 million). The EBIT margin before special items was 9.8% (FY/212: 11.3%). Reported Group EBIT was €3,321 million (FY/21: €4,158 million).

1 For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table on page 20.
2 Before special items
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

Group net interest before special items was -€157 million (Q4/211: -€120 million) mainly due to financing activities, rising interest rates and currency translation effects. Reported Group net interest was -€132 million (Q4/21: -€122 million). In FY/22, Group net interest before special items was -€533 million (FY/211: -€504 million). Reported Group net interest was -€507 million (FY/21: -€506 million).

Group tax rate before special items was 24.4% (Q4/21 : 23.2%) mainly due to an increase in the proportionate share of non-tax-deductible expenses compared to taxable income as well as tax law changes at Fresenius Medical Care. Reported Group tax rate was 27.4% (Q4/21: 24.2%). In FY/22, Group tax rate before special items was 23.7% (FY/211: 22.6%) while the reported Group tax rate was 24.8% (FY/2021: 22.8%).

Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€232 million (Q4/211: -€282 million) of which 97% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€148 million (Q4/21: -€260 million). In FY/22, Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€918 million (FY/211: -€1,033 million) of which 91% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€745 million (FY/21: -1,001 million).

Group net income2 before special items decreased by 15% (-19%/-16%  in constant currency) to €445 million (Q4/211: €521 million). The decrease was driven by the challenging macroeconomic environment with increased uncertainties, general cost inflation, staff shortage, disruptions in supply chains, and increased energy costs. Moreover, rising interest costs and negative one-off items at Fresenius Vamed and Fresenius Kabi as well as a higher tax rate weighed on the net income development. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects4, Group net income2 before special items was -19% to -15% in constant currency (Q4/21: 3% to 7%). Reported Group net income2 decreased to €255 million (Q4/21: €499 million).

In FY/22, Group net income2 before special items decreased by 7% (-12%/-10%3 in constant currency) to €1,729 million (FY/211: €1,867 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects4, Group net income2 before special items was -16% to -12% in constant currency (FY/21: 6% to 10%). Reported Group net income2 decreased to €1,372 million (FY/21: €1,818 million).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions
4 For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table on page 20

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

Earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 16% (-20% in constant currency) to €0.79 (Q4/21 : €0.94). Reported earnings per share1 were €0.45 (Q4/21: €0.90). In FY/22, earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 8% (-13% in constant currency) to €3.08 (FY/212: €3.35). Reported earnings per share1 were €2.44 (FY/21: €3.26).

1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
2 Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

 

Investments
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €713 million corresponding to 7% of revenue (Q4/21: €690 million; 7% of revenue). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics. In FY/22, spending on property, plant and equipment was €1,886 million corresponding to 5% of revenue (FY/21: €2,032 million; 5% of revenue).

Total acquisition spending was €43 million (Q4/21: €278 million) mainly for dialysis clinics at Fresenius Medical Care. In FY/22, total acquisition spending was €1,579 million (FY/21: €1,085 million).


Cash flow development
Group operating cash flow increased to €1,824 million (Q4/21: €1,749 million) with a margin of 17.1% (Q4/21: 17.5%). The strong development was driven by better cash collections and improved working capital management. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased to €1,219 million (Q4/21: €1,075 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends increased to €1,107 million (Q4/21: €841 million).

In FY/22, Group operating cash flow decreased to €4,198 million (FY/21: €5,078 million) with a margin of 10.3% (FY/21: 13.5%). The decrease was mainly due to lower net income and higher inventories. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends decreased to €2,421 million (FY/21: €3,061 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends decreased to €701 million (FY/21: €1,193 million).
 

Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets increased by 6% (4% in constant currency) to €76,415 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €71,962 million) given currency translation effects, acquisitions and the expansion of business activities. Current assets increased by 5% (4% in constant currency) to €18,279 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €17,461 million), mainly driven by the increase of inventories and other current assets. Non-current assets increased by 7% (4% in constant currency) to €58,136 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €54,501 million).

Total shareholders’ equity increased by 10% (7% in constant currency) to €32,218 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €29,288 million). The equity ratio was 42.2% (Dec. 31, 2021: 40.7%).

Group debt increased by 2% (1% in constant currency) at €27,763 million (Dec. 31, 2021: € 27,155 million). Group net debt increased by 3% (1% in constant currency) to € 25,014 million (Dec. 31, 2021: € 24,391 million).

As of December 31, 2022, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.65x1,2 (Dec. 31, 2021: 3.51x1,2) mainly driven by lower EBITDA contribution as well as acquisition spending. The net debt/EBITDA as of December 31, 2022 excluding the closed acquisition of Ivenix and the completed acquisition of a majority stake in mAbxience was 3.581,2.

1 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
2 Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

 

Business Segments


Fresenius Medical Care
(Financial data according to Fresenius Medical Care press release)

Fresenius Medical Care is the world's largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. As of December 31, 2022, Fresenius Medical Care was treating approximately 345,000 patients in 4,116 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the Renal Care Continuum, the company focuses on expanding in complementary areas and in the field of critical care.  ,  

  • Fresenius Medical Care sets strategic focus and accelerates transformation
  • Full year earnings in line with expectations: continued impact from higher labor costs and inflationary cost increases
  • 2023 expected to be a transition year towards earnings growth recovery in 2024

Revenue increased by 8% (2% in constant currency) to €4,997million (Q4/21: €4,647 million). Organic growth was 2%. Currency translation increased revenue growth by 6%. In FY/22, revenue increased by 10% (2% in constant currency) to €19,398 million (FY/21: €17,619 million). Organic growth was 2%. Currency translation increased revenue growth by 8%.

EBIT decreased by 22% (-28% in constant currency) to €352 million (Q4/21: €449 million) resulting in a margin of 7.0% (Q4/21: 9.7%). EBIT before special items increased by 1% (-8% in constant currency) to €495 million (Q4/21: €492 million), resulting in a margin1 of 9.9% (Q4/21: 10.6%). At constant currency, the decline was mainly due to supply chain and labor cost increases across all regions, the impact of U.S. Provider Relief funding from the U.S. government (PRF) received in the previous year’s quarter to compensate for certain COVID-19-related costs, and higher legal costs. This was partially offset by an unfavorable impact from the remeasurement of investments in the previous year and savings related to the FME25 program.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
3 For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

In FY/22, EBIT decreased by 18% (-25% in constant currency) to €1,512 million
(FY/21: €1,852 million) resulting in a margin of 7.8% (FY/21: 10.5%). At constant currency, the development was supported by €246 million (FY 2021: €63 million) of PRF to compensate for certain COVID-19-related costs. EBIT before special items decreased by 5% (-13% in constant currency) to €1,817 million (FY/21: €1,915 million), resulting in a margin  of 9.4% (FY/21: 10.9 %).

Net income2 decreased by 39% (-47% in constant currency) to €139 million (Q4/21: €228 million). Net income2 before special items decreased by 4% (-14% in constant currency) to €253 million (Q4/21: €263 million). Besides the above-mentioned effects on operating income, the constant currency decline was mainly due to an increase in the proportionate share of non-tax-deductible expenses compared to taxable income as well as tax law changes.

In FY/22, net income2 decreased by 31% (-37% in constant currency) to €673 million (FY/21: €969 million). Net income2 before special items decreased by 10%
(-17% in constant currency) to €913 million (FY/21: €1,018 million).

Operating cash flow was €600 million (Q4/21: €669 million) with a margin of 12.0% (Q4/21: 14.4%). The decrease was mainly due to lower net income. In FY/22, operating cash flow was €2,167 million (FY/21: €2,489 million) with a margin of 11.2%
(FY/21: 14.1%).

For FY/23, Fresenius Medical Care expects revenue3 to grow at a low to mid-single digit percentage rate. In 2022, EBIT was supported by €277 million of PRF (at current currency). There is no additional governmental support assumed for 2023. To provide a comparable basis for the 2023 earnings outlook, the 2022 basis4 is adjusted accordingly. On this basis, EBIT is expected to remain flat or decline by up to a high single-digit percentage rate in 2023. In 2025, Fresenius Medical Care targets to achieve an improved operating income margin of 10-14%. Revenue and operating income, as referred to in the outlook, are both on a constant currency basis and excluding special items.

For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
3 FY/22 base: €19,398 million
4 FY/22 base: €1,540 million

 

Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi offers intravenously administered generic drugs, clinical nutrition and infusion therapies for seriously and chronically ill patients in the hospital and outpatient environments. The company is also a leading supplier of medical devices and transfusion technology products. In the biosimilars business, Fresenius Kabi develops products with a focus on oncology and autoimmune diseases. 

  • Strong organic revenue growth
  • Biopharmaceuticals with continued dynamic growth trajectory
  • EBIT impacted by a non-cash one time item related to in-process R&D in North America


Revenue increased by 12% (8% in constant currency) to €2,036 million (Q4/21: €1,823 million). Organic growth was 7%. In FY/22, revenue increased by 9% (4% in constant currency) to €7,850 million (FY/21: €7,193 million). Organic growth was 3%. Positive currency translation effects of 4% in Q4/22 and 5% in FY/22 were mainly related to the U.S. dollar.

Revenue in North America increased by 14% (organic growth: 3%) to €669 million (Q4/21: €589 million). The significant revenue growth was mainly driven by positive currency translation effects and a solid development of the regular business. In FY/22, revenue in North America increased by 12% (organic growth: 0%) to €2,522 million (FY/21: €2,258 million).

Revenue in Europe increased by 9% (organic growth: 6%) to €724 million (Q4/21: €664 million) driven by a broad-based positive development, in particular at biopharmaceuticals. In FY/22, revenue in Europe increased by 6% (organic growth: 5%) to €2,691 million (FY/21: €2,544 million).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

 

Revenue in Asia-Pacific decreased by 2% (organic growth: -2%) to €389 million (Q4/21: €395 million). Organic growth was affected by COVID lockdowns and associated lower patient demand as well as price pressure from the NVBP (National Volume-Based Procurement) tenders in China. In FY/22, revenue in Asia-Pacific increased by 4% (organic growth: -2%) to €1,714 million (FY/21: €1,643 million).

Revenue in Latin America/Africa increased by 45% (organic growth: 41%) to €254 million (Q4/21: €175 million), due to a positive business development in both regions. In addition, the revenue development was positively impacted by hyperinflation in Brazil and Mexico. In FY/22, revenue in Latin America/Africa increased by 23% (organic growth: 18%) to €923 million (FY/21: €748 million).

Revenue in the Biopharmaceuticals business was €72 million. In FY/22, revenue in the Biopharmaceuticals business was €188 million (FY/21: €62 million).

EBIT1 decreased by 15% (-19%/-13%  in constant currency) to €236 million (Q4/21: €279 million). EBIT development was impacted by non-cash one-time write offs, primarily related to a capitalized in-process R&D project in North America. Moreover, ongoing macroeconomic headwinds including inflationary cost increases, staff shortages and disrupted supply chains impacted the EBIT performance. In China COVID lockdowns and associated lower patient demand as well as price declines in connection with NVBP tenders weighed on profitability.

EBIT margin1 was 11.6% (Q4/21: 15.3%). Excluding the acquisitions of Ivenix and the majority stake in mAbxience, the constant currency EBIT margin1 was at 12.7%2 in Q4/22. In FY/22, EBIT1 decreased by 6% (-14%/-10%2 in constant currency) to €1,080 million (FY/21: €1,153 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 13.8%/14.4%2 (FY/21: 16.0%).

Net income1,3 increased by 16% (10% in constant currency) to €206 million (Q4/21: €178 million). In FY/22, net income1,3 remained stable (declined by -7% in constant currency) at €780 million (FY/21: €778 million).

1 Before special items
2 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

Operating cash flow decreased to €298 million (Q4/21: €335 million) with a margin of 14.6% (Q4/21: 18.4%) mainly driven by lower net income and higher inventories. In FY/22, operating cash flow decreased to €841 million (FY/21: €1,203 million) with a margin of 10.7% (FY/21: 16.7%).

For FY/23, Fresenius Kabi expects organic revenue1 growth in a low- to mid-single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin2 is expected to be around one percentage point (pp) below the structural margin band of 14% to 17%.

1 FY/22 base: €7,850 million
2 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 13.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

 

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany, Helios Spain and Helios Fertility. Helios Germany operates 87 hospitals, around 240  outpatient centers, 21 occupational health centers and 6 prevention centers. Helios Spain operates 50 hospitals, around 100 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 8 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics. Helios Fertility offers a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art services in the field of fertility treatments.
 

  • Fresenius Helios with strong organic revenue growth and healthy EBIT development
  • Helios Germany with a return to a pre-COVID patient structure by year-end
  • Helios Spain with very strong and consistent patient demand
  • Helios Fertility with lower volumes driven by delayed treatments

Revenue increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €3,031 million (Q4/21: €2,882 million). Organic growth was 5%. Acquisitions at Helios Spain and Helios Fertility contributed 1% to revenue growth. Divestments reduced revenue by 1%. In FY/22, revenue increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €11,716 million (FY/21: €10,891 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to revenue growth. Divestments reduced revenue by 1%.

Revenue of Helios Germany was flat (organic growth: 0%) to €1,749 million (Q4/21: €1,745 million), mainly driven by increasing admissions and a return to a pre-COVID patient structure by year-end. In FY/22, revenue of Helios Germany increased by 4% (organic growth: 4%) to €7,021 million (FY/21: €6,733 million.

Revenue of Helios Spain increased by 12% (12% in constant currency) to €1,214 million (Q4/21: €1,084 million). Organic growth of 12% was driven by very strong and consistent patient demand. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance. In FY/22, revenue of Helios Spain increased by 10% (10% in constant currency) to €4,441 million (FY/21: €4,021 million). Organic growth was 9%.

Revenue of the Helios Fertility were €66 million (Q4/21: €51 million). In FY/22, revenue of the Helios Fertility were €250 million (FY/21: €133 million).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

EBIT1 increased by 4% (5% in constant currency) at €354 million (Q4/21: €339 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 11.7% (Q4/21: 11.8%). In FY/22, EBIT1 increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €1,185 million (FY/21: 1,127 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 10.1% (FY/21: 10.3%).

EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 2% to €174 million (Q4/21: €171 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 9.9% (Q4/21: 9.8%). The increase of costs from the use of external staff mainly due to flu-related staff absenteeism continued to weigh on profitability. Inflationary cost effects had also a negative impact. In FY/22, EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 2% to €623 million (FY/21: €613 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.9% (FY/21: 9.1%).

EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased due to the strong revenue growth and despite cost inflation by 6% (7% in constant currency) to €172 million (Q4/21: €162 million). The EBIT margin1 was 14.2% (Q4/21: 14.9%). In FY/22, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €556 million (FY/21: €514 million). The EBIT margin1 was 12.5% (FY/21: 12.8%).  

EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €6 million (Q4/21: €5 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 9.1% (Q4/21: 9.8%). Lower volumes by delayed treatments driven by macroeconomic environment. In FY/22, EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €21 million (FY/21: €19 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.4% (FY/21: 14.3%).

Net income1,2  increased by 4% (4% in constant currency) to €236 million (Q4/21: €227 million). In FY/22, net income1,2 increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €766 million (FY/21: €728 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €956 million (Q4/21: €609 million) with a margin of 31.5% (Q4/21: 21.1%) mainly due to an improved receivables management. In FY/22, operating cash flow increased to €1,367 million (FY/21: €1,204 million) with a margin of 11.7% (FY/21: 11,1%)

For FY/23, Fresenius Helios expects organic revenue  growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range. The EBIT margin  is expected to be within the structural margin band of 9% to 11%.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/22 base: €11,716 million
4 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 10.1%, before special items, FY/23 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

 

Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide and is a leading post-acute care provider in Central Europe. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, planning, and turnkey construction, via maintenance and technical management to total operational management.  

  • Service business showing solid top-line performance, but one-time items and macro headwinds impact profitability
  • Weak top-line performance driven by difficult economic environment and negative one-time items adversely impact earnings in project business
  • Macro environment leading to negative one-time effects: Impairments due to reassessment and revaluation of claims and legal proceedings as well as certain business initiations that did not materialize as planned

Revenue decreased by 5% (-5% in constant currency) to €712 million (Q4/21: €748 million). Organic growth was -5%. In FY/22, revenue increased by 3% (2% in constant currency) to €2,359 million (FY/21: €2,297 million). Organic growth was 2%.

Revenue in the service business increased by 7% (7% in constant currency) to €445 million (Q4/21: €415 million) due to increasing rehabilitation treatments given fewer capacity restrictions. Revenue in the project business decreased by 20% (-20% in constant currency) to €267 million (Q4/21: €333 million. The weak revenue performance is mainly attributable to the continuing difficult macroeconomic environment. In FY/22, revenue in the service business increased by 7% (6% in constant currency) to €1,685 million (FY/21: €1,580 million). Revenue in the project business decreased by 6% (-6% in constant currency) to €674 million (FY/21: €717 million).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

EBIT1 decreased by 114% to -€9 million (Q4/21: €66 million) with an EBIT margin1 of -1.3% (Q4/21: 8.8%). Main driver for the weak development is the macroeconomic backdrop which led to a lower than expected revenue development in the project business and to significant negative one-time effects in the form of impairments due to a reassessment and revaluation of claims and legal proceedings as well as certain business initiations that did not materialize as planned. In FY/22, EBIT1 decreased by 80% to €20 million (FY/21: €101 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 0.8% (FY/21: 4.4%).

Net income1,2 decreased by 129% to -€14 million (Q4/21: €49 million). In FY/22, Net income1,2 decreased by 99% to €1 million (FY/21: €67 million).

Order intake was €572 million (Q4/21: €319 million). In FY/22 order intake was €1,241 million (FY/21: €1,290 million). As of December 31, 2022, order backlog was at €3,689 million (December 31, 2021: €3,473 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €12 million (Q4/21: €128 million) with a margin of 1.7% (Q4/21: 17.1%), due to higher receivables and payed traded acoounts payable. In FY/22, operating cash flow decreased to -€44 million (FY/21: €151 million) with a margin of -1.9% (FY/21: 6.6%).

For FY/2023, Fresenius Vamed expects organic revenue  to grow in a low-to mid-single digit percentage range. The EBIT margin  is expected to be clearly below the structural margin band of 4% to 6%.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
3 FY/22 base: €2,359 million
4 FY/22 base: EBIT margin: 0.8%, before special items; FY/23 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25.

 

For additional information on the performance indicators used please refer to our website https://www.fresenius.com/alternative-performance-measures.

 

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

  • Healthy organic sales growth and ongoing margin pressure
  • Fresenius Medical Care’s business development impacted by delayed effects from improvements in North American Services business in challenging environment
  • Fresenius Kabi with healthy sales growth and sequential improvement
  • Fresenius Helios with strong organic sales growth, solid EBIT in line with usual third quarter seasonality
  • Fresenius Vamed impacted by macroeconomic headwinds and COVID-19

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q3/2022.

1 Before special items, Q1/22 restated following remeasurement Humacyte investment
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.

Michael Sen, CEO of Fresenius said, “Over the past month, I’ve met with many of my Fresenius colleagues. Like me, they have tremendous passion and commitment to patients, physicians and health care professionals. What we do is life-saving.”

Sen continued, “Everyone at Fresenius knows we must improve on what we do. My priorities are clear: Reset the company aiming at becoming a stronger company and delivering value for our shareholders. Our businesses are growing yet in a more challenging environment. Now we sharpen our focus on structural productivity. More fundamentally, we have embarked on a top-to-bottom review of every business activity, looking at the entire corporate portfolio. The focus is on returns. This will not happen overnight, but we will move at a faster pace and more decisively than ever before. This will benefit all our stakeholders. This is #FutureFresenius.”

Sen concluded, “Fresenius is a strong company, with great products, great market positions. Now we have to make it stronger.”


FY/22 Group guidance
Since Fresenius Medical Care continues to operate in a challenging environment, the impacts of the Company’s focused efforts to improve North American Health Care Services operations are delayed against previous assumptions. Therefore, Fresenius Medical Care now assumes lower contributions in the financial year 2022.
Consequently, Fresenius Medical Care now expects net income (attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA) for the financial year 2022 to decline in the high teens to mid-twenties percentage range. The Company continues to anticipate revenue to grow at a low-single digit percentage range in the financial year 2022. These targets are in constant currency and exclude special items.

All other business segments of the Fresenius Group, in particular Vamed, are also affected by a challenging overall economic environment. Thus, there are increased uncertainties, inflation-related cost increases, staff shortages, disruptions in supply chains, and increased energy costs. This has a direct impact on customer and patient behavior.

However, as a consequence of the development at Fresenius Medical Care, Fresenius Vamed, and in view of increasing indications of a persistent unfavorable development of these and other factors for the further course of the financial year, the Management Board has changed its risk assessment and consequently also adjusted the Group outlook for FY/22.

At constant currency, the Company now anticipates Group net income1,2 to decline around ten percent (previously: decline in a low-to-mid single-digit percentage range). Group sales3 in constant currency continue to be expected to grow in a low-to-mid single-digit percentage range.

Without the closed acquisition of Ivenix and the completed acquisition of a majority stake in mAbxience as well as any further potential acquisitions, Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA4 ratio to be roughly on the same level as in Q3/22 (3.64x5) by the end of 2022 (December 31, 2021: 3.51x5).

1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
2 FY/21 base: €1,867 million, before special items; FY/22: before special items
3 FY/21 base: €37,520 million
4 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures; excluding further potential acquisitions; before special items; including lease liabilities
5 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures;
  before special items; including lease liabilities

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.


Assumptions for guidance FY/22
For 2022 and beyond, Fresenius expects that the current challenging market environment and the global macro-economic headwinds will remain. In particular, the general cost inflation, labor shortages, meaningful uncertainty with regard to the future development of energy prices, burdens from supply chain disruptions and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to continue. The guidance does not consider a significant disruption of gas or electricity supplies in Europe.

Fresenius will continue to closely monitor the potential further consequences of the overall heightened volatility and muted visibility, including balance sheet valuations.

The war in Ukraine is directly and indirectly affecting Fresenius Group operations. The direct adverse effects of the war amounted to €24 million at net income1 level of Fresenius Group in Q1-3/22 and are treated as a special item.

An unlikely but possible significant deterioration of the situation triggering containment measures that could have a significant and direct impact on the health care sector without any appropriate compensation is not reflected in the Group’s FY/22 guidance.

For Fresenius Medical Care‘s contribution to the Group’s financial figures, the assumptions for Fresenius Medical Care's FY/22 guidance are also fully applicable to Fresenius Group's FY/22 guidance.

All of these assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty.

The acquisitions of Ivenix and of the majority stake in mAbxience as well as any further potential acquisitions remain excluded from guidance.

1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA


5% sales increase in constant currency
Group sales increased by 12% (5% in constant currency) to €10,459 million (Q3/21: €9,324 million). Organic growth was 4%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation increased sales growth by 7%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects1, Group sales growth would have been 4% to 5% in constant currency (Q3/21: 7% to 8%).

In Q1-3/22, Group sales increased by 10% (4% in constant currency) to €30,197 million (Q1-3/21: €27,554 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation increased sales growth by 6%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects1, Group sales growth would have been 3% to 4% in constant currency (Q1-3/21: 5% to 6%).

19% net income2,3,4  decline in constant currency
Group EBITDA before special items decreased by 2% (-10% in constant currency) to €1,662 million (Q3/212: €1,703 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,658 million (Q3/21: €1,667 million).

In Q1-3/22, Group EBITDA before special items remained nearly unchanged (-6% in constant currency) at €5,006 million (Q1-3/212: €5,008 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €4,781 million (Q1-3/21: €4,957 million).

Group EBIT before special items decreased by 9% (-17% in constant currency) to €949 million (Q3/212: €1,044 million). The decrease was mainly driven by higher labor costs at Fresenius Medical Care in the U.S., general cost inflation, revaluation of contract assets in the international service and project business at Fresenius Vamed as well as higher costs in the Corporate segment. The EBIT margin before special items was 9.1% (Q3/212: 11.2%). Reported Group EBIT was €887 million (Q3/21: €1,008 million).

In Q1-3/22, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 4% (-10% in constant currency) to €2,952 million (Q1-3/212: €3,086 million). The EBIT margin before special items was 9.8% (Q1-3/212: 11.2%). Reported Group EBIT was €2,634 million (Q1-3/21: €3,035 million).

1 For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table on page 20.
2 Before special items
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.

Group net interest before special items was -€141 million (Q3/211: -€126 million) mainly due to currency translation effects and overall higher interest rates. Reported Group net interest decreased to -€141 million (Q3/21: -€126 million).

In Q1-3/22, Group net interest before special items improved to -€376 million (Q1-3/211: -€384 million). Reported Group net interest improved to -€375 million (Q1-3/21: -€384 million).

Group tax rate before special items was 25.0% (Q3/211: 22.9%) mainly due to an increase in the proportionate share of non-tax-deductible expenses compared to taxable income at Fresenius Medical Care. Reported Group tax rate was 26.1% (Q3/21: 22.8%). In Q1-3/22, Group tax rate before special items was 23.5% (Q1-3/211: 22.4%) while the reported Group tax rate was 24.1% (Q1-3/21: 22.3%).

Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€235 million (Q3/211: -€273 million) of which 90% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€230 million (Q3/21: -€268 million).
In Q1-3/22, Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€686 million (Q1-3/211: -€751 million) of which 89% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€597 million (Q1-3/21: -€741 million).

Group net income2 before special items decreased by 15% (-22%/-19%3 in constant currency) to €371 million (Q3/211: €435 million). The decrease was mainly driven by higher labor costs at Fresenius Medical Care in the U.S., general cost inflation, revaluation of contract assets in the international service and project business at Fresenius Vamed as well as higher costs in the Corporate/Other segment. Moreover, increased interest expenses and a higher tax rate had a negative effect on Group net income. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects4, Group net income2 before special items was -26% to -22% in constant currency (Q3/21: 12% to 16%). Reported Group net income2 decreased to €321 million (Q3/21: €413 million).

In Q1-3/22, Group net income2 before special items decreased by 5% (-10%/-8%3 in constant currency) to €1,284 million (Q1-3/211: €1,346 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects4, Group net income2 before special items was -15% to -11% in constant currency (Q1-3/21: 7% to 11%). Reported Group net income2 decreased to €1,117 million (Q1-3/21: €1,319 million).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions
4 For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table on page 20

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.

Earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 15% (-22% in constant currency) to €0.66 (Q3/212: €0.78). Reported earnings per share1 were €0.57 (Q3/21: €0.74).

In Q1-3/22, earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 5% (-10% in constant currency) to €2.29 (Q1-3/212: €2.41). Reported earnings per share1 were €1.99 (Q1-3/21: €2.36).

 

Continued investment in growth
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €416 million corresponding to 4% of sales (Q3/21: €449 million; 5% of sales). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics. In Q1-3/22, spending on property, plant and equipment was €1,173 million corresponding to 4% of sales (Q1-3/21: €1,342 million; 5% of sales).

Total acquisition spending was €502 million (Q3/21: €167 million), mainly for the majority stake in mAbxience by Fresenius Kabi. In Q1-3/22, total acquisition spending was €955 million (Q1-3/21: €807 million).


Cash flow development
Group operating cash flow increased to €1,256 million (Q3/21: €1,226 million) with a margin of 12.0% (Q3/21: 13.1%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends increased to €876 million (Q3/21: €793 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends decreased to €388 million (Q3/21: €594 million).

In Q1-3/22, Group operating cash flow decreased to €2,374 million (Q1-3/21: €3,329 million) with a margin of 7.9% (Q1-3/21: 12.1%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends decreased to €1,202 million (Q1-3/21: €1,986 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends decreased to -€406 million (Q1-3/21: €352 million).

 

Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets increased by 12% (4% in constant currency) to €80,328 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €71,962 million) given currency translation effects, acquisitions and the expansion of business activities. Current assets increased by 11% (6% in constant currency) to €19,443 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €17,461 million), mainly driven by the increase of trade accounts receivables and inventories. Non-current assets increased by 12% (4% in constant currency) to €60,885 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €54,501 million).

Total shareholders’ equity increased by 17% (6% in constant currency) to €34,156 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €29,288 million). The equity ratio was 42.5% (Dec. 31, 2021: 40.7%).

Group debt increased by 5% (1% in constant currency) at €28,607 million (Dec. 31, 2021: € 27,155 million). Group net debt increased by 9% (4% in constant currency) to € 26,479 million (Dec. 31, 2021: € 24,391 million).

As of September 30, 2022, the net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.74x1,2 (Dec. 31, 2021: 3.51x1,2) mainly driven by lower EBITDA contribution as well as acquisition spending. The net debt/EBITDA as of September 30, 2022 excluding the closed acquisition of Ivenix and the completed acquisition of a majority stake in mAbxience was 3.641,2.

1 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
2 Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.

 

Business Segments


Fresenius Medical Care
(Financial data according to Fresenius Medical Care press release)

Fresenius Medical Care is the world's largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. As of September 30, 2022, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 344,593 patients in 4,153 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the Renal Care Continuum, the company focuses on expanding in complementary areas and in the field of critical care.  

  • Business development continues to be strongly impacted by uncertain inflationary macroeconomic environment
  • Impacts of improvements in North American Health Care Services operations delayed
  • COVID-19-related excess mortality in line with expectations
  • Important step in value-based care achieved with closing of InterWell Health merger

Sales increased by 15% (3% in constant currency) to €5,096 million (Q3/21: €4,441 million). Organic growth was 2%. Currency translation increased sales growth by 12%. In Q1-3/22, sales increased by 11% (2% in constant currency) to €14,401 million (Q1-3/21: €12,972 million). Organic growth was 1%. Currency translation increased sales growth by 9%.

EBIT decreased by 7% (-17% in constant currency) to €472 million (Q3/21: €505 million) resulting in a margin of 9.3% (Q3/21: 11.4%). EBIT before special items decreased by 8% (-18% in constant currency) to €470 million (Q3/21: €513 million), resulting in a margin1 of 9.2% (Q3/21: 11.6%). At constant currency, the decline was mainly due to higher labor costs as well as inflationary and supply chain cost increases. This was partially offset by €80 million (Q3 2021: €0.3 million) of Provider Relief Funding from the U.S. government to compensate for certain COVID-19-related costs. In Q1-3/22, EBIT decreased by 17% (-24% in constant currency) to €1,160 million (Q1-3/21: €1,403 million) resulting in a margin of 8.1% (Q1-3/21: 10.8%). EBIT before special items decreased by 7% (-14% in constant currency) to €1,322 million (Q1-3/21: €1,423 million), resulting in a margin1 of 9.2% (Q1-3/21: 11.0%).

Net income2 decreased by 16% (-24% in constant currency) to €230 million (Q3/21: €273 million). Net income2 before special items decreased by 17% (-25% in constant currency) to €231 million (Q3/21: €280 million). Besides the above-mentioned effects on operating income, the constant currency decline was mainly due to an increase in the proportionate share of non-tax-deductible expenses compared to taxable income.

In Q1-3/22, net income2 decreased by 28% (-34% in constant currency) to €535 million (Q1-3/21: €741 million). Net income2 before special items decreased by 13% (-18% in constant currency) to €660 million (Q1-3/21: €756 million).

Operating cash flow was €658 million (Q3/21: €692million) with a margin of 12.9% (Q3/21: 15.6%). The decrease was mainly due to lower net income. In Q1-3/22, operating cash flow was €1,568 million (Q1-3/21: €1,820 million) with a margin of 10.9% (Q1-3/21: 14.0%).

Based on the delayed impacts of improvements in North American Health Care Services operations, the continuously challenging and uncertain macroeconomic environment, and the results for the third quarter, which had a more pronounced support by one-time effects, Fresenius Medical Care, as a matter of caution, extends its 2022 guidance range for net income2,3 decline from a high-teens to a high-teens to mid-twenties percentage range. The Company confirms its target for revenue4 to grow at a low single digit percentage rate in full year 2022. Revenue and net income guidance are both on a constant currency basis and excluding special items5.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
3 FY/21 base: €1,018 million, before special items; FY/22 before special items
4 FY/21 base: €17,619 million
5 These targets are based on the 2021 results excluding the costs related to FME25 of EUR 49 million (for Net Income). They are in constant currency and exclude special items. Special items include further costs related to FME25, the impact of the war in Ukraine, the impact of hyperinflation in Turkiye, the Humacyte investment remeasurement, the net gain related to InterWell Health and other effects that are unusual in nature and have not been foreseeable or not foreseeable in size or impact at the time of giving guidance.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.

InterWell Health merger closed
With the closing of the three-way merger of Fresenius Health Partners, InterWell Health and Cricket Health, a premier value-based kidney care provider has been created in the U.S. This is an important step in the execution of Fresenius Medical Care’s strategy. The new company operates under the InterWell Health brand and will be fully consolidated by Fresenius Medical Care as the majority owner. The closing of the merger resulted in a net gain of €56 million (on EBIT level) in the third quarter, which is treated as a special item.

For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.

 

Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi offers intravenously administered generic drugs, clinical nutrition and infusion therapies for seriously and chronically ill patients in the hospital and outpatient environments. The company is also a leading supplier of medical devices and transfusion technology products. In the biosimilars business, Fresenius Kabi develops products with a focus on oncology and autoimmune diseases.  

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.

  • Solid organic sales growth in all three growth vectors against already strong Q3/21
  • Biopharmaceuticals continue strong trajectory in line with ambitious plan
  • Growth in Europe and rest of the world outweighing pressures in North America
  • Sequentially constant EBIT margin3 despite headwinds from cost increases

Sales increased by 12% (4% in constant currency) to €2,071 million (Q3/21: €1,854 million). Organic growth was 3%. In Q1-3/22, sales increased by 8% (2% in constant currency) to €5,814 million (Q1-3/21: €5,370 million). Organic growth was 2%. Positive currency translation effects of 8% in Q3/22 and 6% in Q1-3/22 were mainly related to the U.S. dollar and Chinese yuan.

Sales in North America increased by 13% (organic growth: -2%) to €668 million (Q3/21: €589 million). The significant sales growth was mainly driven by positive currency effects while organic growth continued to be impacted by ongoing competitive pressure and supply chain challenges. In Q1-3/22, sales in North America increased by 11% (organic growth: -1%) to €1,853 million (Q1-3/21: €1,669 million).

Sales in Europe increased by 8% (organic growth: 6%) to €669 million (Q3/21: €620 million) driven by a broad-based positive development, and biopharmaceuticals. In Q1-3/22, sales in Europe increased by 5% (organic growth: 4%) to €1,967 million (Q1-3/21: €1,880 million).
Sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 4% (organic growth: -4%) to €467 million (Q3/21: €447 million). Organic growth was affected by price pressure from the NVBP (National Volume-Based Procurement) tenders in China. In Q1-3/22, sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 6% (organic growth: -2%) to €1,325 million (Q1-3/21: €1,248 million).

Sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 35% (organic growth: 27%) to €267 million (Q3/21: €198 million), due to a positive business development in both regions. In Q1-3/22, sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 17% (organic growth: 11%) to €669 million (Q1-3/21: €573 million).

Sales in the Biopharmaceuticals business was €64 million. In Q1-3/22, sales in the Biopharmaceuticals business was €116 million.

EBIT1 decreased by 7% (-18%/-11%  in constant currency) to €280 million (Q3/21: €300 million), mainly related to ongoing cost inflation, supply chain challenges as well as competitive pressure. EBIT margin1 was 13.5% (Q3/21: 16.2%). Excluding the acquisitions of Ivenix and the majority stake in mAbxience, the constant currency EBIT margin1 was sequentially stable at 14.6%2 in Q3/22 (Q2/22: 14.7%2) despite the mentioned headwinds. In Q1-3/22, EBIT1 decreased by 3% (-12%/-9%2 in constant currency) to €844 million (Q1-3/21: €874 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 14.5%/15.0%2 (Q1-3/21: 16.3%).

Net income1,3 decreased by 11% (-21% in constant currency) to €184 million (Q3/21: €206 million). In Q1-3/22, net income1,3 decreased by 4% (-13% in constant currency) to €574 million (Q1-3/21: €600 million).

1 Before special items
2 Excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.


Operating cash flow decreased to €301 million (Q3/21: €393 million) with a margin of 14.5% (Q3/21: 21.2%), mainly driven by a working capital build-up from e.g. higher inventories. In Q1-3/22, operating cash flow decreased to €543 million (Q1-3/21: €868 million) with a margin of 9.3% (Q1-3/21: 16.2%).

For FY/22, Fresenius Kabi confirms its outlook and expects organic sales1 growth in a low-single-digit percentage range. Constant currency EBIT2 is expected to decline in a high-single- to low-double-digit percentage range. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects. The financial effects from the acquisitions of Ivenix and the majority stake in mAbxience remain excluded from guidance.

 

1 FY/21 base: €7,193 million
2 FY/21 base: €1,153 million, before special items, FY/22 before special items,
excluding Ivenix and mAbxience acquisitions

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany, Helios Spain and Helios Fertility. Helios Germany operates 87 hospitals, ~130 outpatient centers and 6 prevention centers. Helios Spain operates 50 hospitals, 101 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 8 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics. Helios Fertility offers a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art services in the field of fertility treatments.

  • Fresenius Helios with strong organic sales growth; solid EBIT development in line with usual third quarter seasonality
  • Helios Germany with gradually improving admissions
  • Helios Spain with ongoing healthy activity levels
  • Helios Fertility with lower volumes driven by delayed treatments

Sales increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €2,829 million (Q3/21: €2,622 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions, mainly at Helios Fertility, contributed 2% to sales growth. Divestments reduced sales by 1%. In Q1-3/22, sales increased by 8% (8% in constant currency) to €8,685 million (Q1-3/21: €8,009 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to sales growth.

Sales of Helios Germany increased by 6% (organic growth: 5%) to €1,731 million (Q3/21: €1,640 million), mainly driven by gradually increasing admissions, which are however still below pre-pandemic levels. Acquisitions contributed 1% to sales growth. In Q1-3/22, sales of Helios Germany increased by 6% (organic growth: 5%) to €5,272 million (Q1-3/21: €4,988 million). Acquisitions contributed 1% to sales growth.

Sales of Helios Spain increased by 10% (9% in constant currency) to €1,037 million (Q3/21: €941 million). Organic growth of 8% was driven by the continuous high level of treatment activity. The clinics in Latin America also showed a good performance. Acquisitions contributed 1% to sales growth. In Q1-3/22, sales of Helios Spain increased by 10% (9% in constant currency) to €3,227 million (Q1-3/21: €2,937 million). Organic growth was 9%.

Sales of the Helios Fertility were €62 million (Q3/21: €40 million). In Q1-3/22, sales of the Helios Fertility were €184 million.

EBIT1 remained stable (-1% in constant currency) at €222 million (Q3/21: €222 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 7.8% (Q3/21: 8.5%). In Q1-3/22, EBIT1 increased by 5% (5% in constant currency) to €831 million (Q1-3/21: 788 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 9.6% (Q1-3/21: 9.8%).

EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 1% to €141 million (Q3/21: €140 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.1% (Q3/21: 8.5%). The increase of costs from the use of external staff due to COVID-19 related staff absenteeism continued to weigh on profitability. Inflationary cost effects had only a small negative impact. In Q1-3/22, EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 2% to €449 million (Q1-3/21: €442 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.5% (Q1-3/21: 8.9%).

EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 5% (3% in constant currency) to €83 million (Q3/21: €79 million) despite increased cost inflation. The EBIT margin1 was 8.0% (Q3/21: 8.4%). In Q1-3/22, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 9% (9% in constant currency) to €384 million (Q1-3/21: €352 million). The EBIT margin1 was 11.9% (Q1-3/21: 12.0%). 

EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €4 million with an EBIT margin1 of 6.5% (Q3/21: €9 million). Lower volumes by delayed treatments driven by macroeconomic environment. Prior year quarter was inflated by a positive special item. In Q1-3/22, EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €15 million (Q1-3/21: €14 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.2%.

Net income1,2  increased by 2% (1% in constant currency) to €138 million (Q3/21: €135 million). In Q1-3/22, net income1,2 increased by 6% (5% in constant currency) to €530 million (Q1-3/21: €501 million).

Operating cash flow increased to €353 million (Q3/21: €157 million) with a margin of 12.5% (Q3/21: 6.0%) mainly due to an improved receivables management in Spain. In Q1-3/22, operating cash flow decreased to €411 million (Q1-3/21: €595 million) with a margin of 4.7% (Q1-3/21: 7.4%)

For FY/22, Fresenius Helios confirms its outlook and expects organic sales3 growth in a low- to mid-single-digit percentage range and constant currency EBIT4 growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/21 base: €10,891 million
4 FY/21 base: €1,127 million, before special items, FY/22 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.


Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide and is a leading post-acute care provider in Central Europe. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, planning, and turnkey construction, via maintenance and technical management to total operational management.  

  • Service business with solid top-line performance, but higher than estimated COVID-19 impact in rehabilitation business impacts earnings
  • Despite improved top-line development, macro challenges remain a headwind in the project business
  • Revaluation of contractual assets in the international service and project business weighed on EBIT development

Sales increased by 11% (10% in constant currency) to €572 million (Q3/21: €516 million). Organic growth was 10%. In Q1-3/22, sales increased by 6% (6% in constant currency) to €1,647 million (Q1-3/21: €1,549 million). Organic growth was 6%.

Sales in the service business increased by 2% (1% in constant currency) to €418 million (Q3/21: €410 million) due to increasing rehabilitation treatments given fewer capacity restrictions. Sales in the project business increased by 45% (45% in constant currency) to €154 million (Q3/21: €106 million. In Q1-3/22, sales in the service business increased by 6% (5% in constant currency) to €1,240 million (Q1-3/21: €1,165 million). Sales in the project business increased by 6% (6% in constant currency) to €407 million (Q1-3/21: €384 million).

EBIT1 decreased by 57% to €10 million (Q3/21: €23 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 1.7% (Q3/21: 4.5%) driven by macroeconomic headwinds, ongoing COVID impacts, cost inflation as well as the revaluation of contractual assets in the international service and project business. In Q1-3/22, EBIT1 decreased by 17% to €29 million (Q1-3/21: €35 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 1.8% (Q1-3/21: 2.3%).

Net income1,2 decreased by 64% to €5 million (Q3/21: €14 million). In Q1-3/22, Net income1,2 decreased by 17% to €15 million (Q1-3/21: €18 million).

Order intake was €153 million (Q3/21: €120 million). In Q1-3/22 order intake was €669 million (Q1-3/21: €971 million). As of September 30, 2022, order backlog was at €3,726 million (December 31, 2021: €3,473 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to -€18 million (Q3/21: €9 million) with a margin of -3.1% (Q3/21: 1.7%), due to working capital build-ups. In Q1-3/22, operating cash flow decreased to -€56 million (Q1-3/21: €23 million) with a margin of -3.4% (Q1-3/21: 1.5%).

Fresenius Vamed adjusts its outlook for FY/22 and now expects organic sales3 to grow in a mid-single digit percentage range (previously: high-single to low-double-digit percentage range). Constant currency EBIT4 is expected to be around €100 million (previously: return to absolute pre-COVID-19 levels (FY/19: €134 million). Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
3 FY/21 base: €2,297 million
4 FY/21 base: €101 million, before special items; FY/22 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 22-25 in the PDF.

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

  • Business development marked by significantly worsening headwinds at Fresenius Medical Care and increased macroeconomic challenges
  • Fresenius Medical Care Business development impacted by unprecedented U.S. labor market situation and worsening macroeconomic environment
  • Fresenius Kabi with solid organic sales growth despite tough prior-year-quarter
  • Fresenius Helios with continued good admissions growth in Germany and Spain
  • Fresenius Vamed still impacted by ongoing headwinds; service business supported by increasing elective treatment activity
  • Cost and efficiency program evolving according to plan
  • Starting date for Dr. Carla Kriwet as CEO of Fresenius Medical Care advanced to October 1, 2022

If no timeframe is specified, information refers to Q2/2022.

 

1 Before special items, Q1/22 restated following remeasurement Humacyte investment
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix acquisition
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

 

FY/22 Group guidance revised
Fresenius Medical Care’s financial performance in Q2/22 was significantly impacted by worsened labor shortages and related meaningfully increased wage inflation in the U.S. The further deterioration of the macro-economic environment resulted in accelerated non-wage inflation, particularly higher supply chain costs.
Against this backdrop and growing indications for a persistent unfavorable development of these and other factors, Fresenius Medical Care has revised its outlook for FY/22.


All other Fresenius Group segments confirm their respective outlook for FY/22 for both revenue and EBIT.


However, as a consequence of the development at Fresenius Medical Care, and despite all other Fresenius Group segments confirming their respective outlook for both revenue and EBIT, Fresenius now also revises its Group outlook for FY/22. As announced on July 27, 2022, at constant currency, the Company now anticipates Group sales1 to grow in a low-to-mid single-digit percentage range (previously: mid-single digit percentage range) and Group net income2,3 to decline in a low-to-mid single-digit percentage range (previously: increase in a low-single-digit percentage range).


Without the already closed acquisitions of Ivenix and the already completed acquisition of a majority stake in mAbxience as well as any further potential acquisitions, Fresenius expects the net debt/EBITDA4 ratio (December 31, 2021: 3.51x5) to be slightly above the top end of the self-imposed target corridor of 3.0x to 3.5x by the end of 2022.

1 FY/21 base: €37,520 million
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/21 base: €1,867 million; before special items; FY/22: before special items
4 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures;   excluding further potential acquisitions; before special items; including lease liabilities
5 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures;   before special items; including lease liabilities

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

Assumptions for guidance FY/22
Due to the meaningfully increased uncertainty and volatility related to the war in Ukraine, the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a rapidly worsening global macro-economic development, Fresenius now expects significantly more pronounced headwinds in 2022 from supply chain disruptions and cost inflation, including energy prices. Furthermore, Fresenius expects significant negative effects from ongoing labor shortages and associated wage inflation, especially at Fresenius Medical Care in the U.S.


The war in Ukraine is directly and indirectly affecting Fresenius Group operations. The direct adverse effects of the war amounted to €20 million at net income  level of Fresenius Group in H1/22 and are treated as a special item. Fresenius will continue to closely monitor the potential further consequences of the war, including balance sheet valuations. The guidance does not consider a significant disruption of gas or electricity supplies in Europe.
COVID-19 will continue to impact Fresenius Group operations in 2022. An unlikely but possible significant deterioration of the situation triggering containment measures that could have a significant and direct impact on the health care sector without any appropriate compensation is not reflected in the Group’s FY/22 guidance.
Furthermore, the updated assumptions for Fresenius Medical Care's FY/22 guidance are also fully applicable to Fresenius Group's FY/22 guidance. All of these assumptions are subject to considerable uncertainty. The acquisitions of Ivenix and of the majority stake in mAbxience as well as any further potential acquisitions remain excluded from guidance.


Group medium-term targets
As a result of the updated expectations for FY/22, Fresenius now believes its medium-term net income1 target is no longer achievable. Fresenius had expected Group organic net income1 growth to be at the bottom end of the 5% to 9% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) range for 2020 to 2023. At the same time, Fresenius specifies its Group organic sales growth target to reach the low-end of the targeted 4% to 7% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) range for 2020 to 2023.

1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

 

Cost and efficiency program
The Group’s cost and efficiency program is running according to plan and Fresenius confirms its increased savings targets provided in February 2022 of at least €150 million p.a. after tax and minority interest in 2023. For the years thereafter, a further significant increase in sustainable cost savings is expected.


Management Board change at Fresenius Medical Care
Dr. Carla Kriwet will now join Fresenius Medical Care as CEO on October 1, 2022, earlier than previously announced and Rice Powell will step down as CEO effective September 30, 2022.

 

3% sales increase in constant currency
Group sales increased by 8% (3% in constant currency) to €10,018 million (Q2/21: €9,246 million). Organic growth was 2%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation increased sales growth by 5%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects , Group sales growth would have been 2% to 3% in constant currency (Q2/21: 6% to 7%).


In H1/22, Group sales increased by 8% (4% in constant currency) to €19,738 million (H1/21: €18,230 million). Organic growth was 3%. Acquisitions/divestitures contributed net 1% to growth. Currency translation increased sales growth by 4%. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects1, Group sales growth would have been 4% to 5% in constant currency (H1/21: 5% to 6%).


9% net income2,3,4 decline in constant currency
Group EBITDA before special items remained stable (-6% in constant currency) at €1,682 million (Q2/212: €1,674 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €1,528 million (Q2/21: €1,662 million).


In H1/22, Group EBITDA before special items increased by 1% (-4% in constant currency) to €3,344 million (H1/212: €3,305 million). Reported Group EBITDA was €3,123 million (H1/21: €3,290 million).


Group EBIT before special items decreased by 3% (-9% in constant currency) to €1,003 million (Q2/212: €1,033 million). The decrease was mainly driven by worsened labor shortages and related meaningfully increased wage inflation at Fresenius Medical Care in the U.S. as well as elevated material and logistic costs. The EBIT margin before special items was 10.0% (Q2/212: 11.2%). Reported Group EBIT was €845 million (Q2/21: €1,021 million).

In H1/22, Group EBIT before special items decreased by 2% (-7% in constant currency) to €2,003 million (H1/212: €2,042 million). The EBIT margin before special items was 10.1% (H1/212: 11.2%). Reported Group EBIT was €1,747 million (H1/21: €2,027 million).

1 For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table on page 19.
2 Before special items
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 Excluding Ivenix acquisition

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

Group net interest before special items improved to -€116 million (Q2/21: -€121 million) mainly due to positive one-time effects despite an increased interest rate environment. Reported Group net interest also improved to -€116 million (Q2/21: -€121 million). In H1/22, Group net interest before special items improved to -€235 million (H1/211: -€258 million). Reported Group net interest also improved to -€234 million (H1/21: -€258 million).


Group tax rate before special items was 23.0% (Q2/211: 21.5%) while the reported Group tax rate was 22.6% (Q2/21: 21.3%). In H1/22, Group tax rate before special items was 22.9% (H1/211: 22.1%) while the reported Group tax rate was 23.1% (H1/2021: 22.0%).


Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€233 million (Q2/211: -€241 million) of which 90% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€181 million (Q2/21: -€237 million). In H1/22, Noncontrolling interests before special items were -€451 million (H1/211: -€478 million) of which 89% were attributable to the noncontrolling interests in Fresenius Medical Care. Reported noncontrolling interests were -€367 million (H1/21: -€473 million).


Group net income2 before special items decreased by 5% (-9%3 in constant currency) to €450 million (Q2/211: €475 million). The decrease was mainly driven by worsened labor shortages and related meaningfully increased wage inflation at Fresenius Medical Care in the U.S. as well as elevated material and logistic costs. Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects4, Group net income2 before special items was -16% to -12% in constant currency (Q2/21: 10% to 14%). Reported Group net income2 decreased to €383 million (Q2/21: €471 million).


In H1/22, Group net income2 before special items remained stable (-3%3 in constant currency) at €913 million (H1/211: €911 million). Excluding estimated COVID-19 effects4, Group net income2 before special items was -10% to -6% in constant currency (H1/21: 4% to 8%). Reported Group net income2 decreased to €796 million (H1/21: €906 million).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix acquisition
4 For estimated COVID-19 effects please see table on page 19

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

Earnings per share1 before special items decreased by 6% (-11% in constant currency) to €0.80 (Q2/21 : €0.85). Reported earnings per share1 were €0.68 (Q2/21: €0.84). In H1/22, earnings per share1 before special items remained stable (-4% in constant currency) at €1.63 (H1/212: €1.63). Reported earnings per share1 were €1.42 (H1/21: €1.62).

 


Continued investment in growth
Spending on property, plant and equipment was €419 million corresponding to 4% of sales (Q2/21: €509 million; 6% of sales). These investments served primarily for the modernization and expansion of dialysis clinics, production facilities as well as hospitals and day clinics. In H1/22, spending on property, plant and equipment was €757 million corresponding to 4% of sales (H1/21: €893 million; 5% of sales).

Total acquisition spending was €291 million (Q2/21: €491 million), mainly for the acquisition of Ivenix by Fresenius Kabi and dialysis clinics at Fresenius Medical Care. In H1/22, total acquisition spending was €453 million (H1/21: €640 million).


Cash flow development
Group operating cash flow decreased to €1,017 million (Q2/21: €1,451 million) with a margin of 10.2% (Q2/21: 15.7%), mainly driven by working capital build-up from higher raw material inventories and receivables, among others, as well as phasing effects. Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends decreased to €581 million (Q2/21: €952 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends decreased to -€391 million (Q2/21: -€359 million).


In H1/22, Group operating cash flow decreased to €1,118 million (H1/21: €2,103 million) with a margin of 5.7% (H1/21: 11.5%). Free cash flow before acquisitions and dividends decreased to €326 million (H1/21: €1,193 million). Free cash flow after acquisitions and dividends decreased to -€794 million (H1/21: -€242 million).

1 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
2 Before special items
For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.


Solid balance sheet structure
Group total assets increased by 6% (1% in constant currency) to €76,112 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €71,962 million) given currency translation effects and the expansion of business activities. Current assets increased by 8% (4% in constant currency) to €18,818 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €17,461 million), mainly driven by the increase of trade accounts receivables. Non-current assets increased by 5% (1% in constant currency) to €57,294 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €54,501 million).

Total shareholders’ equity increased by 9% (3% in constant currency) to €32,033 million (Dec. 31, 2021: €29,288 million). The equity ratio was 42.1% (Dec. 31, 2021: 40.7%).

Group debt increased by 4% (2% in constant currency) at €28,368 million (Dec. 31, 2021: € 27,155 million). Group net debt increased by 8% (5% in constant currency) to € 26,239 million (Dec. 31, 2021: € 24,391 million).

As of June 30, 2022, the net debt/EBITDA ratio increased to 3.72x1,2  (Dec. 31, 2021: 3.51x1,2) mainly driven by dividend payments, lower EBITDA contribution as well as acquisition spending. The net debt/EBITDA as of June 30, 2022 excluding the already closed acquisition of Ivenix was 3.681,2.

1 At LTM average exchange rates for both net debt and EBITDA; pro forma closed acquisitions/divestitures
2 Before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

 

Business Segments


Fresenius Medical Care (Financial data according to Fresenius Medical Care press release)
Fresenius Medical Care is the world's largest provider of products and services for individuals with renal diseases. As of June 30, 2022, Fresenius Medical Care was treating 345,687 patients in 4,163 dialysis clinics. Along with its core business, the Renal Care Continuum, the company focuses on expanding in complementary areas and in the field of critical care.  

  • Business development impacted by unprecedented U.S. labor market situation and worsening macroeconomic environment driving cost inflation and supply chain disruptions
  • Meaningful decline in COVID-19-related excess mortality
  • Solid support by positive exchange rates

Sales increased by 10% (1% in constant currency) to €4,757 million (Q2/21: €4,320 million). Organic growth was 0%. Currency translation increased sales growth by 9%. In H1/22, sales increased by 9% (2% in constant currency) to €9,305 million (H1/21: €8,530 million). Organic growth was 1%. Currency translation increased sales growth by 7%.

EBIT decreased by 20% (-27% in constant currency) to €341 million (Q2/21: €424 million) resulting in a margin of 7.2% (Q2/21: 9.8%). EBIT before special items, i.e., costs incurred for FME25, the impacts related to the war in Ukraine, the impact of hyperinflation in Turkey and the remeasurement effect on the fair value of the investment in Humacyte, Inc. increased by 3% (-6% in constant currency) to €445 million (Q2/21: €433 million), resulting in a margin1 of 9.4% (Q2/21: 10.0%). At constant currency, the decline was mainly due to higher labor costs as well as inflationary and supply chain cost increases. This was partially offset by Provider Relief Funding received from the U.S. government to compensate for certain COVID-19-related costs.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

In H1/22, EBIT decreased by 23% (-29% in constant currency) to €688 million (H1/21: €898 million) resulting in a margin of 7.4% (H1/21: 10.5%). EBIT before special items decreased by 6% (-13% in constant currency) to €852 million (H1/21: €910 million), resulting in a margin  of 9.2% (H1/21: 10.7%).

Net income2 decreased by 33% (-39% in constant currency) to €147 million (Q2/21: €219 million). Net income2 before special items remained stable (-7% in constant currency) at €225 million (Q2/21: €225 million) mainly due to the mentioned negative effects on operating income.


In H1/22, net income2 decreased by 35% (-39% in constant currency) to €305 million (H1/21: €468 million). Net income2 before special items decreased by 10%
(-15% in constant currency) to €428 million (H1/21: €476 million).


Operating cash flow was €751 million (Q2/21: €921 million) with a margin of 15.8% (Q2/21: 21.3%). The decrease was mainly due to an unfavorable development of days sales outstanding as well as a decrease in net income2, partially offset by U.S. government relief funding. In H1/22, operating cash flow was €910 million (H1/21: €1,129 million) with a margin of 9.8% (H1/21: 13.2%).

As announced on July 27, 2022, Fresenius Medical Care expects revenue  to grow at a low single digit percentage rate and net income2,  to decline at around a high teens percentage range. Revenue and net income guidance are both on a constant currency basis and before special items .

Given the uncertain labor situation and macro-economic inflationary environment and the substantially reduced earnings base compared to 2020, Fresenius Medical Care does not expect today to be able to achieve the meaningfully higher compounded annual average increases that would now be needed to accomplish its 2025 targets. Against this background, Fresenius Medical Care has cut its financial targets for FY 2022 and withdrawn its 2025 targets.


For further information, please see Fresenius Medical Care’s press release at www.freseniusmedicalcare.com.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
3 FY/21 base: €17,619 million
4 FY/21 base: €1,018 million, before special items; FY/22 before special items
5 These targets are based on the 2021 results excluding the costs related to FME25 of EUR 49 million (for Net Income). They are in constant currency and exclude special items. Special items include further costs related to FME25, the impact of the War in Ukraine, the impact of Hyperinflation in Turkey, the Humacyte investment remeasurement and other effects that are unusual in nature and have not been foreseeable or not foreseeable in size or impact at the time of giving guidance.

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

 

Fresenius Kabi
Fresenius Kabi offers intravenously administered generic drugs, clinical nutrition and infusion therapies for seriously and chronically ill patients in the hospital and outpatient environments. The company is also a leading supplier of medical devices and transfusion technology products. In the biosimilars business, Fresenius Kabi develops products with a focus on oncology and autoimmune diseases.  

  • North America with solid organic sales growth despite macroeconomic headwinds
  • Asia-Pacific impacted by price pressure from NVBP tenders in China
  • Biosimilars business progressing well; completing acquisition of majority stake in mAbxience

Sales increased by 8% (2% in constant currency) to €1,896 million (Q2/21: €1,755 million). Organic growth was 2%. In H1/22, sales increased by 6% (1% in constant currency) to €3,743 million (H1/21: €3,516 million). Organic growth was 1%. Positive currency translation effects of 6% in Q2/22 and 5% in H1/22 were mainly related to the U.S. dollar and Chinese yuan.

Sales in North America increased by 16% (organic growth: 3%) to €606 million (Q2/21: €522 million). The significant sales growth was mainly driven by positive currency effects while organic growth continued to be impacted a high level of COVID-related absenteeism of production staff, ongoing competitive pressure and supply chain challenges. In H1/22, sales in North America increased by 10% (organic growth: 0%) to €1,185 million (H1/21: €1,080 million).

Sales in Europe increased by 4% (organic growth: 4%) to €658 million (Q2/21: €634 million) driven by a broad-based positive development and biosimilars. In H1/22, sales in Europe increased by 3% (organic growth: 3%) to €1,298 million (H1/21: €1,260 million).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 Excluding Ivenix acquisition

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

Sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 4% (organic growth: -4%) to €425 million (Q2/21: €409 million). Organic growth was primarily affected by price pressure from the NVBP (National Volume-Based Procurement) tenders in China while Asia-Pacific ex China showed healthy underlying growth. In H1/22, sales in Asia-Pacific increased by 7% (organic growth: -1%) to €858 million (H1/21: €801 million).

Sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 9% (organic growth: 2%) to €207 million (Q2/21: €190 million), over a high prior-year COVID-19-related base. In H1/22, sales in Latin America/Africa increased by 7% (organic growth: 2%) to €402 million (H1/21: €375 million).

Sales in the Biosimilars business was €29 million. In H1/22, sales in the Biosimilars business was €52 million, consistent with Fresenius Kabi’s expectations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review Fresenius Kabi's Biologics License Application (BLA) for MSB11456, a biosimilar candidate of Actemra®4 (tocilizumab). Moreover, Fresenius Kabi closed the majority stake acquisition of mAbxience Holding S.L., a leading international biopharmaceutical company. The transaction was announced in March 2022. The acquisition significantly strengthens Fresenius Kabi’s footprint in the biopharmaceuticals space. The purchase price will be a combination of c. €495 million upfront payment and milestone payments, strictly tied to the achievement of commercial and development targets.

EBIT1 decreased by 9% (-15%  in constant currency) to €271 million (Q2/21: €298 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 14.3% (Q2/21: 17.0%). Ongoing competitive pressure, staff shortages, supply chain challenges as well as accelerated input cost inflation weighed on the financial performance. In H1/22, EBIT1 decreased by 2% (-8%2 in constant currency) to €564 million (H1/21: €574 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 15.1% (H1/21: 16.3%).

Net income1,3 decreased by 7% (-16% in constant currency) to €189 million (Q2/21: €204 million). In H1/22, net income1,3 decreased by 1% (-8% in constant currency) to €390 million (H1/21: €394 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €109 million (Q2/21: €197 million) with a margin of 5.7% (Q2/21: 11.2%), mainly driven by a working capital build-up from e.g. higher raw material inventories. In H1/22, operating cash flow decreased to €242 million (H1/21: €475 million) with a margin of 6.5% (H1/21: 13.5%).

1 Before special items
2 Excluding Ivenix acquisition
3 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
4 Actemra® is a registered trademark of Chugai Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha Corp., a member of the Roche Group

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

For FY/22, Fresenius Kabi confirms its outlook and expects organic sales1 growth in a low-single-digit percentage range. Constant currency EBIT2 is expected to decline in a high-single- to low-double-digit percentage range. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects. The financial effects from the acquisitions of Ivenix and the majority stake in mAbxience remain excluded from guidance.


Save the date: Fresenius will host a virtual Meet the Management event on its business segment Fresenius Kabi on Friday, October 7, 2022 (virtual event).

1 FY/21 base: €7,193 million
2 FY/21 base: €1,153 million, before special items, FY/22 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

 

Fresenius Helios
Fresenius Helios is Europe's leading private hospital operator. The company comprises Helios Germany, Helios Spain and Helios Fertility. Helios Germany operates 87 hospitals, ~130 outpatient centers and 6 prevention centers. Helios Spain operates 50 hospitals, 97 outpatient centers and around 300 occupational risk prevention centers. In addition, the company is active in Latin America with 8 hospitals and as a provider of medical diagnostics. Helios Fertility offers a wide spectrum of state-of-the-art services in the field of fertility treatments.

  • Fresenius Helios with solid organic growth in Germany and Spain based on increased number of admissions
  • Helios Fertility with solid financial performance

Sales increased by 7% (6% in constant currency) to €2,925 million (Q2/21: €2,738 million). Organic growth was 5%. Acquisitions, mainly at Helios Fertility, contributed 1% to sales growth. In H1/22, sales increased by 9% (8% in constant currency) to €5,856 million (H1/21: €5,387 million). Organic growth was 6%. Acquisitions contributed 2% to sales growth.


Sales of Helios Germany increased by 5% (organic growth: 4%) to €1,758 million (Q2/21: €1,675 million), mainly driven by increasing admissions, which are however still below pre-pandemic levels. Acquisitions contributed 1% to sales growth. In H1/22, sales of Helios Germany increased by 6% (organic growth: 5%) to €3,541 million (H1/21: €3,348 million). Acquisitions contributed 1% to sales growth.


Sales of Helios Spain increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €1,101 million (Q2/21: €1,020 million). Organic growth of 6% was driven by consistently high activity levels. The hospitals in Latin America also contributed to sales growth. Acquisitions contributed 2% to sales growth. In H1/22, sales of Helios Spain increased by 10% (9% in constant currency) to €2,190 million (H1/21: €1,996 million). Organic growth was 9%.


Sales of the Helios Fertility were €65 million (Q2/21: €42 million). In H1/22, sales of the Helios Fertility were €122 million.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

EBIT1 increased by 2% (1% in constant currency) to €303 million (Q2/21: €298 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 10.4% (Q2/21: 10.9%). In H1/22, EBIT1 increased by 8% (7% in constant currency) to €609 million (H1/21: €566 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 10.4% (H1/21: 10.5%).


EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 1% to €154 million (Q2/21: €152 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.8% (Q2/21: 9.1%). COVID-related elevated staff absenteeism weighed on profitability. Inflationary effects had only a small negative impact. In H1/22, EBIT1 of Helios Germany increased by 2% to €308 million (H1/21: €302 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 8.7% (H1/21: 9.0%).


EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 1% (0% in constant currency) to €148 million (Q2/21: €147 million) due to an extraordinary high prior-year quarter comp. The Latin American business also showed a good performance. The EBIT margin1 was 13.4% (Q2/21: 14.4%). In H1/22, EBIT1 of Helios Spain increased by 10% (10% in constant currency) to €301 million (H1/21: €273 million). The EBIT margin1 was 13.7% (H1/21: 13.7%).  

EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €7 million with an EBIT margin1 of 10.8% (Q2/21: €5 million). In H1/22, EBIT1 of Helios Fertility was €11 million with an EBIT margin1 of 9.0%.

Net income1,2  increased by 2% (2% in constant currency) to €197 million (Q2/21: €193 million). In H1/22, net income1,2 increased by 7% (7% in constant currency) to €392 million (H1/21: €366 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €194 million (Q2/21: €223 million) with a margin of 6.6% (Q2/21: 8.1%) following COVID-19-related delays in budget negotiations in Germany. In H1/22, operating cash flow decreased to €58 million (H1/21: €438 million) with a margin of 1.0% (H1/21: 8.1%)

For FY/22, Fresenius Helios confirms its outlook and expects organic sales3 growth in a low- to mid-single-digit percentage range and constant currency EBIT4 growth in a mid-single-digit percentage range. Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA
3 FY/21 base: €10,891 million
4 FY/21 base: €1,127 million, before special items, FY/22 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

 

Fresenius Vamed
Fresenius Vamed manages projects and provides services for hospitals and other health care facilities worldwide and is a leading post-acute care provider in Central Europe. The portfolio ranges along the entire value chain: from project development, planning, and turnkey construction, via maintenance and technical management to total operational management.  

•    Project business still marked by the Ukraine war and COVID-19-related headwinds in project execution as well as global supply chain challenges and cost inflation
•    Service business supported by increasing elective treatment activity
•    Order backlog at all-time high

Sales increased by 1% (1% in constant currency) to €562 million (Q2/21: €556 million). Organic growth was 1%. In H1/22, sales increased by 4% (3% in constant currency) to €1,075 million (H1/21: €1,033 million). Organic growth was 4%.

Sales in the service business increased by 6% (6% in constant currency) to €417 million (Q2/21: €392 million) due to recovering elective treatments. Sales in the project business decreased by 12% (-12% in constant currency) to €145 million (Q2/21: €164 million),
driven by the Ukraine war and COVID-19-related headwinds as well as global supply chain challenges. In H1/22, sales in the service business increased by 9% (8% in constant currency) to €822 million (H1/21: €755 million). Sales in the project business decreased by 9% (-9% in constant currency) to €253 million (H1/21: €278 million).
EBIT1 decreased by 31% to €11 million (Q2/21: €16 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 2.0% (Q2/21: 2.9%) driven by the Ukraine war and COVID-19-related headwinds as well as global supply chain challenges. In H1/22, EBIT1 increased by 58% to €19 million (H1/21: €12 million) with an EBIT margin1 of 1.8% (H1/21: 1.2%).

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

Net income1,2 decreased by 45% to €6 million (Q2/21: €11 million). In H1/22, Net income1,2 increased to €10 million (H1/21: €4 million).

Order intake was €253 million (Q2/21: €713 million). In H1/22 order intake was €516 million (H1/21: €851 million).  As of June 30, 2022, order backlog was at €3,732 million (December 31, 2021: €3,473 million).

Operating cash flow decreased to €7 million (Q2/21: €58 million) with a margin of 1.2% (Q2/21: 10.4%), due to phasing effects and COVID-19-related delays in the project business as well as some working capital build-ups. In H1/22, operating cash flow decreased to -€38 million (H1/21: €14 million) with a margin of -3.5% (H1/21: 1.4%).

For FY/22, Fresenius Vamed confirms its outlook and expects organic sales3 growth in a high-single to low-double-digit percentage range and constant currency EBIT4 to return to absolute pre-COVID-19 levels (FY/19: €134 million). Both sales and EBIT outlook include expected COVID-19 effects.

1 Before special items
2 Net income attributable to shareholders of VAMED AG
3 FY/21 base: €2,297 million
4 FY/21 base: €101 million, before special items; FY/22 before special items

For a detailed overview of special items please see the reconciliation tables on pages 21-24 in the PDF.

 

This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, the availability of financing and unforeseen impacts of international conflicts. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.

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